Top Tips for Landing Your First Yachting Job

Breaking into the yachting industry is highly competitive, and your CV is your first opportunity to stand out. Unlike traditional resumes, a yachting CV needs to be visually appealing, concise, and tailored to the unique demands of the industry. Here’s how you can craft the perfect CV to secure your dream role on board.

1. Keep It Concise and Professional

Your CV should ideally be one page, two at most, with clear formatting and a professional design. Captains and hiring managers often scan CVs quickly, so ensure your key qualifications and experience are easy to find.

2. Use a Professional Headshot

A yachting CV should always include a high-quality, professional headshot. Ensure you’re dressed appropriately (polo shirt or smart attire) against a neutral background, with a friendly yet professional expression.

3. Structure Your CV Effectively

A well-structured CV should include the following sections:

• Personal Information: Name, nationality, date of birth, current location, phone number, and email. If you hold a visa or have a Schengen or B1/B2 visa, highlight this.

• Objective/Personal Statement: A short paragraph summarizing your skills, experience, and what you’re looking for in a yachting role.

• Qualifications and Certifications: List relevant qualifications such as STCW, ENG1, Powerboat Level 2, Food Hygiene, and any additional industry-specific training.

• Work Experience: List previous yacht jobs in reverse chronological order, including the yacht name, length, position held, and a brief description of responsibilities. If you’re new to yachting, highlight transferable skills from previous roles.

• Skills and Attributes: Highlight hard and soft skills, such as deck maintenance, guest service, teamwork, and problem-solving.

• References: Include at least two professional references from captains or previous employers with their contact details.

4. Tailor Your CV for Each Application

Different yachts have different requirements, so tweak your CV accordingly. If you’re applying for a charter yacht, emphasize guest service experience. If it’s a private yacht, highlight discretion and long-term commitment.

5. Use Keywords from Job Descriptions

Many recruiters use digital tools to filter CVs, so including keywords from job descriptions can improve your chances of getting noticed. Use industry-specific terms such as "tender driving," "interior detailing," "varnishing," or "silver service."

6. Showcase Your Personality and Interests

While professionalism is key, yachts also look for crew members who will fit well onboard. Mention relevant hobbies such as water sports, fitness, or cooking, as they can be valuable onboard skills.

7. Check for Errors and Keep It Updated

Typos and formatting mistakes can make your CV look unprofessional. Proofread carefully and ask someone else to review it. Also, keep your CV updated with your latest experience and qualifications.

8. Save and Send It in the Right Format

Save your CV as a PDF to maintain formatting and ensure it’s easily readable on different devices. When sending, include a short, professional email introducing yourself and why you’re interested in the role.

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted yachting CV can be the difference between landing your dream job or getting overlooked. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your CV is professional, tailored, and competitive. If you need personalized guidance, consider working with a yachting career consultant to refine your application further.

Need help perfecting your CV? Maiden Voyage Yachting offers personalized CV writing services to ensure you stand out in the competitive yachting industry. Get in touch today!