Advice on some prep work before I can apply

[Sailor-Jack]

Hello guys and gals!

I've been using this forum for a while now and it's got some great info for us aspiring to join. I plan on joining either the September 2013 or January 2014 intake, and since I'll be the ripe old age of *cough* 29, wanted to strengthen my application as much as possible. I was hoping someone 'in the know' could possibly look over my list and see if there's anything more I can be doing.

Well so far I'm retaking my GCSE's in Maths and Physics via a long distance course provider (and have been predicted B's). I've also been studying extra Trig and Algebra in my own time. I'm volunteering for the Jubilee Sailing Trust (a great organisation!) performing basic maintenance on the Tenacious and Lord Nelson tall ships. I've got a ENG1 booked in (or a close equivalent since I'm not in yet). And lastly I'm doing things like reading up on the Collisions at Sea regulations, nautical flag meanings, some basic navigation principles and living on these forums.

Is there anything else I can do? I'm passionate about joining either SSTG or Maersk and have heard of us 'older types' not even getting an interview.
I'm also living in Southampton right next to the docks if it helps.

Cheers!

Jack

[Clanky]

Hi Jack, first of all, you older types often make the best cadets and more and more companies are beginning to realise this. All of the things that you are doing sound good, but you need to also look at how you present what you have been doing for the last 10 years as well. Get your cv sorted and presented well.

The JST stuff is good and while having a basic understanding of the rules will do well for you, I think flags are probably just wasting your time at this stage.

The first thing that sticks out is that if you are resitting GCSE maths and physics then companies might wonder at your ability to complete the acedmic side of the training, so anything else you can do to convince them of your academic ability will help, again look at how you present any academic qualification that you already have and any that you have done since leaving school.

Apply to as many companies as you can, there is a lot of competition for places and your first choices may be the same as lots of others.

[Sailor-Jack]

Thanks for the reply Clanky.

It's good to hear there's less prejudice towards mature cadets. I was hoping my case in regards to the academic side of things wouldn't be a problem if I got good results. There's no reason I can't get an A for both. If I get an interview I was even thinking of presenting it as a strength as it would show I can deal with working a full time job whilst studying. Trust me, working 55 hours a week and studying can be tough on those of us who value sleep!

I'm going to take your advice and look at how I can present the last ten years of my life well.