Beyond the Screen: A Neuroscientific Approach to Remote vs. In-Person Job Interviews

In the contemporary landscape of job recruitment, characterized by an ever-growing digital presence,\r\nthe utilization of digital platforms for conducting job interview simulations is becoming increasingly\r\nsignificant. Nevertheless, there exists a notable gap in understanding the impact of these\r\nsimulations in contrast to traditional interviews on stress management. This study aims to examine\r\nthis impact through the analysis of behavioral, autonomic, and neurophysiological responses in a\r\nsample of 53 healthy adults (Mage = 25.25, SDage = 3.435, age range: 22-35, Nmale = 17, Nfemale =\r\n35). Using a multi-method approach, participants were divided into two groups: one underwent a\r\nmodified Digital Trier Social Stress Test (D-SST), the other a real-life simulated version (R-SST). Data\r\non stress regulation (RegStress), resilience capacities (ResStress), reaction times, electroencephalographic\r\n(EEG) and autonomic responses were collected during interview preparation. Regardless of\r\ngroup, better stress regulation correlated with higher resistance. However, the D-SST group showed\r\nhigher RegStress scores, likely due to perceiving the digital scenario as less stressful. EEG analysis\r\nrevealed distinct patterns between groups, indicating greater cognitive effort in the R-SST group\r\nbut lower self-awareness in the D-SST group. Skin conductance response was higher in the R-SST\r\ngroup, suggesting greater emotional engagement. These findings indicate varied stress responses to\r\ndigital versus realistic interviews, with differing behavioural, EEG, and autonomic profiles.