YACHT CV PHOTOS HOW TO MAKE THE BEST FIRST IMPRESSION!
Last week I shared with you a brief and basic guide to writing your own yachting CV. I've said it before and I'll say it again (louder for those in the back):
Remember:
⬤ Your CV is a VITAL tool in the employment process.
⬤ It's your FIRST CONTACT with a prospective employer.
⬤ You only get ONE CHANCE to make a good first impression!
⬤ Grab attention and make sure yours stands out from the crowd.
⬤ Use these tips and hints to make sure you get to interview stage.
Now we've covered the various different sections your CV should contain and how to approach each of them. If you missed it (firstly, shame on you, I'm hurt) drop me a line and I'll send you a copy for quick reference. As promised, here are my thoughts and suggestions for your photo.
Your photo is the first look the captain (or recruiter or manager etc) gets of you. This is all part of the first impression; you could have an incredible CV but your photo could let you down. So what are we aiming for here? The photo needs to affect the readers' subconscious first impression of you – so this is why you should look like you're already part of their crew (or team) and ready to get cracking. No, I don't mean you need to steal a crew t shirt – that's creepy (and illegal), but make sure you're dressed for work in your picture. So, for yacht crew: Long hair? Tie it back. Beard? Trim it and groom it. For most, a simple head and shoulders shot in crew uniform (a smart polo) is enough. But if you want to get creative, then an action shot is always welcome; for example, a steward on service, setting the table, shaking a cocktail, a chef in the galley working their magic, a deckhand driving a tender, or a jetski, or working aloft, a captain at the helm and so on, you get the idea. I'm a big fan of the action shot, but if you're more comfortable with a headshot that's fine.
Remember: SMILE. Look warm and welcoming. This is not a passport photo… or a mug shot. How would you greet the captain upon interviewing? With an enthusiastic smile and good eye contact. So, look at the camera and give an open and confident smile. For non yacht crew photos (maybe you're going for land based or shore support roles), hair should be styled neat and tidy, wear something smart (as you would to a face to face interview) and again, smile like you mean it! Please, don't pout though. Save that for your Instagram.
Now, some people ask about having professional photos. If you want to do this, that's absolutely fine but for the size of a CV photo this is not necessary. Use a smartphone and make sure the person taking it is stood 1.5m away (or more, but never less – or you'll distort your features and give yourself a very large nose…. Try it…you'll see!). Then you can crop the image to fit your requirements. Most head shots I take start out as half or full body shots, then we crop to the right size/shape. And with the joy of modern technology, all this can be done on your phone.
Think about an interesting background – if you're in a port town that's an easy one, get some boats, blue skies and blue seas behind you and you're there! If you're on a boat, head outside and get some scenery or part of the vessel in. If you're an engineer, why not take it in the engine room (after you've cleaned it)? Captain or CO? Bridge! Take lots, then pick your favourite that shows who you really are when you're working.
If you're not in a port town or on a boat, get creative with what you have – I'm a fan of the outdoors due to the light, so you could be in a garden, on a hike, up a mountain... If you're thinking corporate, then standing in front of an attractive bookcase or sitting at a desk makes for a good scene.
And if you can't decide – send them to me and I'll help you choose. Overall, don't forget to smile!
the photo needs to influence the readers’ subconscious first impression of you
Each week Erica Lay, owner of EL CREW CO International Yacht Crew Agency talks to a crew member currently in Mallorca either seeking work or based here to learn a little more about our local yachting community. For more info on any of our stars featured here, you can contact Erica directly on erica@elcrewco.com
Today I'm speaking with British/South African Chef and Stewardess, Cheryl Amy Jones. After completing a successful season on a Moody 64ft sail yacht as stew/cook last year, she's now back in Mallorca and actively seeking her next position. Cheryl's keen to join a larger yacht and work in a bigger team.
Q.—What
A. — “I prefer smaller places. I also loved the variety of things on offer here in Mallorca, so much to do and see. I learned Spanish years ago, living in Chile and wanted a Spanish speaking destination so that I could pick up my Spanish, as opposed to heading for Antibes.”
attracted you to the island? Q.— What’s your background before yachting?
A. — “I've been in hospitality for over 20 years, most recently catering on international film productions, running Airbnb properties, building bakeries and training teams, and owning and running my own artisan bakery and retail store.
Q.—When/how did you join the
yachting industry?
A. — “I joined yachting officially last year, but did a few weeks' worth of daywork in Fort Lauderdale 20 years ago after a season on the slopes in Vermont, USA. Fell in love with the idea of working on yachts then.”
Q.—If you didn’t work on a yacht, what do you think you’d be doing?
A. — “Working on really cool short term catering projects in interesting destinations. I love being a nomad, I'm not one to stay in the same place for long periods of time.”
Q.—What
A. — “Completed my STCW, Interior In
training have you done?
troduction courses, Chef Diploma, Bachelor of Arts university degree.”
Q.—Any achievements or special things stick out?
A. — “My bakery became a destination store, people would travel from far to come to me. I closed it in January
2020, after 10 years, but I still get messages from old customers telling me they can't find food to match mine and they waffle on about all the things they miss and would give their right arm for! I also worked at The
Saxon
Boutique
Hotel, where I've made food for the likes of Oprah
Winfrey, Nelson Mandela,
Jay Z and Beyonce.”
What’s the best thing about your job? And/or the most rewarding?
Q.—
A. — “I love being paid to adventure to new places. There's an entire world out there to see and it's literally just sitting there waiting for me.”
Q.— What do you enjoy most about your job?
A. — “When a day's done, the day's done - we get to start with a clean slate every day. And on any given day, there could be a stunning surprise around the corner or just beyond the horizon, or just off the docks.”
Q.—What’s multitasking, being wonderwoman. Q.—What would you like to do next? A. — “Move to a bigger boat and work with a crew of at least 4.”
Q.—Think back to when you were completely green – what advice would you give yourself?
A. — “Just keep moving forward and believing that you'll find something.”
Q.—What’s work on?
A. — “World cruising itinerary yacht or an explorer vessel with a slightly more mature crew.”
your ideal destination to travel to on a yacht?
Q.—What’s
your dream yacht to
A. — “Very keen to get to the South Pacific and back to South America, although I must admit that I really do love summer and chasing the sun. I hate even owning winter clothes – ha ha ha. And I love destinations that have good food on offer.”
Q.—What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A. — “Eating good food with great company. And hiking, love a day out walking the earth.”
What’s the most memorable guest request you’ve had?
Q.—
A. — “Asked to bake an eggless quiche …”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Still in Mallorca? Still working on yachts?
Q.—
A. — “Definitely still working on yachts, but on a world cruising vessel. There's far too much of a world out there to still be in the same place in 5 years' time.
Meet British/South African Chef and Stewardess, Cheryl Amy Jones who has made food for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, Jay Z and Beyonce