Dear hiring managers,
This might sound unconventional, but the best place to find exceptional employees isn’t at traditional job fairs or on LinkedIn. If you’re searching for top-notch problem solvers, innovative thinkers, and passionate workers, look for those with a passport full of stamps.
Some traditional hiring managers might see months spent traveling as an aimless adventure rather than a valuable learning experience. They think that people with extensive travel backgrounds are just waiting for their next trip and aren’t serious or hardworking. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Travelers possess qualities and skills that university graduates often can’t match. They make outstanding employees, and perceptive hiring managers recognize this (or at least they should).
Everyone knows that the work environment can become stressful, so you need individuals who excel under pressure. Travelers encounter more stressful situations in a year than most people do in a lifetime.
Nearly every long-term traveler has figured out how to fund their own journey. To make our trips a reality, we focused on saving money for a long time. While our co-workers spent on lavish dinners or our friends shopped for new clothes, we stayed home. We understand the significance of making sacrifices and staying committed to achieving a goal.
From flat tires and broken-down buses to canceled flights and food poisoning, travelers have learned to conquer various obstacles. We don’t waste time and jump straight into problem-solving. We know that dwelling on spilled coffee or waiting for someone else to act is pointless.
Most travelers have had to negotiate at some point. Learning how to avoid being cheated or successfully bargaining to leave both parties satisfied is a skill we’ve mastered over months and years.
Long-term travelers understand that maintaining discipline is crucial to staying on the road. One of our greatest strengths is sticking to a precise budget. We know exactly how much to spend and on what, otherwise, the trip wouldn’t be sustainable.
In today’s globalized world, it’s more crucial than ever to have employees who respect and understand different cultures. Travelers like us have gained deep insights into other cultures during our trips and know how to approach differences with understanding and respect rather than fear.
We’ve learned how to communicate with strangers and handle people of all statuses, ages, and ethnicities, whether it’s a street vendor selling cheese, a fellow traveler, or the CEO of a renowned corporation.
So, dear hiring manager, travelers have gained more knowledge in a few months than most people do in a lifetime. Just think about what a company filled with intelligent, cultured, and dedicated employees could achieve!
Annija Bodniece