When you’re first starting out and looking for your first job in yachting, your CV is your key to (potential) greatness.Now, I know there are a ton of snazzy templates and apps out there that can make your CV look like a Vogue cover - BUT - your CV needs to be functional, not just flashy. It should be clear, concise, and easy to update on the go.

Here’s my take on what makes a great yacht CV. Sure, you can hire a pro CV writer, but I genuinely believe crew should learn to write their own. It’s a reflection of your personality and professionalism. What qualifies me to give this advice? Well… absolutely nothing. Except nearly 20 years in the industry and an unhealthy obsession with CV psychology. Yes, that’s a thing. Yes, I know a lot about it. And yes, I’m a massive nerd.

Some crew say, “I’d rather explain everything face-to-face.” That’s great, if you’re lucky enough to get the chance. But let’s be real: you’re probably applying online, along with hundreds of others. 

Picture this: you’re a captain actively hiring. You’ve reached out to a few agencies, plus your crew have collected CVs from eager dockwalkers. You sit down to review the pile - your inbox is full, and the pressure’s on. What makes one CV stand out?

Most people scan CVs diagonally - from top left to bottom right - in a matter of seconds. If nothing grabs them in that first glance, your CV is heading straight to the bin.

Your CV needs to:

✅ Stand out from the pile – Captains and recruiters skim through dozens daily.
✅ Speak for you – It should clearly highlight your skills, experience, and personality.
✅ Get you to the next stage – If your CV isn’t engaging, you won’t get an interview.

💡Your CV is a vital tool in the job hunt.

💡It’s your first contact with a potential employer.

💡You only get one chance to make a first impression.

 

I have so much to say about this that it’s a whole other article (coming up next by the way). We will come back to this. Your photo matters: a lot! 

 

Make sure your details are always up to date. Include: 

✅ Full name (please don’t title it "Curriculum Vitae" - we know what it is)
✅ Job title/desired position
✅ Date of birth
✅ Nationality (visa info if applicable, e.g. Schengen or B1B2 valid until xx/xx)
✅ Current location & availability
✅ Phone number (with country code)
✅ Email

✅ Languages – list them

 

Optional but helpful:

🌟 Smoker/non-smoker

🌟 Visible tattoos? State it upfront (e.g. small wrist tattoo, visible ankle ink)

Keep it brief and concise – a few lines about: 

✅ What you’re looking for

✅ What you bring to the table
✅ (Optional) Your long-term career goals

Make it genuine, not generic. Captains and recruiters can smell AI waffle a mile off. If your CV says things like “seamlessly fostering team synergy,” we’re done. Be real. Be human. That’s who we want to hire.
 

🧭 List your certifications in order of importance (highest/most recent first).

🧭 Include expiry dates where relevant (STCW, ENG1, etc.).

🧭 Trade skills & further education are great additions (especially for deck crew/engineers).

 

A degree might not be required, but it shows commitment and opens up great talking points in interviews.

This is your biggest selling point. Prioritise relevant experience over chronological order.

For yacht jobs, include:
✔️ Yacht name, size and type (e.g. MY Bigyacht, 52m)
✔️ Your position
✔️ Dates of employment
✔️ Key duties and achievements

 

For non-yachting jobs, pull out transferable skills:
✔️ Hospitality or service roles = valuable for steward/stewardess
✔️ Leadership or customer service = great for team fit
✔️ Mechanical or outdoor experience = deckhand gold

 
Keep it simple and easy to update. Daywork adds up quickly, and you’ll want your CV to grow with you.
 

Hobbies & Interests: Show Us Who You Are

No need for an essay - just a few well-chosen interests that reflect your personality and what you’ll bring to a team.

Make it relevant:
🌟 Into CrossFit, yoga, or trail running? Great - shows energy and discipline
🌟 Love photography or flying drones? Adds value for media-savvy yachts
🌟 Foodie or wine nerd? Ideal for interior or galley roles 
🌟 Scuba diver, kite surfer, e-foiler? Charter guests love an active crew
🌟 Speak multiple languages? Huge plus for guest service

This is where captains and HODs get a sense of who you are off the clock - and it might be what tips your CV into the interview pile.
 

✔️ Include three professional references (name, job title, vessel/company, contact details).

✔️ Always ask permission before listing someone.

✔️ Keep in touch with your references - you never know when they might offer you a job.

  

✅ Use a clean, professional font (Calibri, Arial, Aptos - not Comic Sans. Ever.)
✅ Leave space – avoid tiny font and crammed blocks of text
✅ One page is fine when you’re new; two pages max as you build experience
✅ Double-check spelling, formatting, and layout
✅ Tailor your CV to the job - one size does not fit all
✅ Ask a crew agent or experienced crew to review it if you’re unsure

 

Your CV is your first impression in the yachting world, so make it count. Keep it clear, confident, and true to you, and you’ll already be a step ahead of the competition.

 

 ✨ 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.