VR training: The new way to start your job interview stress-free!

VR training: The new way to start your job interview stress-free!

On September 12, 2025, the Leuphana University of Lüneburg published a study that highlights the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) training in job interviews. This form of training has the potential to significantly increase students' application skills. Job interviews are considered one of the most stressful social interactions, and many people struggle to appear confident and deal with nerves. Prof. Dr. David Loschelder, who works at the Institute for Management & Organization, explains that VR enables realistic simulations and helps build self-confidence and reduce fears.

The research team at Leuphana University, led by Prof. Poldi Kuhl and Prof. David Loschelder, found that students who took part in VR training achieved similar learning success as participants in text-based training. The VR training only took half as much time as traditional methods. The positive effects of this training lasted up to four months after completion. The participants remembered the VR experience better and were more willing to pay for further training offers.

Practical applicability and user acceptance

In addition to the findings from Leuphana University, the Bern University of Applied Sciences offers VR training as a solution to the challenges of job interviews. A virtual job interview training (vBGT) was developed in which an avatar takes on the role of the employer. This brings advantages such as patience and constant availability. The vBGT only requires a notebook with internet and camera and allows users to save their answers in videos that they can analyze themselves or discuss in coaching.

The vBGT pilot study, carried out in cooperation with the University of Lausanne, included 27 participants, 17 of whom completed the training. The acceptance of the program was measured within the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model. However, while participants reported high levels of utility and ease of use of the program, no significant differences in performance or reduction in interview anxiety were found. Many participants felt the training was too short to achieve sustained desensitization, highlighting the need for professional feedback.

Future prospects and resources

Leuphana's research also shows that VR-supported application training is not only effective, but also resource-saving. The training materials developed are available as open source for universities in German-speaking countries. Yannik Escher, the first author of the study, emphasizes the need for such application training for graduates and sees the developed VR technology as a successful model for acquiring social skills in immersive learning environments.

In summary, it can be said that the potential of VR training to improve application skills is recognized both in research and in practical application. While the VR training courses at Leuphana University are already showing success, further evaluations and improvements, such as those sought in the vBGT concept, are essential in order to further increase efficiency and user acceptance.

For more information, visit the study pages Leuphana University and the Bern University of Applied Sciences.