My top 6 interviews tip for Junior Stews in the Yachting Industry!

I don’t think there is any need to point out the basics! It’s the same advice as you would get for any job, land-based or yachting. Any job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience -even for the most experienced of candidates. I thought I would share with you my personal tips on how to prep and be your most confident for your interview!

‘I will prepare and someday my chance will come….’

Get prepared! Read over your CV prior to the interview (or have it in front of you if possible on a phone interview) so you know all your qualifications, dates of employment, what you have done in each role - it’s easy to forget when you’re put on the spot!

Highlight in pen or pencil the things you are proud of and the things you think are relevant for the position and why, so that you can talk about these when asked without panicking. There is nothing worse than thinking afterwards ‘Aaaa! I should have said that!’.

Read over your written references too. Other people are always better at complimenting us than we are ourselves (ain’t that the truth!) and see qualities in us we may not see. It’s good to be able to refer back to these if you feel awkward ‘bigging yourself up’.

Remember what you are capable of, and that you have been selected for an interview based on your skills.

‘To err is human…’

Don’t worry about any little errors or mistakes you make - everyone is human! An agent or Chief Stew won’t take much notice of mistakes. Perhaps when you are nervous you get caught on words or jumble up sentences, like me. Don’t panic! All we potentially notice is how you deal with them, and sometimes how you react to these little blips can actually end up being one of the best qualities you can have.

You can always redeem yourself with a smile (and a deep breath). This shows us how you will react onboard to things that come up, as there will always be little mistakes. Don’t be afraid to say if you are nervous - it’s perfectly normal, and shows that this interview and position matter to you!

And I’ll say again - remember that we are all human. We don’t want to trip you up. We want you to be the best version of yourself, and go on to do well and succeed!

‘Presentation is key!’

The question I’m always asked is ‘Do I wear polo and shorts, or a blouse/skirt or dress?’. My answer is… both are perfect. Chief Stews and captains will accept either. The only thing they will ALL appreciate and expect is that you are well-polished.

You can be your own walking advert for the skills you need onboard! Iron everything you have on - show your laundry skills. Make sure your hair is neat, face shaved or your make up light and natural – show you present well and easily for Service (as well as not being high maintenance for those 10 mins in the shared bathroom you have!).

Keep your nails not too long and I’d recommend a natural colour, if any - show you’re not scared to get your hands dirty in Housekeeping! Make sure you also smell fresh, and don’t wear too much perfume or aftershave. Definitely avoid going near a bar the night before. Smelling of passive smoke or alcohol could cost you.

‘Lights, camera, action!’

Video interviews - the trend is growing and here to stay for the foreseeable future! I’m often asked about what you can do to prepare. My advice is to prepare like you would for a face to face interview - read over your CV and present well.

I would also recommend you prepare your video area. Select a surface you can rest your phone/laptop on, so you aren’t holding it in your hand. If you are on a phone, rest it up against something solid and secure it (so it doesn’t slide with the vibrations of voices - a very common issue!). Get good lighting, preferably natural, and make sure you can see your face - they say the eyes are the windows to the soul! Never film with a window directly behind you, and turn on electric lights if needed on a grey day.

Check the room for clutter in the background or anything strange. If this isn’t possible, on some apps like Zoom you can select a background. Choose something plain that won’t divert attention from you. Make sure you test all your equipment first, camera and audio. Download the relevant app you need and familiarise yourself with how it works in advance.

Finally, make sure you have selected a quiet location with no background noise. If you are in a shared house or onboard, shut all the doors! Perhaps put a note on the door to say you’re in a video interview and not to disturb you.

‘The importance of being Earnest’

Be honest with your skills and experience! Your Chief Stew is there to train you in all aspects of the Interior and is not expecting you to come in and know everything. They are expecting you to come in with a keen, eager attitude and a passion for learning about the super high level of service.

Some of you may never have had the opportunity to work in a place where the standards are as high as in yachting, and that’s perfect. No one expects this - that’s what training is for! In interviews, don’t panic or overplay your past experience. It’s more important to show that you have developed a real respect and passion for service in previous positions, and now want to bring that to the yachting industry as this is the crème de la crème of luxury high-end service. Show your commitment to learn, and your potential!

‘Express yourself!’

My last, and most important tip - be yourself! The agent or Chief Stew has read your CV, they have seen your qualifications and your experience, and have asked you to interview as your skills match what they are looking for.

In yachting, you live, eat and work in a tight knit team. Therefore the person you are when you aren’t working is a hugely important thing. Perhaps you unwind by reading, or going out for a sundowner in a big group, or are super sporty? All of these things are perfect! Each yacht has its own dynamic. Being honest about who you are during an interview really helps us find the perfect yacht for you, one on which you will really enjoy living as well as working. This is how you will get longevity onboard.

So don’t tell us what you think we want to hear! Be true to yourself - not all yachts will be the right fit and that’s the nature of yachting. As long as you go into the interview and are honest about who you are, your experience and your goals in yachting, you have already done your best. Be proud!

You can prepare beforehand, by asking yourself these types of questions –

‘What do I actually do with my free time?’

‘How do I unwind after a stressful long day?’

‘What makes me laugh, what makes me happy?’

And as a bonus - if you can write down 5 things you are grateful for in your life beforehand, it will put you in a positive, inspired mind frame and give you a mini confidence boost before the interview

Good Luck! Stay Inspired!

Love Louise x