Share your love of Chicago as a Tour Guide! - ExperienceFirst

What does an ExperienceFirst Guide do?

At ExperienceFirst we place storytelling at the heart of what we do, sharing our experiences with a global network of family and friends. Our Guides share not only the history and ‘facts’ of a place, but their own connection to it, favourite hidden gems, the ‘inside scoop’ and the realities of life wherever they happen to be. It’s about stories told from the perspective of people who live them day-to-day.

What do we look for?

We look for guides who are passionate storytellers and willing to share their own unique perspective. While we have set routes, we look for people who are keen to do their own research, keep up to date with how a city evolves and form a genuine connection with the people they meet.

Key skills and attributes include: 

• A genuine interest in and connection to the place or topic of our tours
• Friendly and open people skills, able to engage and confidently manage a large group of diverse travelers
• Ability to conduct independent research, learn new information and create an entertaining narrative through personable story-telling
• Strong understanding of the importance of safety and able to adapt confidently to unexpected circumstances
• Clear and professional communication, with a respect for systems and processes that enables the smooth operation of a tour.

What will you be doing?

Experience First Guides are the heart of what we do. They bring the brand to life. Guides work closely with operations and other staff to: 

• Learn set tour routes, with the ability to adapt personal variation where appropriate (time permitting and depending on location)
• Synthesise and share information in an engaging way about sites visited, with an emphasis on personal story-telling
• Help travellers maximise their time and engage with a destination through local lived experience
• Check in guests using the Experience First Check-In App and reconcile any paperwork with the operations team
• Gather guest reviews and act as a brand ambassador pre, during and after the tour
• Work together with other Guides to share information, manage busy tour routes and cover/swap shifts where required
• Manage tour logistics while the tour is underway, placing the safety of guests first at all times.

Our values and benefits - what’s in it for me?

At Experience First we believe in putting experience first, not just for our guests, but everyone who works for us. You will receive: 

• Competitive salary
• Incentives and additional earning potential through reviews, tips, competitions, providing feedback and ideas etc.
• Growth opportunities (many of our staff including our most senior leaders started as tour guides!)
• Flexibility - choice over frequency and timing of tours (subject to seasonal availability)
• Guide training if you’re new to the industry and access to mentors/trainers who can help you develop strong skills
• Opportunities to be part of a global growth journey as Experience First continues to open more destinations (transfers possible depending on locations and visa requirements)
• Access to a passionate team of people who genuinely love the travel industry and bringing each destination to life, celebrating the uniqueness of each city.