Nowadays, it seems as though everyone dreams of living out their “Below Deck” dreams, and while it’s an incredibly exciting career, landing a job today is tougher than ever.
The market is oversaturated, which means you need to stand out from the rest. Sometimes knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what you should do.
This is why here at The Crew Hunter, we have created this guide to help you avoid common mistakes and make sure you leave a lasting impression.
When to apply (and when not to)
We understand it can be tempting to apply for every job opening that you find. However, this approach can actually work against you and slow down your job search.
Instead, take the time to carefully read the full job description. Remember, it’s not the recruiter who sets the requirements, but rather the Owner, Captain or Head of Department. They’ve outlined the specific skills, qualifications, and experience they need, and those criteria are usually set in stone.
It’s the recruiter’s job to put forward candidates who are a precise match for that brief; they don’t have the flexibility to change these requirements. So, focus on applying for roles where you meet all of the requirements.
Communication is key
Effective and timely communication is essential when you’re looking for a new role. Recruiters are working hard to connect you with opportunities, and your responsiveness can make all the difference.
You should always maintain consistent communication with your recruiter. A quick check-in, a prompt reply to a query, or an update on your availability goes a long way in showing you’re engaged and professional. Aim to reply as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours.
Never ghost or spam your recruiter. Ghosting is highly unprofessional and can damage your reputation. Equally, sending multiple emails or messages without a clear purpose can be seen as spamming. Respect your recruiter’s time, and they’ll respect yours, and always be honest about your intentions and circumstances.
Your CV
Your CV is often the very first introduction a potential employer has to you. It’s your professional handshake on paper, and getting it right is non-negotiable.
What not to do:
- Add irrelevant information to your CV.
Keep it focused on your professional qualifications and experience relevant to yachting. - Hide the truth about your experience.
Recruiters and Captains have a knack for spotting inconsistencies, and attempting to mislead can severely damage your credibility. - Use AI-generated images for your profile picture.
Recruiters can often spot them, and they can come across as impersonal or misleading. Instead, opt for a recent, high-quality photo that presents you professionally – a smile goes a long way!
Want to get noticed?
Our team of expert recruiters and former yacht crew here at The Crew Hunter, have developed a yachting CV template which you can use to draft your CV. Choose from Word, PDF, or even Canva, all you need to do is download this template and add your information.
Plus, for more guidance and advice, we’ve created these straightforward CV guidelines.
