5 Things to Note When Preparing Your Yachting CV

From Bespoke Crew Recruitment Consultant, Elizabeth Hughes.

As the Mediterranean season gets into full swing, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with so many incredible candidates, from those taking their very first steps into yachting to experienced crew looking for their next opportunity.

One thing that stood out among the candidates who successfully secured their first roles this season?

Their CVs were exceptional.

They were clear, professional, showcased transferable skills, and most importantly, reflected their personality.

Yachting CV Tips

Here are my top 5 CV tips for anyone looking to break into the yachting industry:

✅ Get the basics right

Make sure key information is easy to find, including your location, availability, nationality, visas, driving licence status, smoking status, tattoo status, and contact details. Recruiters and captains need to quickly assess your suitability.

✅ Highlight transferable skills

Experience in hospitality, housekeeping, childcare, service, watersports, floristry, massage therapy, cooking, or sailing can all be highly relevant. Don’t underestimate the value of your land-based experience.

✅ Use a professional photo

Your CV photo creates a first impression. Choose a clear, friendly, professional image that reflects the industry and the role you’re applying for.

✅ Be detailed and showcase your strengths

Don’t just list your positions. Explain your responsibilities, achievements, and any specialist skills. If you have portfolios for tablescaping, cocktails, cooking, events, or creative projects, include them.

✅ Let your personality shine

Yachting is a people-focused industry. Include your hobbies, interests, and passions. Often, these details help employers picture how you’ll fit into an existing crew dynamic.

Bonus Tip: References matter. Always request written references where possible and include your verbal references on your CV. Strong references can make all the difference when securing your next role.

To make things even easier, we’ve included our Bespoke Crew Recruitment CV Template to help you build the perfect yachting CV.

Whether you’re brand new to the industry or looking to refresh your existing CV, our yachting CV template provides the structure and guidance recruiters and employers are looking for.

Good luck to everyone searching for opportunities this season. If you’re currently updating your CV or looking for advice on breaking into the industry, I’d be delighted to help.