Searching for travel agent jobs is relatively easy. Even though recent years have seen global economic problems, the travel and leisure industry has stayed relatively buoyant, and it continues to offer opportunities for working in travel and achieving good career progression over time. You may see job advertisements in the local press, on the Internet or your local job centre.
Yet, although spotting advertisements and vacancies is not necessarily difficult, progressing towards securing a job in a travel agent may require a little more thought and preparation.
It is still possible to obtain travel agent jobs without having formal academic qualifications, however, it is getting harder. In general, people will tend to be looking for at least some basic academic foundation at GCSE level.
It will be particularly important that you have a good grasp of geography and the English language. You must be able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing, including the use of grammatically correct English. You will be required to be reasonably numerate, as travel agent operations frequently include the manipulation of money, rates and discounts.
Some colleges and universities run courses or degrees in various aspects of the travel and leisure industries (e.g. BTEC / HNC). Holding a qualification of this nature would certainly help your cause when you are trying to secure travel agent jobs. Some travel agents may be prepared to assist you in follow-up training while working for them, and they may send you on specialist IATA (International Air Transport Association) courses on specific subjects.
One of the things you will need to have, as an innate ability, is an aptitude for dealing with people and empathising with their situation. People that are travelling, be it for business or pleasure, can be under severe stress and they will expect exemplary service in such situations. You will therefore need to be calm and effective under pressure and not someone that is inclined to get easily 'rattled', aggressive or confrontational.
One of the things that can help make a success of any travel agency is a perception of professionalism. Your customers expect you to maintain the highest professional standards, given that important aspects of their holiday or business arrangements may be in your hands.
It is therefore important that you are capable of both looking and sounding professional in everything you do. That obviously implies certain demands relating to your appearance, personal attitude, work ethic and inter-personal skills.
The business of securing an interview and eventually obtaining a position is outside the scope of this brief article. Just remember that your initial application and CV must communicate the right messages at the outset or you may never even get that first interview.
Travel agent jobs can be highly stimulating and very rewarding. Good luck with your search!
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