How To Treat Your Crew Agent
(For five things a Crew Agent Hates click here)

It is a rare crew member who never needs a crew agent. The seasonal nature of the industry, the long hours with impossible bosses can mean that you find yourself knocking on crew agents doors more often than you’d like.
In view of this it’s important that you treat your crew agent well so the next time you land, cap in hand wanting work, they are happy to find you that dream job.

Why should I use a crew agent?

Agents:-

• - earn their living by placing crew. They want to find you work.
• - know the seasonal international market well.
• - know realistic earning potential and benefits and perks.
• - can ask any difficult questions you may feel unable to ask the interviewer at the outset.
• - may appreciate that your skills are more valuable than you expect and may negotiate an excellent salary package for you that you might lack the confidence or skill to negotiate on your own.
• - can chase up after your interview without you appearing to be pushy or desperate, especially important if you have one immediate job offer but want a different job you have interviewed for previously.

Note from an agent
Making a good impression is vital. Occasionally agents will not only be putting your CV forward they will be making initial pre-selection decisions.

How should I choose an agent?

• Word of mouth is great. Failing that try and find out how many vacancies they have and how many might be suitable for you.
• Read the agency website. If they only place experienced crew, there is no point sending in your resume if you are inexperienced.
• Choose one that caters for the jobs you are interested in.
• Agencies do not place every candidate. Don’t take this as a failing.
• Don’t pay agents to find you work. Good agents are paid by the employer.

Note from an agent
Just because it’s easy to email don’t forget that taking the time to call can validate your job search and build a relationship with your agent.

What does registration with an agent entail?

• Complete a registration form and send in your CV incl photo.
  (Some agencies may prefer face-to-face interviews.)
• Once registered your details are entered into a database and used to search for relevant vacancies
• If you suit you’ll be contacted and given details of role and yacht. If you are happy to proceed, your CV will be forwarded for consideration.

Registering with multiple agencies.

• In an ideal world sole agency rights would be nice but agents are realists and know that they can’t always guarantee they will find you work. They understand that you may want to spread your net.
• Note!! – if five agencies have your CV you may find a yacht receives your CV five times – leaving you looking a little desperate.

Note from an agent
Your agent is the doorway to employment. Treat a face to face interview with an agent as just that "an interview", if you don't brush up well, or explain the paint splattered day working wear, an agent will assume that's how you will present for a real interview. Make no mistake, this is a real one which could open the door to many opportunities.

What does my agent need to know from me?

• Tell them if you don't want them to send your CV to particular yachts – for example your current boat!
• Tell them how much you expect to earn
• Tell them when you are available for interviews.
• If you are only available for the summer don’t tell them you can work until Christmas.
• Keep the details you give the agent up to date. If you acquire new skills or qualifications, let them know.
• Tell your agent when you have found a job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Should I tell an agent that I have registered with more than one agency?

• Agents are on your side, be honest. Most will respect the confidentiality of anything you tell them.

How often should I contact my crew agent?

If your expectations are realistic, the season and place ideal, you should hear about potential opportunities within days.
Failing that:

• Contact your agent weekly. If you keep in contact, they won't forget you and it confirms you are still looking. But don't become a pest.
• If you don't hear anything get back to them and ask why (nicely), encourage them to be honest ;-).

Note from an agent
Build a good rapport with me – if I like you I’ll work harder for you.

My crew agent is USELESS! I haven’t heard from them for ages.

• Have you applied to the right crew agency for your skills? Remember not all agencies are right for you. Do your homework. It is not only down to the agent.
• Have you explained to them the exact job you want? – if you take time at the start, it can minimise wasted effort, ensuring you get the job opportunities that suit you.

Note from an agent
If you are in outer Mongolia without yachting experience, wanting work in France chances are your CV will be pushed to the back of the pile in favour of people who are right there.

• Agencies may need crew immediately. Check your email daily and get back to them ASAP. If you don’t have daily email access, make sure you have another reliable method of contact.

Note from an agent
Check emails and phone messages, I have one girl who I have been chasing for 4 days, (emails and phone calls to her answer phone) no response, she has a job on a top boat, if she meets me by tonight, but I have heard nothing and captain not interested in waiting any longer, he will not employ anyone that neither he or I have met in person, job urgent and he feels if she isn't interested in responding, or doesn't bother, isn't suitable anyway !! This happens a lot, wastes everyone's time.

I don’t like aspects of my new job. Should I tell my agent or should I just quit?

• Do inform the agent (asap) who placed you on yacht if you are leaving for an issue beside personality conflicts. If an agent knows there are serious problems, for example ships safety etc, they probably wont supply further crew to that yacht.
• Walking out wont do you any favours. It will damage your reputation with both client and agency.
  It may also damage the agencies reputation and they wont thank you for that. If things are really dire contact your agent, he or she may be willing to act as intermediary to iron things out.

Note from an agent
CREW AGENTS ARE PEOPLE TOO, JUST LIKE YOU!  ( I was born a human, am still one, and am only an agent during working hours) please don't hate me for it!

I walked out on my last job, now I need a new one. Should I go back to the agent that placed me on the boat? Will they even consider me?

• Much will depend on why you walked out. If your reason was 100% valid then most likely yes, however if you make a habit of this sort of thing you will find it hard to find work at all let alone climb the career ladder.

Note from an agent
Do not bad mouth or discuss other agents with other agents, it is unprofessional of you, uncomfortable for me, and doesn't inspire me in what you will say about me behind my back. Furthermore it makes me question the confidentiality you will show about your guestsand/or fellow crew once on board.

I have decided on the ‘other’ job.

• Act with integrity. Call both skipper and agent of the job you don’t want and thank them for the opportunity and let them know that you have taken another position.