The Ripple Effect: How Referral Business Impacts Travel Job Recruitment Networks

The travel industry is well-known for being a close-knit community, and success often hinges on personal connections and the networks we build. Recruitment is no different – this is an industry where networking is key. Referral business, a powerful yet sometimes underestimated tool, is pivotal in shaping the travel industry's workforce. In this blog post, we will dive into the concept of referral business in the context of travel jobs recruitment and explore how it creates a ripple effect of opportunities.

THE POWER OF REFERRALS IN TRAVEL JOB RECRUITMENT 

Referrals are akin to golden tickets in the recruitment process. They come from trusted sources, tap into existing networks, and are known to be highly effective. Studies have consistently shown that candidates referred by current employees or a trusted source (i.e. a recruiter) are more likely to be a good fit for the company culture and stay longer in their roles.

According to a study by Jobvite, referred candidates are hired at a rate of around 30%, compared to an average rate of 7% for candidates sourced through other methods. The study also found that referred candidates are 40% more likely to stay in their jobs after a year than non-referred candidates.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT ON TRAVEL RECRUITMENT NETWORKS 

One successful referral can potentially create a ripple effect in the travel recruitment network. When one candidate is referred and successfully placed, it often leads to the referral of others within the same network. This expansion of the network benefits not only the job seekers but also employers who gain access to a broader, and often better, pool of talent. 

Imagine how a single referral could result in multiple opportunities across various travel companies. The advent of social media has further amplified the ripple effect of referral business, as recommendations can now reach a wider audience with just a few clicks.

BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS AND CANDIDATES 

The benefits of referral-based recruitment are significant for both employers and candidates.

For employers 

• Enhanced quality of candidates: Referred candidates tend to align more with the company's values and culture.
• Greater retention: Referral hires are more likely to stick with the company.
• Faster hiring process: Referrals often lead to quicker hires, reducing time-to-fill for critical positions.
• Cost-effectiveness: Recruiting through referrals can be more cost-effective compared to other methods.

For candidates 

• Improved chances of getting noticed: Being referred puts your CV on top of the pile and increases your chances of getting noticed.
• Insider information: Referral candidates often have access to insider information about the company, job expectations, and team dynamics.
• Higher probability of a successful interview: Referred candidates often have a higher likelihood of succeeding in interviews due to their personal connection.
• Greater chance of job satisfaction: Having been referred (and most likely also recommended) by a current employee or someone who knows the business very well, the candidate knows what to expect from the company and the role.

CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS 

While referral-based recruitment offers numerous benefits, it's essential to know its potential challenges. Over-reliance on referrals can lead to: 

• Lack of diversity:  Depending solely on referrals may result in a lack of diversity in the candidate pool.
• Bias: It can perpetuate existing organisational biases if referrals come from a homogeneous group.
• Exclusion of new talent: Relying exclusively on referrals may exclude talented individuals not in the existing network.
• Incentivising poor recruitment choices: Offering a financial referral incentive could result in sub-standard candidates being put forward for the role.

Balancing referral-based recruitment and other methods is crucial to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce.

HOW YOU CAN LEVERAGE REFERRAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH AMBITIONS TRAVEL RECRUITMENT 

If you're a job seeker looking to harness the power of referrals in the travel industry, Ambitions Travel Recruitment can be your ideal partner. Here's how: 

• Extensive network: With over 30 years of industry experience, our Ambitions Travel Recruitment team has access to an extensive network of connections and opportunities.
• Connecting candidates: Whether you are an industry old hat or brand new to travel, we’ll make sure to leverage our connections to provide candidates with the best possible job leads.
• Step-by-step guidance: Ambitions offers step-by-step guidance on how to network, make new connections or build on current ones for the purpose of building a solid travel industry career.
• Support throughout: We provide support and guidance throughout the application and interview process.

 Or, if you are a hiring manager looking to find the perfect candidate: 

In addition to candidates looking to begin a career in or switch roles within the travel industry, our vast network of contacts extends to previous clients who are now looking for work, those who have left the industry and are looking to return, and talented individuals in other industries with fantastic transferable skills.

• We know the businesses that candidates have previously worked for very well and take extra care to only put them forward for positions they will thrive in.
• We understand the benefits and challenges of all kinds of roles across the industry.
  
  

SUCCESS STORIES 

But don’t just take our word for it! Our clients and candidates have both benefited from our vast industry connections over the years. Here is just what a few of them had to say about our head recruiter and founder, Fi Morrison-Arnthal. 

“Fi found the perfect job for me. It was a pleasure to work with her and to have someone so firmly on your side and working for you. Having worked in the same industry is a great bonus as she really understands the needs of both sides. I would not hesitate to recommend her. Thanks, Fi!”
- Jonny Humphreys, Safari Travel Planner.

“Fi has been an extended member of my work family for many years now. My go-to expert when recruiting for additional staff. Most recently, Fi helped me build a talented team of marketing professionals from copywriters to marketing assistants, graphic designers to an amazing brand manager.”
- David Winterton, Brand and Marketing Consultant.

“I hugely appreciate Fi reaching out to me with a role that was exactly what I was looking for and taking the time to support me through the application process. She was accessible, friendly, and supportive at all times while never being pushy. She knew the industry and the company I was applying for incredibly well, so I had full trust in her throughout the entire process.”
- Freddie Sutton, Senior Safari Specialist.

“I would highly recommend working with Fi. Fi placed me with a very appropriate company that matched very well with the company culture I was looking for, further to my previous experience. She is very well-connected in travel and other industries. It was clear that the hiring company enjoyed working with her, and she has had a successful working relationship with them over a number of years.Fi is very personable and understanding of the needs of the hiring manager to offer good candidates.She has a great manner and professional care and was able to make a placement efficiently thanks to good organisation and communication between the hiring company and the candidate.”
- Harrison Scowswill, Partnerships Manager.

NEXT STEPS 

In the interconnected world of travel jobs recruitment, the referral business creates a ripple effect of opportunities that can change the course of a career. It's a testament to the enduring value of personal connections in the digital age. As you navigate your journey in the travel industry, consider both your personal network and professional resources like Ambitions Travel Recruitment to maximise your job search success. Referral business isn't just about landing a job; it's about creating a network that can propel your career to new heights. 

For candidates, get started on your networking journey by heading over to our Free Resources page and downloading our ‘How to Find Your Next Job in the Travel Industry’, ‘Elevate Your Travel Career with an Impactful Online Presence’ and ‘eLearning To Empower Your Travel Career’ guides. 

Whether you are a candidate or a travel business looking to tap into an established network, when you’re ready to get your name out there and start your own ripple effect, call us on 020 3432 6257 or contact us here.