Career Fairs: How to make a good first impression

The Viking Crew team regularly attends career fairs around the world to connect with aspiring maritime professionals and experienced crew alike. These events are an excellent opportunity for candidates to meet directly with recruiters, learn about the company and job prospects, and ask any questions they may have about a career at sea.

Just like life on board, career fairs come with their own expectations, etiquette, and unspoken rules. Whether you're a seasoned seafarer or completely new to the industry, looking for your first role, here are our top dos and don'ts to help you stand out (in the right way) at your next career fair.

DO: Come Careers Fair Prepared

• Research beforehand. Know which companies are attending and prioritise who you'd like to meet. At Viking Crew, we always appreciate it when a candidate has researched a little and understands our services and companies that we represent and recruit for.

• Bring your CV. Ideally, have multiple printed copies of a clean, concise CV ready to hand out — bonus points for tailoring your CV to specific roles you're targeting. See our templates for help!

• Dress professionally. While you don't need to show up in full uniform, your appearance should reflect the professional image you'd bring on board. Smart, tidy attire shows respect and seriousness.

DON'T: Wander Aimlessly

Avoid approaching booths without a purpose. "So, what do you do?" is not a great opening line when all the information is on the banner behind us. Instead, try: "I've read about the opportunities you have and would love to learn more."

Resist the urge to collect giveaways from every stand without meaningful engagement; it doesn't go unnoticed.

DO: Practice Your Introduction

Have a quick personal pitch ready. Tell us about yourself, your background, and what you're looking for. Something like:

"Hi, I'm Jess. I'm currently working as a chef at a fine dining restaurant; I'm interested in cruise or yacht opportunities. I saw that Viking Crew has roles in both. Could I ask a few questions?"

A clear and confident introduction can set the tone for a more productive conversation.

DON'T: Oversell or Undersell Yourself

Confidence is key, but arrogance is off-putting. Equally, selling yourself short or mumbling through your achievements doesn't help us understand your potential. Be honest and professional; you don't need to embellish your experience.

DO: Follow Up After the Careers Fair

If we've had a good conversation, ask for a contact email or business card, and follow up within a few days. A short thank-you email and a digital copy of your CV can go a long way. It demonstrates initiative, organisation, and professionalism - qualities we value in every crew member.

DON'T: Outstay Your Welcome

Career fairs are busy. Respect that the recruiters you meet are trying to speak to many candidates. Aim for a meaningful, focused conversation, then politely move on. If you'd like more time, ask how best to follow up.

Industry career fairs are a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression on recruiters face-to-face, enabling you to start or continue to build your professional network. From our perspective at Viking Crew, the candidates who stand out are those who are prepared, genuine, and engaged. Meeting the recruiters, even for a short period, is a mini-interview.

Whether you're looking for cruise ship roles, superyacht positions, or are interested in the specialist or shorebased sectors, approaching career fairs with the right etiquette will help you navigate the event as a true professional. It will help you secure your next career move.

To find out where Viking Crew will be exhibiting next, for your chance to meet the team, visit our events page here.

We look forward to meeting you at the next event.