Setting Sail for Success: Crafting a Standout Maritime CV

At Genesis Personnel, we are committed to empowering individuals with the tools they need to thrive in their maritime careers. A well-crafted CV is a gateway to exciting career prospects, and by implementing the below essential tips, you can confidently set sail on your path to achieving professional success.

First Impressions Matter

A first impression is a lasting impression! This is why it's crucial to ensure that your CV is meticulously crafted, as it's often the first time a potential employer encounters your details. Your CV should be well-organised, easy to read, and most importantly, engaging.

Choose a clean and easily readable CV format. Maintain consistent formatting for headings, bullet points, and font sizes (avoid using boxes if possible). Moreover, ensure that the layout is well-structured and visually pleasing. Equally important is ensuring your CV is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Invest time in thoroughly proofreading and editing your document, or consider seeking someone else's review.

Qualifications

Give a brief summary of your STCW Certificates, listing Certificate of Competency at the top (with any restrictions to your ticket). Follow this with any CeC that you hold, as well as all your STCW Certificates. Lastly, include any other relevant certificates such as Offshore Certification, GWO Certificates, and Trade qualifications.

Work Experience

Provide a comprehensive account of your work experience, offering summaries of the primary duties involved your day-to-day role. Present these entries in chronological order, with the latest position at the top. Each entry should include your job title, the employer's name, vessel name/type, and exact employment dates (including the month and year). Maintain conciseness, keeping in mind that your CV's length should not exceed 2 pages – be selective with the information you include and focus on highlighting the most pertinent and noteworthy aspects of your experience.

Hobbies & Interests

Showcase hobbies that highlight skills which would be useful in the job you are interested in. For instance, being the captain of a sports team demonstrates leadership skills, while serving as the secretary of a society illustrates time management and organisational abilities.

References

It's perfectly acceptable to include 'references available upon request', as specific contact details for organisations and companies can be provided when asked. However, it is advisable to consider potential references in advance. These references may include current employers, previous employers, mentors, or professors.

Now it's time to put your newly refined CV to the test! Whether you're a Chief Officer, 2nd Engineer, Able Seaman, or Steward, our diverse array of current maritime vacancies awaits your exploration.