Be the Next Cruise Job Success Story

Cruise Job Tips | Posted by Renee
Feb 03 2011

It’s always positive when we read on the WorkOnCruiseShips.com forums about our members that have been hired. It can be a short process or it can be a long drawn out journey.  Either way, it makes us feel proud when we read the good news.

You can have all the right work experience, education and skills, but if you can’t market yourself to potential employers then you won’t get noticed. And, you probably won’t get hired.


The WorkOnCruiseShips.com website has lots of useful tips to get your cover letter and resume in front of the right hiring manager. Then, when it comes to the interview with a cruise line.  Éwe have many tips on what to say and what not say to get you that one step further.


Additionally, following up throughout the application process and after interviews is also crucial in order to put yourself in front of other competing applicants. Get to know what works and what doesn’t.


For example, our new 16-module Weekly Training Program for new members is perfect for those that are just starting their quest to find a cruise job. Yet, those that have been actively pursuing a job on board, but have not yet been successful can learn what they may be doing wrong.


Get started today….you just might be our next success story!

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Will You Settle for an Entry Level Cruise Job?

Cruise Job Tips | Posted by Renee
Feb 01 2011
If you are really keen about finding a cruise ship job, you may have to settle for a job below your expertise in order to get onboard. Would you be willing to be managed when you are used to doing the managing? Would you take on tasks that you are used to delegating to others?
This is one of the main concerns that employers have when interviewing an applicant that appears to be overqualified. It’s a double edged sword. They want you to have the experience but at the same time they want you to be trainable, adaptable and willing to take direction.
One of WoCS’s members wrote on the forum this week that he had been hired as a junior server with NCL.  The point being that this member had many years of fine dining server experience along with management experience. During his interview with NCL he had told the interviewer that he “wanted to learn the ropes to move comfortably through the ranks towards food and beverage management”.
Although saying what the employer wants to hear in an interview is the icing on the cake, knowing what job to apply for is the first step. Customize your resume and cover letter to the entry level job Ð the job that is more readily available. Applying for a cruise job that you know you are overqualified for and then selling yourself as having a willingness to learn may get you your first cruise job.
Once you are onboard, you’ll start to gain real cruise industry experience, positioning yourself for promotions and then for the job you really want!

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Are You Qualified for More than One Cruise Job?

Cruise Job Tips | Posted by Renee
Jan 25 2011

For some it may be difficult to choose which cruise job to apply for.  After all there are so many types of cruise jobs to choose from, many are specific to only the cruise industry, too.

Many cruise applicants will find themselves qualified for a handful of different job descriptions and will want to apply to all of them.

Go ahead!! Just remember to make a different cover letter and resume for each job and cruise line you are applying for.

One of our members on WorkOnCruiseShips.com had tons of experience in IT and was applying for jobs such as Internet Cafe Manager, Computer Officer and Techspert.  In the end he secured a job as the Art Director on HAL’s Zaandam.

Another one of our members initially had an interview with Steiner for the job as a Spa Receptionist. She was eventually hired as an Explorations Cafe Manager (aka: Librarian) with Holland America.

With her two contracts onboard she was able to get herself a full time job as a Travel Agent on land. Who knows, maybe in the future she’ll use her travel agency experience to apply for a Cruise Sales Consultant position.

The bottom line is that if you are flexible about the type of experience and skills that you have, you have a better chance of finding a cruise job. Check out our Getting Hired section that includes articles on preparing your resume and cover letter as well as articles about training.

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Shortcut to a Great Cover Letter for a Cruise Job

Cruise Job Tips, Cruise Jobs Resumes and Cover Letters | Posted by Renee
Dec 29 2010

Cover letters can be more difficult to prepare than the resume and really they are more important. After all the hiring manager may only read your cover letter and might not feel it is necessary to read your resume.

Even if you have a cover letter floating around in your personal files, more than likely you’ll have to start from scratch, scrapping your old one. Each cover letter must be specific and customized to the cruise line that you are applying to.

One of the first steps you can take is to use the Download Library on WorkOnCruiseShips.com to access sample cruise ship cover letters.  Although we have more in the works, these are the free cover letter templates that we offer as downloads for our members.

  • Cruise Ship Cover Letter Guide
  • Hotel Operations Cover Letter
  • Youth Counselor Cover Letter

Next, you need to do some research by getting familiar with the cruise line you are applying to. Don’t try to rehash your resume into your cover letter. Instead, create a document that will sell yourself explaining why you are perfect for the job. Members can also read some other great resources that we offer in our Getting Hired section.

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Shortcut to a Great Resume for a Cruise Job

Cruise Job Tips, Cruise Jobs Resumes and Cover Letters | Posted by Renee
Dec 28 2010

Starting a resume from scratch can be a daunting project, especially if you haven’t made one in a while. Even if you do have a resume in your hands, is it going to work when applying for a cruise job? The cardinal rule is one resume for each cruise job that you are applying for, customizing the resume for each cruise line as well.

 One of the first steps you can take is to use the Download Library on WorkOnCruiseShips.com to access sample cruise ship resumes. Although we have more in the works, these are the free resume templates that we offer as downloads for our members. 

  • Sample Winning Cruise Ship Resume
  • Resume Template – Hotel Operations
  • Resume Template – Youth Counselor
  • Resume Template – Technical Jobs

Next, start collecting dates, names of companies, titles of your past jobs and accomplishments in order to plug into the resume template that you have chosen. Keep the length to two pages and keep in mind some of the other great tips that we discuss in our Getting Hired on a Cruise Ship department.

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Don’t Wait for Cruise Ship Vacancies – Apply Now!

