Writing a yacht job advert that gets replies

Good crew read many adverts and answer few. The ones they answer tell them enough to decide. You do not have to name the yacht to do that.

What crew look for

The position, exactly: "2nd stewardess", not "interior crew".
The yacht in outline: size, motor or sail, private or charter. No name needed.
Where and when: where the yacht is now, the season's cruising area, the start date.
The package: salary or a range, leave, whether it is permanent, seasonal or temporary.
What you require: experience level, the certificates that are essential, languages, anything specific such as a tender licence or silver service.
What kind of boat it is to work on: crew size, one line on the programme. This is what separates your advert from the next.

What to leave out

Long lists of adjectives, and requirements you would waive for the right person. Every "must" that is not really a must loses you someone good.

Post it by email

Write the job as you would in a message to a friend in the industry, or forward one you already have, to [email protected] from the email address of your Crew HQ account. The Crew HQ Assistant lays it out as an advert on your account and picks out the position, vessel type and size, private or charter, flag, start date, salary, experience and essential qualifications. The first time, we email you once to confirm it is you. After that your jobs go live when you send them.

Or add the job on the site. Posting is free on every membership.

After it is live

Crew who are interested reach you with their profile, CV and references. You are emailed, and one button takes you to the list.
The Assistant shortlists the crew who fit best, with the reason for each.
With Professional Membership you see every profile in full and contact crew directly.
Close the job when it is filled. Crew notice adverts that never come down.

Always looking?

Tick the positions you hire for under Recruitment on your profile. You are then listed under Who is hiring without posting a job, and crew can show their interest.

Questions people ask

Is Crew HQ a crew agency?

No. Nobody sits between crew and the person hiring. Employers search, open a profile and get in touch directly. There is no placement fee and no commission, for crew or for employers.

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How do I post a job?

The quickest way is by email: write the position as you would in a message, or forward one you already have, to [email protected] from the email address of your Crew HQ account. It is laid out as an advert on your account, with the vessel, start date, salary and qualifications picked out. The first time, Crew HQ emails you to confirm it is you; after that your jobs go live when you send them.

Or add it on the site. Posting is free on every membership.

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What does it cost to hire through Crew HQ?

Posting a job is free, and crew who are interested reach you with their profile, CV and references. There is no placement fee. Professional Membership (£150 a year or £25 a month) opens every crew profile in full, with CV downloads, checked references and direct contact, so that you can search and approach crew yourself.

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Can I search the crew database?

Yes: search crew by position, experience and location. Anyone can search and see photos, first names and positions. Full profiles, CVs and contact details open with Professional Membership.

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I am always looking for good crew. Can I say so without posting a job?

Yes. On Edit profile, under Recruitment, tick the positions you hire for and add the yacht type and size. You are then listed under "Who is hiring" on the jobs page and on the job map, and matching crew are shown to you.

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