Video interviews have become the standard for initial job screening across Christchurch, with 78% of South Island employers now conducting first-round interviews online. Your technical setup can make or break your first impression with Canterbury employers.
What equipment do you need for video interviews?
A reliable internet connection is non-negotiable. Christchurch's fibre network covers most suburbs, but test your speed at least 24 hours before your interview. You'll need minimum 5 Mbps upload speed for stable video quality.
Use a laptop or desktop computer rather than your phone. The larger screen allows better eye contact and appears more professional to Kiwi employers. Position your camera at eye level to avoid looking down or up at the interviewer.
Invest in a basic USB headset if your built-in microphone picks up background noise. Clear audio matters more than perfect video quality to New Zealand hiring managers.
How should you set up your background?
Choose a plain wall or tidy bookshelf behind you. Avoid sitting with windows behind you, as this creates backlighting that makes your face appear dark. Christchurch's variable autumn light can be tricky, so position yourself facing a window for natural light on your face.
Virtual backgrounds often glitch and appear unprofessional. If you must use one, test it thoroughly beforehand and ensure your device can handle the processing power required.
Remove any distracting items from view. Your interviewer should focus on you, not your flatmate's dishes or yesterday's laundry.
What technical checks should you complete?
Test your chosen platform (Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet) the day before. Update the software and restart your computer to clear any glitches. Many Canterbury employers use Microsoft Teams, so familiarise yourself with its interface.
Check your audio and video quality by recording a short test video. Watch it back to identify any issues with lighting, sound, or positioning. Your voice should be clear without echo or background noise.
Have a backup plan ready. Keep your phone nearby with the meeting details in case your computer fails. Write down the interviewer's phone number and be prepared to switch to a phone call if technology fails.
How do you handle technical difficulties during the interview?
Stay calm if something goes wrong. Christchurch employers understand that technology isn't perfect. Apologise briefly, fix the issue quickly, and move on without dwelling on the problem.
If your internet drops out, rejoin the meeting immediately. Don't wait for them to call you back. If connection issues persist, suggest switching to a phone call to continue the conversation.
Mute yourself when not speaking to eliminate background noise. But remember to unmute before answering questions – this is the most common technical mistake in video interviews.
What should you wear for video interviews?
Dress professionally from head to toe, even though only your upper body is visible. This helps you feel confident and prevents awkward moments if you need to stand up.
Avoid busy patterns or bright colours that can appear distorted on camera. Solid colours like navy, grey, or muted tones work best for New Zealand professional settings.
Consider how your outfit appears on camera. Some colours may wash you out or blend with your background. Test your interview outfit during your technical rehearsal.
How can you improve your on-camera presence?
Look directly at the camera lens when speaking, not at the interviewer's face on your screen. This creates the impression of eye contact and appears more engaging to the person on the other end.
Sit up straight and lean slightly forward to show interest. Avoid rocking in your chair or fidgeting with objects, as these movements are amplified on video.
Speak slightly slower than you normally would. Video calls can have small delays, and speaking too quickly may cause you to talk over the interviewer accidentally.
Use the Interview Simulator to practice your video interview skills with AI feedback before the real thing.
What are common video interview mistakes to avoid?
- Forgetting to charge your laptop and having it die mid-interview
- Not silencing phone notifications that ping during the conversation
- Having family members or flatmates interrupt your interview space
- Assuming the interviewer can see your full body language and gestures
- Starting the interview late because you couldn't find the meeting link
- Not having your CV and the job description easily accessible on screen
- Forgetting to smile – video calls can make you appear more serious than intended
- Not preparing questions to ask, thinking the video format is more casual
Key takeaways
- Test all technology 24 hours before your interview, including internet speed and platform updates
- Position your camera at eye level with good lighting on your face, avoiding windows behind you
- Choose a clean, professional background and dress formally from head to toe
- Look at the camera lens when speaking to create eye contact with your interviewer
- Have backup plans ready including phone numbers and mobile hotspot options
Master your video interview setup to stand out among Canterbury job seekers. Your technical professionalism demonstrates attention to detail that Christchurch employers value in their hiring decisions.