Top 4 Mistakes on Yacht CV

Having an accurate and aesthetically pleasing CV is the first step to getting a job on a yacht. But are you making any of these top 4 mistakes?

1. Bad or Unprofessional Photo

Your CV photo can make or break a captain's first impression of you. It should be at the top of your CV and should reflect that you are capable of working in a luxury and professional industry such as yachting. Your photo should have good lighting-not too cloudy, not too sunny. Your face should be relaxed, with a welcoming smile. The best backdrop for the photo would be in a water-related area, like a marina. Make sure you are dressed like you would be on board, with a clean cut polo. If you're a guy, make sure you're clean-shaven, neat haircut, and no sunglasses! Ladies, stick to light, natural makeup, and have your hair pulled back. SMILE — it's not a mug shot!

TIP: Check out some examples of what makes a great CV photo. IMPORTANT: Selfies are a NO NO!

2. Poor Template

We make it easy for you with our CV guide and downloadable templates. The design of your CV is important. If it's cluttered, it's going to get put to the side. You want to make it clear and easy for the captain or hiring manager to understand.

3. Content Amount

Keep it simple, don't try to oversell yourself. A CV should never be more than 1 page! Don't put a lengthy paragraph at the beginning with generic statements like "I'm a hard worker" a "team player" with "a good attitude." Anybody can and will say this, even if it's not true. Let your references speak for themselves. Highlight information that is relevant to yachting. For your land-based experience, only include what is relevant to working on a yacht (i.e. hospitality, fine dining, bartending experience if you're applying to be a yacht stewardess).

On the other hand, don't skimp on important experience or special skills you have. If you've had good experience tender driving, even if it's just a family boat, include that. If you're a massage therapist who also happens to have a rescue diver license and studied marine biology? Those are worth mentioning!

Finally, don't leave anything out of your basic information like nationality, smoking habits, or if you have any visible tattoos. It's best to be honest, because captains will find out soon enough.

4. Not Proofreading

This is all about your attention to detail. A CV filled with spelling errors may come across as unprofessional, lazy and careless — and the captain won't feel confident that you'll be detailed in your job! Check your spelling along with your grammar. Have your housemates, friends, and mentors read it over. Even if they're not yachties, they can still check your CV for errors. At the end of the day, your CV represents who you are, make sure it's the best version of you!

TIP: Use the free tool, Grammarly, to proofread everything from your CV to your emails.

Any of your own CV tips? Tell us below!

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