Your appealing resume and A+ cover letter are only the icings on the cake of your job application. The true quantifier that would help you land the position you’re applying for are your qualifications, experience, and most importantly, how well you’d perform in the job interview process.

Job interviews are nerve-wracking and tough. This especially holds true and usually feels beyond nerves and sweaty palms for introverts. People who carry this personality often times find themselves overwhelmed and struggling when put on the spot—initiating small talks, socializing in a huge crowd, promoting one’s self, etc. Needless to say, interviews are a major challenge they’d have to conquer. After all, first impressions last.

Don’t fret. Whether you’re an introvert or just adequately shy, you can hack the system and make an amazing first and lasting impression. Introverts, know how to approach the situation: here are a few tips on how you can win your upcoming job interview.

Prepare yourself

Before you leave your home and go straight to the interview, make sure that you’ve prepared well enough to show up there with grace and confidence. Don’t be that interviewee who knows nothing about the company they’re applying for.

For introverts, this is the key to being more at ease and less nervous come interview time. The more you know about the company and the more you’ve prepared yourself in answering the common interview questions, the higher the chances that you’ll do great in the interview itself. Of course, it’s important that you leave room for improvisation to let your natural, best self shine through.

Research. Research. Research.

Research about the company: what they offer, their services, what their brand is about, what’s their mission, and the works. Research the office address so you know where to go, what type of public transportation and where to hop in and alight, and how much time allowance to allot a few days beforehand. Research about the company’s accomplishments, goals, and about their founders. If you know who the interviewer/HR staff would be, look for their LinkedIn profile to get a sense of who you’ll be talking to in the job interview process. The more you know, the less stressed you’ll get.

Ace the small talk

Between the handshake, formal introduction, and fairly standard interview questions, there will be moments where small talks would arise. Prepare a few icebreakers or small talk topics to get a conversation going and in a way, leave a good impression. More than the weather, praise their work environment and ask about their work culture. As you do so, maintain an open and engaging small talk.

Actively listen

All the nodding is useless if what the interviewer says passes from one ear and exits through the other. Actively listen to the interviewer and if you shall have any questions or clarifications, don’t hesitate to ask. Listening is a great skill to carry; it’s just as important as your verbal communication skills since communication is a two-way street.

Make eye contact

There’s no way around avoiding eye contacts in a job interview. If you’re not comfortable with it, it’s time that you practice this in front of the mirror or with a friend. It may sound a tidbit ridiculous, but not making an eye contact when conversing—especially in a job interview—is far more ridiculous. Bear in mind to not overdo it, though.

Watch your body language

Your non-verbal cues and gestures are communicative actions. It shows how comfortable you are in the process, how engaged and interested you are in the conversation, and it greatly affects how you compliment your speech. Avoid slouching and keep your posture straight. Give a firm and confident handshake. Also, don’t forget to smile!

Job interviews can be one tough cookie, but it sure is easy to overcome with the right attitude and approach to the situation. No matter what happens, be your best self out there and if necessary, fake it ’till you make it! Best of luck on your job interview!

About the author: Chie writes for the HR Dept UK. A professional and knowledgeable HR team that can provide services to your business through any stage of its life cycle and workforce.