Five Tips for a Great Maritime Job Interview

Whether it's your first onshore maritime role or a step into a leadership position at a major shipping company, the job interview is your moment. Preparation is everything. Here are five tips that will set you apart.

1. Research the Company — Deeply

Maritime companies talk about culture, fleet types, trade routes, sustainability targets, and financial results. Before your interview:

• Know their fleet size and types
• Understand what trade lanes or segments they operate in
• Read their latest press releases, sustainability reports, or industry news mentions
• If they're publicly listed, glance at their most recent annual report

Knowing that "Maersk is transitioning to green methanol vessels" or "your company recently acquired a new offshore wind support vessel" shows genuine interest and industry intelligence.

2. Prepare for Technical AND Behavioral Questions

Maritime interviews combine both. Expect:

• Technical: "Walk me through how you'd handle an HSQE audit failure on board."
• Behavioral: "Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a senior officer. How did you handle it?"

Use the STAR method for behavioral answers:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

3. Ask Smart Questions

Never end an interview without questions. Good ones include:

• "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"
• "How does the team handle communication between shore-based and vessel operations?"
• "What are the company's plans around digitalization and automation?"

Avoid asking about salary or holidays in the first interview.

4. Dress Appropriately — Know the Culture

Maritime offices across the world vary in dress code:

• Nordic countries: Smart casual is fine. Over-dressing can signal you don't understand the culture.
• UK/US: Smart business dress for corporate offices.
• Singapore, Dubai, Greece (Piraeus): Conservative and professional attire expected.
• For video interviews: Ensure your background is clean and professional. Dress fully — not just the top half.

5. Follow Up With Gratitude

Within 24 hours, send a short email thanking the interviewer for their time. Reference one specific point from the conversation. This is still rare enough in maritime that it makes a lasting impression.

Pro Tip: Record yourself doing a mock interview. It's uncomfortable — and that's exactly why it works. You'll catch filler words, nervous habits, and unclear answers before the real thing.