I'm looking for a new job as a senior level administrative assistant but I do not have experience coordinating domestic and complex international travel arrangements or visa/passport processing. How critical is it to have had this experience to feel qualified for this position level ? Do I need to ignore these job listings that ask for this experience or can I talk my way through it by saying that I'm a quick learner and I'm sure I'd catch on? What special skills do I need to be able to coordinate travel...or is it more a matter of having past connections so you can get the best price? Thanks.
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I agree with all the responses so far. Most jobs that you are hired for?there will be basic training for. If travel is needed most major companies do have their own in-house company that they use. We use a tool called ?Cliqbook? this info is fed into a company called ?Carlson Wagonlit Travel? which generates our travel for all our needs. This company provides low air, hotel fare as well as car rental. So don?t let travel be a hold you back. Good luck!.
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Blondee55 on
6/24/2010 12:52:10 PM
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Don't bypass the ads. No matter what position you take there will always be new things to research and learn. Do some research before the interview so that you feel more comfortable and then when it comes time to set up international travel try contacting your Governor's office. They work in these areas all the time especially for international trade missions. They were very helpful in answering questions and provided contacts, transportation information , and many other insights that are not always found on the internet.
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Shawn Gordin on
6/23/2010 11:17:22 PM
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When planning travel I pretend it is my trip, looking for the best flight, layovers, hotel transfers, etc. My suggestion is to play around on line and plan an entire trip (you don't need to book it), that should give you something to say during an interview: "I saw that you were looking for someone with domestic and complex international travel arrangements. Even though I have not made plans for someone else, I have thoroughly researched the process (include some of the items i.e. hotels, transfers, visa/passport) on-line in preparation for this interview and feel confident I can handle this challenge."
In interviewing people I find the statement "I am a quick learner" to be a cliche - who would admit they are not.
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Linda Hoff on
6/23/2010 3:22:00 PM
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I would begin by inquiring as to whether they use a travel agency. My job description states that I coordinate travel arrangements, but we use a contracted travel agency that does most of the work. Occasionally I do an internet search and book on-line, but it is relatively simple. Our company does require price comparisons between booking on-line/self booking and what our travel agency would charge.
I also have never coordinated international travel, but with the internet as a resource, I can't believe that you couldn't find the resources you need to complete the task. But, I would guess that if the company was any size at all, that most travel coordinating would be you coordinating with an off site travel agency.
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Anonymous on
6/23/2010 2:39:41 PM
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This is the company we use for visas and passports:
http://www.us.cibt.com/
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Sharon Mullaney on
6/23/2010 12:45:35 PM
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As long as you've had travel booking experience, you'll be fine. Just state in your interview that no matter travelling across town, across country, or across the globe, the key to an administratvie assistant providing their traveller with a smooth travel experience, is in the details: from listing the terminal they are departing and arriving at, to knowing the distance from hotel to airport to meetings, ensuring all flights and hotel confirmation are double and triple checked, knowing the travel preferences of your travellers and that you have done your utmost to accommodate them, from rooms with windows that open, to a gym that is 24hours, to flights that have the least amount of lay-over time at the airport, to on-line check-in, and of course...wireless internet connection at the hotel. And we can't forget coordinating the appropriate transportation for them to and from the airport, and a clear agenda of their travel and meetings, with the correct timelines from country to country. Good Luck!
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Lynne Plante on
6/23/2010 12:40:24 PM
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I wouldn't ignore the job postings that require this experience. As long as you have the rest of what they are looking for, I would just tell them that you are a quick learner and are willing to get to know what is needed before you start the job. International travel can be complicated but you can walk through each step carefully. I hadn't had any experience getting travel Visa's until my last job but I used a great website that did the work for me once I applied. The website is Travisa and they were very reliable for fast passports and visa needs.
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Arlene Kiste on
6/23/2010 12:22:33 PM
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I have to arrange travel, but nothing international. I would assume the company requested it would already have a travel agent if it is something they do regularly. Do some research, so you can at least say that you have no hands on experience but you have had some education on it. If it is the only thing holding you that you lack, then chances are you will still make it to the top of their list. Also, I notice a sponsor highlight is the Visa and Passport Center...try contacting them.
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sgarland on
6/23/2010 12:21:23 PM
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