Purpose - This systematic review examines the role and effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in vocational interventions for career development. The study specifically investigates individual experiences with VR technology and its impact on interview performance, job skills acquisition, and overall career development. Design/methodology/approach - Following a systematic review protocol registered with PROSPERO (Registration No. CRD42023408829), we conducted a comprehensive analysis of literature published from 2010 to 2023. Employing PRISMA and SWiM methodologies, we synthesized data from 18 peer-reviewed articles to gain insights into the use of VR technology in vocational interventions. Findings - Our review reveals that VR technology has emerged as a valuable tool in career development, providing immersive and realistic experiences for individuals to enhance their interview skills and acquire job-related competencies. It offers a feasible alternative to traditional face-to-face interventions, enabling individuals to practice and receive feedback in a safe and controlled virtual environment. However, we also identified several challenges and areas requiring further research, such as the need for more randomized controlled trials, long-term follow-ups, and the examination of cost-effectiveness. Research limitations/implications - While our findings are based on the studies included in this review, they provide valuable insights and highlight avenues for future research in the field of VR technology in vocational interventions and career development. Practical implications - Organizations and career development practitioners can leverage the findings of this review to incorporate VR technology into their strategies and interventions. By utilizing VR technology, they can optimize vocational interventions, improve interview performance, and facilitate the acquisition of job skills, ultimately enhancing individuals' career development outcomes. Originality/value - This research contributes to the limited body of literature on the use of VR technology in vocational interventions for career development. By providing an in-depth analysis of the existing studies, our systematic review offers valuable insights and identifies areas for future research and practice. Keywords: Virtual Reality, Career Development, Vocational Interventions, Technology in Career Development, Systematic Review.
