There are mistakes I often see green crew make which is totally normal as you’ve never done anything like this before! I’ve listed the mistakes below so you are able to learn from them. Want the go to guide to kickstarting your yachting career check out The Yachting Kickstarter Guide

Green Crew Mistakes….

Rushing and paying for ALL the courses– Instead, look at the job ads for the role you are after and see what they are asking forand base your decision on that.

Not booking crew houses in time– when you know your plan,and your flights are planned you must book your accommodationas these houses book out months in advance. IIf you are aYachting Kickstarter Guide student I can offer you prioritybookings for the no. 1 crew house in Antibes- Grapevine. 

Getting upset over rejection– it’s all apart of the yachting journeywe have all been there! Most yachties all went dock walking onceupon a time. 

Not taking a good headshot for your CV-Choose a colour photo, crop from the chestup. Ideally with water as your backdrop or aplain wall. Take several pictures and smile!Shoulders back – put hands behind. Face intosun so you don’t have shadows on your faceand take the photo early morning or earlyafternoon not midday when the sun reallyshines in your eyes.

Not following up with potential job leads– Yachting is fast-paced you need to be quick and get back to the recruitment agency or captain.

Not applying to all of the crew agents – I know it’s time-consumingbut the more agents you apply with the more opportunities you have. 

Doing something you’re not really sure how to do during your first day work experience onboard– If you are unsure of a task it’s ok, you’re green you’re not meant to know it all. Instead, ask the person your reporting to if they could explain quickly how to do it. 

Not stating your key transferrable skills on their yachting CV-Really evaluate your past land experience and break it down for the CV reader. Your ‘Key skills’ should all relate to yachting. 

E.g Working in a restaurant. What type of service was it? Did you do wine service? Did you set the tables? Did you prepare menus? Did you plan events? Did you make cocktails? Were you a host?

Not checking in with crew agencies mon-fri before 08:00am -This is the most ideal time to check-in online as you will be at the top of the masterlist as they start their day. 

Being too picky with jobs – Having ‘Dual season Charter Yacht’ on your CV is the yachting dream for most. Keep your CV objectiveflexible when you are green and take the work opportunity. 

Not saying yes to each work opportunity – Say yes to day work opportunities, even if it’s not for your desired role. E.g it might be for a deck stew role. If you just want the stew role it’s such great experience to add to your CV. 

Thinking jobs are available all year round in the yachting hubs – Yachting is seasonal and job opportunities are most abundant during the season. 

Dressing in the wrong outfit when dock walking– dress professional and ready to work you might be asked to steponboard immediately. My recommendation: Skort/trousers(Navy, Black or grey) Poloshirt white, Deck shoes (comfortable loafers/sneakers), tidy hair, and minimal makeup.

Giving up too early!– Getting a job in yachtingisn’t easy. It requires hard work, determinationand persistence. This is why I encourage through my Yachting Kickstarter Guide to follow the budget planner and learn what you need to account for when you’re in the yachting hubs so you can stay for a solid amount of time. 

Accepting a job you don’t feel good about (and it raises alarm bells) – If they ask to meet in private places, not on the vessel OR for other photos out of a professional uniform OR If they want you to work for under 1800 euros p/month.  If you want to read more about this check out the blog – 7 ways to spots red flags with yacht crew jobs.

Not taking advantage of networking opportunities – Networking is so important you should try and attend industry events or even social events at your crew house, develop a positive relationship with yacht crew agencies & mingle with yacht crew. 

Want to know more on how you can kick start your Superyacht career?
Stop trying to Google all the answers (They’re not all there anyway) Use the proven ‘Get Onboard’ 5 step strategy with need to know guides, templates, checklists and exclusive video training which can be found in The Yachting Kickstart guide.

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