"Only the best resumes are kept on file; unqualified or incomplete resumes are disposed of. I keep the promising ones on file for six months. We refer to these applications when a position comes open. This week, my department hired a new purser. We had received his application over a month earlier." She opens a huge file cabinet, dumps an armload of resumes on her desk, and chooses a good example.
"This person really put a lot of effort into their application," the director says. "Her cover letter is polite and states a specific position. Her resume reflects experience in banking and customer relations. She is a good candidate for the purser's staff."
Amy M.'s resume is neatly typewritten in easy-to-read type on clean white bond paper. A light grey folder neatly holds her resume, cover letter, and a professional looking photograph. She has succeeded in the first step to getting hired her resume is placed in the 'approved' file for the next job opening.
Amy's resume is direct, specific and professional; she explains clearly how her skills and experience would be useful for a purser's staff position. Her good first impression on the personnel director could make her next in line to be hired.
The following advice summarizes advice from top executives, industry experts and personnel directors. Prepare your application with this goal: Make it easy for personnel to hire you. Our research will make it easier for you to succeed.
THE TOP 10 JOB-GETTING TIPS
1. Hot Tip from author Mary Fallon Miller: "The most important ingredient of your resume? Emphasize passenger satisfaction! You are selling yourself as a member of a team, a team that exists to make the passenger's cruise experience a memorable and happy one.
"That's what cruising is all about satisfied passengers. To distinguish yourself immediately from thousands of star-struck hopefuls, emphasize how your employment experience, skills, education and talents can contribute to the passenger's cruise experience."
2. "Details matter!" says the Operations Supervisor for Carnival Cruise Lines. "I won't even look at applications which are not signed by the applicant and I don't appreciate formula cover letters. Proofread and sign your cover letters. Address your application and cover letter to the appropriate person.
"People change jobs often in the cruise industry, it's important to submit your application to the current personnel director or department head. Avoid addressing your cover letter 'to whom it may concern.' Do some research" We've done your research for you.
3. Prepare your resume or curriculum vitae CV, so that it's easy to read.
"Avoid that sizzling hot pink paper," says the Personnel Director of Commodore Cruise Line. "Bright neon's may get attention but are very difficult to read." Use your zebra-stripe stationery and hot pink ink for another project. No photocopied resumes or cover letters! Poor quality copies look like you don't really care about yourself or the cruise line.
A conservative, simple resume is your best bet. Use white 8 1/2x11 20# bond paper or, if you prefer, a light color such as buff, grey, or light blue. Use black ink and choose a type size that is easy on the eye. Ten or twelve point is preferable. Leave a one-inch margin on all sides.
4. Be specific. Your qualifications and desired position must be understandable at a glance. Most personnel professionals initially spend less than ten seconds reviewing your resume. If they are interested in you they will set your resume aside for further consideration. Like Dolphin and Majesty Cruise Lines, personnel departments receive tons of unsolicited resumes.
5. Make your resume/curriculum vitae CV, work for you! The 'reverse chronological' resume format is popular and easy to read. You present your qualifications and work experience beginning with your current position, most recently held job, or educational status.
Divide your resume into these sections:
- Identifying Information Awards and Honors
- Job Objective (position desired) Membership in educational or
- Employment Experience
- Education
- Talents and Skills
- Professional associations Professional References
- Identifying Information
Hot Tip: Once your resumes have been sent out, be prepared to respond to inquiries by mail and telephone. You may be contacted by telephone. Be prepared to answer your phone in a professional manner or record a professional, brief message for your answering machine. Always return telephone calls and any correspondence immediately.
Job Objective
You must be specific about the position you desire. "It's easier to place you when we know what position you want," says a personnel director with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Also name a department such as cruise staff. Your job objective must be broad enough so as to not exclude you from jobs, yet specific enough that the cruise line can match you with a job opening. Describe briefly how you're qualified for the job, and how you can contribute.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers NACE, recommends asking your-self these questions to help determine your job objective:
(a) Why am I the best person for this job?
(b) What do I have to offer the employer?
(c) How am I qualified for the position?
(d) Which of my skills and aptitudes are best suited for this job?
(e) With whom do I want to work?
