6 Mistakes When Looking for a Maritime Job

Navigating the job market in the maritime industry can be a challenging task, especially in times of economic uncertainty or if you’re fresh out of school or maritime academy. The process of finding that ideal maritime job can feel overwhelming if you're not following the right strategy. But what exactly is the most effective way to land a job at sea?

And could you be making crucial mistakes that are hindering your seafarer job search? Keep on reading as we take a look at six things you might be doing that aren’t helping you when it comes to signing your next maritime job contract.

Think about the way you search for jobs at sea

We all know there are plenty of tools and resources available these days. But sometimes too much choice can be a bad thing! So here at Martide, we want to help you cut through the noise

While resources for maritime job seekers are helpful, the sheer volume of information can sometimes make it hard to know where to start. You may find you’re unsure of which tools are actually worth your time.

When it comes to job hunting in the maritime world, many seafarers tend to rely on a few common approaches:

Browsing maritime job portals for listings.
Uploading your seafarer resume wherever possible.
Asking coworkers or crew members about job leads.
Checking maritime publications or social media pages for vacancies.
Joining maritime groups on social media to discuss job opportunities.
Visiting shipping company and manning agency websites and sending your seafarer CV to the first contact you find.

Any of these methods could lead to a job, but if you’re successful this way, we have to say, consider yourself lucky!

The current job market in the maritime industry is tough, and landing a position often requires more than just a little bit of effort and a whole lot of luck. The reality is, while these methods are useful, they’re also widely used by other seafarer job seekers.

To stand out, you’ll need a more strategic approach. But the good news is, that with a clear and focused plan, the process doesn't have to be as daunting as it can seem.

Stop doing these 6 things in your seafarer job search

So to help you get the most out of your maritime job search efforts, here are a few common mistakes to avoid.

Mistake 1: Using the wrong maritime job websites

There are plenty of seafarer job websites out there - such as Martide’s! However, some (like ours) are more useful than others and keeping track of every site can be overwhelming and is not always productive.

TAKE A LOOK AT MARTIDE’S MARITIME JOBS BOARD NOW!

Don’t fall into the trap of spending hours scrolling through multiple sites daily, hoping to find something new. This can waste a lot of time, especially if the website hasn’t been updated in months. It's crucial to select the right websites to maximize your chances of success.

Tips:

Not all job portals are regularly updated, so focus on those that are and bookmark them.
Avoid uploading your resume to every site you encounter; research each platform’s credibility first.
Find out if the website lists company job posts or third-party ads.
Consider whether the website posts seafarer job openings in your region.

a PC with Martide's maritime jobs on the screen

Mistake 2: Using the same tools every day

If you rely on the same websites, search engines, and job portals every day, you’ll likely reach a point of diminishing returns.

Most seafarers use the same tools day after day, expecting new results. To see different outcomes, you need to mix up your approach and explore new avenues.

What to try:

Seek out new maritime job search tools and platforms.
Use different features on job websites you regularly visit.
Be creative and think outside the box when job hunting.
Sign up for newsletters and RSS feeds from top job boards.
Download specialist maritime job apps that will help you find work on the go.

Mistake 3: Overlooking the power of networking

Networking isn’t a skill that all seafarers prioritize, but can be vital in the maritime industry. Spending long periods at sea can make it easy to lose touch with the broader job market, but connecting with others can open doors to new opportunities.

How to network effectively:

Don’t hesitate to let people know you’re looking for a job.
Set aside time each day to connect with industry professionals.
Build relationships with key individuals in the industry, such as reputable manning agencies..
View yourself as a brand, and market yourself confidently.
Attend maritime jobs fairs and conferences where you know employers and manning agents will be in attendance.

Mistake 4: Dedicating too little time to your seafarer job search

Job hunting is, in itself, a full-time job. If your idea of job searching involves sending a few resumes and scrolling through maritime job portals for a few minutes a day, you’re probably not doing enough.

Tips:

Stick to a schedule that allows you to focus entirely on finding a job.
Try different approaches and be open to new strategies.
Avoid distractions like social media and TV or movies while job searching.
Commit fully to the process - searching for maritime jobs requires consistent effort.

Mistake 5: Neglecting your resume and cover letter

Many seafarers assume that shipping companies don’t put much emphasis on resumes. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Martide's maritime jobs and seafarer resume app

CREATE YOUR ONLINE RESUME FOR A SEAMAN HERE!

Your seaman resume is the first thing a crew manager or manning agent will see, and recruiters often spend less than 20 seconds reviewing it. If your resume looks like everyone else’s, your chances of getting noticed are slim.

How to improve:

Master the art of writing an effective resume.
Learn how to craft a professional cover letter.
Be mindful of spelling and grammar mistakes.
Avoid copying a generic resume format - make yours stand out.
Don't forget to add the skills and competencies that you've gained during your maritime career.

Mistake 6: Losing confidence and giving up

This is perhaps the most crucial point of all. Many seafarers get discouraged after a few rejections and give up on the job search altogether. They may even start exploring opportunities in other industries without giving their maritime job search enough time and effort.

Don’t let this be you! It’s important to remember that seafarer job hunting can be stressful and frustrating, but giving up will only guarantee failure.

Tips for staying motivated:

Remember that some people find jobs faster than others - don’t compare yourself to others.
Keep a positive mindset and push away negative thoughts.
Take breaks when necessary, but stay committed to your goal.
Finding the right job is a matter of persistence, so try not to lose hope.

Mistake 7: Not using Martide

Okay, here’s a (slightly biased) bonus tip for you. If you’re not using Martide to find and apply for maritime jobs, quite frankly, you’re missing a trick!

Martide's mobile maritime jobs app on a cellphone

Our seafarer jobs website isn’t just a maritime jobs board, it’s a place where you can create your seafarer profile, upload all of your personal details, education, work history and even your seafarer documents.

Once your profile is complete you can then apply for any of our jobs at sea. Plus, once you’re in the system, crew managers and manning agents can reach out to you directly.

How to use Martide

Create your free account here.
Complete your seafarer profile - think of it as an online resume for a seaman.
Download our free maritime jobs app.
Browse, search for and apply for jobs at sea, either using our website or the app.

Common maritime jobs search mistakes: conclusion

We understand that looking for a maritime job can be disheartening and frustrating sometimes. It can even feel like you’re living a never-ending cycle of lining up your next contract, and the one after that, and the one after that…

But by avoiding the common mistakes that we’ve outlined above and by staying focused, you can significantly increase your chances of landing your next maritime job. Good luck!