The Realities of Recruiting for Potential: How Salary Budgets Shape Your Hiring Strategy
I've had countless conversations with travel and tourism businesses about recruitment, what works, what doesn't, and what can trip up even the most seasoned hiring managers. One topic that never fails to surface is budget: specifically, what a salary budget of £25k–£26k means for the calibre of candidate you can expect to attract.
Let's be honest, at this end of the market, most applicants will have little or no direct work experience. That isn’t a criticism; it’s simply the reality of where the industry stands today, and it’s a reflection of the opportunities available for new talent looking to break into the sector.
As a recruiter, a mentor, and someone who has walked this journey myself, I cannot overstate the commitment required to make entry-level recruitment a success. Anyone stepping into your business at this salary band will need more than a job description, they’ll need real support to thrive. Here’s what that support looks like in practice:
Training and Development
It’s not enough to show your new hire the ropes and hope for the best. True development is ongoing and intentional. Structured onboarding, regular feedback sessions, working alongside more experienced colleagues, it all takes time and planning. Invest in this, and you’ll see real growth.
Guidance and Support
Mentorship is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for those starting out. These candidates will have questions, sometimes lots of them! Create an environment where curiosity is encouraged. I have seen teams transformed simply by offering open communication and regular guidance.
Patience
This may sound obvious, but patience is often overlooked in the rush to “get things done.” Remember, every learning curve looks different. Celebrate progress, however small, and see mistakes as valuable lessons.
Avoiding Comparisons
It’s tempting to benchmark new team members against your established stars, but experience levels mean their paths will be different. Focus on their individual progress and acknowledge the unique perspective they bring.
Giving Time
Real growth requires time, the most precious resource of all. If your business cannot give this time, then reconsider the recruitment plan. Only with patience can you nurture tomorrow’s superstars.
If Time Is a Luxury You Don’t Have…
If you need someone with proven skills and industry know-how who can immediately add value, it’s essential to increase your salary budget. Higher salaries attract professionals who hit the ground running, offering expertise, confidence, and the ability to work independently with minimal training.
Why Antella?
At Antella Travel Recruitment, we understand this spectrum better than anyone. For clients ready to invest in potential, we give honest feedback on what’s needed to support entry-level hires. For those seeking experienced professionals, we’re proud to represent candidates who are true experts in their field, talented individuals actively seeking their next challenge in travel and tourism.
Tony and I are always here to guide, advise, and connect you with outstanding talent, whatever your needs. Our ethos is all about quality, care, and authentic relationships ensuring both candidates and clients get the very best from each placement.
If you’re looking for new energy, fresh perspectives, or hard-earned industry knowledge, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our talent is finding yours, and we never forget that people are at the heart of every successful team.
Warm regards,
- Elena Ktori, Founder, Antella Recruitment