Having a good CV is not always enough to secure your first role in yachting. Your personality and attitude are also essential when securing a job. Captains and other heads of departments will want to know that you will fit in well with the rest of the team and that you have the right mindset to work on board the yacht.

Once there has been some interest in your CV, yacht interviews will usually be held face-to-face if you are near the vessel or, more commonly, by telephone or video call.

But let’s look at four yacht interview tips to help prepare.

1. Research where possible

If you’ve secured an interview, researching the vessel beforehand is a great idea. This will show a level of interest to the employer and will also help you feel more relaxed knowing the environment you could be working in. The employer will also be impressed that you have thoroughly researched the vessel, demonstrating commitment to the yacht.

2. Be prepared for the interview

Preparing for your interview might include planning what you’ll wear, preparing answers to commonly asked questions, or preparing questions to ask the interviewer. All these things will help you feel more at ease and confident when the time comes.

Knowing your CV in detail will benefit you when asked questions about your skills or education, so be prepared to answer them confidently. Demonstrating how your skills will help you in your new role will highlight whether you’re a good fit for the yacht.

Being prepared also means arriving at an appropriate time for your interview. You don’t want to turn up too early and be sat anxiously waiting, and you certainly don’t want to be late. If you’re meeting face-to-face at a location you haven’t been to before, then why not travel to the area beforehand to familiarise yourself with the journey? Or, if it’s your first time using a virtual platform for interviewing, then be sure to download any apps you may need and log in so you’re ready to go.

3. How to prepare for a video interview

One of the most important yacht interview tips is to treat all interviews, including virtual ones as if they were face-to-face. Don’t let yourself be distracted if you are interviewing from a laptop or phone, as the employer will notice this and will not create a good impression of you. Always remaining professional will build a better rapport with the interviewer.

For video calls, select a surface where you can rest your phone or laptop so you won’t have to hold it in your hand. Ensure you have good lighting and check the room for clutter in the background. These small details will make a big difference in the interview. Finally, remember to test your camera and speaker to ensure they work on the day for a smooth and stress-free interview.

4. Always be respectful

Remember, this interviewer will determine whether you’re suitable for the vacancy or not, so take note of their name and remain professional by avoiding any slang. If your interview is in person, greet them with a firm handshake and an introduction to create a strong first impression. Eye contact is key in an interview, as it will show your confidence and intelligence by remaining focused, not just when you’re speaking but also when you’re listening.

Finally, when the interview is over, be sure to thank them for their time. This is an excellent opportunity for you to make a final lasting impression which could lead to employment.

Now that you’ve read our yacht interview tips, we hope you’re feeling more confident and prepared, and we wish you the best of luck with your careers!

Remember to:

• Have impeccable presentation and preparation
• Ensure you get across ALL relevant experience for the role that you are interviewing for, but show a willingness to learn and expand your knowledge and experience
• Be honest about your experience
• Thank the interviewer for their time

For more Green Crew Advice, please read our other helpful blogs here. Alternatively, to speak to a member of the Yacht Placement Team for further information and advice, get in touch here.