If you are new to the yachting industry, it can seem daunting to write a flawless CV. Plus, unlike many industries, the yachting industry demands a specific CV style, and certain attributes must be applied to write the perfect yachtie CV. This is why CrewPass is now supporting Superyacht CVs. Superyacht Cvs is a CV writing service precisely created for yachting. Crew members can pay to have high-quality CVs made to improve their chances of getting hired. This service is great for people joining the industry, people who lack time, people struggling to get into the industry, and people whose first language isn’t English.
We asked the founder of Superyacht CVs, Rachel Cunningham, questions about the yachting industry, details about her services and some advice for green crew.
Introduction
Hi, I’m Rachel Cunningham, the person behind www.superyachtcvs.com. I help yacht crew redesign their CV either through reformatting their current resume to suit the yachting aesthetic, or by rewriting their CV to highlight land-based skills that translate across to yachting. I also assist many yacht crew who speak English as a second language and need to tweak their CV to help it sound more naturally ‘English.’
What did you do before starting this business?
I have been in yachting for over 8 years now. I started as a winter yard crew chef and even worked a year as a charter stewardess before coming back into the galley and eventually working my way up to being a head chef on an 88m. Through all of this, I maintained my other side passion of building websites and creating graphics which led to designing Cvs for friends and eventually operating on a word of mouth basis within the industry.
How did you get into the yachting industry?
Like many things in my life, it happened quite organically. I hadn’t even heard about yachting until I was in my 30s, so I started quite late. But a friend was an engineer in the industry and gave me some pointers, links to agencies, and helped me create my first yacht cv. From there, like many green yachties, I did some dockwalking and networking locally until I landed my first job.
Why did you start Superyacht CV's?
It grew into what it is today slowly. Over the past two years, I have created CVS for people only on word of mouth. Because I was working full time, I had to be cautious about how much extra work I took on, so the quality remained high. I am now going more land-based, so I can focus on creating more amazing yachting CV’s for crew and helping the new crew coming in to make the perfect first impression.
How can your services help aid employment?
A CV is just the first touchpoint for a job. It gets you the chance to speak to the HOD or captain for a formal interview. As an experienced yachtie, I help with ensuring the CV is well written and also includes the correct and relevant information. A great CV is the fastest way to get your CV to the top of the pile, then you can blow them away at the interview stage!
“A poor CV will halt all chances of an interview, so it really is in your best interest to have a nicely formatted CV to grab their attention.”
What is your unique selling point compared to your competition?
I was a tech journalist and travel blogger before yachting, so combining those skills with a long career in yachting has helped show people my point of difference. I can also build personalised websites, which has been well received, particularly by yacht chefs wanting to have a more professional edge on the competition.
What CV packages do you offer?
- I currently offer a full CV makeover package, where I will design a bespoke cv for you bring it up to ‘yacht spec’ with complete tweaking of the text.
- I also have a website design package for yacht crew who are wanting to show more of their skills or who wish to display a more professional presence online.
- I am also working on creating template packages for crew who want to have full control of their CV, but who need a bit of guidance in writing their own CV’s. Watch this space!
What do you like and dislike about working on-land vs working on a superyacht?
I love working on yachts- the free toiletries, the abundance of snacks and clean laundry are some of the best bits! Not to mention being able to live down the corridor from your best mates, the days off in exotic locations and the fact that no two days are alike. Yachting is an amazing industry filled with some of the greatest people I have ever met! But don’t get me wrong, it’s also hard work, there are plenty of late nights long hours, and not everyone onboard is your friend… It can get really tough and lonely out there on some boats, and it’s not for everyone.
I’ve only just stepped back to land recently, and so far, I am loving the freedom of choice- what I wear, eat, drink and do each day. And I don’t yet miss having 23 people around me 24 hours a day.
Do you have any tips or advice for anyone trying to get into yachting?
“Network, Network, Network!!”
Try to make genuine friends in the industry, don’t just approach random yacht crew at bars and expect them to welcome you with open arms right away.
And be careful if you are going out to yachtie bars, everyone is watching. I have seen many green stews and deckhands get turned down for jobs because they were seen acting up previously at bars. People talk, your reputation is everything.
And of course, present yourself in the best light, both in person and of course with your CV!
Why did you want to collaborate with CrewPass?
I really believe in what they are doing within the industry, and I want to support that to help the industry move forward.
Recently, I unintentionally employed a crew member who had a fictional CV and references. The “agent” who passed the candidate on to me had claimed they had checked everything, but it took a look at the seaman’s book to see nothing matched up.
This could have been avoided if CrewPass had existed at the time.
“Something like CrewPass will ensure these checks are done externally, giving HOD’s more trust in each candidate.”
I like that at a glance, you can see what yacht crew members are legit and trusted, and also who is invested in the industry with a career in mind. I feel that yacht crew aiming for longevity will greatly benefit from investing in a CrewPass account. It should also halt yacht crew who jump boats and try to hide their bad experiences. The way forward is through being verified, and having that confirmation on your CV will be a sure way to get it on the top of the pile!
If you are looking to improve your yachting CV or need a brand new, beautifully crafted resume or website by Superyacht CVs, please click the link to the website:
https://www.superyachtcvs.com/