List your most recent job first. Include both paying and non-paying jobs and experience. List the company name, city, and state of each employer. Include your job title along with a brief action-packed description of your duties. Describe details of your previous job that show how you are the right person for the job you want.
Education
Cruise lines hire people who have demonstrated commitment and stability, either in school or on the job. A college degree is preferred, but not always necessary for every position. Use your education to enhance your application by showing how it applies to your desired job.
List your education with school name, followed by city and state, degree earned or the degree you are pursuing. Example: Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science. State your major field of study. List any special interest courses in hospitality, recreation, business, dance, theatre or public speaking.
Talents and Skills
Describe your skills as they apply to the new position. List them by category; for example: computer skills, languages, and public speaking and entertainment talents. Explain briefly how your skills and talents can help the company.
Awards and Honors, Association Membership: educational/ professional. List awards, honors, and professional memberships by name. List offices held and major goals you've achieved.
Note on Professional References: The standard procedure is to add this statement, 'references available upon request,' at the end of your resume.
Hot Tip: Ask in advance for specific letters of recommendation from instructors, employers and business associates. Give them with a copy of your resume and mention the type of job you're seeking. Prepare a list of these references with contact name, title, company name, address and complete business telephone number with area code and extension.
Introduce yourself with a personal cover letter.
Always attach a polite, brief cover letter to your resume. Make it short and sweet, personnel does not have the time to read a novel. Write as if the recipient is your business associate. Be friendly and professional.
Address your cover letter to the Director of Personnel, or the director of a department such as Marine Operations, Entertainment, and Cruise Staff. Do not address your cover letter 'To whom it may concern', or 'Dear Sirs.' These may be appropriate formalities - but better to introduce your-self with a Dear Personnel Director or Dear Mrs. Peterson.
Be specific! Your qualifications and desired position must be understandable at a glance. Write your cover letter with this goal: to make it easy for personnel to hire you. State the specific position which interests you, for example: salon staff or youth counselor.
Also state the department, for example; Entertainment or Cruise Staff. Briefly review how your employment experience, skills, education and talents can contribute to the passenger's cruise experience.
Hot Tip: Include your return address on both the cover letter and envelope: your name, street address, city, state, nation, postal code and complete telephone number.
Your photograph is worth a thousand words.
Include a simple, current photograph. The necessary photo is a 'head and shoulders' pose. You may wish to also enclose a full body photograph. Photos should be current, with you as the only subject No family members or pets, and no 'party' photographs. Dress as you would for a job interview. Dress the part copy what cruise employees wear; a tailored dress, suit, jacket or blazer and tie. Appear professional, personable and happy!
Hot Tip: Type or write your full name, address, telephone number and position desired on a plain mailing label. Affix the label to the reverse side of your photograph. Attach photographs to resume with a paper clip.
Special Delivery!
Don't be lost in the 'in' basket with one thousand other plain, white, business size envelopes. Use an 8x10 or 9x12 envelope and your resume and cover letter will arrive neat and flat, not folded. You may develop a 'publicity package,' a colorful portfolio folder or file folder containing all your materials. If you are in the vicinity of the cruise line headquarters, consider delivering your resume and cover letter in person.
Follow Up - Do not give up: Letters and Postcards.
Accept the fact that you may not hear from personnel right away and concentrate on what you can do to help personnel hire you. While you await a reply, continue to prepare yourself, complete your education, take a job in hospitality or tourism and practice public speaking.
You may not hear from a cruise line because:
- There are no jobs open at the time of your application.
- Your current qualifications do not qualify you for the jobs available.
- Your resume was misplaced or misfiled.
- Your application is being held for future consideration.
Telephone.
Do not telephone unless it is absolutely necessary. Most cruise line personnel departments strongly discourage phone inquiries. If you choose to follow-up by phone, do not appear impatient or inconsiderate.
These tips on friendly phone etiquette will help you make a good impression. When you telephone, announce your name clearly, in a friendly tone of voice and smile! State clearly with whom you wish to speak and the specific position you are interested in. Ask to be announced. 'Would you please tell Ms. Wilde that Barbie Silber is calling about the gift shop staff position?' Show the receptionist respect, as he or she can be a valuable ally.
Use your voice to help make your best impression. Practice a friendly, alert and enthusiastic speaking voice. Telephoning a stranger can be intimidating; don't allow nervousness to get in your way. Do some vocal exercises to relax your voice before calling. Try this exercise: Open your mouth as wide as possible, yawn, and open wide again. This will open up your vocal passages and give your voice a fuller sound. Breathe fully and enunciate your words slowly and distinctly. Smile when you speak and your voice will take on a warm and friendly tone.
Hot Tip: Take copies of your resume and list of references with you on all interviews. You'll save time completing applications.
