When applying for cruise ship jobs, should you email your resume or send it through the post?

This is a question I’ve replied to so often, it’s starting wear a groove in my hard-drive!

If you’re SERIOUS about working on cruise ships, then here’s my advice:

1. You can make a much more impressive and powerful IMPACT by applying through the post. A nicely presented package consisting of a cover letter, resume, a photo and copies of certificates and references tells the employer a LOT about you.

With an email, you’re competing on the same level as every other applicant on the planet.

2. Sending a physical application package through the post commands MUCH greater attention than applying by email. A physical application package is… well, physical.

It’s something an employer can hold in his or her hands, flip through and read away from the distraction of their computer and therefore it gets a lot more attention.

You see, a recruiter will actually READ something that has been sent through the post, but will only spend half a second (if that) skimming over an email a before hitting the delete key (especially when there’s another 500 to go through!)

Think about how quickly you read and sort through your own emails.

3. None (or very few) of your competitors will bother to post their resume, because it takes a bit of extra time and effort to do so. Most people are lazy and will always opt for the easy email option if given a choice - and that’s why most people don’t get the cruise ship jobs they deserve.

Take advantage of their laziness and send yours through the post!

That said, my advice is to do BOTH. There’s no point in NOT applying through e-mail because it’s quick, easy and gives you another shot at landing the interview. But don’t rely solely on email to get you the job.

In my mind, if you’re SERIOUS about getting a job that pays you to travel the world, meet new people and enjoy some amazing life experiences, then isn’t is worth putting in that little bit of extra time and effort?