Leaving the yachting industry for a shore-based role is a significant decision, and finding that first land-based job can feel just as hard, particularly when employers don't always understand what your time on board actually involved. At GreycoatLumleys, several of our international yacht recruitment consultants made this exact transition themselves, and share their advice below for crew moving into corporate roles or private households.
Why is yachting experience hard for employers to understand?
A common frustration for crew moving ashore is that people simply don't grasp how yachts operate, the standards, job titles or on-board hierarchy. Telling someone unfamiliar with the industry that you were Chief Stewardess on a 100m yacht rarely lands the way it should, and comparisons to cruise ships don't help. The good news is that recruiters who've made the same move themselves know exactly how to translate that experience for land-based employers.
What helps when moving into a corporate role?
Making the jump into a corporate role is a different transition, but a very achievable one:
Brush up on your office skills. Most companies run on Microsoft Office, so a basic refresher course will help you get into the corporate mindset.
Expect an adjustment period. HR processes and management styles are very different from life on board, and it takes time to settle in.
Clean up your social media. Corporate employers routinely check it as part of recruitment, so keep accounts private and free of anything you wouldn't want a future employer to see.
Emphasise your transferable skills. Administrative and managerial responsibilities, exacting standards, and people and communication skills are all highly valued outside yachting too.
Write a corporate CV, using jargon-free, land-based language. A “6-cabin, 4 day head” yacht becomes a property with “6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.”
What helps when moving into private households?
For many yachties, private household work is the most natural next step, the clients and standards are similar, minus life at sea:
Join a reputable private household agency, one or two agencies with strong, long-standing client relationships will serve you better than registering everywhere.
Build a relationship with your consultant. A good match often comes down to a strong working relationship, so it's worth investing time with a couple of consultants rather than many.
Look for agencies with both yacht and private household departments. They understand how the two sectors connect and can help you transfer your skills between them.
Be patient. The right role can take a few months to find, but taking that time leads to a better match for everyone.
Be clear on your reasons for leaving. If you want set hours and weekends off, private households may not solve that, since hours can be just as demanding, corporate life may suit you better.
Adjust your salary expectations. Private household roles are well paid, but rarely match yachting salaries.
Consider temping. Flexible work such as waiting, dinner party chef roles or housekeeping builds your CV and reputation with agencies, and can lead to permanent positions.
Add to your skill set. A butler or silver service course can broaden your options if you're moving on from a housekeeping-focused role on board.
Why work with a recruiter who knows both industries?
As an agency, we recognise the specific, exacting skill set that yacht crew bring, which is exactly why we actively recruit ex-yachties for private household roles. We understand the standards you've trained to and how versatile that makes you as a candidate.
If you're thinking about leaving the industry and are looking for your next role ashore, whether private or corporate, speak to one of our experienced consultants today on +44 (0)20 7233 9950 or email info@greycoatlumleys.co.uk.