Cracking the code: common travel industry interview questions

When it comes to job interviews in the travel industry, preparation and confidence are key. Whether you're applying for a sales consultant, hotel manager, or operations manager position, knowing what to expect and how to answer common interview questions can greatly increase your chances of success. This blog post shares some pre-interview tips alongside some of the most common interview questions in the travel industry.

Checking your digital footprint 

It would be highly unusual if a potential employer didn’t do a quick online search for you before your interview, so make sure you clean up your digital footprint beforehand. Ensure that your public profiles aren’t showing any inappropriate content. And check that your LinkedIn is up to date; potential employers may ask about any discrepancies between your profile and your CV. 

Making the most of eLearning and free training 

There are vast amounts of free (and paid) online resources available out there to help you prepare and ace your interviews, from Linkedin courses to downloadable ebooks. For travel industry-specific guidance, we would recommend our FREE 'Get noticed and get the travel job' eLearning course.

Researching the company

Whilst you won’t have been expected to memorise the company handbook before an interview, doing a little research is helpful. You will most likely be asked what you know about the company, so you’ll want to have something to say. And any additional information that you can drop in during your interview will be looked at favourably. Here are some starting points for your research:

• Office location or locations if multi-site

• What do they specialise in?

• What are their unique selling points?

• Who is their typical customer?

• Are they B2B, B2C or both?

• Read the ‘About Us’ pages

• Follow their social media and check their latest posts 

• Who are their competitors?

• What do their reviews say (check Google, TrustPilot, Feefo etc.)?

BEHAVIOURAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Employers often use behavioural interview questions to assess a candidate's past behaviour as an indicator of their future performance. Instead of hypothetical questions, interviewers ask candidates to provide specific examples from their previous experiences. These questions are designed to uncover skills, abilities, and attributes that are relevant to the job.

Answering behavioural interview questions 

To excel in a behavioural job interview, preparing and practising is crucial. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Emphasise your ability to adapt to fast-changing environments. The travel industry is dynamic and fast-paced, and employers value candidates who can thrive in such an environment. Prepare examples that demonstrate your flexibility, organisation skills, and ability to handle unexpected situations.
2. Highlight your ability to communicate well. Effective communication is essential in the travel industry, where you'll encounter colleagues, suppliers, clients and customers from various backgrounds and cultures. Showcase your interpersonal skills and provide examples of successfully communicating in challenging situations.
3. Illustrate examples of your problem-solving skills. Problem-solving is a valuable skill in any travel industry job. Be prepared to share instances where you resolved customer complaints, addressed logistical issues, or found creative solutions to challenging problems.

CUSTOMER SERVICE-RELATED QUESTIONS (FOR CUSTOMER-FACING ROLES)

Customer service is at the heart of the travel industry, and employers place great importance on candidates who can provide exceptional service. Here are some common customer service-related interview questions you may encounter:

• Who are our customers?
• Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond to satisfy a customer's needs.
• How do you handle difficult or irate customers?

How to showcase your customer service skills

To demonstrate your customer service skills effectively, keep these strategies in mind:

1. Use unique anecdotes or experiences. Personal stories showcasing your customer satisfaction dedication can make a lasting impression. Share instances where you went the extra mile to ensure a customer's happiness or resolved a challenging situation with professionalism and empathy.
2. Let your personality and attitude shine. In the travel industry, employers seek individuals who can provide customers with a positive and engaging experience. The industry is full of people with big, memorable personalities. Showcasing your friendly demeanour, enthusiasm, and passion for helping others can set you apart from other candidates.
3. Demonstrate proactivity and curiosity by asking relevant questions. As a customer service professional, showing genuine interest in understanding customers' needs and preferences is vital. During the interview, ask thoughtful follow-up questions when appropriate.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS

In addition to behavioural and customer service-related questions, interviewers may also ask specific questions to assess your travel industry knowledge. These questions may include:

• What do you know about the current trends in the travel industry?
• What do you like most and least about working in this industry?, or
• Why are you interested in working in the travel industry?
• How do you feel that the industry has recovered in the wake of COVID?

To excel in answering these questions, it's important to stay updated on industry news, trends, and best practices. Research reputable travel industry sources, read industry publications such as Travel Weekly and TTG, and familiarise yourself with common travel industry terminology.

BOTTOM LINE

By preparing for common travel industry job interview questions, you can gain a competitive edge and increase your chances of success. For more information on preparing for your interview, head over to the Ambitions Travel Recruitment resources page, where you can sign up for our job alerts and receive a free download of our comprehensive Essential Interview Checklist. 

With thorough preparation and thoughtful responses, you'll be well on your way to cracking the code and landing your dream job in the travel industry. Good luck!