What makes a top-tier yacht crew member? It’s a question we get asked all the time. While every role is different, from Deckhand to Chef to Engineer, some key high-performance traits consistently pop up when you’re looking for crew members who truly excel.
We’ve supplied some examples and questions to ask to identify these. Here are some of the big ones:
Resilience:
Yachting isn’t always a breeze. There will be challenging times on any yacht. Long hours, demanding guests, and living in close quarters with people you may not like all come with the territory.
The best crew can bounce back from setbacks, handle pressure with grace, and maintain a positive attitude even when things get tough. It isn’t always going to be amazing; there will be challenging times on most yachts.
An example interview question to assess a candidate’s resilience:
- Tell me about a time when you faced a major setback or failure at work. What happened?
- How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience?
- What is the toughest situation you’ve been through on board? How did it impact you?
Proactiveness:
Waiting to be told what to do isn’t going to cut it. We value crew who see what needs to be done and take the initiative to do it.
This might involve anticipating guest needs, identifying potential problems before they arise, or simply going the extra mile to ensure the yacht operates smoothly.
For example: Someone notices the bins are full in the crew mess and empties them even though it isn’t their specific job. They do things that need to be done. They don’t wait for someone to tell them to do something. Not to be confused with ignoring orders and doing other things they deem more important!
Accountability:
When discussing high-performance traits, taking ownership is crucial. In a close-knit crew, everyone relies on each other. If you say you’ll do something, you do it. Being accountable builds trust and ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and to the required standard.
Equally, if someone makes a mistake, they should tell someone. It might avert disaster, and it builds trust. Plus, two minds are better than one at solving the problem.
- What happened the last time you made a mistake on board?
- What did you learn from this / what would you do differently next time?
Consistency:
Yachts need crew they can rely on day in and day out. This means maintaining a high standard of performance, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic regardless of the circumstances.
Consistency builds confidence among the crew and contributes to a stable and efficient working environment.
Someone whose mood is up and down like a yo-yo is incredibly draining for everyone around them.
- How would your Captain / HOD describe your attitude last season?
Adaptability:
Plans can change in an instant in the yachting world. Whether it’s a sudden change in itinerary, unexpected guest requests, or a mechanical issue, the ability to adapt to new situations and go with the flow is essential. Crew members must be flexible and willing to adjust their plans as needed.
An example interview questions for assessing adaptability:
- Describe a time when you had to quickly adapt to a significant change onboard?
- How did you handle the situation, and what steps did you take to ensure a smooth transition?
Coachability:
This is one of the most important high-performance traits for any employee. Yacht crew who are keen to learn and prepared to adapt, change, and evolve in their role are most likely to roll with the ups and downs.
Coachability means seeing every correction or feedback as an opportunity to improve, rather than a criticism. In our experience, the difference between a good crew and a great crew often comes down to how receptive they are to coaching and constructive critique.
Positive Mindset:
A good attitude can make all the difference in any team, especially in a high-pressure environment. A positive mindset fosters teamwork, improves morale, and helps the crew overcome challenges. It also contributes to a more enjoyable experience for both crew and guests.
Drive for Excellence:
The best yacht crew don’t just aim to meet expectations; they strive to exceed them. They take pride in their work, pay attention to detail, and are always looking for ways to improve. This drive for excellence contributes to the overall success of the yacht and ensures the highest standards of service and operation.
An example interview question to assess drive for excellence:
- Tell me on an occasion you have gone above and beyond what was expected or required on board?
Goal-oriented:
In the yachting world, it really is all hands on deck. Crew need to be focused not only on the immediate task at hand but also on the bigger picture. Every crew member plays a vital role in achieving the yacht’s goals, and a goal-oriented mindset keeps everyone aligned and working efficiently.
An example interview question to assess goal-oriented traits:
- Can you provide an example of a professional goal you set for yourself and how you went about achieving it?
While specific skills and experience are important, these core high-performance traits are what truly define an excellent yacht crew member. Cultivating these qualities within yourself and seeking them out in others will contribute to a more successful and fulfilling career in the yachting industry.
Not everyone can be an absolutely brilliant crew member that excels in all areas of the job. However, every boat needs a few safe pair of hands who don’t cause waves (see what I did there?).
Featured image credit: @tiamaria_yachtstew on Instagram.
