Alison Rentoul better known as the Crew Coach offers sage advice when it comes to job hunting and finding that perfect job working abaord a super yachts.
She believes the interview to be one of the most importand aspects and cautions crew to never forget there is seldom a second chance of making a first impression!
She believes that getting the job you want on board a yacht is not a matter of luck, connections or the best CV. It’s a question of performing well in the interview – and this means showing the person making the decision that you are the best match for the position, in every way.
Here are some her tips for creating your own job-hunting success.
1. Do your research. This is critical and yet so few people bother to do this! Research the yacht – is it under management? If so, by whom? What is their agenda? What is the yacht’s reputation in the industry? Do they charter or is it private only? What is likely to be a successful season for them? How would you contribute to that?
2. Prepare for your interview. Anticipate questions and prepare thoughtful responses. What would be their biggest concerns about you or any other candidate, and how can you show them you are the solution? If there are any questions you are nervous about being asked, look for a positive spin and rehearse your answer so you can deliver it with confidence. Focus on how your precise skills and experience will add value to the team.
3. Look the part. Dress appropriately for the position. If in doubt, err on the conservative side. Make sure your personal grooming is of the highest standard – such as clean shaven, neat fingernails and feet (remember you will probably be barefoot) and tidy hair. Don’t overdo makeup or accessories. Keep your look simple and classical.
4. Give yourself time. Aim to get to the vicinity of the interview with at least 30 minutes to spare, and use this time to calmly review your CV, relax and do some deep breathing to calm any nerves you might have. Finally let your interviewer know you are there precisely 5 minutes before your appointment time.
5. Tune in your attitude. Focus on how you would contribute personally and professionally to the crew and the yacht, get clear on what have to offer and project this clearly. Be natural and confident, with a healthy dose of genuine humility.
6. Listen more than you talk. Ask thoughtful, relevant questions and listen to their responses so you can then ask further questions that show you understand the industry, yacht and department and its needs.
7. Return to the yacht’s core agenda. Find out what they are hoping to achieve and keep returning to these goals and how you can personally contribute to achieving them.
8. Watch your body language. Have an “open” posture, lean slightly forward, make friendly eye contact and smile naturally. Don’t fidget or fiddle with anything. Practice a solid handshake that communicates quiet confidence and self assurance.
9. Demonstrate a can-do attitude. Show past work examples of being a problem-solver, solution finder and smart worker. Don’t expect them to read between the lines of your CV – spell out for them how what you have done in the past makes you a great fit for this new position.
10. Follow up! Make sure you tailor this personally to the interviewer and the position (and the crew agent if there is one involved). Refer to the yacht objectives that came up in the interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for joining the yacht. Now is not the time to play coy – people hire people who really want the job!