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Stepping onto the passerelle and into the exciting world of yachting starts with one crucial tool: a well-crafted CV. For many, your CV will be the first impression you make—often without the advantage of your winning personality to smooth over any rough edges. Even if a deckhand mate has recommended you to their captain, a poorly made CV can still hold you back. So, let’s ensure your CV sets the right tone from the start.
Keep it Concise
If you’re new to yachting, aim for a one-page CV. At most, your CV should be two pages, but brevity and clarity are key.
Save as a PDF
Ensure compatibility across devices by saving your CV as a PDF. Avoid using Word or other file formats that might not open as easily.
Simple Formatting
Stick to a clear, readable font like Calibri or Verdana, and avoid excessive colours. Many yachting CVs are printed, so don’t waste colour ink with intricate designs or photos.
Your photo should reflect the professional image expected in the yachting world. Go outside, wear a white polo shirt, and smile. No sunglasses, hats, or excessive jewellery. Keep your hair neat, and, if possible, choose a background that features the sea or boats. And remember, this isn’t Tinder—no flirty or overly styled photos! Keep the photo file size under 250 KB.
If you have tattoos that would be visible in a t-shirt, mention them on your CV. A captain won’t appreciate surprises when you turn up to the interview in long sleeves, hiding tattoos. You’ll be asked about visible tattoos on crew agency applications, so be honest from the start.
The Basics
Include the following key details in an easy-to-spot section, usually in a sidebar:
Make your skills easy to find. List your qualifications relevant to yachting, such as:
Place this section in the sidebar.
Briefly bullet-point your education. Only go into detail if it’s particularly relevant to yachting. This section can be placed at the bottom of the sidebar.
Your personal summary should communicate what role you’re seeking, your background, and why you’re suitable for a career in yachting. Include any experience in high-end or VIP environments if applicable. Inject a touch of personality, but keep it professional.
Place the summary section at the top of the CV, near your photo.
If you have yachting experience, divide this section into ‘Yachting Experience’ and ‘Work Experience’, listing roles chronologically from the most recent. Yachting experience includes work on any vessel, not just superyachts—whether it’s recreational sailing, cruise ships, or even local ferries.
Having a ‘one-size-fits-all’ CV won’t serve you well. Customise your personal summary or skills section for specific roles. For instance, if you’re applying to both a 100m motor yacht and a 40m sailboat, highlight different attributes relevant to each. Note any relevant travel, language skills, or regional knowledge that align with their cruising area.
An ‘About Me’ section provides insight into your personality and how you might fit with the crew. Aim to showcase transferrable skills, your interests, and any hobbies that align with yachting. If space allows, keep this section separate rather than folding it into the Personal Summary.
Always include references—don’t leave it as ‘References available on request’. List two referees with names, positions, contact numbers, and email addresses. If you don’t have yachting references but have impressive ones from other fields, consider adding a short quote from a reference to demonstrate your character and work ethic. But make sure it’s both relevant and true.
A well-prepared CV is your first step into the world of yachting, so don’t take it lightly.
