How to succeed in a job interview

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First impressions count at interviews – here’s how to get off to a good start

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but good preparation goes a long way. Lakshmi Thurairatnam, director at Platinum Travel Recruitment, stresses the importance of research. “Find out about the company, what destinations they sell, who their customer base is and any recent news.” She also recommends practising answers to customer service questions and being ready with two or three real examples of key skills like problem-solving in action. “Show not just what you did, but the result it achieved,” she says.

Look the part

First impressions matter, so think carefully about how you present yourself and how you dress. “Be smart but approachable, professional yet customer-facing,” Thurairatnam advises. Bring to the interview spare copies of your CV, a notepad and any references or certificates you might want to highlight.

Avoid common pitfalls such as forgetting company details, focusing too much on your own holidays or not having thought about questions to ask at the end.

“It’s ideal to ask about the company itself – for example, their future growth plans,” Thurairatnam notes.

Be curious

Thoughtful questions can also leave a positive impression. Good options include: ‘What destinations or products are you focusing on this year?’; ‘What opportunities are there for training and progression?’; and ‘What makes a consultant successful in your team?’.

Ultimately, travel companies look for enthusiasm, destination knowledge and strong people skills. By preparing carefully, presenting yourself professionally, and demonstrating genuine curiosity about the role and the business, you’ll stand out as a confident and motivated candidate.

Finally, don’t forget to follow up afterwards. A simple email thanking the recruiter or hiring manager and saying it was a pleasure to meet them shows professionalism and enthusiasm. If you don’t get the role, always ask for feedback. It leaves a positive impression and helps ensure you’re remembered for future opportunities.

Interview dos and don’ts

Do

  • Research the company thoroughly and be ready with examples of your achievements.
  • Dress smartly but be approachable, even if your first interview is via video call.
  • Ask thoughtful questions that show interest in the role and business.

Don’t

  • Forget key details about the company.
  • Talk too much about your own holidays.
  • Leave without asking questions or following up afterwards.

Photo credit: Shutterstock/AndreyPopov