Which is the best cruise job for you is one that not only interests you, but one that you are also qualified for. It is the first step in the process of getting hired to work onboard. What are the different types of cruise jobs, and do you have the qualifications and experience to potentially get hired for one of them? How do you choose and why is it important to apply for a specific job?
What are the Different Types of Cruise Ship Jobs?
On today’s mega cruise ships there are over 1,000 crew and officers onboard a single ship, covering more than 300 types of cruise jobs. The largest department onboard is the Hotel Department which typically encompasses the Entertainment Department, too. Of course, a cruise ship would not be able to operate without the crew and officers in the Marine and Technical Department, as well.
You might be surprised at the vast variety of cruise ship jobs that are onboard, but think about it, a cruise ship is a like a floating city. In addition to the typical jobs that come to mind such as housekeeping, guest services, culinary, and food and beverage, there are many other positions. Human resources jobs, youth staff, cruise activities staff, photographers, IT specialists, sales associates, and so many more.
Can I Apply for More Than One Cruise Job?
Selecting and applying for a specific cruise ship job is one of the most important steps of getting hired to work onboard. It is also one of the most common mistakes that job seekers make. If you send your resume to a cruise line recruiter without indicating the specific job you are applying for, you will probably not receive any response, let alone get hired.
Some cruise lines, hiring partners, and concessionaires provide online applications on their websites. The application prompts you to choose the specific cruise ship job you are applying for. So technically you are only applying for one particular job at a time. In the case where you need to upload your resume, make sure your resume has been customized for the job you are applying for.
Alternatively, when emailing your application or resume, put the title of the cruise ship job in the subject line of the email. When sending your resume to work on cruise ships, it is important to connect the dots for recruiters.
Furthermore, your application package needs to reflect that you are applying for a cruise job that you are qualified for. This means that your resume and cover letter meets or exceeds the requirements of the position. Since you are competing for a position with a worldwide pool of applicants, you must be clear that you are the best person for a specific cruise job.
Which Cruise Job is the Best?
This brings us back to one of the original questions, how do you choose which cruise job is best for you. To get started, you need to determine just which cruise jobs you are actually qualified for. There may be more than one. Concentrate on only one at a time.
Read through the job descriptions and requirements for the positions. This way you’ll be able to determine if you can see yourself in the desired position. Have you done similar tasks or had similar responsibilities in previous jobs? Do you have the education required? You may read through the list of cruise positions and think, “Wow, I’d love to do that job!”
Unfortunately, if you aren’t qualified for your dream job, then it’s not likely you will be hired for it (at least not at this moment). The cruise industry is super competitive when it comes to getting hired, and cruise employers want to hire the most qualified. But, don’t get discouraged, yet. Once you get your foot in the door, then you can set your sights on the job you really want.
Are You the Best Person for the Cruise Job?
When a recruiter is combing through a stack of resumes and cover letters, they are looking for the best person for the job. Will you meet their criteria? What exactly are they looking for? Although you may think that the job is best for you, you need to satisfy the recruiter that you are the ideal candidate for the position. Recruiters want to see a customized resume that shows how your skills and experiences match what they are looking for.
The object for you is to get hired. In order to do that, you need to get an interview. To get an interview, your application package must highlight how your experience, skills and personality are better than all the other applicants. Once you get the interview then you can convince the recruiter that you should be hired because you are the best person for the job.
Selecting Your Cruise Career Path
Many applicants may feel that they are qualified for a number of cruise jobs. They also feel that they have the experience, education and overall requirements for the position they want. Unfortunately, there is one element of the preferred requirements of a position that keeps job-seekers from initially landing their dream job. Many cruise job vacancies, whether it’s stated or not, will prefer that the applicant has previous cruise ship experience.
The reality is that many management positions and unique cruise jobs are mostly filled from within the cruise line or the cruise industry. Since many jobs are specific to a cruise line or to the cruise industry, recruiters often think that the best candidate is someone that is already working for them.
Therefore, when choosing a cruise job to apply for, first consider the department you want to work in. If you start in an entry level job, your skills and qualifications will help you to be promoted quicker. Getting hired is the first step, then prove you have what it takes to advance into your dream job.