Can Classic Yacht Recruitment Agencies Compete With Social Networking?

MONACO, November 23, 2012 (Press-News.org) With the likes of Linkdin, Facebook and Twitter providing an easily accessible forum on which to post, ping and tweet yacht crew positions, talk to applicants and swap information on, is it little wonder there has been worrying glances exchanged between some recruiters?

Laurence Reymann, Director of YPI Crew, believes not. "Whilst it may appear cost effective, what it saves monetarily it wastes when it comes to time," Laurence continues. "Though it may take just moments to post a position, screening all the applicants, some of which are far from suitable, on top of an already busy work schedule, would prove impossible for most captains."

Added to that the impact on captains and heads of departments since MLC 2006 came into effect, a necessary improvement to seafarer's rights but one that has only increased captains duties and added to their managerial and administrative tasks. The fact that the busiest period for recruitment is concentrated in the 3 months preceding the Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons only compounds the difficulties faced by captains seeking crew.

Crew recruitment agencies take care of the time-consuming and laborious sifting of CVs to furnish captains and clients with the ideal candidate. A professional recruiter's tasks will include: sourcing CVs, screening candidates and checking credentials before finally presenting a bespoke shortlist to the captain or client.

"Recruiters are there to save their clients' time," Laurence Reymann continues. "Even better, over the years, a good recruiter will build a relationship of trust with the captain or client and will instinctively know which candidates are a good match to the advertised crew job."

What few captains, clients or even some recruiters fail to realise is that receiving a candidates CV is merely the tip of the iceberg. An experienced recruiter will understand each individual candidate's motivations and requirements, therefore hopefully avoiding any ill fitting appointments.

Preparation is key; a good recruiter will not only provide a candidate for interview but also help that candidate prepare, provide feedback and assist both sides in salary negotiations.

"At times we can say to a captain or client we know well, "I know exactly who you should hire, look no further, I have the solution". What better, quicker, more cost effective way to solve a client's problem is there than that? Our knowledge of the market, acquired over years, is at their disposal. This is service at its best! Sometimes, we will spend many valuable hours searching and selecting candidates in order to provide a tailored shortlist. Again, the idea of service is paramount," concludes Laurence.

An experienced and professional crew recruitment agency is invaluable. Whilst social networks are far reaching and hiring a recruiter is seen as an added expense, social networks also leave users with an extensive list of potential applicants to sift through. At the end of the day can you afford the time?

YPI Crew has been providing an unparalleled crew recruitment service for the yachting industry since 2002. As an Antibes crew agency, they focus entirely on the efficient and successful placement of quality yacht crew worldwide, including deckhands, stewards and stewardesses, bosuns, chefs, officers, engineers and captains. Visit www.ypicrew.com for further information or call +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 direct to speak to one of their recruiters.