Interview Tips from a Travel Recruiter: How to Stand Out and Land the Job

Interview Tips from a Travel Recruiter

If you’re applying for roles in the travel industry, a great CV will get your foot in the door, but it’s the interview that really counts.

At Rockpool Recruitment, we’ve supported hundreds of candidates across all areas of travel - from sales and operations to product, contracting and beyond. We know what travel companies are looking for, and more importantly, how you can make the right impression.

So, if you’ve got an interview coming up, here are a few simple but effective travel job interview tips to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to go!

1. Understand the Job You’re Interviewing For

Before anything else, take a close look at the job description. What are the must-have skills? What are they really asking for?

Think about how your background matches their needs and be ready to talk through specific examples. Travel employers love hearing about real experience, whether that’s increasing sales, creating itineraries, or handling a busy flight schedule during peak season.

2. Research the Travel Brand Properly

Don’t just skim the homepage, dig a bit deeper. Look at the company’s social media, recent press, and anything else that gives you insight into their style, values and target market.

Being able to say “I saw you just launched a new tour to Japan - how’s that going?” shows genuine interest and sets you apart.

3. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

Travel job interviews often include questions like:

“Why do you want to work for us?”

“Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.”

“How do you stay calm under pressure?”

Think through your answers in advance, using real examples. A good structure to follow is the STAR method; talk about the Situation, Task, Action and Result.

4. Use Examples That Show Travel Industry Experience

Wherever possible, bring it back to travel. Whether it’s your GDS knowledge, experience with international suppliers, or running overseas events, give examples that highlight your understanding of how the industry works.

Even if you’re moving across from another sector, try to draw parallels: customer service, sales targets, or working to deadlines for example as these all translate well.

5. Ask the Right Questions

The best interviews feel like a two-way conversation. Come prepared with questions of your own, such as:

“What does a typical day in this role look like?”

“How would you describe the team dynamic?”

“What are the biggest challenges the business is currently facing?”

It shows you're engaged, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in how the company works.

6. Let Your Personality Come Through

People hire people. In the travel industry especially, personality and enthusiasm go a long way. Be yourself, show your passion for travel, and don’t be afraid to let a bit of your character shine through.

No one expects perfection, just someone who’s prepared, professional, and a great fit for the team!

Final thoughts

Interviews can feel daunting but with the right preparation, you’ll walk in (or log on!) with confidence. The travel industry is full of exciting opportunities and if you’ve made it to interview stage, you’re already on the right track.

Need help preparing for a travel job interview? At Rockpool, we support you through the entire process, from CV tips to interview prep and beyond.

Get in touch to see how we can help you take the next step in your travel career.