appendix 2 Careers in tourism How to look for a job The hospitality and tourism industry has a lot of opportunities to offer. Whatever area you choose there are plenty of seasonal and steady jobs to choose among. If you are skilful and experienced you may start off on a higher rung of the career ladder. What do I need? You don t necessarily need a degree, but qualifications might enable you to show your commitment to employers. Qualifications range from national diplomas and certifications (foreign languages, computers, etc.) to internship and previous work experiences. Do not underestimate the final mark of the high school diploma, to a recruiter it represents a sort of identity card. You also need some personal skills such as flexibility, ability to work in a team, good communication skills, enthusiasm and - why not patience. How can I get a job? Where can I look for a job? 316 Local Job centres and their websites offer support and information about vacancies. Local media and websites advertise jobs on a daily basis. Regularly surf the website of outstanding companies in the tourism field. Recruitment agencies can be a useful aid particularly if you have experience or qualifications that are in demand. Address to two or three different ones and check whether they have employment opportunities that match with your skills and experience. If you are a European citizen you can get a job in any country of the European Union through the EURES job mobility Web portal. Here, you have access to updated job vacancies in 31 countries and can also create and upload your CV so as to make it available to potential employers all over Europe. Create an interesting CV where your skills and competences come out throughout. Do not focus on what you don t have, instead think about what you do have. Send your CV to outstanding companies spontaneously. Many companies have their own online recruitment sites, where you can submit an electronic application form. Search for relevant job postings online. Many companies post their job openings right on their own websites. Prepare for interviews. Use social media, they can be useful when you do not have any work contacts. Keep your profile updated and remember that it is not unusual for employers to check Facebook pages and other forms of social media. Make a list of all of your friends, relatives and acquaintances. Contact them one by one and tell them that you re looking for a job in the tourism industry, and let them know you re flexible. Apply for internships (paid or unpaid) because they can lead to jobs. In fact, many companies prefer offering a job to someone who has already been tested. Do not give up! Take your time, start slowly if you want to build a successful career. Stay motivated even if you have been rejected. Appreciate any step, even if it is small. Implement your CV with certifications and experiences. Make sure the working field you have chosen is what you really like.
