Landing an interview is a win in itself, but now it’s time to show them why you’re the one to hire. Below are some tried-and-tested interview tips to help you put your best foot forward (and avoid shooting yourself in it).

Turn up on time. Better yet, be early. If you're unsure where the yacht or office is, take a walk down the day before to do a recce. It’ll ease your nerves and stop you getting lost.

Bring your documents. That means your CV, references, and certificates. Keep them tidy in a smart folder. Don’t leave them in a bar. Yes, it’s happened.

Have your contact info ready. Save the phone number, yacht name, berth number, and name of your interviewer. You’ll need it if you get lost or stuck at the marina gate.

Phone on silent. And out of sight. No one wants to see your mate Gary doing tequila shots in your caller ID mid-interview, or whatsapps from your Mum asking if you packed enough clean underpants. 

Be clean and well-presented. If you’re coming straight from work or daywork and you’re messy, bring a clean shirt to change into and explain the situation. It’s better to acknowledge it than hope they don’t notice you’ve got awlgrip/glue/mayo in your hair.

Listen and engage. Ask smart questions and refer to notes if needed. Be enthusiastic without dominating the conversation. 

Do your research beforehand. Google the yacht. Look up the captain or department head. LinkedIn might be able to tell you where they’ve worked and give you insight into what they might expect. 

First impressions matter. Eye contact, firm handshake (no limp lettuces, but equally, please don’t break my fingers), and smile. If your handshake game is weak, practice on a mate.

Be confident, not cocky. Quote feedback from past employers to back yourself up. Try: “My last captain said he trusted me completely with the tender” or “I’d like to think I’m…” – it softens the self-promotion.

Be diplomatic. If your last job was a nightmare, don’t vent. Say it was "a difference in working styles" or "not the right fit long term." Stay classy. And professional.

 

Be late. If something unavoidable happens, call. Don’t ghost your interviewer.

Turn up over-caffeinated. Too much coffee can make you twitchy and talk too fast.

Arrive hungover, drunk, or smelling like last night’s regret. You laugh, but it’s happened. One engineer is still legend in my office for having to stop mid interview to run to the toilet to throw up due to overdoing it the night before. 

Show up on a skateboard and ask to bring it onboard. It’s not quirky, it’s annoying. It will end up in the sea.

Order alcohol. Even if they do. Just don’t.

Light up or chew gum. Self-explanatory.

Burp, yawn, fart, or use words like “bru,” “geezer,” “whatevs,” or “dude.” Save your casual self for later, you charmer.

Flirt with the interviewer. I don’t care if she looks like Kylie Jenner, or he’s giving off major Chris Hemsworth-on-a-yacht energy - it’s inappropriate. Big red flag. You're there for a job, not a date.

Get too cosy if you're interviewing as a couple. No hand-holding, finishing each other’s sentences, gazing into each other’s eyes, or leg stroking. You’re two professionals, not a rom-com.

Bring your mum. We’re begging you. 

Talk over the interviewer. It’s not a debate. Show respect.

Undersell yourself. If asked about weaknesses, turn any negative into a positive. Example? A Chef: Instead of, “I suck at sushi.” Try, “I haven’t had much experience with sushi prep yet, but I’ve been practising and would love the chance to learn more.” Always frame it constructively.

Follow these tips, and you'll make a lasting impression for all the right reasons. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but a little prep goes a long way. Good luck!

 ✨ For more no-nonsense tips and honest advice at every stage of your yachting journey, check out Superyacht Life: How to Start, Succeed, & Stay Sane by Erica Lay - available 1st October on Amazon.