Remember that guy Dave from your hometown? The one who thought wearing Crocs to a job interview was "making a statement"? Well, in yachting, you don't want to be a Dave. Let's talk about how to present yourself without causing yourself to be named and shamed on a yachting group on Facebook.

Your CV: First Impressions Matter (A Lot)

The Photo Situation

Unlike most industries where putting your photo on a CV might raise eyebrows, in yachting, it's mandatory. And no, Dave, your Instagram thirst trap from Ibiza won't cut it. Think "professional but approachable," not "Application for Love Island." Blue skies or yachts in the background are a big plus it seems, and absolutely not a selfie- save those for your tinder profile. Don’t know if you’re already aware, but the yachting industry is a fickle thing, so let’s just be a big conscious about what that photo comes out looking like- had to put the pressure on but it’s probably one of the most important things on your CV.

The Essential Info

Right under that winning smile, include:

• Visas (Because borders are a thing)

• Date of birth (Yes, they need to know how many candles go on your cake)

• Current location (Not "wherever the wind takes me")

• Availability (Also not “wherever the wind takes me”)

• Smoker/non-smoker (Be honest, they'll smell it anyway)

• Visible tattoos (That "No Ragrets" tattoo might be relevant here and spoiler alert: You may ‘regret’ that one.)

Qualifications That Actually Matter

• STCW (With expiry date, because expired certifications are as useful as Dave's GCSE's)

• ENG1 (The one that proves you're fit for sea life)

• CrewPass QR code (Because "trust me, I'm totally not a criminal" doesn't work anymore)

• Relevant certifications (Your primary school swimming badge doesn't count, Dave)

The Do's (AKA How to Not Look Like a Muppet)

• Name your docs properly (it's not rocket science):

• Get yourself a proper grown-up email address. Sorry, but "Sexy-Becky69@hotmail.com" isn't going to cut it in this industry. Time to retire that gem from Year 9.

• Make your social media private, unless you've got the most wholesome socials in the world (but we all know there's that one picture that crops up every now & again of you blackout in a playpark with a ciggie up your nose).

• Upload ALL your documents - certificates, references, the lot. Make it easy for the recruiter to actually help you.

• Actually read the job requirements. If they're asking for 5+ years on 50m+ yachts, your summer working on your mate's dad's dingy isn't quite going to cut it.

• Keep your CV updated. If you're still listing that silver swimming badge from primary school as an achievement, it might be time for a refresh.

• Check your spelling. Nothing says "attention to detail" quite like spelling it "atention to detale."

The Don'ts (AKA How to Get Your CV Binned Immediately)

• Don't even think about using that written reference from your mate that looks like it was scribbled on a napkin. And no, a handwritten note from your mum saying how sweet you are isn't going to work either.

• Put the selfie down. We don't need to see you with your margarita in hand or that "casual" shot of you with fifteen mates in the background at Ocean Beach.

• Don't ghost your recruiter and then pop up six months later like a bad smell with "hey hun, any jobs? xx" They're not your ex from uni.

• Don't apply for every single position available. Being a "Jack of all trades" is great, but claiming you can be Captain, Chief Engineer, and Head Chef all at once might be stretching it a bit.

• Don't send your CV in comic sans. Or wingdings. Or any font that looks like it belongs on a children's birthday party invitation. Arial will suffice.

• Don't upload documents titled "Final_Final_ACTUALLY_FINAL_V7.pdf" - we can see your organisational skills right there.

How to Email Like a Human Being (Not a Dave)

Here's an example of how NOT to send an email:

Hi i’m an experienced deckhand available for the dates you need. Let me know if I can give you any more information. CV below. - Dave.

Or this beauty:

 Hi, I sent you my résumé this morning. if you need someone by the 6th we better get things fast cause it’s already the 2nd.- Dave

 *these are legit emails (How embarrassing, Dave!)

It just comes across a bit rude, to be honest. The recruiter is likely someone with a wealth of connections within the industry, and Dave sounds like a rubbish candidate. In fact, I don't think Dave is going to get a response.

Instead, you want to impress, charm, encourage the recruiter to give you this golden dream job. You should be sending follow-up emails asking how they're doing, how their pets are doing, how their pet's pet is doing. It doesn't matter - you're the one that needs to be charming in this situation, and spending 10 minutes extra drafting a polite email isn't going to cost you a job, it'll probably gain you one.

How to write a proper email

First off, let's talk about that greeting. "Dear [Their Actual Name]" - and yes, this isn't a treasure hunt. Their name is usually pretty easy to find. It's either on their website or in their email address (Steven@yachtrecruitment.com is a pretty easy giveaway, isn't it?). No excuses for "Dear Sir/Madam" unless you're writing to the King.

Here's a template that won't make you look like a Dave:

Dear [Their actual name],

I hope you are well. My name is Dave, and after recently completing my STCW as well as my ENG1, I am excited to be looking for my first opportunity in the industry.

I have spent my childhood growing up within the [watersports/boating/service/engineering] industry and have a deep-rooted passion for all things [relevant to the position]. I am currently located in _______ and have attached my CV for your review.

I noted on your website that you like CVs structured in a certain way, which I have done. Please let me know if you need any revisions. I have filled out the online application and uploaded all my relevant documents, but I thought I'd reach out and say hello at the same time.

Should you have any positions that you think my background and experience would be suitable for, I would love to be considered. I would happily chat to you further regarding my experience over the phone. My phone number (including country code) is _________.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Dave

The yachting industry is smaller than Dave's attention span. Your reputation matters, and first impressions last longer than most onboard romances. Want to prove you're not a dodgy Dave? Check out CrewPass for proper background verification that'll make you stand out from the crowd (in a good way, not in a ciggie-up-the-nose way).