The impact a great tour guide can have on your business is often underestimated. As brand ambassadors, they are a vital link between your company and its customers. Beyond simply sharing facts, tour guides with the right blend of passion and knowledge can significantly shape your company’s reputation through daily interactions. That’s why it’s critical to invest in finding employees who align with your core values and long-term vision, especially in these competitive times when standing out is key. While it may seem simple, securing the ideal tour guide is far from a walk in the park. This article is here to walk you through the process and ensure that you land someone who not only fits your culture, but also brings a wealth of invaluable qualities to the table. Want to learn more? Let’s dive in!
What makes a great tour guide
What is the most important quality to look for when hiring a new guide? Beyond a deep understanding of local history, culture and heritage, there’s another level of expertise that’s often overlooked. While it’s important for them to be knowledgeable, a purely academic approach can sometimes overshadow the human connection.
So what makes the ideal guide? It’s not about possessing an innate, exceptional talent, but rather a flair for engaging storytelling. The perfect guides strike a balance between factual accuracy, humor and relatable stories that leave a lasting impression on their audience.
Identifying these traits in candidates isn’t as difficult as you might think. They’re the ones who engage you with a warm smile, effortlessly strike up off-the-cuff conversations, and exude a distinct personal touch from the get-go.
So where do we find these dynamic, opportunity-seeking tour guides? Read on, and we’ll show you.
Top platforms for finding tour guides
Looking for experienced tour guides? The first step is to identify your needs. Are you looking for someone with a knack for classic city tours, adventure-packed local escapades, artsy explorations, or perhaps bus tours? With a clear vision, dive into these platforms to narrow down your search:
Viator
At the top of our list, and for good reason, is Viator. Dominating the world of tours and experiences, Viator is your global hub for discovering expert guides, whether for iconic landmarks or hidden gems. If you’re looking to hire talent, you’ll find guides for both full-time and freelance opportunities.
Indeed
Widely regarded as the world’s leading job board, Indeed is teeming with potential candidates every month. Share your job posting here and watch it blossom in the eyes of a vast pool of candidates. And for those on a budget, here’s a perk – it’s free!
If your business hasn’t staked its claim on LinkedIn, it’s high time you did. Beyond networking, it’s your gateway to sharing company milestones and job openings. Extend your reach with sponsored posts tailored to your desired demographic to ensure you capture the best of the best.
Monster
An old mainstay in the recruitment arena, Monster has been connecting job seekers and employers for more than two decades. With the Monster Studios feature, you can add video to your job postings to make them stand out and resonate with potential candidates.
Glassdoor
Tap into one of the most expansive career ecosystems with Glassdoor. Visited by a legion of job seekers every month, it’s not just a hiring platform, it’s a branding powerhouse. With the Glassdoor Employer Center, you can curate your company’s image and influence the perceptions of both current employees and hopeful candidates.
Create your job ad/brief
Want to attract top-notch, enthusiastic tour guides? Start with a job description that resonates. Put yourself in your dream candidate’s shoes: what would make this description irresistible to them? A magnetic job posting not only lays out the essentials, it offers a vivid glimpse into your company’s culture and ethos. Dive deep into the unique facets of your business, highlighting the atmosphere and camaraderie rather than just listing dry expectations. And, of course, don’t be afraid to showcase the benefits and perks – they’re the icing on the cake that can seal the deal for many applicants.
Shortlist candidates
Navigating a flood of applications can feel overwhelming, especially when they come in unexpectedly fast. It’s impractical to interview everyone, so it’s important to focus on the standout resumes. The key is to focus on the candidates who show potential, perhaps through inventive approaches or distinctive self-presentation.
While expertise in fields such as history, gastronomy, or art is valuable, don’t rely solely on a candidate’s credentials and past experience, as they won’t always ensure the right fit. We recommend casting a wider net when interviewing and considering people with different strengths and passions. Typically, face-to-face interactions are particularly effective in uncovering those intrinsic qualities and talents we highlighted earlier.
Interviewing
Interviewing candidates is often the highlight of the hiring process: it’s an opportunity to dig deeper and discover the unique flair they would bring to your tours.
For roles with direct customer interaction, a panel interview is a smart choice. In this setup, candidates answer questions from a hiring team, which allows for diverse perspectives from within your organization and promotes a balanced hiring decision. It also provides insight into how candidates interact with groups, a skill that is central to their role.
Assessment
The best way to know if a guide is a good fit for your tour company is to see them in their element. Consider hosting a trial day or even joining one of their tours to get a first-hand look at their skills.
Feedback from your clients or colleagues will be invaluable in this process. Their reactions will help you determine if you’ve found the right person or if you should continue your research.
Onboarding and training
Hiring a guide is just the beginning. No matter how qualified they are, integrating them into your organization is critical to their success. We suggest the following approach:
- Start their journey with thorough training on your company’s operations, values, and the roles of the broader team.
- Highlight any specific responsibilities they’ll need to manage.
- Provide them with all the insight and context they need to not only excel in their role, but also to understand how they fit into the larger business landscape.
Conclusion
Finding the right guide requires a delicate blend of strategy, intuition, and due diligence. As the front line, they have the power to elevate your brand, foster meaningful connections and cultivate memorable experiences for your clients. Remember, in a field where the personal touch is paramount, it’s not just about qualifications, it’s about passion, empathy and the ability to weave stories that linger in the minds of travelers. And throughout the process, from sourcing to onboarding, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind and develop not just an employee, but a brand ambassador. Armed with our suggestions, you’ll be ready to attract the kind of talent that can take your business to new heights. Happy hunting!
