Job interview in face-to-face vs. remote conditions: an hyperscanning EEG and autonomic system study

Improving remote communication has been essential for organizations. SARS-CoV-2 pandemic fiercely accelerated the digital transition for recruitment processes. Despite this, small research was conducted to study this evolution. In this study, we explored neurophysiological differences in job interviews (4 phases: introductory, attitudinal, technical, feedback), delivered in face-to-face vs. remote conditions, on recruiters (n1=10) and potential candidates (n2=10). EEG (delta, theta, alpha, beta bands) and autonomic (heart rate, HR, skin conductance level and response SCL, SCR) data were simultaneously collected in the dyads during a simulated job interview. At an individual level, recruiters showed increased frontal theta activity, usually linked to socioemotional processing. Face-to-face conditions showed increased SCL and theta power in the central-brain cortex. We then focused on the dyads by computing intra-and inter-brain connectivity. Analyses suggest a link between face-to-face conditions and greater intra- inter-brain connectivity in low-frequency bands. Moreover, low frequencies and autonomic synchronization were higher in the last interview phases. Results call to re-examine the impact of technology and the value of electrophysiology to assess interindividual processes.