Travel Coordinator 

How did you get your current job?
I searched online for a host agency that fit right with what I was looking for. I applied, had a phone interview, was offered the job and took it.

What was the application process?
I applied to an online application and submitted my resume along with it. I then had a telephone interview was offered the job and took it. After I accepted I had to submit identification information like driver’s license, social security number and banking information for tax and direct deposit reasons.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
I had a telephone interview with the training supervisor and then she submitted to hiring department for approval.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
I was asked scenario questions as if I was the agent and they were the client. Also what my experience was and what duties I had performed at my previous employment. I was also asked what hours I would be available and if I had a dedicated home office or quiet workspace away from the main areas of my home. they asked if I had high speed internet or could get and if I had a landline telephone or could get one. They also asked what I would exspect to get paid.

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
Absolutely, they gave me all the skills I needed to sell on their website and more. They also gave me new techniques to use to help in getting and closing the sale.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
Yes, even though I had years of experience in the travel field I still went through six weeks of full-time training to learn their website inside and out, their policies on phone sales and the booking path of the website. We also worked on sales skills, customer service and closing sales.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes, I have an Associates Degree in Business with an emphasis on travel and tourism.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
Yes, I did a 6-month internship at a travel agency while I was still in school which gave me experience in travel agency office procedures before I even had my first travel job.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
At the very least get some travel classes at a community college so you know geography and learn major tourist destinations and airport codes. Most companies will train you the way they want you to book their services.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
Social skills, sales skills, computer literacy, geography, familiarity with different hotel, airline and car companies, familiarity with geography and major tourism destinations. You also need to familiarize yourself with what documentations and medical requirements to might need for travel to International locations.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Yes, if not education then experience in the field. If you don’t at least know geography you get lost fast.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Take advice from your co-workers and supervisors. It always helps. And just start slow to get your grounds and then you will speed up naturally. And a big hint always put yourself in the customers shoes and be courteous.