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How to Format Your Cover Letter

Visit our helpful cover letter format and writing guide for additional advice on how to customize your application, or read on to find travel-related advice.

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  • Contact information:

    • Make sure your professional cover letter header matches your resume for a cohesive look. Include your name, phone number and email.

  • Date and recipient's mailing information:

    • Visit the company’s directory to research the hiring manager and contact info. Add the date of writing, followed by the manager’s name, job title and professional mailing address.

  • Greeting:

    • Begin the letter with a professional salutation. We prefer the following formal greetings: “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,” “Hello, Mr./Ms. Last Name,” or the last resort, “To whom it may concern.”

  • Introduction:

    • Add the name of the position and company, how you learned about it, and one travel skill or accomplishment to advertise your suitability in this opening paragraph.

  • Body:

    • Use one or two paragraphs to elaborate on one or two accomplishments on your tour guide resume. The goal is to quantify your training further and prove your proficiency.

  • Closing statement:

    • In the final paragraph, reiterate your interest and qualifications. Express your eagerness to discuss your candidacy in an interview further.

  • Signature:

    • End the letter with a formal closing followed by your full name and, if applicable, your professional titles or certifications. Acceptable signatures include “Salutations,” “Best,” or “Regards.”

Use skills to personalize your tour guide cover letter

Use your cover letter to highlight these 15 essential soft skills, hard skills and technical skills or accomplishments. This information demonstrates your ability to curate unforgettable journeys for every traveler.

1
Adaptability:

Illustrate your skill in handling unexpected situations and adjusting tours based on changing weather, group dynamics or unforeseen events.

2
Cultural insights:

Mention your capacity to provide cultural context, bridging the gap between visitors and local customs, traditions and etiquette.

3
Customer service excellence:

Describe how you create personalized experiences, ensuring visitors feel valued and engaged throughout the tour.

4
Environmental awareness:

Highlight your commitment to eco-friendly tourism practices, promoting responsible behavior and preservation of natural sites.

5
First aid certification:

If applicable, highlight your training in first aid, demonstrating your commitment to safety and preparedness during tours.

6
Historical knowledge:

Showcase your in-depth understanding of the historical significance of various landmarks, offering insightful narratives to captivate tourists.

7
Interactive presentations:

Explain how you engage audiences with multimedia presentation skills, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of the tour.

8
Interpersonal skills:

Emphasize your approachable nature, which fosters positive interactions with tourists, fellow guides and other stakeholders.

9
Local flair:

Show off your interpersonal skills and deep knowledge of hidden gems, local eateries and unique attractions beyond standard tourist spots.

10
Multilingual proficiency:

Highlight your communication skills and multilingual fluency to enhance the tour experience for diverse visitors.

11
Navigation expertise:

Emphasize your knack for efficiently guiding groups through complex routes and ensuring a smooth tour flow.

12
Problem-solving:

Share critical thinking skills for how you effectively resolved unexpected challenges, showcasing your ability to think on your feet and maintain tour quality.

13
Storytelling skills:

Showcase your talent for weaving captivating stories that bring historical events and landmarks to life, leaving a lasting impression on tourists.

14
Technical savviness:

Discuss your proficiency using audio guides, digital maps and other technological tools to enhance the tour experience.

15
Time management:

Describe management skills related to building tour schedules, ensuring all planned activities are covered while keeping the group engaged.

Free Tour Guide Cover Letter Example

Dear Mr. Shunk:

 

If you are looking for a personable and engaging leader to join your team as your Tour Guide, please review the enclosed resume detailing my background and experience. As an enthusiastic, well-traveled individual with excellent communication skills and formal training in tourism, I will positively contribute to your organization and ensure outstanding traveler experiences.

 

My expertise lies in researching destinations, organizing and leading trips, advising travelers on travel options, and translating/interpreting foreign languages. Additionally, my success in swiftly resolving traveler concerns and issues in stressful or unfamiliar environments has prepared me to significantly and immediately impact an organization with a global presence like yours.

 

The following achievements highlight my qualifications:

 

1. Accompanying tourists visiting foreign countries — including Italy, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Australia, Fiji, France, The Netherlands, China and Malaysia — and coordinating extensive trips and day excursions to ensure a full taste of foreign culture.

2. Identifying and visiting attractions and destinations that are “off the beaten path” to facilitate unique travel experiences.

3. Demonstrating a genuine interest and background in foreign travel, a commitment to physical fitness and health and fluency in multiple languages (French, German, Italian, Spanish and basic Mandarin).

4. Thriving in fast-paced, challenging and dynamic multicultural environments.

 

My proven ability to lead impactful foreign destination tours and strong interpersonal and time management skills will contribute immensely to your organization’s success and your travelers’ experiences. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sam K. McElrath

This cover letter demonstrates the applicant’s qualifications, relevant skills and enthusiasm for the position. It is concise, well-structured and tailored to the specific requirements of a specific tour guide opening. Let’s break down why this cover letter is effective:

Add a Resume as a Foundational Base

A cover letter helps promote your resume — but your resume is the essential building block for your job search. This concise summary helps hiring managers trace your training, experience, skill development and accomplishments. The following help articles, online tools and samples can help you improve your resume.

Tour Guide Cover Letter FAQ

How do I make my tour guide cover letter stand out?

Personalize your cover letter to the specific company and role, showcasing your unique skills, accomplishments and enthusiasm for sharing local insights with travelers.

Should I mention specific destinations in my cover letter?

Yes, mention relevant places where you’ve worked or researched before, especially if it relates to the open position. This information demonstrates your experience and understanding of diverse travel experiences.

How do I address an applicant tracking system (ATS)?

Use relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your cover letter gets past the ATS and into the hands of hiring managers.

Is mentioning language skills in my cover letter essential?

Absolutely. Highlighting your language proficiency enhances your ability to connect with international travelers, making you a valuable tour guide.

Can I include non-tourism work experience in my cover letter?

Yes, especially if it relates to transferable skills like customer service, public speaking, or problem-solving, which are highly transferable and beneficial for a tour guide role.