There is so much information available on the internet about cruise ship jobs, but where do you start? By now, you would have probably noticed all of the websites that are devoted to finding you a job. However, you may have realized that although there is so much information available and so many recruitment agencies out there, it is still difficult for you to find your ideal job on a cruise ship.

You will need to be careful of scams. Many websites will charge you money, and then you will never hear back from them. Also, you may be looking at buying several books related to cruise ship jobs. A common way for prospective employees to purchase books is via the internet. However, BEWARE: many authors rate their own books in their reviews, and therefore have five star reviews. This does not indicate the quality of the books. Things to look out for in the reviews are: grammar style, wording, commonalities in punctuation. If you notice similarities in each review, chances are that the actual authors wrote the reviews themselves. If there is a name below the review such as, “Crystal Waters, Marketing and Recruitment Manager, Carnival Cruises”, then do your research on this person who wrote the review. See if they really exist. Ensure that you research the book through alternative websites, and see if the reviews are consistent. You will be very surprised what you will find when you read reviews, especially authors bad-mouthing other authors to reduce their competitors’ sales!

There will be obstacles that you need to overcome to get your dream job, therefore you need to have a vision of what you want, and then you need to have a framework in place of how to get it. Following, are some pointers that you will undoubtedly find most useful in your search for your desired position.

1. Persistent Breaks Resistance

The cruise industry is very difficult to get into, but once you get your foot in the door, it’s pretty much smooth sailing from there on. Since the industry is extremely competitive and cruise lines only accept individuals of a high caliber, you need to make yourself stand out. Many people apply for a cruise ship job who are not really serious about working at sea. Therefore, you need to differentiate yourself from the rest. Make yourself known to the cruise lines, and then if there is a position open, you will most likely be at the top of the list. Remember - the toughest part of getting to the top of the ladder is getting through the crowd at the bottom. Cruise lines do not want to chase candidates; therefore, making yourself available will make you more desirable. Making yourself known to cruise lines by either phone or email will most likely work in a positive way for you, however your relentless and persistent approach must be in a polite and friendly manner. Being demanding and insistent will not get you anywhere.

2. Do Not Play Hard To Get

If you call a cruise company and they ask for your resume, ensure that you follow up. Keeping a clear record of who you have called and when, and the details of your conversation, will enable you to have an accurate and precise account, and will prevent you from accidentally calling the same company twice over, and asking the same questions. When following up, ask questions such as, “When will I hear from you?”, “When do you think there will be a position available in my field?” and, “What can I do to ensure that I will definitely be considered for this position?” In most cases, cruise lines will be calling you from another country; therefore do not be a fish out of water. You want to make it easy for the cruise lines to catch you. Provide them with as many contact details as possible, and check that you have the correct country codes. If you provide cruise lines with a home telephone number, notify other occupants of your house that you are awaiting a telephone call, to ensure that they take a message and behave in a professional manner. The last thing you want to ruin your chances is a lazy housemate who forgot to give you a message.

3. Conduct Your Own Research

Having done your homework will go along way. If you call up a company, you may be taken by surprise if they ask to interview immediately over the phone. If you have no prior knowledge of the cruise line, chances are, you will not get the job. Finding out a few details about the cruise line will be very valuable, especially if you are presented with the question of, “Why do you want to work for ______ cruise line?”, or “What makes ______ cruise line stand out from the others?” Visiting the cruise line’s website will be beneficial before phoning them. In addition, reading travel magazines, and the travel section of newspapers, will keep you informed on the latest news regarding the cruise industry.

4. Create your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is going to be your selling tool. Making yours prominent will catch the eye of the reader. Most cruise lines require you to send a photo. Although you may feel that you will be discriminated against, you must realize that the majority of the time interviews are conducted over the phone, rather than in person. Working on a cruise ship involves being in the public eye at all times. Therefore, immaculate presentation is absolutely essential. Human resource professionals have limited time to assess applications; therefore, if you do not have a well-structured and concise letter, the reader will not be prompted to read your resume.

5. Revise Your Resume

If the assessor has read further than your application letter, chances are that he or she thinks you may have potential. Therefore, you need to ensure that your resume is up to scratch. Make your resume relevant to the position for which you are applying. Present a stable work history, but refrain from going into detail on unrelated material, and keep the information succinct and in a format that is easy to follow.

6. Work Your Network

Sitting at home waiting for your phone to ring will not get you a job. You need to be proactive and make contacts. Networking is one of the best methods of finding a position on a cruise ship. Speaking to people and letting them know that you are actively searching for a position will enable them to keep their eyes and ears open. If you call a cruise company, and you are told that you’re speaking to the wrong person, before you hang up, ask who you should speak to, and if you can be transferred to that person, or alternatively, get their direct contact number. Gather as many contact names as possible, so when you make your follow up calls, you are able to mention certain people that you have previously spoken with.

7. Make Your Impression

Remember….first impressions last. Cruise lines want you to demonstrate your ability to conduct yourself in a professional manner; therefore you need to be enthusiastic and responsive at all times. When you first call up, even if you are not speaking to your direct contact, ensure that you are polite to any point of contact, whether it is the receptionist, personal assistant, etc. They may hold the key in order to get through that gateway.

8. Presentation

When it comes to working for a cruise line, immaculate presentation is essential. Most positions on cruise lines require you to be in the public eye at all times when on duty. Therefore, you need to be well-groomed and neatly dressed. The first point of contact that a potential employer has with you, is when you send in your resume. Cruise lines require you to send in a photo, therefore, you must ensure that you look neat, are well-dressed, and most importantly, that you look friendly and amicable. A passport-sized photo is usually required, however, you do not have to send in a passport shot of you. Just ensure that you cut it to that size, and choose the most appropriate photo of yourself. Do not send a picture where your eyes are red, or a party shot after you’ve had ten beers. Ensure that you look presentable, and are smiling.

9. Attitude Determines Altitude

Cruise lines endeavor to employ crew members who are bright and friendly, and who display enthusiasm. In order to stand out from the rest, make yourself appear interesting. Show the prospective employer that you have had experiences, that you have stories to tell, and that you would make an interesting employee to be employed by their cruise line. Employers want people who are fun-loving and are open to new experiences, and have the ability to interact with anyone and everyone. Do not be elusive, and don’t try and cover up jobs from your past. Remember: you do not have to tell your interviewer everything about your work history, but don’t make it obvious that you are hiding things. Sometimes it is better to divulge certain information about your work history as it shows honesty, but make sure you get a feel for the situation before telling the employer how you got fired for putting super-glue on your boss’ chair.

10. Fail To Prepare…Prepare To Fail!

Ensure that you have read travel brochures, looked up information on the internet, and can rattle cruise statistics off the top of your head. This will make you stand out from the rest. Displaying planning and initiative will demonstrate to your future employer that you have the ability to behave in this manner in other situations. Bring a copy of your cover letter and resume to the interview, even if the interviewer already has been given a copy. If it is a phone interview, ensure that you have copies in front of you, and also jot down your own notes, e.g., questions, comments. Ensure that you have practised with a friend or family member, and make them ask you their own questions (ones that you may not have specifically prepared for). This will determine how well you can think under pressure, and get your mock interviewer to give you feedback. Also, rehearse in front of a mirror, and analyze your body language.