Overcoming dismissal from the yachting business can be difficult, and in most cases will depend on the reason your previous employer had for laying you off. While serious offences, such as harassment in the workplace or embezzlement will be extremely challenging to get past, if their reason is because of personality clashes, under-performance or lack of skills, there are ways to get around this. Start by seeking the advice of an industry professional at a yacht crew placement agency, such as YPI Crew; we will be able to guide you on your options.

The majority of yacht owners will still employ a captain that has been fired from their previous position. It is important to explain the circumstances that led to your unemployment, if asked, and that you explain how things will be different this time. For example, if you were fired through lack of skills, demonstrate that you are keen to learn and extend your skill set. If you were fired due to laziness, it is vital to show your prospective employer that you are dedicated to the job and that you will express more of an interest in the role than at your previous post. Sometimes, however, you may have been dismissed through no fault of your own, and again, it is paramount that you express this to the new yacht owner.

Furthermore, it is how you convey this information to them, and how you present yourself in your meeting that will help you get the job. Remain positive and always try to demonstrate that you have learnt from your mistakes and developed as a sea captain and employer. Create a case that you are a team player — but can also lead a team — and will be a good fit for the crew. The more you focus on being positive, the less likely it is to be an issue that you were laid off beforehand. If you answer their questions defensively, hesitantly or in a vague way, his can be off-putting and may risk your chance of getting the job.

Another top tip for your interview is to take matters into your own hands. Rather than anticipating — and dreading — the question of why you stopped working, make a point of getting it out in the open and not being ashamed of the fact. If your reference is not as all-singing-all-dancing as they would expect, you can then explain further and fill in the gaps with what good initiatives you brought to the job and then you can revert to other references from even older employers, which may be more in tune with what they are looking for.

Finally, by empathising with your future potential employer and understanding what they are looking for and how they would perceive your previous experiences, you will come across in a much more genuine way and will be able to pre-empt a lot of their questions. And our mistakes and failures also provide invaluable life experiences, as well as the good, and take them on board to take control of your own future. Yacht crew placement needn't be troublesome.

Contact the team at YPI Crew for more information and advice.