How to Become a Silversea Cruises Specialist

A cruise ship career requires preparation and a positive attitude.

If you've ever dreamed of sailing the open sea and going to far-off places, then working for a cruise line, such as Silversea Cruises, could be just the career path to take you there. You'll meet a lot of people and get paid to travel to exotic ports, but you'll also work hard for those benefits. Dreaming of the job is one thing--getting hired is another.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Get a job at a local restaurant or hotel. Cruise lines look for people who have work experience in the hospitality and service industry. Some schools offer classes specifically on hospitality or food preparation, which are advantageous on a resume.

2. Write a resume or CV, making it no more than two or three pages long. Include your contact information, work experience, education level, academic achievements, any languages you speak and specific skills you have that would make you a valuable employee for a cruise line company. Keep an electronic copy in .doc format for the online application process.

3. Write a concise cover letter that is no longer than one page. A cover letter is your introduction to the recruitment person at the cruise line. Address it to the person who handles applications at the cruise line. Identify your objective, highlight your experience and end the letter with your availability for an interview or a similar call to action.

4. Get a passport if you don't already have one. Contact your local post office for locations and fees pertaining to passports. It can take several weeks for your passport to come, so advance preparation is required before applying for a job.

5. Have a professional take a photo of you for the application process. Just a photo of your head and shoulders will suffice. Wear clothes in a color that enhances your appearance, and smile. Silversea requires a recent photo saved as a JPG for attachment to your online application.

6. Visit Silversea's website for a complete list of jobs, and fill out the online application. You'll be required to sign up and create a password. The sign-up process will also ask for your email address. Provide an email address that is business appropriate. The website will prompt you to upload a copy of your resume and photo.

7. Follow up with a recruiter from Silversea. Don't be a pest, but if you haven't been contacted a few weeks after applying, go to Silversea's job website and click the "Contact Us" button. Send an email stating you are still interested in the position you applied for. If the position is no longer available, let the company know you would be open to another position.

8. Project a positive attitude. Silversea boasts that its employees are everything. It expects anyone working for the company to have a good attitude and to be cheerful and positive. Working with other crew members in tight living quarters can be difficult, but the cruise line wants everyone to get along. Projecting a professional image, using common courtesy and smiling during the interview will create a positive impression.

Tips & Warnings

• Speaking a foreign language isn't a necessity for a cruise ship job, but speaking English well is.

References

• Silversea: Employment
• Cruise Ship Jobs: How to Get a Cruise Ship Job
• Silversea Jobs: Welcome to Silversea Ship Board Recruitment Site