Jobs on Cruise Ships in Hawaii

Who knows and can explain the cruise line hiring process better than anyone else? The people in charge of staffing! This is why CruiseJobFinder has gone out and interviewed so many people in the industry.

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There is an ever-growing library of interviews in our Members Section, and each provides unique tidbits of information on topics including:

• Which positions are commonly available
• How to find an official staffing agency in your area of the world
• Ways to make a good impression during interviews
• Terms of employment and typical salaries
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Interview Excerpt

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Describe a typical "cruise" if there is such a thing. What would the shipboard experience be like for a typical employee?

Employees can either experience a busy, fun-filled cruise where they are working as part of the hospitality staff waiting on guests and serving them drinks. They can also be part of the entertainment which means that their experience will be totally different, with the crew also getting a completely different experience. If I were to sum it all up for everyone, I would say that the typical shipboard experience would be that it is welcoming, high energy, and relaxing, but at the same time sophisticated.

What are some of the common job titles you advertise for?

We advertise for Customer Service Manager, Customer Service Interpreters, Relief Captains, Waitstaff, Reservation Agents, Cruise Director, and Whale Watch Translator. We also require entertainers frequently, including bands and performers.

What are some of the selling points you use to get people onboard to work with your company?

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, and we have open interviews in Honolulu which is much less daunting for people.

How many seasonal staff do you typically hire, and for which positions?

We hire plenty of waitstaff as we always need people to work in shifts and have extra people just in case some of the staff fall ill or have a problem with arriving for a shift.

What percentage of your staff are returning from the previous year vs. new hires?

Lots of the staff work for us all year round, but those who do work seasonally or part time, don't really return because they move onto other things. A few might return.

Describe your perfect candidate. How can someone best make a great first impression with you?

We expect candidates to be prepared and to complete the application form online and have a complete resume handy. We look instantly at your attention to detail, as well as how professional and well groomed you look.

The perfect candidate will follow the hiring process to the letter, and appear for work if selected, on time, always ready and willing to work hard. We look for a certain passion and drive, as well as a true love of people. The candidate must have exemplary communication and customer service skills and possess all the qualities we are looking for.

Are there any common traits people should have in order to get hired, and then to succeed in the cruise industry?

Yes, most definitely. People must be outgoing, good with people, able to speak in front of crowds and speak clearly, good at working under pressure and able to cope with doing multiple things at once, as is often required on a cruise ship.

What is the interview and selection process like for your positions?

The Human Resources department in Honolulu hosts open interviews every Wednesday between 12:00pm and 1:00pm, where you must bring a completed application form as well as your resume, but you can also send in your application via email. This is kept on the system for 90 days. If you meet all of the qualifications, you will be called by the head of the applicable department within 7 to 10 days.

What type of person gravitates towards these jobs?

People who enjoy working in a people based, customer service environment will enjoy these jobs. Other people that will enjoy working on a cruise ship like Star of Honolulu are those who love nature.

Don't Miss the Rest of this Interview!

Other topics included in this extensive interview include:

• Terms of employment
• What to really expect on the job
• How to prepare for an interview
• And More...

 

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