{"id":54056,"date":"2025-08-06T14:01:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T14:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.vikingcrew.com\/?p=54056"},"modified":"2025-11-07T19:27:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T19:27:01","slug":"5-things-cruise-recruiters-look-for-in-candidates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/5-things-cruise-recruiters-look-for-in-candidates\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things Cruise Recruiters Look For In Candidates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Carlos Perez, Cruise Recruitment Manager, during his time working onboard a yacht. Stood on the deck balcony in front of water park. \" class=\"wp-image-54108\" style=\"width:516px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-3-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-3-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuing our series of top things recruiters look for in candidates, we asked Cruise Recruitment Manager, Carlos Perez, what he looks for in each applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carlos\u2019s 17 years of experience in the cruise industry, working on board in various departments, allow him to offer the perspectives of a candidate and a recruiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover how you can improve your CV with Carlos\u2019 advice in our latest article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Discipline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When working on board a cruise ship, following the company\u2019s rules, regulations and guidelines ensures passengers receive the best service possible. Being aware of and prepared to follow uniform requirements, etiquette, and professionalism required by the cruise company will make you a stand-out applicant and crew member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the nature of rotational working, crew members typically work seven days a week. This is something to be aware of when applying for jobs at sea and is something you should be prepared for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this doesn\u2019t mean working onboard a cruise ship isn\u2019t fun. Crew members still get to travel the world and see sights beyond most job roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Challenges and Adaptability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Life on board a cruise means constant change; new locations, new crew mates, and new passengers. Being adaptable and able to cope with change is essential as life on board is so vastly different from life on land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"604\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Image-2-4.jpg\" alt=\"Carlos Perez in uniform onboard\" class=\"wp-image-54101\" style=\"width:588px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Image-2-4.jpg 484w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Image-2-4-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 484px) 100vw, 484px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Communication and being sociable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Being sociable is indispensable. Whilst on board you will meet and work alongside people of all nationalities, languages, religions, and cultures. It is important to keep an open mind and spend time learning about your crew mates. Ships thrive on the collaboration of their crew so getting to know your team personally and professionally will make for a better working environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Passion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An ideal candidate must have a passion for travel, discovery, and exploration. During the interview stage specifically, it becomes clear which candidates have the passion to succeed on-board. Our cruise clients look for crew that are determined and excited to start their career at sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"824\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-1-824x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Carlos Perez on board Windstar Cruises\" class=\"wp-image-54110\" style=\"width:584px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-1-824x1024.jpg 824w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-1-241x300.jpg 241w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-1-768x955.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-1-1235x1536.jpg 1235w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-1-1647x2048.jpg 1647w, https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Image-1-1568x1950.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 824px) 100vw, 824px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a passion for what you do will have a direct and positive impact on your passengers, fellow crew, and the cruise line itself and is what will make you a favourable candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Ambition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Working on board a cruise ship gives crew the privilege to see new places, meet new people, and try new things. Demonstrating your ambition in an interview and your application is ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a drive for growth and a goal to make a difference within the company you are joining will make you a standout candidate. &nbsp;Cruise lines and employers are looking for individuals who want to grow and develop both professionally and personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why these qualities?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The qualities of an ideal candidate are subjective to the recruiter. However, these are, in my opinion, the strongest, stand out qualities for a cruise candidate. It is important to remember that recruiters receive many applications and host a lot of interviews. Don\u2019t feel discouraged if you <a>do not succeed<\/a> on your first attempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can a candidate stand out from the others?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Proactivity is essential during both the application process and your time on board. To stand out from others, you must be the first person to raise your hand, answer the question, think outside the box and to look for the solution rather than the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A great way to display proactivity is to ask for feedback upon the receipt of an unsuccessful application. Using this feedback can give you an advantage for the next position you apply for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t be afraid to call the recruiter and ask if there is more information you can provide for your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from that, letting your personality shine through is the best way to stand out. Every candidate is different and displaying your individuality throughout the process will separate you from all other applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best way for a candidate to prepare before applying?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do your research. With today\u2019s technology, finding out about the role you are applying for, the cruise line and even the recruitment company has never been easier. <ins><\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about what you are applying for and what the company values are. A recruiter loves to see a candidate that has clearly researched before their application and interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your presence in an interview is very reflective of how you will perform in a job role. Being punctual to the interview, appropriately dressed, and positive makes all the difference. Consider practicing the interview before attending and preparing for questions that may be asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cruise Job Vacancies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our cruise jobs at Viking Crew are in high demand, so keeping track of vacancies is an essential part of your job hunt. Use our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/job-search\/\">Job Search<\/a> page to see all our current vacancies and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/newsletters\/\">sign up to our newsletter<\/a> to keep informed with our industry updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you are able to use Carlos\u2019 expert advice to improve your cruise job applications and wish you every success with your applications!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Continuing our series of top things recruiters look for in candidates, we asked Cruise Recruitment Manager, Carlos Perez, what he looks for in each applicant. Carlos\u2019s 17 years of experience in the cruise industry, working on board in various departments, allow him to offer the perspectives of a candidate and a recruiter. Discover how you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":117098,"featured_media":54057,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[41,86,280],"tags":[98,75,77,288,65],"blog-category":[82,205],"news-category":[],"class_list":["post-54056","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-crew-information","category-cruise-recruitment","tag-careers-at-sea","tag-crew-placement","tag-cruise-jobs","tag-cruise-recruitment","tag-jobs-at-sea","blog-category-crew-placement","blog-category-helpful-information","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54056","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/117098"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54056"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54056\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54111,"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54056\/revisions\/54111"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54057"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54056"},{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=54056"},{"taxonomy":"news-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vikingcrew.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-category?post=54056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}