Are you in the process of looking for your next big gig? Chances are you’ve updated your resumé, switched your LinkedIn status to ‘open for work,’ and connected with countless recruiters. The next step? Facing the dreaded interview process.

Ask anyone—whether you’re a seasoned professional or you’re just starting out in your career, interviewing can be a stressful process. If you’re lucky, you may just need to prepare for one interview. But more often than not, companies will hold several rounds (two or three) of interviews. If you’re not sure how to prepare or what to do, don’t fret. Fortunately, there’s an art to interviewing.

Here we break down 5 simple things you can do to prepare (and land!) your next job in the hospitality industry.

1. Do Your Research

Congrats, you landed an interview with a prospective job! Now what? The first thing you should do is research the company to have a better understanding of the type of place you will be potentially working at. You’ll get to learn about the types of services they offer as well as the values and culture of the business.

“Why do you want to work for this company?” is a question you’ll likely get asked during your interview. Familiarizing yourself with the company beforehand will not only prepare you to answer honestly – it will show that you’ve done your research and are actually interested in the role.

Besides researching the company, it’s also a good idea to look into the person you’re interviewing with. It’s a great opportunity to highlight any connections you may have with them. People want to work with people they get along with! Connecting with the interviewer will highlight other aspects about your personality, not just what’s on your resumé.

2. Bring Your Resumé

Speaking of…it’s not enough to just bring yourself to an interview—make sure to also bring your resumé! Chances are your interviewer might already have it on file, but bringing your own copy shows that you’re prepared and professional.

Pro-tip: Bring a copy for every person you’re interviewing with, plus a few extra in case you do an impromptu interview with other members of the team. Not sure where to store your resumé? Skip the boring manila folder and opt for a Padfolio that showcases your personality.

3. Dress to Impress

First impressions matter, especially in the world of hospitality. Appropriate attire may vary depending on the position, but it’s smart to always look your sharpest when entering an interview.

If you’re applying for an executive or guest-facing position, opt for a more traditional look (think suit and tie/blazer and pantsuit). On the other hand, if you’re applying for a more creative role, you can use this opportunity to showcase your personality with your clothing while still keeping things polished.

This is where that research will come in handy—knowing the company’s culture and dress code will help you choose your outfit. Dressing the part will also show that you were thoughtful and getting this job matters to you.

4. Be Punctual

You’ve done the research. You’ve printed out your resume. And you look the part. Now you have to make sure you arrive on time. Punctuality is key for an interview. You don’t want to risk getting there late and leaving a bad first impression.

Our suggestion? Arrive 15-30 minutes early. Depending on where the interview is, this will give you enough time to find parking and the location of the interview. You don’t want to be in a scenario where you get lost or can’t find parking.

Arriving early will show that you respect the interviewer’s time while highlighting your commitment to your job. This is especially important in the hospitality industry.

5. Follow-up

Waiting to hear back after an interview can be nerve-wrecking, but the good news? You can always follow up! Following up doesn’t just ease your nerves, it also shows the interviewer that you’re invested and care about getting the job. If you’re following up via email, feel free to bring up a specific talking point that was discussed during the interview. This will help make you stand out against the other candidates.

There you have it—five foolproof ways to help you tackle your next job interview. As you prepare for your next interview, keep these tips in mind to increase your chances of landing your dream job. And remember—confidence is key. The more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel ahead of the interview.

Good luck!