For a long time, virtual reality was a subject reserved for the video game industry. But it’s a technology numerous sectors are embracing, including recruiters and talent acquisition specialists who want to provide potential candidates with realistic job previews.

Virtual reality recruiting helps companies stand out in a challenging job market, providing candidates with everything from immersive experiences and training programs to skills assessments and office tours. The industry expects this technique to leave a lasting impact on HR and recruiters.

Virtual recruiting tools will change hiring and the candidate experience moving forward. But how, exactly?

Virtual Recruiting’s Impact on the Candidate Journey

As convenient as virtual recruiting strategies are for employers, they’re just as useful for applicants. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ “Future of Recruiting” survey, 65% of candidates would be more likely to accept an offer if they were able to experience the role virtually first.

And why not? Virtual interview benefits include virtual office tours and job simulations. Plus, candidates can use virtual recruiting tools to make real-time decisions during the hiring process.

Furthermore, these tools can help simplify the candidate experience. During a time when companies are taking a global approach to fill open positions, innovative hiring solutions enable recruiters to connect with talent conveniently while giving them a holistic preview of what the job will entail. That rapport can get candidates excited and ready to come aboard — regardless of where they’re located.

Improve the Hiring Process With Virtual Reality Recruiting

Virtual reality is versatile. For candidates, it’s a chance to review the work environment, job details, and expectations. Here are a few suggestions for companies integrating virtual reality into the recruiting process:

1. Shoot with precision. Video footage should accurately depict the work environment. Take some time to identify and film the shots that will best engage potential candidates.

Accuracy will save time on filming and give applicants the best depiction of what the job will entail. For example, consider how the British Army has leveraged virtual reality. Recruiters used virtual reality to give prospects a taste of what it’s like to drive a tank or parachute out of a plane.

Replicating the real world depends mostly on the quality of your video content. With virtual recruiting tools, these images can drop a candidate right into a job experience and help them learn about their potential new role.

2. Take advantage of resources. Before you launch virtual reality recruiting, consult team members and associates to craft an immersive and detailed video. Build a video shot list plan that captures every angle of the job. Ask the people in or near those day-to-day roles to confirm whether every conceivable detail is covered.

Once you’ve storyboarded and shot the video, poll your current employees to gather feedback on the accuracy of the virtual experience. Does it cover everything that a potential candidate should know or see? Ask your team which gaps still exist, gathering feedback until your virtual reality recruiting experience is as complete as possible. This is an important tool for recruiters and a key to gaining candidate buy-in, so leave no stone unturned when building this experience.

3. Keep it simple. The KISS acronym — or “keep it simple, stupid” — applies to a variety of subjects. That’s particularly true for the virtual hiring process.

In this context, the whole point of virtual reality is to make it easier for candidates to experience potential roles. Meet this goal by providing candidates with easy-to-follow materials and instructions. The virtual experience is also a great way to make a strong first impression in the recruitment process.

Don’t be intimidated by virtual reality recruiting. Instead, see it as an opportunity for growth. By learning the ins and outs of virtual recruiting tools, HR professionals and recruiters can streamline the hiring process, make it more engaging, and deliver effective experiences.

Megan Couch is the chief experience officer at Integrity Staffing Solutions, a full-service staffing agency ranked in the top 2% of agencies across the country for quality service based on ClearlyRated’s “Best of Staffing” client survey.