Graduation is an exciting time in the life of any young professional starting out in the hospitality industry. It’s a time full of possibility and hope, but it’s also a crucial time to plan your start in the business. Now, it’s time to take all of that knowledge you learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world situations. But first, you have to position yourself well on the job market to catch the eye of your ideal employer.

If you have recently entered or are planning to enter the job market, run through this checklist of job searching tips to make sure you’re presenting yourself as the best candidate for the job:

1. Spread the word – Don’t be shy about your career aspirations. Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a job. Make sure they understand your career goals so they don’t waste their time sending you emails about unrelated positions, and send them a link to your job seeker profile on Hcareers so employers can easily find out more about you.

2. Clean up your act online – Look at all of your social media accounts with the critical eye of an employer. Potential employers will almost certainly look you up online, so get rid of anything that casts a less than professional light. Update your privacy settings, and also avoid posting anything unrelated to your job search, especially on LinkedIn.

3. Work on your resume – Keep it to one page. It’s unnecessary to list all the unrelated part-time jobs you held before college. Instead, focus on your hospitality internships, volunteer and relevant course work, clubs, associations and any hospitality part-time jobs you held while completing your degree. Take the time to solicit favorable references from professors, past employers, advisors and internship supervisors before you begin applying for jobs.

4. Target the right companies – Don’t waste your time applying for any and every job you can find. You went to school for a purpose, so research companies and their employer profiles to see if they are the best fit for you. Consider not just the position they have available, but also whether the entire organization and its culture aligns with your own priorities and career goals.

5. Don’t get sucked into old routines – So you’re living in your parents’ basement. Your mom does your laundry. You can sleep in on Sundays (and Mondays, and Tuesdays…) Don’t get too comfortable. Even if you go back to work at the mall or waiting tables to pay a few bills, remember your goals and make time to focus on the job search every day. The sooner you find a position in your industry, the sooner you can get back out there on your own.

6. Focus on the long term – Can you find an unpaid internship or volunteer work related to your field? Is temporary work available? If so, take it. These are all opportunities that can further your long-term goals. You may find yourself tempted to go back to school. Consider this carefully before acting. Is the additional debt going to be worth it in the end? Or are you just looking for something to do with your time?

7. Nail the interview – Preparation is the key to success. You should have researched the company before sending your resume and cover letter. Go over what you learned. Make a list of questions you can ask the interviewer to show what you know. Dress appropriately, arrive on time and turn off your cell phone. Emphasize how you can benefit the team. Don’t focus solely on your own needs. When it’s over, send a thank you note.