Q – This is an unusual way to apply for a job but I just retired from the US Government, no I was not fired, where I specialized in overseas logistical planning. It has always seemed to me that selling travel might come naturally as I have been fortunate enough to live in Singapore, Dubai, and Mexico. I have traveled on business extensively in Europe. I made a good living and I think I am realistic about what travel agent salaries might be.
I don’t know a great deal about your company but everyone is looking for great sales people and I think I am that. I love the content on your sites and I have learned a lot by reading your massive catalog of information. I have a resume and all sorts of awards that can back that up. Eventually, I would like to be a tour escort leading my own tours to places I’ve never been.
Love to know if you are interested or if you might point me in the right direction. I am 64 and I live in the Pittsburgh suburbs. Trust me – I am a born salesman. I would, I suppose, have to be home-based.
A – We receive a number of similar notes and we want to respond a specifically as possible. Here are some things we sincerely hope will be helpful:
We do not employ travel agents or salespeople of any kind. We do not believe that some of the most important moments of a persons life should ever be “sold”. So we have no openings for a travel agent.
The positions we have available are for Research and Concierge Team members who help make certain that every journey we plan is executed in the best possible way. That is a part-time position, three or four days a week, and requires extensive luxury travel experience and strong editing computer skills. Any new person who joins our team will work directly with guests and also assist our owners with the growth and management of Traveltruth Media Group.
In terms of your specific needs we would suggest the following:
- Find one of the top-ranked travel agencies in the Pittsburgh area (there are several) Make an appointment with the owner.
- Offer to work as a trainee since you have no experience in the industry. Ask for a six-month trial without compensation or benefits.
- Once successfully completed, become an outside salesperson for the top-tier agency where you will be paid commission for everything you sell. Expect to keep 60-100% of the entire commission.
- Define specific financial goals that must be met before management allows you to launch your own sub-division travel club where an annual or twice annual trip that you host will be the focus of your attention.
This path has led to success for others and we hope it brings you the level of success you are seeking.
