Question
My wife and I are planning to move to Spain next year to set up our own business. We've decided that it would be a good idea to spend a year working out there first to give us a better understanding of how life would be and see if the risk is worth taking.
I've thought about becoming a holiday rep, but am not sure how to find out about this kind of position. I have more than 10 years' experience in hotel and catering management, but am I too over-qualified to work as a rep?
What the expert says
Jane Riches, national programmes manager, Springboard UK
If you want to set up a tourism-related business, working as a rep is certainly a good way to find out about the industry in Spain, as you will come across plenty of different tourism providers.
From my own experience as a rep, for the first two seasons you don't have much choice in where you are placed - it could be the Costa Blanca, Ibiza or Tenerife, but just as equally it could be the Azores, Greece or Tunisia - so check that the company can place you in Spain. Also, I had to do my first two seasons in the same resort, which again is a company policy.
Working in hospitality management should not over-qualify you for the job. If you explain your circumstances at the start, the company may be more helpful.
A very easy way to find out about getting a job is to go into your local travel agency and ask for the overseas recruitment address or phone number. You may also find details in travel brochures. Tour operators advertise in newspapers such as the Guardian and the Daily Mail. Although recruitment for this year will have stopped now, you can still apply because companies take on late applicants to replace staff throughout the year.
When you make your application, remember that companies are looking for excellent customer service skills, selling ability and the flexibility to adapt to all sorts of conditions, including flight delays.
You could also consider applying for other tourism jobs such as an entertainer, airport rep or resort employee. Alternatively, touring companies like Wallace Arnold will let you see more of the country, but you won't really get to meet the people who live there. You could also apply to car hire firms, ferry operators and hotels.