Land your dream job in the travel and tourism industry: optimising your online profiles

If you are looking for travel and tourism industry jobs and keen on landing your dream role, your online presence matters. And not just your LinkedIn profile.

According to a 2021 report by HubSpot, there are over 3 billion social media users worldwide. The 2023 Statista ‘Social media usage in the United Kingdom’ report suggests that the number of UK social media users is expected to reach nearly 51 million by 2025, with YouTube and Facebook currently leading the way.

It’s naïve to assume that potential employers won’t be on the same social media platforms as you (the days of TikTok being the domain of Gen Z are over), or that they won’t take the time to google your name. More than just cleaning up your online presence, you can leverage your online profiles to make them work for you – and help you secure that perfect travel and tourism industry role.

UNDERSTANDING THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM LANDSCAPE

The travel and tourism job markets are heating up in 2024. According to Travel Weekly, the number of travel jobs available in December 2023 rose by 45% compared with December 2022. After a few turbulent years, many businesses are back to healthy passenger numbers and looking to grow their teams.

However, the number of candidates searching for roles also rose by 22% over the same period and was at its highest level since 2017. Additionally, travel and tourism businesses have adapted to working with smaller, more efficient workforces so recruitment isn’t always urgent. Businesses are spending more time searching for the ideal candidates – the landscape remains competitive. Whilst it varies from role to role, adaptability, efficiency and a customer-centric approach are key skills that will help candidates stand out in today’s travel industry digital literacy.

THE ROLE OF ONLINE PROFILES IN JOB APPLICATIONS

Did you know that 70% of hiring managers check candidates’ social media profiles before deciding to interview them, and 54% of those have eliminated a candidate based on what they saw? Your digital footprint is important, for better and worse. Inversely, 44% of hiring managers have hired a candidate based on their social media profile.

Although travel and tourism industry hiring managers may spend time searching for your Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter) or TikTok profiles, their first port of call is likely to be LinkedIn. This is where they’ll check if your work history aligns with what you have provided on your CV, the type of posts that you create and comment on, and make note of any mutual connections.

It's also useful to know how hiring managers and recruiters might use LinkedIn so that you can optimise your profile accordingly:

Sourcing: Recruiters will use filtering tools to search for location, industry, job title and skills to narrow down their search

Profile evaluation: Profiles are then studied in detail. Endorsements, recommendations, and network connections are all considered

Relationship building: If a recruiter or hiring manager finds your profile interesting, they may connect or reach out with a message.

OPTIMISING YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE

At Ambitions Travel Recruitment, we can help you optimise your LinkedIn profile and make you a stand-out candidate for our clients. Here are some of the steps we would suggest:

Professional Headline: Craft a compelling headline that showcases your expertise and the specific role you're seeking in the travel industry. For example, ‘Experienced Travel Consultant | Destination Expert | Customer Service Specialist.’

Profile Summary: Write a compelling summary that highlights your relevant skills, experience and passion for the travel industry. Emphasise your ability to provide exceptional customer service, knowledge of destinations and any language proficiencies.

Work Experience: Describe your previous roles in the travel industry or related fields in detail. Quantify your accomplishments and showcase your expertise in areas such as sales, customer service, itinerary planning and travel logistics.

Skills and Endorsements: Add relevant skills that are sought after in the travel industry, such as customer service, destination knowledge, travel planning, sales and language proficiency. Encourage former colleagues and managers to endorse your skills.

Recommendations: Request recommendations from previous employers, clients or colleagues who can vouch for your professionalism, dedication and expertise in the travel industry.

Industry Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords related to the travel industry throughout your profile, such as travel agent, tour operator, destination specialist, hospitality and customer service.

Professional Certifications: List any relevant certifications or training you have completed, such as travel agent certifications, industry-specific system certifications or courses.

Networking: Connect with professionals in the travel industry, join relevant LinkedIn groups and engage in discussions to showcase your knowledge and expertise.

