One of the biggest mistakes candidates make when applying for cruise ship jobs is to use an online automated resume distribution service. On the surface it seems like a fast and simple way to get your resume out there, but the truth is most cruise lines really dislike this method of receiving applications.



This type of service works by sending copies of your untargeted resume to hundreds of companies in the industry, in the hope of getting you hired for any available vacancies. All for a fee, of course.

What's more, blasting your resume to several hundred cruise line recruiters in one go is not only certain to NOT get you hired, but it's also likely to get your details permanently blacklisted by their junk email systems.

This type of tactic is known as the 'Shotgun Approach,' and is a particularly ineffective method of promoting your talent when looking for work on cruise ships. Mailing hundreds of resumes, all of which are not focused for any specific position, is not giving you the most beneficial chance of gaining employment. You haven't targeted your skills to any particular job or given a good impression of your desire to land that job.

This technique is unlikely to bring you any success. If it was a guaranteed method of landing cruise ship employment, everyone would be doing it and the companies would never need to advertise for staff ever again!

A much better tactic is the 'Rifle Approach.' This involves creating a resume and cover letter that are targeted to a particular vacancy and mailed to only one company at a time. This type of approach is much more likely to catch a recruiter's eye than an unfocused application that has been sent to hundreds of companies.

If you are having difficulty obtaining cruise ship jobs or are uncertain of some aspects of industry requirements, the following points may guide you in the right direction.

* If you aren't having much success in getting replies to your applications, check you meet the minimum requirements for the job you are applying for. Try creating a dazzling resume and a powerful cover letter, designed to catch the attention of the recruiter. Remember too, companies receive hundreds of applications each week from applicants looking for employment and neither have the time nor the resources to respond to each one individually.

* Just because you've had a letter of rejection back, it doesn't mean that you can't apply to the same cruise line again. Check over your initial application once more. Do you meet any minimum requirements? Do you have a dynamic resume? An effective cover letter? Do these show off your skills and talents to your best advantage?

If not, spend some time redoing them, not forgetting to ask a friend or relative to proofread and give an honest opinion on them. Did you enclose everything that was required including photos and certifications? As soon as you've got all the important details and a strong resume, there isn't anything to stop you from applying again.

* The minimum age for being accepted for any position is usually 18-21, depending on which job you are applying for. In particular parts of the ship including the restaurant, bar and duty free shops, you need to be 21 years and over to secure a position. This is the law when liquor is served to guests on board.

The starting age for entertainers, spa staff and youth staff is typically 18 years old, but be sure to check with each individual cruise line you're applying to as this varies from company to company. Whether you're just below these ages, it is still a good idea to start applying. Often the hiring staff will review an application from somebody who will be old enough shortly.

* Don't worry if you cannot swim, as this is not usually a job requirement.

* It's a good idea to include two photos in your resume - one passport sized and one full-length. Always ensure you look well groomed and cheerful in these photos! You can include these in both posted and emailed resumes, not forgetting to keep the image file small in size when sending by email.

Taking the right approach, ensuring you meet all requirements, and creating a sparkling application will certainly set you well on your way to getting cruise ship jobs.