1. Spruce up your CV

The resumé is usually the first point of call when a job hunt begins and it's also the most critical in landing that dream job. As managing director of AA Appointments Adriana D'Angelis explained, it's easy to pull a satisfactory CV together, but it takes an outstanding resume to make an impact. To make your CV stand out from the rest, D'Angelis suggested including a timeline of recent professional experience and a brief education summary.

2. Improve your skill set

While honing in on your existing skill set can help you in your current job, C&M director Melissa Schembri said learning new skills could land you a better one. Attending product updates and training sessions are an ideal way to gain product knowledge.  Getting involved with business matters such as accounting and sales will also look great on any CV.

3. Embrace the gift of the gab

Scanning career websites can be a dull and consuming process, but Schembri said it may be avoided altogether with good contacts. With many great travel jobs not advertised online, she said networking may hold the key to your next career step. Product evenings and industry events are great ways to meet new contacts, she said, and getting your name out there will return dividends in the longer term.

4. Put your hand up

Volunteering to take on extra responsibilities is a great way to get noticed for a promotion. Whether it's offering to help when a staff member is away or helping run the books, it all counts. "Showing interest and a hunger to learn more puts you on your employer's radar," D'Angelis said. "It also adds to your CV and makes you more employable elsewhere."

5. Have the right attitude

Taking long lunches isn't the best approach for employees on the hunt for a promotion, but having a positive attitude will certainly help. Displaying an enthusiastic attitude and genuine interest in career progression won't go unnoticed by your employer. It will also put you in the running for travel incentives and job opportunities down the track.

6. Learn to love GDS

Years of practical experience is important to most employers, but as D'Angelis explained, experience with global distribution systems (GDS) holds more weight in an interview. In fact, D'Angelis said GDS experience is enough to make or break the chances of getting a new job. "Knowing how to use GDS is absolutely critical," she asserted. "Without it, you instantly lose your competitive edge in an interview."

7. Make up your mind

Whether face-to-face consulting or owning your own business is your passion, choosing your career goals sooner will help you fast-track your way to success. If it's a management role you're after, training will pay greater dividends in the short term, but if you have a corporate role in mind, ticketing experience may be more beneficial.

8. Wow the crowd

Just the thought of an interview can make some job seekers tremble, but it's also the make-or-break in securing that next step in your career path. D'Angelis's hot tip is to do some research before the big day to show you are genuinely interested in the job. Be sure to maintain eye contact and avoid talking too much during the interview. If you're nervous, explain it to the interviewer as it could help put you at ease.

9. Flash the passport

If you have a passion for a particular destination, D'Angelis suggested booking a ticket to get some first hand knowledge. "Building product knowledge shows that you have a passion for the industry and can help consultants move into a more specific role," she said.

10. Hit the books

Consultants who want to crack the corporate market will need to log in some study hours. Ticketing and GDS experience will help in the interview, but as CTM recruitment manager Andrew Goold explained, consultants need to have completed a Certificate III in Tourism and Travel before they can be considered for a corporate role. Courses are run several times a year and usually take 10 to 12 weeks.

11. Gain experience

For agents who want to climb the career ladder, practical experience is paramount. Training will no doubt help employees gain a competitive edge, but Goold stressed that there is no substitute for hands-on experience. "Agents need a couple of years grounding before they are ready to advance in their career, and that comes with years of experience," he said.

12. Get online

For those on the prowl for a new job this year, the internet is a good starting point. Most travel agencies advertise job vacancies on seek.com.au, and job hunters can sign up to alerts if they know what kind of work they are after. Recruitment agencies are another place to start, so let your browser do the walking.