5 Ways to Prepare Right Now for Your Next Job (COVID 19 Series)

Things are strange right now, no matter what your every day looks like.

You might be an essential worker, worried about staying healthy but grateful to be receiving a paycheck.

You may be unemployed - perhaps for the first time in your life - and worried about how you’ll pay the bills.

Or maybe you’re a student, suddenly finding yourself in a different situation or unsure about your course of study, when you’ll be back in the classroom, or the prospect for jobs after graduation.

No matter what’s happening in your life right now, we know it’s probably stressful, complicated, and not what you expected!

But the good news is, there is an opportunity here.

At FreshYacht, we help you prepare for the job of your dreams in the yachting industry -- and there are a lot of ways you can use this time to become a stronger candidate -- for a yachting job or any other dream you’ve got your eyes on!

Here are five practical tips you can apply to make the most of this unexpected time.

1. First, Take Care of Yourself

There are a lot of jokes out on the internet about the “quarantine 15” and reassurances that you don’t need to use this time to write the next bestselling novel - and it’s all true.

For many people, the current stressors will make it harder to focus, look to the future, or do anything beyond managing day to day survival. If this is you -- that’s okay. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Find ways to move, even if it doesn’t look like your normal exercise routine (or even if you don’t have a “normal” exercise routine)!

Do some stress baking, sure, but make sure you’re getting plenty of water and good food to support your immune system

(did you see last week’s post? We’ve got some tips for you there!)

Connect - virtually - with the people who are important to you. Self-care has never been more important than it is right now.

2. Update Your Documents

When did you last update your resume? If you have a website (or social media profiles), are they up to date and reflecting you the way you want them to?

Is your headshot current, flattering, and a good fit for the industry you’re looking to break into?

Take some time and review these important documents and resources, so when you decide to start applying and making a move, you’re up to date.

This is also a great time to reach out to potential references or reconnect with old colleagues - everyone has a lot more time on their hands, and most people are inclined to be generous right now.

3. Learn What You Can From Home

There are so many courses out there, and many of them are directly applicable to the yachting industry.

With the impact of the COVID-19 shutdowns, everything from yoga schools to wine serving courses have gone virtual.

Think about what online training you can take now to move your career along once the lockdown is over. You might not be able to travel right now, and you may not even have an income, but what we all do have is time.

So, if you need to acquire new skills or renew old ones, this is a great opportunity.

4. Make Connections

If you’ve already got your STCW and other core requirements, don’t hesitate to connect to crew agencies or others in the industry right now.

While yachts may not be hiring today, things can move quickly in this industry, and if you’re on a shortlist of people to call when there’s a rush to re-open, you can benefit.

Sitting in on webinars, connecting during virtual happy hours, or scheduling virtual interviews will help you learn more about the industry, network more effectively, and prepare for future hiring opportunities!

5. Stay Healthy!

Make sure to keep close track of your own self-quarantine. If you’re offered a position, a Captain may want assurances that you’re healthy and not a risk to the rest of the crew or the guests.

Be sure you’re keeping your immune system strong, and make smart decisions when it comes to travel or other activities.

And finally, remember to stay positive. If you see your future in terms of what's possible, you'll feel better, and it will help you make better decisions. 

This too shall pass, but for now, don't let it stop you from making your yachting dreams come true.