Entering the yachting industry as an Engineer can be an exhilarating journey filled with unique challenges and rewarding experiences. With this article, we will help you, our aspiring yachting engineers, to craft an impressive CV with relevant skills to ultimately help you land that dream job!

Crafting Your CV: Make your First Impression count!

Your CV serves as your initial introduction to potential employers in the yachting industry. It's crucial to make a strong first impression by highlighting your relevant skills, experiences and qualifications.

Here are some tips for crafting a standout CV:

1. Clear the Clutter: Make your CV concise and readable using a classic font. Excessive information, images, or logos can sometimes distract from the most important details.
   

2. You’re the James Bond of Engineering? Visas, passports, dual citizenship, or multilingual abilities -showcase it on your CV.
   

3. Tailor Specifically: Customise your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the yachting industry. Highlight relevant technical skills, certifications and experiences, as well as your knowledge of marine engineering principles to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
   

4. Highlight Industry-Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, hands-on tools skills eg. fitter and turner, welding, Audio Visual or IT. Include any relevant certifications or qualifications you may have, such as marine engineering degrees, AEC’s, etc.
   

5. No Marine Skills? No Problem!: If you lack specific marine skills, highlight your experience in related trades such as automotive mechanics or industrial engineering. Apprenticeships or internships also demonstrate your dedication to the field.
   

6. Bear Grylls-Style Problem-Solver? Dont hesitate to show off! Yacht engineers often encounter complex technical challenges at sea. Highlight instances where you've successfully troubleshooted problems or implemented innovative solutions in previous roles.
   

7. Marine-Related Interests: You love sailing, you are an avid diver, fishing is no secret to you? Whilst it’s not mandatory, including hobbies that demonstrate your affinity for the marine environment can be a plus. Activities such as sailing, scuba diving, fishing can showcase your interest for the maritime industry. Or perhaps you are a petrolhead and always tinkering with projects at home – car/bike restorations, etc.? It’s all relevant! Drone piloting and photography are also good skills to mention. Why drone you may ask? • Improve guests experience on charters: Capturing a breathtaking aerial footage of a yacht can create memorable moments for the guests! • Marketing and promotion on charter yachts: Captivating stunning aerial footage, showcasing the yachts’ features and amenities can help attract new bookings. Extra relevant skills that are often forgotten and yet pretty essential for an Engineer: • Communication skills • Attention to detail • Team player • Methodical, analytical mindset
   

Adding a Photo to Your CV

Our top tips for a good CV photo:

1. Ensure Your Picture Looks Professional (sorry selfie lovers, not this time!) • Avoid casual or overly formal clothing • Show us your smile — this is very important as it will make you look more approachable • Professional and friendly are the keywords • Make sure your hair is tidy and that you are clean shaven (where applicable) • Wear minimal to no jewellery • No selfies, vacation or ceremony photos • No sunglasses or hats
   

2. Avoid Heavily Edited or Filtered Images and use a recent photo. We want to recognise you when we meet!
   

3. Choose a Good Background: Engine room, at sea or outdoors, these are great options.
   

4. Consistency is Key: Ensure that your online presence and WhatsApp picture are as professional as your CV photo.

Add your referees: They will be your best ally to getting that dream job!

Make sure they include their full name, position, name of the company/yacht/vessel, email address and phone number. As a recruitment agency, we do thorough checks on behalf of our clients, so don’t forget to add your references.

Your CV profile: We want to know why you should be considered for the role!

1. Be Concise and Impactful: Keep your CV profile brief, typically no more than 2-3 sentences that include your key skills, qualifications and career goals.

2. Clearly Articulate What You Can Offer to the employer and how you can contribute to the success of the crew you want to join. Highlight your unique strengths, expertise and qualities that set you apart from other candidates.

3. Mention Your Career Goals and Aspirations as this helps employers understand your motivation and how the role fits into your long-term career plans.

4. Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords. Review the job brief and include terms that match the requirements of the position: tender engineering, mechanical, electrical, welder, fitter, HVAC systems…

5. Review and Revise: One last look at your masterpiece and, of course, don’t hesitate to ask your YPI CREW recruitment consultant to help you if needed!

Update, update, update

A new experience, a new reference, a new skill, don’t forget to update your CV. You need a template to help you craft the perfect CV? Look no further, we’ve got you covered! Feel free to use our user friendly Yachting CV Template.

Last but not least: once your CV is ready, upload it to your YPI CREW profile and update your location and availability!

Not registered yet? Your yachting career starts here - register with YPI CREW!

The Mediterranean season is about to start, and we're eager to see you onboard!