When you’re new to yachting and trying to secure your first job, showcasing what you can offer a program is crucial. Any additional skills will help you stand out from the crowd. Most crew agents agree that STCW is essential, but Don Mckee, cofounder and director of YOA Yacht Crew, recommends an RYA Power Boat Level 2 and a PWC operator’s license for deck crew, along with a Level 2 food safety certification for the interior. For an entry-level deck position, a Yachtmaster Offshore should not be required. Marcy Williams, director of crew placement at Northrop & Johnson, said having the AEC 1 and 2 would be advantageous if you’re mechanically inclined, as well as the ENG1. She also recommends an introductory stew course so crew have an idea of what the job will entail. While it may sound like a good idea to take as many courses as possible, Liam Dobbin, managing director of Wilson Halligan, urges caution. Considering the current job market, be cautious about spending thousands on courses before landing your first job. Relevant experience is also valuable. He even recommends taking time to work in hotels or working manual labor jobs to gain experience. “New crew are coming through with more qualifications than anyone else,” Dobbin said. These courses, however, do not replace experience, and managing job expectations is key. While you may have qualifications, you should not expect to be driving the tender on your first day. Be realistic — you have to start somewhere. Not all boats have a gym, offer tips, or a 13th-month salary. “There are a lot of opportunities, but you have to earn those opportunities,” Dobbin said. “Find a great boat by reputation that will train you, it’s a nice place to work, and you’ll have the best time.” CV Tips When it comes to showcasing your talents, a good CV cannot be underestimated. You need a clean, easy-to-read layout and a good photo. A good photo — not a selfie — showcases personality. It should be a headshot with no sunglasses or hat. “Look as presentable and professional as you can as this is your first impression to agents and employers,” Williams said. Dobbin said some crew are using Canva to design their CVs, but he advises keeping the end audience in mind — those colorful designs might not always appeal to recruiters or owners. “I read an article recently that we only look at each CV for about seven seconds,” he said, so first impressions are vital. Mckee and Williams both recommend highlighting “transferrable and unique skills,” which may include items you never considered, like musical talent or singing skills. Carpentry, nannying, watersports and diving, hospitality, customer service, childcare, spa and massage skills all have excellent transferable potential in the yachting industry. “We do vet the [starting] crew thoroughly on a certain amount of skill, but more important is character and willingness,” said Capt. Marcus Desaunois aboard the 55-meter M/Y Axis. “If you bring something more to the table, you might skip the queue.” He shares that he currently employs one ex-Navy secret intelligence officer and one psychology student. “Not sure if it is of any use, but things like this definitely catch our attention when recruiting!” “Clients are looking for crew to tick as many boxes as possible, so I always encourage crew to lean into what makes them unique and showcase that on their CV,” Mckee said. Be specific, too. Show, don’t tell — give examples of your relevant skills to give recruiters a clear idea of how your experience relates to yachting. Stay away from talking about your love for the ocean or being a hard worker, Mckee advised. Be judicious about what you include on your CV and customize applications for each job. If you’re a former stewardess looking to switch to the deck, your interior qualifications should be secondary to any relevant deck experience. It should go without saying, but make sure your CV is edited for spelling and grammatical errors.Incoming crew would do well to remember that yachting is a very private industry. “Employers and crew agents alike check social media accounts of prospective candidates,” Williams said. “If you don’t want your mom to see it, don’t post it.” “Social media is a double-edged sword; it can help and hurt your chances of employment,” Mckee said. “Used correctly, it can showcase a great deal of the crewmember’s abilities and personality. The same holds true in a negative light.” Keep your profiles private, or create a professional profile for job hunting purposes. The crew should understand the vessel’s rules regarding social media and photography and adhere to them. One slip, and you could find yourself out of a job.