Candidate Resources
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Navigating Recruitment with Manaaki Marine
Whether you’re stepping into the maritime industry for the first time or returning with experience, we want your journey with us to start off strong. Below you‘ll find helpful information about our recruitment process, what we value in candidates, and how you can put your best foot forward.
Our Recruitment Process
- A short online application form
- A short video introduction (45-60 seconds)
- A initial virtual introduction
- Short listed candidates are invited for a formal interview
- Reference and background checks
We’re increasingly using video introductions as a way to get to know the real you – your personality, energy, and why you’re excited about the role.
Why Video Introductions?
With AI-generated CVs and templated cover letters becoming the norm, we want to get past the polished words and get to know the person. Your 45 to 60 second video is your opportunity to say:
- Who you are
- Why you are interested in the position you’ve applied for
- What you bring to the role
We’re not expecting perfection, please don’t read from a script. Just be yourself.
Tips for a Great Video Introduction
Take a moment to jot down a few key points you want to say:
- Your name and where you are from
- Your current role and background
- Why you’re interested in this opportunity
- Something you’re proud of or passionate about
Speak naturally and be authentic. We’re looking for people who are genuine, not rehearsed.
- Find a quiet space with good lighting
- Make sure your face is visible
- Kept the camera steady (lean your phone on something if needed)
- Smile and speak clearly
Stick to the 45-60 second mark. Think of this as a friendly elevator chat.
Do a couple of practice runs if you’re nervous – but don’t overthink it. You’ve got this.
We know that video introductions are new and can feel a bit daunting at first – but we genuinely encourage you to give it a go. It’s a great way for us to get a feel for who you are beyond the CV. If you include a video introduction, you don’t need to submit a cover letter. If you opt out a video, then we do ask for a cover letter with your application. Bonus points if you do both!
Tips for Building a CV
Your CV is your chance to show us your experience, your qualifications, and where you’re heading next. We read a lot of CVs-so making it clear and easy to follow helps your application stand out.
Here are some simple, proven tips to make your CV shine:
Include your:
- Full name and contact details (phone & email)
- Current location or region (no need for a full address)
- Key qualifications, licences or tickets held
- Availability to start or current work status
Avoid complicated formatting or designs. Use clear headings like:
- Certification & Licenses
- Sea-Time / Work History
- Training & Courses
- Additional Skills
Use bullet points where possible, keep font sizes consistent, and avoid text boxes or tables that might not display correctly.
We don’t need your whole life story – but we do need to see your relevant experience clearly.
As an example, for a maritime job or contract, include:
- Vessel name and type (e.g. 22m Passenger Ferry)
- Role held (e.g. Deckhand, Engineer)
- Duration (Start and end dates, month +year is fine)
- Key responsibilities or skills used
If you have a career that crosses into other industries, group those roles briefly and focus detail on the specific relevant roles, relevant to what you are applying for.
Use a dedicated section for certifications. Include:
- License or certificate name
- Issuing authority or training provider
- Expiry dates (if applicable)
This helps to quickly confirm if you are meet the legal and operational requirements for the job.
Read the job advert and match your experience to what’s needed. If we’re asking for passenger handling experience or specific safety courses, make sure those are clearly shown.
Aim for 2-3 pages max. Use action words (e.g. “operated,” “managed,” “led,” “maintained”) and avoid repeating yourself. Keep sentences short, and focus on the impact of what you did.
Saving your CV as a PDF ensures the layout stays tidy when its opened..
Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
Short, personal, and to the point
A cover letter is your chance to tell us why this role, and why you? You don’t need to repeat your CV – This is more about your motivation and what makes you a good fit for the team.
Think of it as a short note to introduce yourself.
If the business name is listed, start by addressing the company or hiring manager by name. If not, a simple “Hi Manaaki Marine” is perfectly fine.
In 1-2 sentences, explain what attracted you to the role. Is it the type of vessel, project? The location? The opportunity to grow?
Show us you’ve read the job listing and understand what we’re about.
Briefly mention the skills, experience, or certifications you have that make you a strong match for the role. You don’t need to list everything – just the top 2 or 3 point that matter the most.
Example:
“With over five year’s experience on high-speed passenger vessels and a current SRL, I’m confident I can step into this role and add value right away.”
One page max. Aim for 3-4 paragraphs. You’re not writing a novel – just making a strong introduction.
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