Whether you’re back in the office or still working remotely, you’ve probably found yourself in more than one meeting this year that could have been the inspiration for one of those “I survived another meeting that should have been an email” memes.

Loneliness has more to do with our perceptions than how much company we have. It’s just as possible to be painfully lonely surrounded by people as it is to be content with little social contact.

It doesn’t hurt to apply, even if you feel underqualified. But there is a strategy you should follow.