What should I do?

[Edd]

Hi Guys It's been a while since i've been on here but here is what is happening.

I applied to every single sponsorship company nearly 2 months ago now.
Clyde denied my application as I somehow ticked I had diabetes when I do not have any medical issues.
Chiltern Maritime also said my application was un successful - do not know why (received the email last week)
No other replies, at all.

Can someone help me out as I don't know why am I not getting any luck what so ever here, my personal statement I revised over and over again, my experience in the yachting industry is rather high, my qualifications (GCSE) are 6 Bs and 4 Cs, have many RYA certificates, my work experience is high; retail, cruise lines, waiter, deck hand, boat building etc, currently at college studying A levels (2nd year - am 17 years old) etc.

I am trying to think why I am not being successful regarding the deck officer cadet ship.. Is it due to my age, qualifications..What?

Another thing which is really bugging me is that I know a few people who have managed to secure a cadetship when they have nothing against me; some are not even that bothered about going to sea???!! (Not trying to be cruel just expressing my point)

Just need some help really, is there any last chance of still getting an offer for a January placement or even a placement altogether?

Thanks, Ed.

Also does anyone have any suggestions on how to boost my CV even more?

[EH75]

Have you tried chasing up applications to which you have had no response for an update? And any that come back as unsuccessful send a polite enquiry as to what they felt about your application was lacking so you can improve it for next time?

Seems bizarre for you to not be having much luck when as you say you do seem to have some relevant experience and ok grades.

[Edd]

I immediately phone up clyde when I received the email, with chiltern I only received the email last week and have been rather busy in the past week but will phone up tomorrow/today.

Clyde simply said it was due to my error in the application - ticked the box which says I have diabetes by mistake...even though I looked it over at least 5 times before I submitted it..

Thanks for your help!

[bobofinga]

Quite simply put , the January intakes are very competitive as there is a lot less places than September ... you might just be up against stiff opposition.

[Edd]

I have been told, just wanted to see if there was any last hope :/

[bobofinga]

Keep chasing up the companies and ask for feedback.

[HolyNougat]

On the face of it you seem to be a pretty strong candidate. I am sure you will get a place, but you need to identify what went wrong this time.

Did you get any interviews?

If you did not get to the interview stage, the only reason is that you have failed to make a good impression on the application. Get as much help and advice as you possibly can in writing your 'spiel' and ensure that it is concise and relevant to the application. Delete whatever you used last time and start again for the January intake. Forum members like Hatchcorder are prepared to review your CV and have written a good CV guide - I strongly suggest you look at those options.

The January intake is pretty thin but you are young enough to wait until next September - you will still be a third officer by 21, so don't worry too much! - the cadet ship is pretty intense and taking some time out before hand is not a bad idea anyway.

[Edd]

I have only had two replies which were both stating my applications were un successful, no interviews..nothing
My personal statement/application was looked over many times the only thing I many have done wrong is not linked it to why I want to become a deck officer enough (I did a fair bit anyway)

You say I'm young anyway but I don't want to waste another year of my life doing something I do not enjoy and I can't really have time out as I am out college doing 4 A-levels.

[HarmlessWeasel]

Some companies might just be waiting for you to finish your A levels. They want to know that you're not going to get a year into the course and decide to drop out because it's not what you want.

[Edd]

I did not state I was progressing with college or hint it at all.. Also stated In my personal statement why I wanted a cadetship rather than staying at college..

[Bulman]

That's probably why, best to wait to finish your a levels, hinting you didn't wanna finish college isn't a good thing, the course is a lot of college so saying you don't wanna do that is sorta bad and can work both ways!

[Edd]

It's hard to explain but I didn't do it that way........
I understand though.......
I did say I was available within two weeks........(In the application)

[HolyNougat]

If you like, send me your personal statement / covering letter - whatever you sent last time and I will take a look at it for you.

[Edd]

Thanks, just sent it over.

[scotty_2410]

That's probably why, best to wait to finish your a levels, hinting you didn't wanna finish college isn't a good thing, the course is a lot of college so saying you don't wanna do that is sorta bad and can work both ways!

I agree with Bulman, sometimes just be careful with how your word something like that!