How to raise your profile

Start your career

Make sure your social media is getting you noticed for the right reasons, and make the most of networking opportunities to increase your connections and exposure

In today’s competitive travel job market, standing out takes more than just a strong CV. When you start to look for jobs, you also need to consider how your online presence will look to potential employers.

Social media is a powerful tool in the world of work as well as our personal lives, so it’s important to think about how you present yourself on your social media accounts and avoid posting content you might not want a hiring manager to see.

Adding extra skills and experiences to your LinkedIn profile can also make you more appealing to employers. For example, you can take short training courses that walk you through global distribution systems (GDSs), or tackle destination training about popular holiday spots available through travel training providers like Online Travel Training.

Be a social media star

Social presence is another way to shine. “Working in travel requires passion and curiosity and social media is one of the strongest ways to showcase a potential employee has both those attributes,” says Charlotte Stacey, global product development manager at Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services and social media influencer with the Instagram handle @lotteboo.

“Social media is also a fantastic way to show your transferable skills and why you have the ‘edge’ on other applicants for a role.

You can show you are a brilliant researcher by finding hidden gems; that you are a strong communicator with your captions; and that you understand different demographics and industry trends by showcasing a range of experiences on your feed and  weave these themes subtly into your content.”

If you’re in any doubt about posting content and unsure how it will come across, it’s best not to post it. “My number-one rule would be: if you wouldn’t feel comfortable explaining an Instagram post, reel or story to a potential employer face to face, avoid posting it.

Alternatively, create a ‘close friends’ story setting where you can post a bit more freely, but only to a select group of people you trust,” explains Stacey.

Mingle with industry experts

Networking also plays a big part. Try attending travel trade shows such as World Travel Market in London, a business-to-business networking event, or Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, which gives consumers an opportunity to meet with travel companies to gain inspiration for their future holidays.

“The travel industry is built on events, trade shows and relationships. Say ‘yes’ to collaboration posts if they suit your niche, ask to be involved in industry events, go to trade shows like World Travel Market and actively put yourself forward for experiences to increase your exposure,” adds Stacey.

You can also seek out webinars and LinkedIn groups, which connect you with people already working in the industry.

Profile quick wins

Sign up for free training in destinations, airlines, cruise lines and hotel groups with a provider such as Online Travel Training (OTT) and post about your achievements.

Use Instagram or TikTok to share travel tips and destination knowledge.

Attend trade and consumer-facing shows to boost your book of contacts, and increase knowledge through informative webinars.

Throw yourself into activities that grow your awareness of different cultures around the world.

Allow skills such as destination expertise, tech know-how and customer service to shine.

Photo credit: Shutterstock/Zamrznuti tonovi