Top Tips to Ace Your Interview
The busy Med season is over and yachts are starting to look forward to the next season and making their preparations. Judging by the number of crew positions being advertised on Yotspot, the Superyacht Industry is in full swing and the next season is going to be very busy. If you are looking for work now, no doubt you’ve sent out your CV, dock walked, networked like crazy and checked in with all the crew agents on a regular basis. And then it happens – you get called for an interview! Oh the relief and the excitement … we know, we have been there. We have also seen some terrible mistakes potential crew have made during interviews which have scuppered their chances at employment. So here are our top 5 interview tips to ensure you ace that all important meeting.
1. Be Prepared
Have a list of questions you want to ask during the interview prepared before time. We know you aren’t always told much about the yacht prior to the interview so make sure you ask relevant questions, so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into when you step aboard. Find out what exactly the role entails and what will be expected of you on a daily basis. How busy is the yacht, will there be lots of parties or a quiet family? How often will there be guests onboard? What type of service do they enjoy onboard? Don’t be afraid to ask about your contract (make sure you will have one!) and what that entails. Ask about the crew and the crew dynamic. Enquire about how the yacht is used – is it busy or a quieter yacht? Is it single or dual season? Does it charter and how many charters are booked.
Be very familiar with your CV so when you are asked questions you have an answer.
2. Dress for Success
Dress well for the interview, whether it is a neat pair of shorts / skort and a polo or a pair of slacks and a blouse or a professional dress. Choose your outfit, make sure it is well pressed (no wrinkles and looking disheveled!) Please, no jeans, short shorts, ripped shorts, sleeveless beach tops, sarongs, beach dresses or anything else casual. You are going for a professional position. Look the part! This also is relevant if you are due to have a telephonic interview and the interviewee is calling you on whatsapp or skype. You definitely don’t want any nasty surprises whereby the interviewee decides to video call you and you are sitting on your bed in your pj’s!! Believe me this has happened!
3. Be on Time, Actually be Early!
Nothing shouts disrespect like being late. It makes you look disorganized, disrespectful and disinterested. None of which are qualities that any potential employee will be wanting in any of their crew. Make sure you know where you are going, check the route on google maps, check for any route disruptions and give yourself plenty of time for any delays. Get there early, even if you have to wait an hour. If you are having a telephonic / video call with a potential employer, check your internet connection, make sure you are sitting somewhere quiet with good lighting and no background noise, be ready for the call a few minutes before the allotted time.
4. Don’t Speak Negatively about Previous Yachts / Jobs
Be diplomatic when discussing previous positions you have held and the reasons why you left that particular job. Don’t speak negatively about yachts, companies or people. That does not mean to say you lie about anything, just that you should be tactful when discussing difficult situations.
5. Follow up the Interview with a Thank You Email
Manners maketh a man as the saying goes. This applies to all people (not just men!) Follow up your interview with a thank you email letting the interviewer know you appreciate them taking the time to talk to you. This will leave a good impression and also gives you a chance to mention anything you may have forgotten in the interview.
We hope these top 5 tips help you prepare for and ace your next interview! Best of luck!