Stand Out In A Sea Of CVs
Standing Out in a Crowded Travel Job Market: The Power of a Personalised Cover Letter
The travel industry has always been dynamic, but in recent years it has faced an unprecedented wave of disruption. From shifting consumer demand and economic uncertainty to restructuring across major travel brands, redundancies have become an unfortunate reality for many talented professionals. This means that for every role advertised, there is now a deeper, more competitive pool of candidates, many with extensive experience and proven track records.
In such a crowded and challenging job market, simply submitting a CV is no longer enough. Employers aren’t just looking for qualifications; they’re looking for personality, passion, and a clear understanding of what a candidate can bring to their business. This is where a tailored covering letter becomes essential. It’s your opportunity to stand out, tell your story, and demonstrate why you are the right fit. Not just for the role, but for the company and its customers.
Whether you're applying for a job in travel via a job board, directly through a company, or via a specialist recruitment agency, one thing hasn’t changed: if you’re given the chance to submit a cover letter, take it.
At Jayne Peirce Travel Recruitment, we support candidates through every stage of the hiring journey and time and time again we see that a well-crafted cover letter makes all the difference.
Here’s how to write one that adds value and catches the right kind of attention:
Always personalise it.
If you know the hiring manager’s name, use it. If you don’t, do a little digging. A personalised greeting instantly shows attention to detail and enthusiasm for the role.
Don’t rehash your CV.
Your cover letter should complement your CV, not copy it. This is your chance to show why you want this job at this company, drawing on your research and knowledge of the business. If your first approach is in applying to a recruitment agency instead then make sure to highlight your relevant experience and transferable skills.
Tailor it for every application.
Yes, it takes a bit more time but a one-size-fits-all cover letter is easy to spot. A tailored letter shows you’ve done your homework and genuinely care about the opportunity while giving them an introduction to you and your personality.
Showcase your achievements.
Pick out a few career highlights that align with the job description. Mirror the language or keywords used in the advert to subtly show you’re a great fit.
Keep it clean and concise.
Long, rambling paragraphs? No thanks. Hiring managers are often scanning dozens of applications in one sitting. Keep it punchy, professional, and to the point.
Proof it. Then proof it again.
Typos and sloppy formatting can undo all your hard work. Make sure both your CV and cover letter are polished before you hit send.
Make your application count
Taking the time to write a cover letter shows you’re not just blindly firing off your CV. It proves you’re serious, considerate, and keen to find the right role, not just any job.
Need help perfecting your cover letter, CV, or application strategy? We’re here for that. Reach out and let’s get your next opportunity lined up.
Your next travel job could be closer than you think, let’s make it happen! Take a look at some of the travel jobs we're currently advertising or get in touch today.
T. 01732 808313
E. executive@jaynepeirce.co.uk