Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
All applications need to be submitted online. You can access vacancies and submit your application here.
How long will it take for you to get back to me?
It depends on the role. We aim to contact you within one week of the closing date to let you know if you have been selected for the next stage of the selection process or not.
What is the next stage of the selection process?
Again, this depends on the role. For telephone based roles (Travel Sales Consultants, Supplier Led Amendments Consultants and Customer Resolution Consultants) we will contact you to arrange a 10-15 minute telephone interview. If you are successful following this stage you will then be invited to attend an interview or take part in an assessment centre.
For other roles the next stage is usually a face-to-face interview, usually with two staff members.
Senior roles may require a second interview.
How can I find out the salary for a role I am interested in?
It will usually be shown on the job description on the vacancies website. If not it will be discussed at interview
Can I apply for more than one role?
Yes you can, but please use the same user name and password when applying
What hours will I be working if I am successful?
Roles in the sales centre and administration areas are based on 40 hours a week, 5 days over 7, between 8am and 10pm. We are open every day so we need people who can support the business 7 days a week. Other roles are 37.5 or 40 hours per week Monday to Friday. Some roles may include Saturdays on a rota basis.
How will I know if I have not been selected for an interview or assessment?
You will receive an email advising you.
How can I prepare for my interview/assessment?
We use competency based interviews for all roles. In this type of interview we are looking for real examples of your experience and situations you have dealt with in the past. So you may wish to look at the experience and competencies required for the role, and think of situations you have found yourself in previously that would demonstrate these competencies.
If you are invited to an assessment centre, we will send you details of what skills/behaviours will be assessed and how they will be assessed.
Assessment centres usually also include an interview on the same day or at a later date.
What if I haven’t heard from you?
You can track your application by logging on to www.thomascook.com/recruitment using the user name and password that you used to apply for the job. This will tell you the status of your application. We do advise you of the outcome of your application by email, but if we have an incorrect email address or technology fails, occasionally this may not happen.
If you need more information you can email us at or call 01772 251133.
Do you offer training?
Yes. All Travel Sales Consultants and Administration Consultants receive induction training. For Travel Sales Consultants this is three weeks classroom based, before joining the Skills Development Zone in the sales centre for up to 6 weeks where they are coached and mentored, before joining their team.
For Administration Consultants, the training will one to two weeks classroom based, followed by on-the-job support.
All other roles will have a bespoke induction, which will be role specific and include meetings with key colleagues and managers.
On-going accredited training and development is available to all staff leading to NVQs. Please see the learning and development pages for more information.
Do you offer part-time roles?
All job adverts advertise the hours we are recruiting for, and if a role is open to part-time hours, the advert will reflect this.
Do you have a pension scheme?
Yes we do and you can join the scheme after successful completion of your probationary period.
Do you offer discounted travel?
Yes, we have a dedicated staff travel team you can book your personal travel at discounted rates?
Can I apply through a recruitment agency?
We would prefer that you apply to us directly.
I don’t have a work permit or visa for the UK, can I still apply?
I’m sorry but we can only accept applications from candidates who already have the legal right work in the UK. Proof of this will be requested at the interview stage of the selection process.
When will I get paid?
Salaries are paid into bank accounts on the 15th of each month, or the Friday before if the 15th falls on a weekend.
Can I earn commission?
Yes if you are employed as a Travel Sales Consultant, Sales Team Leader or Sales Manager.
I have previously applied for a role, but was unsuccessful, can I re-apply?
You may re-apply after 12 months.
What is the holiday entitlement?
20 days per year + bank holidays. Some departments are open 7 days a week, so if you work a bank holiday, the day is added to your entitlement. After 5 years service your holiday entitlement increases to 25 days.
What pre-employment checks do you make and do you take up references?
We check that you can legally work in the UK and also take up two employment-related references. You will be asked to bring this information with you to the interview/assessment stage of the selection process. We will only request references after you have accepted an employment offer.
Will you give feedback on my interview/assessment?
Yes, you can request this from the HR department or the recruiting manager.
Do you recruit for overseas staff?
I’m sorry we don’t, but Thomas Cook do, so have a look at their website www.thomascook.com/recruitment
Do you recruit for retail travel agents?
Sorry we don’t, but Thomas Cook do, so have a look at their website www.thomascook.com/recruitment
Do you recruit cabin crew and pilots?
Sorry we don’t, but Thomas Cook do, so have a look at their website www.thomascook.com/recruitment
What opportunities are there for career progression?
Most new roles are advertised internally across the Thomas Cook Group as well as externally. If you have the skills and experience required for the role, you are welcome to apply.
I’ve worked for Netflights.com or Gold Medal previously, can I apply to re-join? Yes, you may re-apply and you will go through the same selection process as all other candidates
Do you accept speculative applications/CVs?
Sorry we don’t. But you can register your details and CV on www.thomascook.com/recruitment. Some jobs will be sent by email alerts, but you can also browse all jobs across the group.
What should I bring to the interview/assessment?
Please also bring the following documents to the interview or assessment, as proof or identity and UK employment status to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1995:-
- Passport – with relevant work permits/visas (if applicable) to show your eligibility to work in the UK.
- National Insurance Number – NI Card, recent payslip or P45
- Proof of Address – recent utility bill or bank statement etc
We also require the details of two employment referees - their name, job title, company name and address, email address and contact telephone number/s. We will only request references after you have accepted an employment offer.
Do staff wear a uniform? What is the dress code?
We don’t have a uniform. The dress code is smart
Do you off offer work placements or work experience?
Sorry we don’t.
Is there a probation period?
Yes, this varies dependent on the role. It is normally 3 or 6 months and will be shown on your contract. Probation periods can be extended.
How is my performance measured?
Everyone has a yearly appraisal with their Line Manager as well as regular one-to one meetings. In the Sales Centre, everyone has triggers and call conversions to meet on a monthly basis. These triggers vary every month and are communicated at the start of each month. You will review your performance regularly with your Line Manager, who will agree goals with you to achieve.
Everyone else works to objectives that you agree with your line manager and are reviewed on a regular basis. The scores from your yearly appraisal may affect any pay increases.
I’ve never worked in a call centre, what’s call centre life like?
Probably quite different from anything you’ve done before! Our call centre, or sales centre as we call it, seats about 300 people and is managed by our Head of Call Centre, who is supported by four Sales Managers. As a Travel Sales Consultant you will report into a Team Manager, who looks after 10-15 Consultants. Life is ruled by call volumes, so you will receive a rota 4 weeks in advance, and you will also be advised of your breaks.
The sale centre is open 7 days a week, with Saturdays being our busiest day of the week. So you can expect to work 3 out of 4 weekends.
I’ve never worked in the travel industry, can I still apply?
Of course! As well as travel-related roles, we also have roles in Finance, IT, Pricing and Commercial to name but a few. In the sales centre, many of our people come from Sales and Customer Service backgrounds and others are just well-travelled.
Welcome |About Us | Location | Learning & Development | Recruitment Process | Benefits & Rewards | Vacancies | Cabin Crew, Pilots and Overseas Roles | FAQ's | Recruitment Agencies | Contact Us| Graduate Advice