Goodwill: New technology brings new hope

Two-thirds of people released from prison annually are rearrested within three years. With that in mind, Goodwill Industries International and Accenture are partnering to help people with criminal records find jobs, leading to more stability and hope.

The focus of this work by Goodwill and Accenture is the gateway to a good job: the interview. Using virtual reality (VR), the organizations created a realistic experience that allows users to practice and build confidence in their interview skills, all in a low-risk environment.

Accenture, which has worked extensively with Goodwill on other workforce development initiatives, assembled a team that includes experts from human resources, technology, creative services, cloud and more.

To create the most realistic experience, Accenture brought in writer and filmmaker Messiah Rhodes. The VR script he helped create can provide over 1 million unique experiences, depending on the answers people give during the interview. It also includes advice from people who’ve been on similar journeys.

The project is a VR milestone, proving this new technology can address societal challenges. Already, 20 nonprofit Goodwill organizations across the US have implemented this initiative, called Project OVERCOME.

Ninety-eight percent of users said the experience was somewhat or very enjoyable; 97% found the VR format helpful. This is impressive, considering only 22% had VR experience.

‘The best interview practice I’ve ever had … like I was in front of a real person,’ said one participant. Now more organizations are looking to adopt the technology, thus creating more pathways to employment.