Still adrift

[Supermario]

Hi Guys, just responding to the "how's it going" admin email. I'm still here, but unable to get a berth. A few companies have dropped a lifeline over the side, only to pull it up again and sail past. The colleges have been helpful, especially Warsash, but I'm still just floating round in a circle. I've even tried swimming for an oilrig/windfarm/tug, but couldn't get onboard them either.

Does any one know if its worth trying the same companies again if they have already turned me down. I thought this would be unlikely given the huge number of applications they get. I've tried everyone I can that accept my existing quals for entry, with no interviews so far (over a year now). I'm older than most cadets, and have no marine experience or family background, but that shouldn't matter if half the people on this forum are to be believed.

What do you think virtual shipmates?

[ETwhat?]

family background is only taken that you might have a bit of an insight in to the crap parts of the job, no one gets offered a job because they will be a dissapointment to the family who has had a hitchcock sailing in the fleet since nelson.
it may be worth approaching the companies who have rejected you and see if they can tell you whats missing, this would allow you to use the time waiting to get extra qualifications.

[Supermario]

Point taken thanks ETwhat?, but they are most unforthcoming so far. Even if I can track down a real human being in the recruitment dept, I've been unable to get any firm info re my supposed shortcomings compared with other applicants.

The main things I'm worried about are 1. is it still possible to get a place with only the published minimum grades? (Very grateful if anybody who has managed this recently could indicate in some way) and 2. how much stress is normally placed upon the "why I want to go to sea" type section, and how expansive this needs to be?

I know what I want to do with my life, and I have very few doubts if any, about going for a sea career. Maybe I just need a few tips about how to get this across to the companies...if indeed this is one of the main things they use to filter out people in the first instance. I don't want to sound desperate, but I would really appreciate any advice people who have already made it into a cadetship are willing to offer, especially if you are at or near the lower end of the entry requirements. (PM fine if anybody is willing)

[size4riggerboots]

I think the "Why I want to go to sea" is the most important bit. If you're coming up against a brick wall at the moment, I'd suggest taking a step back and try and get some more experience or qualifications to make yourself a more attractive candidate. This could involve doing a course, or you could get yourself onto a Tall Ship and get some practical experience, either of those two options are going to cost a fair whack, but it'll provide evidence to potential sponsors that you're serious about this and that you're willing to put effort in to get there.

[YoungMariner]

I would recommend applying to everysingle company that you can find (listed on the website in my signature), and focus your application letter/e-mail to each company individually and reiterate your desire to work at sea. Follow up letters and e-mails with phone calls.