Travel Agency Job: Detailed List of Countries Visited

power2consumers

Hi all,

I am seeking advice and opinions from all but ideally would also the like the houghts of employers or people that have recently been through the employment process.

I applied for a Travel Agency position and have no travel qualifications/work experiences. I made my application regardless, most of my focus regarding my interest in travel was based on my travel history which I skipped through to keep my cover letter to one page and speak more about my skills, work history and degree etc, i.e visited most of western Europe, Several countries in South America etc.
I received a response today asking me for a detailed list of where I have been. And now my mind is racing with thoughts about how to reply and what is meant by "detailed list" and can I go the extra mile to stand out from other applicants. Here are things I have thought, even thou I would never do number 1
1) Just a general list, e.g France, Germany, Spain etc
2) paragraph about each country my experience and what I did etc and/or details about each country, ie climate, cities,accommodation, cost etc like a mini review that would also be useful to consumers
3) Go all out and literally do a brochure style document with photos, review about first hand experience and details about the country when to go, prices, who would benefit etc.

If I was an employer, 3 would impress me, and show tangible evidence of the applicants work, way of thinking and his/her "can do, will do, attitude" but then again others might think yeah thats great but did not ask for that, or they might think trying to do to much for tasks is time consuming and will be counterproductive in terms of turn around and what gets completed.

Thanks in advance.

salduck

I have worked in travel and recruitment!
You should put a list of dates and where you travelled to so for Example
Feb 06- Dec 06 Backpacking around Europe- Countries visited- France germany etc etc
Jan 07- 1 week package holiday to Mallorca

So they can see the type of travel you have done and how long for as many people will say well travelled when they have done a package holiday for a week for the past ten years!
Try and tailor it for the type of travel company you are applying to.

PM me if you need any advice.
I would save option 3 for if you were invited to do a presentation.
S

Oldernotwiser

I used to be a Lecturer in Travel and Tourism and I've never known anyone to be asked this. Would I be right in assuming it's a specialised agency rather than a bog standard high street one?

InsideInsurance

I'd argue somewhere between 1 and 2. I doubt they will want to know if you were FB or HB but could be interested in if it is package, self arranged, backpacking, single centre or multi centre etc

Reggie_Rebel

Unless, as oldernotwiser asks, it's a specialist agency they are going to be as interested in how you can close a deal and get people to book with you rather than the agent down the road or on the web, so keep that in mind.

I'd agree with InsideInsurance, somewhere between 1 and 2

Sambucus_Nigra

I'd respond with 'Detailed in what context? Countries visited and year or do you require more?'

power2consumers

Thanks to everyone for the advice. The application was made through a recruitment agency so not sure of what agency its for. From the job description they deal predominantly with long haul and tailor made holidays but have some involvement with European destinations.
Ideally, I would ask for more info about what's meant by "detailed" but I have to consider that 1) it could be viewed as a lack of initiative and 2) other applicants might be responding to the same request and from that he will probably select a short list and wont bother replying.
I'll go with choice 2 and give info of dates and areas visited and I will also write a short PR paragraph for each destination to demonstrate some knowledge and, hopefully, ability to promote and sell destinations. I'll end by asking him to let me know if he requires anymore details.
Will update you guys on future developments

Reggie_Rebel

As it's long haul and tailor made that would make sense. I suspect their ideal candidate would be someone who's done more than a package trip to Orlando or Sharm el Sheikh.