Enhancing Professional Identity and Practices: Thomas Cook Report

This report examines professional identity and practices within the context of Thomas Cook, a multinational hospitality company. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development and self-directed learning for enhancing professional identity and career opportunities. The report explores the benefits of professional development for various stakeholders, including employees and customers, and investigates employer expectations regarding skills and competencies. It includes a self-assessment of skills and competencies, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and proposes a professional development plan. The report also discusses various learning theories and approaches, such as cognitivism, constructivism, Kolb's learning cycle, and VARK learning styles, relevant to the role of an HR officer. Finally, it outlines a job interview process for a service industry role.

Professional identity
and practices
INTRODUCTION
Professional identity and practices are the way or the different activities which an
individual undertakes, for performing a particular profession. It is necessary for the individual to
acquire such skills and learning capabilities for performing a particular profession. This
assignment is based on Thomas COOK which is multinational hospitality industry provides
travel and tourism services to the customers according to their requirements and demands. This
report will throw highlights on the importance of on-going professional development and self-
directed learning to enhance professional identity and career opportunities(Avalos, 2011).
ALONG WITH THIS IT ALSO DISCUSS OWN COMPETENCIES SKILLS AND DIFFERENT
APPROACHES TO LEARNING. Along with this professional development plan and well job
interview will be discussed for the service industry role.
P1. Examine Key benefits of on-going professional development for different
stakeholders
Ongoing Professional development is also known as continuous improvement in one’s
own skill and learning abilities as well as improvement in the products, processes and
systems of the company. This improvement is necessary within the service Industry so as
to maintain its sustainability in the competitive business environment. Therefore Thomas
cook can provide training and development needs to its employees so that their skills and
capabilities can be enhanced. Stakeholders within the respective hotel are benefited from
such ongoing professional development programmes. These are discussed as follows-
EMPLOYEES-
Ongoing Professional Development practice provides various benefits to its employees
such as-
 It leads to the enhancement of employee’s skill and capabilities which assist them
to perform better as gains personal motivation and dedication to work on
challenging task.

This practice also helps the employees regarding future employment opportunities as well as gets
added value on their CV which indirectly aims towards career advancement
opportunities(Bleach, 2014).
Customers-
There are various employer benefits within Thomas Cook, which are discussed as-
It help the employers within the respective organization to get skilled workforce which
have enhanced skills and capabilities and able to work efficiently towards attaining
organizational goals.
It assist the respective company to gain competitive advantage as a way individual gives their
best contribution towards working in the team and provides high professional services to the
customers, thereby enhances brand image within the respective organisation (Bleach, 2014).
P2. Investigation of Professional Employer Expectations of Skills and
Competencies
Employers within the organisation are responsible for proper hiring and selection of
employees according to their skills and competencies. Employers within Thomas cook
have certain expectations from its employees which is required for efficient business
performance and higher growth within the organisation. It is discussed as follows-
Skills-
 Communication skills- It is the major skill expected within the employees of
Thomas Cook that is able to properly interact with its clients and customers so as to
provide them necessary information as well as solve their queries and issues.
This .is the major skill required by the customers to deal with various client
Team leading skills- Employees within the respective hospitality industry is able to work in
teams with all the other members as well as lead their team in a proper manner so as to attain the
organizational goals in a proper manner(Bleach, 2014).
Competencies-
 Commercial Awareness- Employers expect from the employees of the Thomas
cook to be aware of the existing trends within the market and have proper

knowledge regarding how to provide proper services to customer so as gain
customer’s trust towards the respective hospitality industry.
 Maintains Professional standards- Employees within the Thomas Cook are
expected to maintain professional standards within the workplace such that working
their business activities in a ethical nature in such a way that enhances brand image
of the company and attracts large number of customers.
All these skills and competencies are effectively required while working within the respective
hospitality industry as well as these also act as a parameter while hiring new employees for the
vacant position (Brody and Hadar, 2011).
TASK 2
P3. Critically evaluation of own skills and competencies
As per the situation, being an hr officer within Thomas cook hotel, this requires me to
evaluate skills and capabilities in a proper manner so that roles and responsibilities can be
performed effectively. Evaluation of one’s own skill and competencies according to the
specific role are discussed as follows-
Personal Skill Audit
LEARNING SKILLS TARGET PROFICIENCY EXISTING PROFICIENCY
Skills:
SELF CONFIDENCE
Cooperation
Communication Skills
10 6
10 8
10 8
Abilities:
Team Handling
Research Capabilities
TARGET PROFICIENCY EXISTING PROFICIENCY
10 6
10 9
Competencies
Leadership
TARGET PROFICIENCY EXISTING PROFICIENCY

