Acing the interview: tips for yacht crew
Looking for your next role can often feel like a full-time job, can’t it? And whilst you may be an excellent candidate in real life the interview process has a funny way of tripping up even the most talented crew.
It’s not always about what you know, it’s how you present both yourself and your experience. Sometimes, even a small mistake can send your application straight to the ‘no’ pile.
As recruiters we speak to countless Captains and hiring managers, and it’s clear there are some common mistakes that candidates often make. So, let’s dive into our key tips to help you make the best first impression…
Before You Even Say “Hello”
The interview starts long before the call. Your digital footprint is your first impression, so it’s critical to make sure your social media presence doesn’t reflect poorly on you.
Your social media can say a lot about you – both positive and negative. It can show your interests and personality but can also reflect poorly if there is too much content that could be deemed unprofessional. Keep personal profiles private and maintain a professional LinkedIn.
Don’t forget that your WhatsApp profile photo is often the first thing a HoD sees. Make sure it’s professional and clean, so no party photos or blurry selfies.
Show don’t tell
It’s easy to focus on listing responsibilities from a past role, but in an interview, recruiters are more interested in what you have learned and how it made you better at what you do.
Don’t just say you’re a “hard worker”. share a brief example of when your dedication made a real impact within your role.
This will demonstrate your capabilities to the hiring manager, and will make your CV far more credible and memorable.
Do your homework
Everyone tries to research as much about the vessel and Captain as they can find online, but what do you do if you don’t know much about the boat?
The real key to standing out is being prepared for the interview itself. Start by anticipating common questions and preparing your answers.
Think about why you chose yachting, what sets you apart from other crew, and what your long-term goals are in the industry.
It’s also beneficial to clarify with the hiring manager whether the interview will be a phone call or a video chat and which platform they’ll use. If it’s something unfamiliar to you like Teams or Zoom, get comfortable with it in advance so you can make a seamless first impression.
Transparency is key
Always be ready to provide strong, contactable references and make sure you give each of them a heads up, so that they know to expect a call. A lack of transparency can be a red flag, so it’s always best to be prepared and upfront.
Your recruiters are here to help you, and the best way to do that is to be open and honest. It’s important to remember that a recruiter’s goal is to find you a role, not to mediate past disputes.
If you have a challenging situation to explain – perhaps a difficult past employer or a reference you’re worried about – be honest. We’re here to listen. This is an opportunity to explain the situation calmly and professionally from your perspective.
The Golden Rule: Never badmouth a previous captain, crew member, or employer. Instead, focus on the facts and what you learned from the experience. A hiring manager wants to see how you handle adversity, not hear a list of complaints.
For any serious claims, such as harassment or safety violations, do not relay these as casual complaints to your recruiter. These issues should be formally addressed with your management company, Designated Person Ashore (DPA), or relevant authorities, such as Nautilus.
What’s your ‘why’?
Beyond just wanting a job, what specifically attracted you to this role on this particular yacht?
Recruiters don’t want to hear vague answers like “I just need a job” or “I like the rotation on offer”. Instead, let them know what motivated you to apply.
Maybe it’s the unique itinerary, the reputation of the build, or the Captain’s leadership style.
A clear ‘why’ shows genuine enthusiasm and that you’ve given careful thought to your career path.
Thoughtful follow ups
While many candidates skip this step, a brief, well-crafted thank-you email or WhatsApp can leave a lasting and positive impression, reinforcing your professionalism and enthusiasm.
The key is to follow up with the right people at the right time. So make sure to send a thank-you message to the Captain or Hiring Manager shortly after your interview. This is your chance to reinforce your excitement and interest in joining their vessel.
Your recruiter is your biggest advocate, so it’s equally as important to keep them in the loop by giving them a brief update on how you feel the interview went and what your thoughts are on the role.
This small gesture reinforces your professionalism, enthusiasm, and attention to detail, showing you’re truly invested in the opportunity.
Whilst we know you’re eager for a quick response, remember that superyachts run on busy and unpredictable schedules. Your recruiter is here to help, they will keep in contact with the vessel on your behalf.
So there’s no need to send repeated messages, a single, friendly check-in is all it takes. As soon as we hear anything about the interview, you’ll be the first to know.
Need some additional advice? Download our guide to acing your interview (before, during, and after).
