PRACTICAL ADVICE - FROM THE TOP
Maurice Zarmati, Vice President of Sales for Carnival Cruise Lines recommends these strategies when applying for a cruise line job:
- Make sure your resume is complete and to the point, stating specific dates (from-to) of employment.
- Write to someone in particular, such as a department head, rather than 'to whom it may concern.'
- Ask for an interview if you know a particular position you are interested in is available.
- Do your homework about the particular cruise line. Find out as much as you can about the 'product' and how it is marketed.
- During the interview, be positive and flexible and display all the enthusiasm you can.
- Tell your interviewer you really need and want this job!
"It may not be the Love Boat®," says one cruise executive, "but you can expect a lot of satisfaction. You get to see new places and you'll save money because you don't have to pay rent. Your room and meals are included. The only expenses you have are dry cleaning and shore expenses. Do expect to be in a great mood most of the time; it's somehow glamorous and exciting!"
MAKE THE CONNECTION - WHEREVER YOU TRAVEL
If you're a college student spending a semester abroad, or if you're traveling for a summer, or on holiday; visit a cruise office while you're in town. Many lines do their hiring from offices in London, Piraeus, Greece, Orlando Miami, and capital cities worldwide. Many lines face the problem of how to interview you in person. Cruise lines do not usually pay the travel expenses of prospective employees. Cruise lines often won't fly you to Europe or Miami for a job interview. If you plan to visit the area, stop in at cruise line headquarters, complete the application and request an interview. This is a savvy recommendation from a former manager of public relations for Paquet Cruises.
EVERYONE WANTS TO BE CAPTAIN
"We get a lot of requests for employment, for all kinds of positions, first and second mate, engineer, barman, waiter, and receptionist, but the most requested position is Captain. However, to be considered for Captain, you need at least five years of nautical education to get your license, so you need to think again if you're thinking of applying for the Captain's position," says a vice president of hotel operations.
READ NEWSPAPER TRAVEL SECTIONS
Study your local newspaper travel section and those of cities with active cruise ports. These travel sections and the classified advertisements will keep you up to date on the cruise industry. Notice which lines are adding new ships, new itineraries and programs these trends mean new jobs!
SHOW YOUR COMMITMENT AND ENTHUSIASM FOR THE JOB
"Personnel have a lot at stake when they hire you," comments a veteran personnel manager. "When you hire your fleet personnel, these are the only people who can do the service. You don't walk out on the street and hire these people not if you know what you're doing. You can't be in the middle of the Atlantic and change your mind. You don't wake up one night aboard ship, in the middle of the Caribbean and say 'oops, we don't need these three people.' Personnel can't afford to gamble when it comes to hiring. There's a lot of planning that goes into it. Prove to us that you will get the job done. If you can convince the interviewer that you are committed to the job, you'll have a good chance at getting hired."
SEE YOUR TRAVEL AGENT
Develop a friendly relationship with a local travel agent. Share your interest in working in cruising; your agent may have a personal contact with the cruise lines. Always ask for brochures and old copies of travel trade magazines. Also ask to read the agency's copy of the CLIA Cruise Manual.
Note: Contact agents who have earned the designation Certified Travel Counselor CTC, Accredited Cruise Counselor ACC, or Master Cruise Counselor MCC.
READ TRAVEL MAGAZINES
Travel trade magazines and newsletters such as Travel Weekly, Cruise and Vacation Views, Travel Counselor, ASTA Agency Management, Travel Trade. Cruise Trade, Travel Agent Cruise Desk, Cruise Observer/Cruise Week, Tour and Travel News may give you a job lead. Your agent may be able to supply you with a subscription business reply card so you can order your own copies. Also read Conde Nast Traveler, Cruise Travel, Cruises and Tours, Porthole Magazine.
Go to your local library and ask the reference librarian where you can find these magazines. Invest in yourself by researching the cruise lines the payoff can mean an exciting new job; fun; travel and adventure!
PROFESSIONALISM COUNTS
"Yesterday, a girl called my office and said she's free for the summer and ready to have fun; what job could I give her? This girl didn't understand what was involved in getting a job with a cruise line. Business is business. Be professional when you apply and respect the people in personnel's time," says an executive with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
PRESENT A STABLE WORK HISTORY
The director of personnel of Royal Olympic Cruises looks for "a stable track record, not someone who jumps from job to job." Craft your resume to show dependability and stability.
RELATE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS TO THE CRUISE LINE'S NEEDS
Emphasize specifically how your qualifications fit the requirements of the position you are applying for. Show how your work history has prepared you to be a valuable cruise staff member. Mention qualities, talents and skills and experience that can contribute to the passenger's entertainment, comfort and enjoyment.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
"Study the cruise line and know what it offers," advises the director of personnel for American Hawaii Cruises. "We have received letters saying that they want to work in our casino and that they speak more than one language and want to travel the world. We don't have a casino and we travel the Hawaiian Islands."
Tons of information on the cruise industry and specific cruise lines is available.
