JOB SEEKERS OF THE WORLD UNITE

Over the last few weeks I have been in touch with a number of, how can I best describe them, ‘hopeful newbies’ to the yachting industry.   They have come to Lauderdale to find fame and fortune.   Most are rather better  prepared than Dick Whittington was and none are under any illusion that 17th St is paved with gold.

The fact is that they all get different information on exactly what is involved in getting into the yachting industry and how they should get that first opportunity to prove themselves.  So, I would like to offer a bit of positive advice to anyone looking for a first job as a deckhand or stewardess and hopefully dispell some of the myths that I hear from entry level yacht crew.

The yachting industry is still growing and statistically anyone with the right qualifications, which start with the STCW 95 basic training, coupled with the right atttitude,  has good chance of finding a position.  If you have come to Lauderdale to find a job, don’t be disheartened by the first bit of bad news you hear.  The last couple of weeks have been unprecedented in the history of the global market economy and it is probably fair to say that many boat owners are affected in some way.  For that reason confidence in the yachting sector has taken a tumble and there is some uncertainty over the future of plans for many yachts.   However, history shows that these factors can actually contribute to a turn over in crew which in turn presents opportunities for new crew members to get an ‘in’.

Secondly remember that the agencies work for the owners and captains of yachts not for the crew themselves.  For this reason they are bound to put forward the easiest crew members to place first.  If this category does not include you, do not worry, keep trying.  If you remain positive and committed it becomes apparent that you are serious about working in the industry and this in itself is a plus point.

As you start to get interviews try and resist taking a job just becasue you think that it is the only one you will ever be offered.  Instead try and find a job you think you could do for at least a year.  Think carefully about what you hope to achieve in the yachting industry and marry that to what you have to offer.  Analyse your life experience and try and find areas where this has some relevance to the yachting industry.  Don’t forget that the yachting industry is a service oriented business and much of what we do in other walks of life has relevance in this regard.  Use you resume or CV to highlight this part of your experience even if it is limited.

Find out as much as you can about the different jobs in the industry.  A deckhand on a small yacht based in Florida maybe totally different to a deckhand position on a large yacht travelling the globe.  It is almost certainly the case that a person ideally suited to one of these jobs may not be idealy suited to the other.  So think carefully before you say I just want to be a deckhand.  Daywork is a good way of exploring the different options for the different types of work out there.

It goes without saying that being presentable at interviews and meetings is vital.  Networking is a useful skill to develop but it does not mean just turning up at Waxy’s and drinking yourself to oblivion.  That glass you knock over as you stumble across the bar may belong to someone that knows someone that knows someone that is interviewing you the next day.

Also try and ignore the stereotyping that goes on in the industry.   I was shocked to read an article posted recently by someone who runs a crew agency.  In the article they suggested that all new, young crew members do not have the work ethic that once existed in the industry.  This sort of attitude is utter garbage.  The last few years have seen a gradual increase in the level of safety and professionalism in the industry and it continues to improve over time.   I suspect that this post is not the right place to name and shame the company responsible but drop me a line and I will point you in the right direction in the hope you will point out the ignorance of their ways.

Finally make you own mind up about what you should do.   Obviously make a decision based on as much inromation as possible but be careful about submiting to the peer pressure that abounds.  If you are honest with yourself about the job you are after you have a far greater chance of being successful when you get it.

Good Luck