How to find a job | *CLONE 2* Viking Crew

5 Key Things Yacht Recruiters Look for in Candidates

image of yachts in marina with palm trees

Whether you’re new to the maritime industry or are deciding to apply for a new role, it’s fundamental that you’re well prepared and know what the recruiter is expecting of you.

We asked our Yacht Recruitment Manager, Rebecca Adams, for five key things she looks for in candidates when applying for roles that help them stand out from others and secure their next dream role on board.

Having worked in maritime recruitment for more than 18 years, Rebecca’s experience solidifies her as an expert when it comes to hiring the correct candidates, and following her advice will certainly lead to better chances of acing your application.

1. Confidence in interviews

Being confident in the industry is a must. Someone who can speak comfortably and confidently to the recruiter will demonstrate a desire for the position. You need to be able to hold conversations with new crew members, your head of department, and your Captain. You may even be working directly with owners and guests and must be able to always show confidence and professionalism. 

2. Enthusiasm 

In such a competitive industry, if you see a position you’d like to apply for, demonstrate your interest by calling the recruiter. Explain why you are the right person for the job and highlight the skills and experience you want to elaborate on. This is also your opportunity to ask further questions and learn more about the role, so we can ensure it’s a good match for you.  This also shows the recruiter that you are interested and have read about the position for which you are applying.

3. Honesty 

The industry can be surprisingly small. Where reputations and trust are everything, honesty is always the best policy. It won’t take long to determine if someone is stretching the truth on their CV or omitting key details of their past experiences.

4. Realistic expectations

Being such a competitive industry, your job expectations must be in line with your experience. For example, a third officer wouldn’t be able to apply for a Captain’s position or a stewardess for an engineer without the correct qualifications and experience.

5. Respect

How you treat your recruiter matters.  It can be frustrating whilst job hunting, and recruiters are there to support you in your search, so be sure to treat them with respect. Working in yachting is a high-pressure, close-knit environment, and how you communicate gives us a good insight into your attitude and professionalism towards your fellow crew members. 

What is the best way to prepare before an application?

Before applying for a role, ensure that your documents and certification match the criteria outlined in the job advertisement. We advertise the hiring criteria as per the client’s requests or as outlined in the minimum manning document.

For example, if we have requested that a B1/B2 visa is in hand, it will be because there is no time to apply for one prior to the position starting, and it is essential to the vessel location.

Or when we are advertising a specific licence, this will be due to the regulations set in the Minimum Safe Manning Document. Therefore, if you are only working towards it, this will not be enough; it needs to be in hand.

If you are in need of maritime qualifications or refreshers, the Maritime Skills Academy have a wide range of courses on offer. Browse them here.

How to create a CV for the yachting industry?

Tailor your CV to the position you are applying for, tweaking and elaborating on different aspects where necessary to match the role and job description. Cover letters can also be helpful. 

Attention to detail-make sure that the CV is well presented, spell checked, and contact details are all correct, including references. If you are looking for advice on creating a CV for the yachting industry, read our guide here!

Including a professional photograph is a great way for recruiters to see you are a genuine applicant. However, it is important that this photograph is both professional and recent.

If, for example, you are using an image that is five years old, and you have had face or neck tattoos in the meantime, then you could be disappointed when you reach the interview stage.

Yachts can be specific about certain appearance aspects such as tattoos and piercings, so it is essential that these are both visible in your photograph and disclosed in your CV.

Yacht Job Vacancies

Although the yachting industry is highly competitive, it is also fast paced. Job opportunities come and go quickly so keeping track of the current vacancies will give you the best chance of success. If you would like to keep track of our current listings, visit our job search page.

We hope that putting Rebecca’s tips into practice will give you the best chance of success and wish you the best of luck with your applications!

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.

How to start your Career in Yachting

Are you looking to change your career and work on a Yacht? Jobs at sea such as deckhand, stewardess or a chef are extremely rewarding and our specialist recruiting team at Viking Crew can help you with some essential tips to make your dream career come true.

Creating your Yachting CV

Your CV is your selling tool. It is the first impression the Captain/Management company will have of you and you will need it to make an impact in such a competitive industry.

• Ensure you include a smart, professional head and shoulders photograph
• Double check all contact details are up to date, including a professional email address
• Include all relevant work experience, starting with your most recent
• Keep an easy to read layout
• Include all relevant Qualifications
• Include all relevant hobbies and interests including watersports, team sports etc
• Provide up to date contact information for x 2 verbal references
• Keep CV to a maximum of 2 pages. Make it concise and ensure it sells YOU to the potential employer!

Our yacht placement team are always on hand to assist with enhancing your CV and chances of gaining a suitable role within the industry.

What Training/Certification will I require prior to joining the industry?

To start work in the yachting industry, the main certificates requested by the vessel or management company are usually:

• STCW Basic Training – The aim of the course is to give seafarers the essential education and training in Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities, with an additional Proficiency in Security Awareness
• ENG1 or Equivalent Seafarer Medical- This can be completed at any MCA approved doctors’ surgery.

We also receive many requests for:

• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
• Powerboat level II

Any additional relevant courses that could benefit yourself or the yacht. These could include, but not limited to:

Deck:

• VHF Radio
• RYA Radar
• RYA Competent Crew
• RYA Tender Operator
• PWC Personal Watercraft Profiency
• PWC Personal Watercraft Instructor Course

Interior:

• Food and Hygiene level II
• Silver Service Certification
• Floristry Training
• Mixology/Barista Training
• Wine Knowledge
• GUEST Approved Stewardess

Dock Walking

Yachting is a competitive industry to break into. There are large numbers of crew who are keen to gain their first experiences in the industry. Most entry-level crew gain their first experiences by Dock Walking. This is essentially, travelling to “yachting hubs” such as South of France or Palma and walking the dock. This will involve approaching and speaking with the crew (where possible) with the aim of securing some day work or even a permanent position.

How shall I prepare for my yacht Interview?

Yacht interviews will usually be held face to face if nearby the vessel or more commonly, by telephone or video call. We recommend:

• Be on time
• Impeccable presentation
• Be prepared, try to do some research, where available
• Show commitment to the boat
• Ensure you get across ALL relevant experience for the role that you are interviewing for but show willingness to learn and expand your knowledge and experience
• Listen to the interviewer
• Treat all interviews, including virtual, as if they are face to face
• Always stay professional
• Have any questions prepared prior to interview.

How to apply through Viking Crew?

• You can register with Viking Crew by creating an online profile here
• You can apply directly for any roles on our website through your profile
• Should you require any further information on the roles available please contact the placement team by phone, or email.
• Please make sure you keep all your information up to date in the system so our team is aware of your availability, location, and experience so we can contact you regarding suitable openings.

Cruise Recruitment

Yacht Recruitment

Crewing