Problem Solving 10 9
10 6
Skills
 Collaborating working- This is the efficient skill required so as to perform with
all other team members in a efficient manner. I am able to work properly in team as
well as can complete the task within the specific time period. This skill also
enhances my knowledge by gaining various insights to knowledge and ideas while
working with different ream members.
Self Confidence- I lack in self confidence skills skill as not able to take proper decision at my
own stand, for this I require the additional support of employers or other subordinates regarding
taking decision to the problem. In order to overcome this weakness I should start speaking in
public, thereby handles their problem and queries effectively. This will enhance my confidence
level and allow me to take proper decisions (Cruess, Cruess and Steinert, 2016).
Competencies
My competencies towards effective working effectively in the respective hotel are
discussed as follows-
 Problem Solving- This is weakness in me regarding proper problem solving
and thereby providing immediate solution for the different problems. This
competency finds difficult for me resolving issues and conflicts.
 Leadership- This is the weakness in me as I am unable to lead other team
members in a effective way as I have not proper leading and influencing skills.
These skills can be enhanced by providing solutions to the problem as well as
guide few members and delegates some authority so that confidence can be
enhanced and can develop their leadership skills.
 Interpersonal Skills- I have the competencies of providing proper customer
service to the customer as due to good interpersonal skills, customer needs can
be properly analyzed and efficient service I can provide to the customers.
With the help of personal skills audit, it help me find out my strengths and in
against weakness and take proper actions against the weakness identified.
Therefore in order to overcome my weakness it is necessary to plan personal
development plan which will help me overcome by shortcomings in an
effective manner.

P4. Range of Learning Theories and Approaches
In accordance with the specific job role of Hr officer within the respective industry it is
important to review various learning theories and approaches and adopt efficiently to
perform efficient job role. Various learning theories and approaches are discussed as
follows-
Learning Theories-
Cognitivism- This theory puts focuses on mental processes of an individual like enhancing
memory and generating various ideas for problem solving. This is an effective theory which
helps in enhancing minds of the individual as well as allows them to function properly and take
effective decisions regarding working within the respective hospitality industry (Hadar and
Brody, 2013).
 Constructivism- This theory determines that learning is an active and continuous
process. This theory to learning allows individuals to learn various concepts,
models and approaches to learning and develops hypothesis to the environment in
determining their personal experiences.
Therefore this learning THEORY helps employees within the Thomas cook to perform their task
effectively towards the specific job role.
Learning Approaches:
 Kolb’s Learning Cycle- THIS IS THE MOST PROMINENT LEARNING
CYCLE WHICH IS BASED ON FOUR LEATNING STAGES THAT IS
ENCOUNTERING A NEW EXPERIENCE. This stage allows employees within
the respective hotel to develop new idea regarding experiencing new idea and the
second step requires to observe the experience developed in determining
understanding between them and analyzing the results, therefore third step requires
for the formulation of abstract i.e to develop new idea and concept and last step
step is to properly apply those ideas effectively. Therefore this four stage learning
cycle allows learner at Thomas cook to generate the ideas effectively and learn in a
better process.
Vark learning style- This theory states that there are various types of learning styles which
allows employees within the respective service industry to enhance their skills and abilities
towards efficient working and provide services according to the requirement of the customers
(Hammond, Cross and Moore, 2016). There are four different types of learning styles such as
Visual learning, audio learning, reading and writing learning and kinetics which allows learner to
enhance their skills, capabilities and competencies and work efficiently their specific job role.
Scores are rated according to the best learning style and allows leader to adopt the best approach
as well as grasp new methods or the ides and the concept towards effective working.

