CV Writing Guide for the Yacht Crew Professional

Your CV should be designed to open doors of opportunity. It should communicate your value to prospective employers and create an interest and motivate the reader to call you in for an interview.

Employers do not have the time to spare working out what your CV is trying to tell them. You must communicate clearly and concisely the information that you wish to convey about yourself that will be of relevance to them. As a potential employee you are far more attractive if you can convince the employer that you have the qualities they require.

With your CV you can convince the employer that you will be an asset to their company. With this in mind, prepare lists of skills and achievements that are relevant to the yachting industry along with your personal information. They will normally cover the following areas:


Important entries that should be in a standard yachting CV

- Name
- A photo of good quality
- Nationality
- Visa requirements
- Marital status
- Smoking habits
- Current phone number
- Mobile phone number
- e-mail address
- Relevant yachting qualifications
- Sea mileage or days at sea
- Positions held, name of vessel and dates covered
- References with current contact details

Additional/Optional Points

- Other qualifications e.g. driver’s licence and other licences, other degrees/courses/seminars taken
- Other relevant work – write relevant experiences related to the position you’re applying for
- Hobbies - Keep this part short and concise


What should NOT be in a yachting CV?

Your CV doesn’t need a title so do not put the words “Curriculum Vitae” on top of it. It just consumes space and doesn’t say anything about you.


PLANNING AND DRAFTING

Now you've worked out what you need to write on your CV and what you've got to offer, it's time to think about how to present it.

Take Note of the ff:

• Leave out any irrelevant material.
• Avoid wordy CVs- make your points concisely. You should use the minimum amount of words to make the maximum impact.
• Avoid "flowery phrases"- make sure the words you use imply action and decisiveness.
• Make sure your grammar and spelling are correct. Always use a word processor and spell checker
• Make sure the CV is fairly short- keep it 2-3 pages long. Bear in mind an employer can quickly lose interest.
• Do not use more than two fonts, Do not keep changing font size, Do not use more than two colors and don’t write in ALL CAPS
• Keep rewriting until you are satisfied

Do not expect to produce a wonderful CV at your first attempt. You will need to make a few drafts. Each should be an improvement on the last. Be critical! Aim for a CV that is easy to read and one that will communicate to the employer the reason they need to hire you.

Additional Tips:

• Print your CV using a laser printer on good quality paper. (for carrying around while walking the docks)
• Save your files and Update constantly (for sending your CV electronically)

WRITING A COVERING LETTER

Now you've put together a strong CV, you need an equally strong covering letter to convince the employer to look closely at your carefully crafted CV. The covering letter must be tailored fit to the position you are applying for. Address the letter to the particular person with whom you wish to have an interview. As with your CV a letter should be brief, relevant, easy to read, with the spelling and grammar carefully checked.

Photographs

A photograph is an essential part of your CV and it should be:

• A current color head shot against a neutral background of good quality and size.
• Look smart; wear a nice shirt or the uniform from the boat you are presently on.
• Be conservative in your appearance. No outrageous hairstyles and hide body art.
• If you are physically attaching a photograph to your CV make sure you have written your name and phone number on the back of the photograph.
• If you are electronically attaching your photograph to your CV you will need to reduce the file size of the image. The image should be no more than 30kb


SAMPLE CV:

YOUR NAME

Address:
Current Location:
Telephone:
Mobile:
Email:
Date of Birth:
Nationality:
Marital Status:
Visas:
Language/s:
Tattoos:
Smoking:

Maritime Qualifications/Licenses

STCW95
RYA
MCA
Other licence(s)
Other qualifications

Profile/Career Objective

A brief outline of the career path you wish to follow, whether you are looking for a permanent or seasonal position, whether you are looking for motor or sail, size of vessel etc.

Maritime Experience – list from most recent to oldest

Name of Vessel (State whether private or charter) MY or SY / Length
Dates (duration served on the vessel)
Position held onboard
Brief Job Description detailing your duties.

Name of Vessel (State whether private or charter) MY or SY / Length
Dates (duration served on the vessel)
Position held onboard
Brief Job Description detailing your duties.

Name of Vessel (State whether private or charter) MY or SY / Length
Dates (duration served on the vessel)
Position held onboard
Brief Job Description detailing your duties.


Additional Work Experience

List any other work experience you may have. Especially those related to the position you are applying for. It would be helpful to include work experience in the hospitality and service industry (even if its land based i.e. Hotels, Restaurants and Resorts) if you are applying for a position as a Chef or Steward/Stewardess.

Hobbies, Interests and Leisure Activities

List them down but be concise.


Professional References

Name and Title
Office Address:
Occupation:
Phone #
Mobile #
Email

Name and Title
Office Address:
Occupation:
Phone #
Mobile #
Email

Name and Title
Office Address:
Occupation:
Phone #
Mobile #
Email