Site Guide

Term from Tour Guiding industry explained for recruiters

A Site Guide is a specialized tour professional who focuses on showing visitors around specific locations like historic buildings, archaeological sites, or tourist attractions. Unlike general tour guides who might cover entire cities or regions, Site Guides are experts in particular places, knowing detailed information about their assigned location's history, architecture, customs, and significance. They're similar to Museum Guides or Heritage Interpreters, but specifically work at outdoor or architectural sites. These professionals are essential for providing engaging, accurate, and safe touring experiences at important tourist destinations.

Examples in Resumes

Served as Site Guide at Windsor Castle, leading groups of up to 30 visitors daily

Worked as Site Guide and Heritage Guide at Stonehenge, conducting educational tours in multiple languages

Lead Site Guide for the Roman Baths, developing specialized tours for school groups

Typical job title: "Site Guides"

Also try searching for:

Heritage Guide Historical Site Guide Tourist Site Guide Attraction Guide Monument Guide Cultural Site Guide Visitor Guide

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a crisis situation at your site, such as a medical emergency or security threat?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership abilities, knowledge of emergency procedures, crowd management skills, and ability to coordinate with emergency services while maintaining calm among visitors.

Q: How would you train new guides and develop tour programs?

Expected Answer: Should show experience in creating training materials, mentoring new guides, developing varied tour routes and scripts, and adapting tours for different audiences.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you adapt your tour for different types of visitors?

Expected Answer: Should explain experience modifying tour content and style for different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and special interests while maintaining engagement.

Q: What strategies do you use to manage difficult visitors?

Expected Answer: Should describe techniques for handling challenging situations like late arrivals, disruptive visitors, or complaints while maintaining professionalism.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What would you include in a basic site tour?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of key site features, basic historical facts, and ability to create a logical flow for visitors.

Q: How do you ensure visitor safety during tours?

Expected Answer: Should show awareness of basic safety procedures, site rules, emergency exits, and first aid locations.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic site knowledge and history
  • Clear communication skills
  • Basic crowd management
  • Standard tour delivery

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Detailed site expertise
  • Multiple language capabilities
  • Group management techniques
  • Specialized tour development

Senior (5+ years)

  • Training and mentoring ability
  • Crisis management
  • Program development
  • Advanced interpretation skills

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Poor communication skills or unclear speech
  • Lack of basic historical knowledge
  • No understanding of safety procedures
  • Unable to handle groups effectively
  • Poor time management skills