It has analyzed that all the learning theories and styles are quite efficient towards
enhancing and improving individual skills, capabilities and competencies in
Thomas Cook but according to the specific job role of Hr Officer is the
constructivism theory which helps me to enhance my skills and competencies
through learning by personal experience, apart from this it will also allow me tests
hypothetical environment and develop better insights to gain knowledge. In context
to the learning styles Varks learning style is the most appropriate one as it provides
learning through various styles accordingly to the situation. Moreover it is a
flexible learning style which allows me to perform the function of HR officer by
performing the effective job role.
TASK 3
P5. Construction of a professional development plan to enhance chosen skills
and competences within a specific work context
Professional Development plan is an effective process which allows me to develop and
implement appropriate methods and strategies so as to overcome weakness that is identified in
the personal skills audit plan(Hadar and Kumari, 2011
). Therefore this development plan will allow me convert my weaker areas into strengths and
allow me to effectively perform the work of Hr officer at Thomas Cook. It is described as
follows-
CUREENT SKILLS
AND
COMPETENCIES
ACTION TO
ACHIEVE/SMART
TARGETS
EVIDENCE OF
COMPLETION
TARGET DATE AND
EFFECTIVENESS
OF DEVELOPMENT
PLAN
TO DEVELOP
LEADERSHIP
SKILLS SO AS TO
PROVIDE PROPER
GUIDANCE TO THE
SUBORDINATES.
THIS SKILL CAN BE
ACHIEVED WITHIN A
PERIOD OF 3 MONTHS
BY PROVIDING
GUIDANCE
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
SUBORDINATES AND
PROPERLY LEAD THE
TEAM WITHIN THE
SUBORDINATES
START GAINING
TRUST AND FEEL
CONFIDENT ABOUT
THE GUIDANCE
PROVIDED..
IT ENHANCED MY
SKILLS TO WORK
WITH LARGE
MULTINATION
GROUPS AND PROPER
DIRECTION TO THE
ALL THE TEAM
MEMBERS

HOSPITALITY
INDUSTRY.
DEVELOPS SELF
CONFIDENCE TO TAKE
DECISION ON OWN
BEHALF
THIS SKILL WILL BE
ACHIEVED WITHIN A
PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS
BY READING VARIOUS
BOOKS, NOVELS AND
MAGAZINES AND
THEREFORE WILL
START SPEAKING IN
PUBLIC AND WORKING
ACCORDING TO OWN
IDEAS AND CONCEPTS
WILL LEAD TO
DEVELOPMENT OF
THIS SKILL.
I AM UNABLE TO
SPEAK IN FRONT OF
HUGE NUMBER OF
CLIENTS AND
EMPLOYEES.
IT ALSO LEADS TO
ENAHNCEMENT
OF
INTERPERSONAL
SKILLS.
TO DEVELOP
PROBLEM SOLVING
SKILLS AND PROVIDE
IMMEDIATE SOLUTION
IN ORDER TO
DEVELOP THIS SKILL
IT REQUIRES TIME
PERIOD OF 9 MONTHS
BY ENHANCING
SKILLS THROUGH
PROVIDING
SOLUTIONS TO THE
SMALL PROBLEMS.
SUBORDINATES FEEL
THAT SOLUTIONS
PROVIDED ARE
APPROPRIATE AND
THIS LEADS TO
CREATION OF
HARMONIOUS WORK
PLACE
ENVIRONMENT.
IT LED WITH THE
HELP OF PROVIDING
SOLUTIONS TO ONES
OWN RATHER THAN
TAKING HELP FROM
OTHERS.
To develop Team
management skills
THIS SKILL
WOULD BE
ATATINED at time
period of 1 year. It is
along term goal which
could be enhanced by
working in team and
effective sharing of
ideas and concepst
Work is able to
complete within
specified time period
without any conflicts.
It led wth the help of
proper training and
allowed to work
effectively with
employees having
different ideas and
suggestions.

would results in
collaborative working.
TASK 4
P6 Undertake a job interview for a suitable service industry role
Job interview is a process which helps in recruiting and selecting the most viable
candidate which has the ability of performing job related roles and responsibilities in a proper
manner. In context to this job portfolio has been prepared for hiring for the position of HR
officer at Thomas Cook. These are explained as follows-
Interview process for HR officer
Interviewee: May I come in, good morning sir.
Interviewer: Yes come in, good morning have your seat.
Interviewee: Thank You sir.
Interviewer: Give a brief introduction about yourself?
Interviewee: My name is XYZ, and m working with Travelodge as a hr officer from last 3 years
and have a good experience in this field .
Interviewer: Please provide you cv for checking other details?
Interviewee: Sure sir, Please.
Interviewer: Tell me your efficient competencies towards working in this field.
Interviewee: I have a good team working skills and efficient inter personal skills which helps in
coordinating with clients and customers in better work.
Interviewer: Are you able to handle this job profile?
Interviewee: Yes sir I am very much capable to handle this job profile and will work great
dedication towards enhancing brand image of Thomas Cook.

