What research should you do before a Travel and Tourism job interview?

1 Know the company

One of the most important things you can do before a travel and tourism job interview is to research the company you are applying to. Find out their mission, vision, values, and goals, and how they relate to the industry trends and challenges. Browse their website, social media, and online reviews, and look for their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This will help you understand their culture, expectations, and priorities, and show them that you are genuinely interested in working for them.

2 Know the role

Another essential thing you can do before a travel and tourism job interview is to research the role you are applying for. Read the job description carefully, and identify the main duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Think of how your education, experience, and skills match those criteria, and prepare some examples of how you have demonstrated them in the past. Also, research the average salary, benefits, and working conditions for the role, and be ready to negotiate if needed.

3 Know the industry

A third thing you can do before a travel and tourism job interview is to research the industry you are entering. Stay updated on the latest news, developments, and innovations in the travel and tourism sector, and be aware of the current and future opportunities and challenges. For example, you might want to know how the industry is coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, how it is adapting to the changing consumer preferences and behaviors, and how it is embracing sustainability and social responsibility. This will help you demonstrate your awareness, curiosity, and passion for the industry.

4 Know the destination

A fourth thing you can do before a travel and tourism job interview is to research the destination you are applying to or working with. Whether it is a local, regional, national, or international destination, you should have some basic knowledge of its geography, history, culture, attractions, and events. You should also be familiar with its travel and tourism market, including its target segments, competitors, and partners. This will help you show your enthusiasm, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity for the destination.

5 Know yourself

A fifth thing you can do before a travel and tourism job interview is to research yourself. This means reflecting on your strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and goals, and how they relate to the company, the role, and the industry. You should also prepare some answers to common interview questions, such as why you want to work in travel and tourism, what are your career aspirations, and how do you handle stress, conflict, and feedback. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer, such as what are their expectations, what are the opportunities for growth and development, and what are the next steps in the hiring process.

6 Know the interview

A sixth thing you can do before a travel and tourism job interview is to research the interview itself. Find out who will be interviewing you, what format and style they will use, and how long it will last. You should also research the best practices for a successful interview, such as dressing appropriately, arriving on time, making a good impression, communicating clearly, and following up. You should also practice your interview skills, either with a friend, a mentor, or a online tool, and get some feedback and tips on how to improve.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?