Portfolio: If applicable, create a portfolio section on your LinkedIn profile to showcase any travel-related projects, itineraries or marketing materials you have created.

Personalise Your Profile: Add a professional profile picture and a background image that reflects your passion for travel or the destinations you specialise in.

LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT

You can also use your other social media platforms to your advantage when looking for travel and tourism industry jobs:

• Establish an Instagram presence showcasing visuals from travel experiences using relevant hashtags.
• Engage in travel-related X chats, sharing insights and opinions to exhibit expertise. Start a travel blog or vlog documenting adventures, tips and destination guides.
• Share quality content across platforms like Instagram, X and Facebook using relevant hashtags and engaging your audience.
• Collaborate with travel brands through sponsored content or influencer marketing.
• Consistently produce high-quality, informative travel content to showcase your passion and knowledge increasing visibility to potential employers in the industry.

ENGAGING IN CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Engaging in continuous learning and professional development is crucial when seeking a role in the travel and tourism industry. This ever-evolving sector demands staying updated with the latest trends, destinations and technologies. Investing in relevant certifications, attending industry events and actively participating in online forums or workshops demonstrates your commitment to personal growth.

Additionally, continuous learning helps you acquire new skills, such as soft skills or specialised tourism knowledge, and enhance your marketability. By embracing a mindset of lifelong learning, you position yourself as a valuable asset, better equipped to adapt to industry changes and provide exceptional service to clients.

You can start improving your travel industry skills and get interview-ready with our free Ambitions Travel Recruitment Online Travel Training.

UTILISING ONLINE RESOURCES FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH

Most travel and tourism industry jobs are advertised online, and LinkedIn is one of the biggest resources for finding travel jobs. You can use the powerful job search filters and set up alerts for your preferred job title and location. You can also follow the companies that you would like to work for. They will usually post any vacancies they have on their feed, and they will also be visible on the organisation’s main page.

Other online resources for finding travel industry jobs include trade publications like Travel Weekly, TTG or Travel Mole and travel recruiter websites, including Ambitions Travel Recruitment. You can see the list of vacancies we have available on the Ambitions Travel website. More than simply listing available roles, you can also access our collection of free downloadable guides which will help you create a stand-out digital footprint and application. You’ll then be able to create and upload your CV to our website and we can work on finding you the perfect role!

NETWORKING AND PERSONAL BRANDING

Building a professional network online is vital for those seeking roles in the travel and tourism industry. Social media platforms like LinkedIn allow you to connect with industry professionals, influencers and potential employers.

Actively engaging in discussions, joining relevant groups, and sharing insightful content can showcase your expertise and passion. Additionally, online networking events and virtual conferences provide opportunities to expand your network and stay informed about job openings.

A strong online presence and robust professional network can lead to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential job referrals, ultimately increasing your chances of securing your desired role in the dynamic travel industry.

THE BOTTOM LINE

In today's competitive travel and tourism job market, it's essential to leverage your online presence to stand out from the crowd. Your online profiles, particularly LinkedIn, serve as a virtual CV that can significantly impact your chances of landing your dream job. By optimising your profiles with a compelling headline, comprehensive work history, relevant skills, and industry certifications, you can showcase your expertise and passion for the industry.

Moreover, actively engaging with the travel community on social media platforms such as Instagram, X, and blogs can further demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to continuous learning. Consistently producing high-quality content, participating in industry discussions, and collaborating with travel brands can increase your visibility and establish you as a thought leader in the field.

Attending virtual networking events, joining relevant online groups, and building a robust professional network can also open doors to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential job referrals. The travel industry has a strong online community and being part of it will serve your travel and tourism career well.

Remember, the travel and tourism industry is highly competitive, and your online presence can make a significant difference in your job search. By leveraging the power of online profiles, social media and networking, you can showcase your skills, passion and commitment to the industry, ultimately increasing your chances of securing your dream job in this exciting and ever-evolving field.