You could have all the right skills and tons of experience for the cruise job you are applying for. But, if you don’t have the right personality it could cost you the job. Employers are looking for that unique combination of skills and values. How do you convey that you have the right personality with your cover letter and resume?
Crafting your resume and cover letter to reflect your personality is equally as important as showcasing your skills and experience. Cruise lines wants crew members that are energetic, outgoing, approachable, charismatic and can get along with others. They also want employees that are easily trainable, with good listening skills, adaptable to change and are goal-driven. This set of skills is commonly referred to as soft skills.
It’s one thing to demonstrate these qualities during an interview, but you need to get that interview first!!
If the cover letter is boring or if the resume looks like all the other resumes then you won’t stand out enough to get an interview. You need to use the above soft skills throughout the work experience and skills sections.
Give specific examples in your resume of sales goals that you exceeded. Explain how you adapted to a change after a relocation or how you cross-trained and learned additional skills.
Finally, show your enthusiasm by stating your readiness to start jobs on cruise ships. For example, cover letters should say something like, “My passport is valid until March 2014″.