6 minute read
Travel agencies have long been a chosen career choice for many, providing exciting opportunities and dealing with different tasks and experiences each day. Working on behalf of their clients, travel agents plan and organise business and leisure trips and vacations, including flights and accommodation.
Working with other companies in the travel industry, such as operators and airlines, travel agents need to be excellent in communication and organisation.
But what is the best way to recruit the best in the business? If you are looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join your agency, there are steps to take to ensure you get the best of the bunch. Or maybe experience isn’t as important to you as drive and work ethic, but how do you find exactly what you are looking for without the use of expensive recruitment agencies? Below we will look into the best ways to find the talent you are looking for.
Good Skills as a Travel Agent
Different businesses will require different skill sets and will have different ways of working. However, there are some base skill sets that all travel agents will benefit from.
Communication – So that a travel agent can provide exactly what the client is requesting, a travel agent needs to have good listening skills. They also need to be able to ask the relevant follow-up questions to ensure they have all the information needed to plan and book the trip.
Problem Solving – A good travel agent needs to be able to problem solve and find practical solutions to present to customers if a plan b is needed.
Critical Thinking – Travel agents can find that plans change out of their control, with little to no notice. They need to be able to logically analyse all the information presented to them so that they can use the information they have to best meet their clients’ needs.
Basic numeracy and reading and writing skills probably go without saying, however, when you are recruiting, you need to be as clear about what the role requires as possible. This will filter out inappropriate candidates and ensure the people applying are suitable.
Marketing your Agency
When looking to hire new people for your company it makes sense to ensure your company is marketing itself to its full potential. Ensuring your company has a good reputation and brand presence will make your company look like an appealing place to work and help you draw in the right candidates for your opening.
If your company is easy to find online and has good reviews, a good website and clear information about the company in general, potential candidates for your open role will be able to get a good feel about your company values and this may encourage them to come forward to hand over their resume.
Providing Travel Software
Of course, we wouldn’t be able to write about this without including information about travel software – but this is an important one. If you are providing your employees with the right tools, they will be able to deliver the best results. Automation software can save travel agents plenty of time on manual tasks like data entry, to do what is more important like improving client relations.
When good travel agents are looking for a new role, a company that provides its agents with the most up-to-date technology that aids their role and enables them to do a great job, will be a first choice over companies that offer outdated software. Companies that don’t invest in software are also less likely to invest in their people, which will likely put off the best candidates.
Clear and Concise Job Description
When you want to hire the right person for your travel agency, the job description is key. You need to be transparent about the role and day-to-day tasks, whilst also outlining the opportunities for growth and the added benefits to the role. Advertising your opening with the salary will also be beneficial. Many businesses don’t advertise roles with the salary and expect to negotiate with their chosen candidate, however, advertising with the salary may attract more people to apply if they know the salary from the outset, it can stop wasted time for both you and potential candidates.
TOP TIP – Don’t overcomplicate tasks and responsibilities – by making the role clear and transparent you are likely to attract more of the applicants you desire.
Skills and Qualifications
If you want to ensure that you are hiring the right employee for your travel business, you need to be clear about your expectations. Make it clear in the job advertisement the skills and qualifications you are looking for, understanding which skills and qualifications are needed or preferred can help you determine the best-fit candidates. If you are looking for a junior who doesn’t necessarily hold all the qualifications, make that clear. Similarly, if you are looking for a senior who is qualified and experienced, this need to be reflected in the advertisement.
Building a Strong Travel Team for Agency Success
In conclusion, a career in the travel agency industry offers exciting opportunities and a diverse range of tasks that keep professionals engaged and enthusiastic. As travel agents play a pivotal role in planning and organizing business and leisure trips, effective communication and organizational skills are essential. Recruiting top talent for your agency involves highlighting these crucial skills, as well as problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
To attract the best candidates, it’s vital to market your agency effectively, showcasing your company’s reputation, brand presence, and commitment to providing employees with the right tools. Utilizing modern travel software, like Traveltek, not only enhances productivity but also demonstrates your dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry.
When advertising job openings, a clear and concise job description is key. Transparency about the role, responsibilities, opportunities for growth, and salary expectations will help you attract suitable applicants while avoiding unnecessary complications.
Lastly, defining the desired skills and qualifications in your job advertisement ensures that you find the perfect fit for your travel business, whether it’s a junior candidate with potential or a seasoned professional with extensive experience. By following these steps and strategies, you can build a strong team of travel experts who contribute to your agency’s success and growth.
