Building a trusting relationship with candidates and clients
The Recruitment Department at Viking Recruitment is made up of a wide and diverse team who work with our clients and candidates on a daily basis. A large number of the team have previously worked onboard cruise ships, in differing positions, and this is certainly a plus, as when the Consultants speak to candidates they have an understanding of the cruise industry and what is required to work in the industry.
Consultants are often questioned about life onboard, the way the ship and industry works as well as being able to share their knowledge of certification and technical terminology. Consultants who have worked at sea can also tell if a candidate has the right experience, skills, attitude and personality to work at sea.
The diverse recruitment team is made up of a variety of personnel, who come from different backgrounds and experience. Some have sailed for many years, and to a host of different destinations working with a huge variety of nationalities and cultures. Others have worked on board a Cross Channel Ferry. Some may not have stepped onboard a ship before, but share the passion and drive that their colleagues thrive on.
All bring with them different attributes to the team, and these diversities help to synergize the team together to achieve the ultimate goal of matching candidates to the wide and interesting positions and career opportunities that our clients have open.
Those with shipboard experience educate the ‘non-seafarers’ and offer them guidance and an understanding of the industry and often answer questions which are only possible from having worked onboard a cruise ship. The members of the team that come from shore based roles are employed because of their excellent people and interpersonal skills. These two diverse groups of people work well and have proved to offer our clients an excellent all-round service. We also have representatives in Auckland, New Zealand who enhance our Recruitment Department by offering a valuable service to the Australasia region; our representatives there have experience within the ever growing yachting industry.
The Recruitment Department is also assisted by a network of global partners, who work with us throughout Europe, South Africa and South America to ensure we have a full global coverage. Many of these hiring partners have cruise ship experience, and they have an excellent understanding to working and life at sea.
As an aside the individuals who have joined us from a ‘high street’ recruitment background haven’t been able to adjust well to this specialist style of recruiting.
Our diverse client base means that what one client requires can be totally different to another client’s needs and the Recruit- ment Team build a trusting relationship with candidates and clients to continue, build and nurture this relationship.