I have recruited for Travel companies for a very long time and learnt that people cannot work in travel without developing some robust skill sets – traits highly desirable by all employers.
Travel people value relationships, in fact, you can go so far as to say they are client obsessed. Great travel consultants are laser focused on ensuring every customer has an amazing experience. This is embedded in their DNA.
They are meticulous planners, excellent researchers, and have high attention to detail. They are problem solvers and skilled at dealing with ambiguity. Clients can treat them like a personal assistant but that’s OK. They will do whatever it takes to ensure every customer has an amazing travel experience. They know the impact a happy customer has on repeat business. These personal touches are the reasons why we use travel agents rather than booking online.
When I look at what has happened to our travel industry and all those exceptional people who have found themselves out in the job market, I think of how transferable their skills are.
Every company wants people on board who are:
· Relationship builders
· Problem solvers
· Creative thinkers
· Resilient
· Adaptable
· Emotionally intelligent
· Customer obsessed
My message to employers is – if you consider these qualities and capabilities to be critical in new hires, do consider travel people. Your customers will be in safe hands and I believe a great customer experience is one of the biggest competitive advantages any business can have.
Robbie Quinn
