How to Craft a Yachting CV That Lands You the Job

Starting a career in the yachting industry is an exciting journey, filled with opportunities for adventure, growth, and incredible experiences.  However, before you venture out on this career path, you need to develop a CV that not only showcases your skills and experiences but also captures the essence of what makes you the ideal candidate.  In the competitive world of yachting, your CV is your golden ticket. 

At Trilogy Luxury Training we know how essential making a good CV is -  that’s why we even include it in our junior yachting courses.  This gives our students the chance to get loads of invaluable feedback from seasoned professionals.

Here’s your go-to guide for creating a CV that grabs the right kind of attention from recruiters and senior crew:

1. First impressions count

Just like in yachting, where the appearance of the vessel speaks volumes, your CV is your first chance to impress.  Make sure it’s clean, professional, and ready to showcase why you’re the best of the best.  With so many other candidates, making a memorable first impression is crucial!

2. What makes you unique?

In an inbox overflowing with applications, it’s the unique ones that catch an eye.  Ask yourself what makes you different.  What sets you apart?  Is it your experience, your skills, or perhaps a unique qualification?  Identifying and highlighting these differentiators is key to making your application unforgettable.

3. Showcase your value

It's not just about what you've done, but how what you've done can add value to your future employer's yacht.  Think about the skills and experiences you bring to the table and how they can make a difference.

This isn't just about your qualifications or experiences; it's about how these aspects of your background can enhance the operation and atmosphere of the yacht on which you hope to serve.

4. Get ahead of the game

Don’t wait for the last minute to get your CV ready.  Before you even think of heading for the major yachting hubs, your CV should be polished and ready to be shared.  Start networking and sending out your CV to agents and job postings well in advance.  Being proactive not only shows initiative but can also give you a head start in the competitive job market.

5. A picture is worth a thousand words

Including a professional photo on your CV can significantly boost its impact.  It’s your chance to convey professionalism, confidence and friendliness before you meet in person.  Make sure it’s a good one…And, of course, don’t forget to smile!

6. Tailor it to fit the role

Every job is different, and so should be your CV.  Customise your CV for the role you’re applying for to show you’re not just throwing a wide net, but that you’re genuinely interested in this particular position.  If you’re looking for a deck/stew position, then your  heading should include that.

7. Yes, your layout matters

The devil’s in the details!  Not everyone has a knack for design but luckily there are lots of helpful tools around.  Use platforms like CANVA or the templates in Microsoft Word to help your CV look clean and professional.  A well-laid-out CV reflects your attention to detail.

8. Proofread, then proofread again

A typo or grammatical mistake can quickly sink your chances.  Don’t be shy to ask someone you trust - a friend, family member, or mentor - to give your CV a once-over to  catch any mistakes you might have missed.  A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors and provide valuable feedback!

Key Components of a Stellar Yachting CV:

A Professional Photo:  

Include a professional headshot at the top of the layout.

The Role You’re Eyeing:  

Right at the top, clearly state whether you're seeking a role as a stewardess, deckhand, or deck/stew.

Your Personal Info:  

• Date of birth

• Nationality (mention if you have a second passport)

• Contact number (with international dialing code) or Whatsapp number

• Professional email address (while "xXSk8erBoi2000Xx@coolmail.com" might hold a special place in your heart, it's probably not going to impress senior crew)

• Availability

• Current location

• Any visas along with their expiry dates

Your Qualifications: 

List any relevant shore-based qualifications, STCW and its expiry date, Seafarers Medical and expiry date, and any relevant yachting courses.

Your Skills: 

Highlight transferable skills from previous work experiences and skills relevant on board.

Work Experience: 

Include relevant shore-based employment and any day work in yachting, with the most recent experiences at the top.

References: 

Provide the name, job title, and contact details (don’t forget the  international dialing code) of your references.

Crafting a CV for the yachting industry doesn’t have to be daunting.  With the right mix of professionalism, personal touch, and clarity about what makes you a great fit, you’re taking an important step towards finding your dream job.  So, take your time, make it count, and who knows?  The perfect job might just be around the corner.

All the best!

The Trilogy Team

Ready to kick off your job hunt?  Start by uploading your CV to the Trilogy Luxury Placements platform.  Our passionate and dedicated team are on-hand to help you find your next exciting position aboard a superyacht.  Get in touch with the team at info@trilogyluxplacements.com today!