Cruise Job Tips | Posted by Renee
Dec 27 2010

If you are keen about landing your dream job, then you need to send your resume out to cruise lines that currently don’t have a posted cruise ship vacancy.

Most positions are NEVER advertised. But, just because it’s not advertised does not mean that the job is not available.

If there is a cruise job that you really feel suited to but you can’t find a cruise line that is currently recruiting for it, apply anyways! Many types of jobs get scooped up before they get to the advertising stage by people who have sent their targeted resumes and cover letters. Applicants that continually follow up on their resumes keep themselves at the front of the line for when the opportunity is finally available.

Too many applicants wait to see a job posting and then apply. Unfortunately then they have extra competition from all other applicants that have seen the ad.

Although WorkOnCruiseShips.com updates the Cruise Ship Vacancies daily, it is also important to be proactive and apply to as many cruise lines as you can. The updated A-Z Directories offer full contact details for cruise lines, agencies and concessionaires. You’ll find insider contact names and direct email addresses as well.

Don’t just wait for a job vacancy on a cruise ship, apply now!

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New Years’ Resolution to Get a Cruise Job

Cruise Job Tips | Posted by Renee
Dec 20 2010

Is finding a cruise job at the top of your New Years’ resolutions list for 2011? Like many resolution of past years, if you don’t have a plan Ð it’s not going to happen! Cruise ship job opportunities are no different since it’s not just going to come to you.

You’ll have to have a strategy and it could take a lot of work.

Maybe you have already sent out resumes, but you are wondering why you haven’t been called. Maybe you are just waiting for the first day of the year for that extra incentive to start looking for a cruise job.

We have the tools and resources to help you get started and follow up until you get an interview and finally land your dream job.

Begin by reading our Resume and Cover Letter Resources and then take a fresh look at your own resume and cover letter.  What changes can you make to them to improve your chances of getting an interview?

Next, once you start sending out your cruise line employment packages you will need to be regularly following up.  This is what separates those that get hired from those that wonder why they haven’t heard back.

If you’ve been waiting for January 1, 2011 to start pursuing your dream job, then the day is almost here. What is your plan?

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Cruise Ship Resume Trick to Get Hired

Cruise Job Tips, Cruise Jobs Resumes and Cover Letters | Posted by Renee
Dec 07 2010

You’ve heard it before…Your cover letter must stand out from the others in order to be considered for an interview, let alone a cruise job. If a hiring manager had two cover letters side by side that were equally qualified candidates, how would they choose?

There are many ways to make your cover letter have an advantage other applicants, but a simple trick will increase your chances of getting hired.

How well do you know the cruise line that you are applying to? Do your homework!

Even understanding the mission statement of the cruise line you are applying to may help you get hired.  Each cruise line expects that their crew members will demonstrate excellence in guest service which ultimately leads to repeat passengers. Incorporating specific keywords from cruise line mission statements into your cover letter will give you an advantage.

The cruise line mission statement is like a company objective, most are guest service promises of what they offer their passengers.

For example, Holland America Line’s mission statement is, “Through excellence we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every time.” Alternatively, Cunard’s trademark is “Impeccable Cunard White Star Service.” 

For other cruise line mission statements, members can read one of our latest articles, Cruise Lines Guest Service Promises.

Cruise applicants should incorporate these types of statements into their cover letters to demonstrate their commitment to a particular cruise line. Additionally, remember to change your cover letter with every cruise line that you apply to.

Are you looking for cruise ship jobs in South Africa? Then check out the new online course at www.CruiseShipDiploma.co.za

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Are You Getting No Response to Your Cruise Job Applications?

Cruise Job Tips | Posted by Renee
Nov 29 2010

Earlier this week on our cruise ship jobs discussion forum, one of our members, had a concern that is actually a very common question.

“I sent my CV to different cruise companies, but I haven’t got any response. Is there a problem with my resume?”

There are a number of reasons that could be the cause of not getting a response from a cruise line and it doesn’t necessarily have to do with how qualified you are or how brilliant your resume is.

On the WorkonCruiseShips.com website we have a number of articles that talk about how to maximize your chances to get the cruise lines to contact you for an interview.

Some important factors that lead to positive responses are applying for a specific job and not just sending a general resume, addressing the right hiring person in your cover letter, and finally following up on your application.

Utilizing our cruise line contact directories to find the contact information along with our resources to develop the best cover letters and resumes will increase your chances.

Additionally, our Discussion Forum can be a useful tool for getting feedback on your resume and cover letter.

It’s crucial to stay focused and persistent in your cruise job applications.  We’ve had members that have been hired within days of applying and yet we’ve had members who had to stick it out for several months before finally getting hired.

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Are You Really Ready to Work on a Cruise Ship?

Cruise Job Tips | Posted by Renee Ruggero
Nov 16 2010

You’ve sent out your resumes to a handful of cruise lines and you can’t wait to get a call for an interview, let alone be offered work on a cruise ship. 

But, are you really ready to work onboard?

Some applicants think they’re ready, but then when the time comes and they’re offered a job they realize that they can’t start when the employer wants them to.

Get to know what life is like onboard such as long days, 7-day work weeks and coping homesickness.  Understand which documents are needed and expected from a cruise applicant.

Will you be able to pass the pre-employment medical?

Furthermore, are your finances in order? Do you have to renew a lease before you leave or do you have any outstanding personal commitments, such as a wedding you must attend?

Being prepared in an interview means you let the employer/hiring manager know that you understand about life onboard. Once you are offered a job, you want to be ready to start whenever they want you to. 

To learn more about cruise job preparedness, read Are You Ready to Work Onboard a Cruise Ship?

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