Interviewing techniques and how to land your perfect job.!
In last month's column, the paragraph regarding 'aspiring Captain Ron's.' We unfortunately omitted the last line which should have read…" It takes lots of experience and sea time before you get to that level."
Make sure that you arrive on time. Regardless, of whether you are being interviewed by a crew agent, captain or crew member, manager or owner. It is imperative that you present yourself professionally. Have a pristine copy of your resume, references, menus and any certificates, licenses, passport and visas you hold arranged in a folder. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience and prior professions (if any). You will be asked why you think you are suitable for the position, what your salary expectations are, how you can work in a team.
Be honest; don't say you are a "wine expert"….drinking copious amounts of fermented grape juice does not qualify you to be a sommelier.
You will then have the opportunity to ask questions about the position and itinerary of the vessel. Be realistic about your salary expectations; look at the whole package being offered. Often you will have health insurance, paid time off and a return flight home once a year. Not to mention, you will have no rent to pay, free food and sometimes toiletries. If you are a 'greenhorn' you will be offered a wage commensurate with your experience or lack of.
It is good to ask about the different nationalities of the crew on board, and how long they have been there. As this will give you a better idea of how you will fit in and interact with them and the guests.
At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and consideration of you as an applicant for the position available. They will generally tell you what steps they will take next. As the yachting industry moves fast, it's a 24 hour a day business; you may be offered the position on the spot. Only accept, if you really feel that it is right for you and you are confident in your abilities to perform the duties assigned to you.
Be patient, if your interviewer say's 'they will get back to you, 'spanners in the works' crop up continuously on yachts. Your references will be checked, and on some larger yachts they will do a background check and increasingly do a drug test. If you come back positive, kiss your dream job goodbye…That kind of behaviour is just not acceptable in this industry.
If you finally get that long awaited call or email, you will generally have to sign a contract of employment, give bank details, details of next of kin. Read your contract carefully, it will probably include a confidentiality clause. This is to protect the owners, guests and crew. Unfortunately in this day and age, security/confidentiality issues are of the upmost importance. Your completely innocent story about 'so and so' could be overheard by the wrong person.
Finally, the job is not really yours till your bags are on the vessel, many a crew have been hit by the proverbial 'spanner' even minutes before arriving for their perfect job.
The Four A's to remember and start you off in good stead are:
Awareness. Adaptability. Always. Attitude.
Remove your blinkers, you are not a cart-horse, though often you will work like one, be Aware, Adaptable, have an Always can do, and good Attitude.
Christina Bridge
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