Interviewer: OK ABCD, please wait outside, if you will be selected you be called for
completing the documentation work.
THOMAS COOK
JOB DESCRIPTION
Organisation Thomas Cook
Division: HR Officer
Job Title: Hospitality Industry
Job Location: London, uk.
Working conditions : 8 Hours
 T
Job Summary
Thomas Cook is a multinational industry dealing in travel and tourism business is hiring for the
position of HR officer who should have the capability to manage all the hr related work and helps hr
manger in screening the best candidate towards performing the business activities in a efficient and a
effective manner.
Role
 Proper screening of candidates according to the parameters set for the requirements of skills
and capabilities.
 Provide training to the employees so as to enhance their skill and capabilities
 analyzing the needs of the client so that services can be provided to them.
Requirements-
 Good interpersonal skills
 Proper Decision making skills
Educational Requirements

 MBA in HR Field
 Well versed with the basic computer knowledge.
CURRICULUM VITAE
NAME: ABC
ADDRESS : 16TH LANE, UNITED KINGDOM
PHONE NO. – 6384785958
PROFILE SUMMARY: COMPLETED IN HR FIELD AS WELL AS HAVING WORKING EXPERIENCE OF 2
YEARS WITH TRAVELODGE, THIS HAS ENHANCED MY CAREER TOWARDS WORKING EFFECTIVELY
WITH MULTINATIONAL BUSINESS.
SPECIALISATION:
Providing better training facilities to the employees which helps in working effectively.
Able to negotiate salary with the candidates and hire them for the best position.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION: -
 BACHELORS IN HUMAN RESOURCE
 MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
DECLARATION:
I CONFIRM THAT ABOVE MENTIONED DETAILS ARE ACCURATE AND AUTHENTIC ACCORDING TO
THE DEGREES I RECEIVED FROM UNIVERSITY.
Date : 18 june 2019
PLACE : UNITED KINGDOM
These procedures should be effectively followed by the manager while recruiting the candidate
and benefits the respective company by choosing the most appropriate candidate which can
effectively perform job duties and responsibilities.
P7 Strength and weakness of applied interview process
There are various strengths and weakness towards applying the interview process for the
specific job role, it is discussed as follows:-
Strength Weakness
The major weakness of the interview process
is the interviewer of the respective
organization is asking various questions to

Interview conducted for the job position of
Hr Officer at Thomas cook is conducted in a
ethical and a transparent manner. Therefore
the procedure of job description interview
and selection of cv is a effective tie saving
process which helps the employers within
Thomas cook to chose the right candidate for
the job position. Moreover it also creates
confidence among the employer to hire the
candidates by measuring the employees skill
and capabilities according to the set
parameters and helps in choosing the right
candidate. This will benefit Thomas cook in
hiring the appropriate candidate (Mwalongo,
2011).
the candidate which makes them nervous at a
a glance and moreover this step requires
expertise within the organization to check the
documents of various employees and results
in costly process within the respective
hospitality industry. This weakness should be
analyzed by the manager within Thomas
COOK so as to develop proper relations with
the candidate and make them comfortable
towards providing answers to the questions.
These are strengths and weakness of the job interview process for the position of Hr
Officer at Thomas cook, so that towards weakness proper actions can be taken and job interview
process can be conducted in a well determined manner.
CONCLUSION
It has been analyzed from the above report that individual requires both types of personal
and professional skills so as to perform their job responsibilities in a proper manner and attains
maximum profitability within the business. Apart from this individual should enhance their
learning skills by adopting various theories and cycles to effective learning and therefore
contributes towards effective working. It has also been analyzed that manager should adopt
effective process of selection of candidate so as to benefit the company in getting their work in a
efficient manner and helps in attaining organizational goals in a proper manner.