What should I do?

[Blondie]

Try the RFA - alleged to be a good company to do your training with

[Edd]

Phoned a few of the companies up. Currently re submitting applications for January, fingers crossed!

[ekebergt]

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

if you do decide to apply again don't limit your self to 1 or 2 company's apply to as many as possible. If you are unaware of companies the best way forward is to attend some college open days to meet them. (in my opinion the worst thing you can do is not apply because you never know what happens)

[ETwhat?]

Given that your close to finishing A levels you would be better to finish and apply for a September intake, given the course will be close to a level standard being unable to finish it wont look good and the company will know that by applying for a January start you don't intend to finish the course regardless of how you explain it in a statement.

also on statements you say you worry you didn't link it enough with your desire to be a deck officer, but its not a case of ending every line with 'and that is why I want be a deck officer'

Also while you have yachting experience, is it actually that relevant to a big ship at 17 you don't hold a yachtmaster so its crewing, racing, etc given that its rare if a yacht did 3/4,000 miles a year yet for a ship that's a fortnight going across the atlantic it changes the scale drastically. I am not saying its irrelevant, but you need to understand that a lot of people don't see yachting as a professional industry and more just messing about in boats.

[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!

[Edd]

Thanks, just sent it over.

[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]

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)

[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]

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..

[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 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.

[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.

[bobofinga]

Keep chasing up the companies and ask for feedback.

[Edd]

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