By Amanda Pennini

Recently, I had my first online interview. I was relieved and excited, and as I shared this news with my pals in the day leading up to the interview, their responses were unanimous — “Oh, that’s going to be so easy!”

Reasons listed as to why my online interview would be so easy?

“You can chill and drink coffee, because it’s not like they’ll see it.”

“It’s not as stressful as in person.”

“You can look at notes while being interviewed.”

And my personal favorite;

“You won’t even have to wear pants.”

Well, as appealing as that all sounds, it’s simply not true and here’s why:

1. Online interviews require as much research and preparation as in-person interviews

Researching your potential future employer is key and shows you are interested and engaged in the company even before you work there. Research gives you insight into the work environment, helps you understand their message, product and objectives and can be the difference between a hit and a miss. Just because your interview is online, doesn’t mean you can take a shortcut past the research and preparation phase. Lack of preparation shows.

Also worth noting: Prepare any technology you’ll be using to conduct your online interview and ensure your internet connection is absolutely adequate for a smooth interview.

2. Your ‘online self’ should match your ‘in-person self’

Who you are and how you ‘fit’ won’t be altered or determined by any particular interview medium — plus, if you get the job, it’s very likely you won’t be fulfilling all of your job requirements pantless and at home. Dress, act and speak like you’re going to the office and if you really want this job and believe you are the right person, show it — no matter what setting you are in.

3. The setting matters

Got a messy stack of papers behind you? This year’s Pirelli tire calendar showcasing anything BUT tires? Kids’ toys? Wine bottles? Get rid of them! The background of your interview should be clean and organized — just like you plan your future work environment to be.

4. First impressions count

This is your first opportunity to present yourself and your skills to the potential employer, and just as in an in-person interview, first impressions last. Confidence and professionalism transfer across the computer screen through what you say and how you say it — and while some body language may be missed, your facial expressions and tone matter as much as what you are saying.

5. Online is rarely the end of the line

While online interviews are becoming more prevalent, with 63% of interviewed HR managers saying their company conducted interviews using video on a regular basis, this step is almost never the last in the process. Many employers will often choose a mix of both online and in-person interviewing, with an online interview being only the first stage to narrow down candidates. Treating your online interview seriously, the same way you would an in-person interview, better prepares you for the next step.