Preparing for a yacht job interview

Yacht interviews are short, often by video call, and often at a day's notice. The person interviewing is choosing someone to live and work beside for months, so they are judging attitude as much as skill.

Before the call

• Read the advert again and know the yacht's size, whether it is private or charter, and where it is going.
• Bring your profile up to date. They will look at it. Check your position, location, availability and photo. If your CV has changed, email the new one to [email protected] and it replaces the old one.
• Have your documents to hand: STCW certificates, medical, passport, visas, with their dates.
• Tell your referees they may be contacted.
• Test the call: light on your face, a quiet room, the camera at eye level.

Questions you will be asked

• Why yachting, and why this role?
• What did you do in your last job, day to day?
• Tell me about a time something went wrong and what you did.
• How do you handle sharing a cabin and long days with no time off?
• Do you have tattoos, do you smoke, any medical issues or dietary needs? These are normal questions on yachts.
• When can you start, and where are you now?

Answer with facts. "On my last boat I ran the laundry for twelve guests and turned cabins twice a day" beats "I am hardworking".

Questions to ask

• What is the itinerary for the season, and is it private or charter?
• How many crew, and who would I report to?
• What are the hours and the leave?
• Is there a contract, and what does it say about pay, tips, flights and notice?

Ask about the work first and money second, but do ask. A good captain expects it.

Afterwards

Send a short thank-you the same day. If you do not get the job, ask what would have made the difference: most captains will tell you.

Hiring rather than applying? See Conducting a productive interview.