Talking Points and Empty Chairs: The Erosion of Interview Integrity

This paper critically examines the effectiveness of virtual interviews in the post-pandemic workplace through psychoanalytic and sociological lenses. Drawing on theories from Lacan, Foucault, Winnicott, and Baudrillard, it argues that virtual interviews disrupt key interpersonal dynamics such as rapport, nonverbal communication, and authentic self-presentation. The virtual setting fosters self-surveillance and performance anxiety, turning interviews into controlled digital performances rather than genuine interactions. Empirical studies from organizational psychology support the view that virtual formats hinder accurate assessment of interpersonal skills and cultural fit. The paper concludes that while virtual interviews offer convenience, they should not fully replace face-to-face interactions without supplementary tools to maintain the integrity of candidate evaluation.