Eye Contact & Virtual Interview Outcomes

In this study, we examined how an applicant’s eye gaze during a virtual interview influences interviewer evaluations and hiring decisions. A total of 194 participants recruited from Prolific were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: in the Camera Focus Condition, the applicant maintained eye contact with a camera positioned above the monitor, whereas in the Monitor Focus Condition, the applicant looked directly at the center of the monitor. All other aspects of the interview, including the script, actor, and setting, were kept identical. After watching the interview video and reading a brief job description, participants rated their experience of eye contact, the likability of the applicant, and the applicant's estimated intelligence, and made hiring-related decisions such as recommending a starting salary, assessing the applicant’s suitability, and indicating the likelihood of further interview or selection. Additionally, demographic information and attention-check responses were collected to ensure the integrity of the data.