TOP 10 TIPS FOR WRITING A RESUME

Finding a job onboard has never been easier, in terms of applying – as you can simply email all the recruitment agencies worldwide and send them your resume, waiting for the perfect opportunity. There is even an easier way, on Crew Pages, you can directly create your profile and apply with recruiters globally. On another note, your competition is not your local peers anymore, but outstanding maritime professionals worldwide. And you need to be able to stand out among the crowds.

Remember, it's not what you are selling but how you do it that brings you where you believe to belong. And your first step towards it is your CV, showcasing your education, skills, and experience.

Do you know when was the first CV written?

The first "CV" in history was credited to Leonardo da Vinci in the form of a letter he sent to the Duke of Milan to gain his patronage. Even then, Leonardo ensured the letter focused on his strengths, which aligned with Duke's needs. Sounds familiar? It's not about you but the employer's requirements and how you can fulfill them with your skill set.

Now let’s get to the advice on how to write a good CV:

Learning directly from maestro da Vinci, your first step would imply a thorough research of the employer and focus on what they are looking for.

Once you are confident that your abilities match, the next step includes a correct information order in your resume. No one wants an information overload, and employers are no different. Clear, concise, and down to the point will make an interviewer thoroughly revise your resume. To make it more precise (more accessible) to digest, these are the steps to follow:

Pick a suitable resume template. The web contains various examples applicable to multiple positions. Use it and abuse it. (Or get one directly on your Crew Pages profile.)

Write down your contact information (correctly). You don't want your distant relative from Kentucky to get a job instead.

Include a resume objective. It is essential to lay your vision of where you aim to be in the next few years. Instead of work experience, focus on the future, attitude, and all the marvelous things you can do for your future workplace.

List your education (in detail). You want the employer to know how much hard work and dedication you've put into being who you are today. As a crew member, show them your certificates are up to date.

Highlight your skills. Do it with confidence, as you are outstanding in what you do.

Mention optional sections. Show that you have a way of dealing with stress and returning to your daily duties on top of your game. A hobby won't hurt.

Stick to the one-page limit. Let's face it, you won't read pages long job adverts, likewise the employers.

Another piece of advice relates to visuals. It is human nature to strive for perfection, which sometimes causes overdoing it. We all, without exception, do like flashy, colorful resumes with a drop of artistic effect. While nothing is wrong with that, many interviewers/employers would appreciate a simple white background. People love their printed version (90% of them), which is clean and visible with necessary information.

Bonus tip: Make sure your resume photo is professional, showing your face clearly with a nice, approachable smile.

So yes, your CV does make all sorts of differences. Wise it up, do your research, and nail the job you've been looking up to ever since.

Do you have a profile on Crew Pages? Now is the ideal time to create one as filling out your profile, you will get a downloadable, professionally designed CV.

*This story was written by an experienced crew member working on a cruise ship*