In the competitive maritime sector, even highly qualified candidates can go unnoticed. A well-presented application and strong visibility to recruiters can make a real difference in your job search.
Key Takeaways
Standout candidates combine technical, commercial, and human skills - In 2025, top maritime professionals are digitally literate, environmentally aware, commercially astute, adaptable, strong communicators, and show leadership potential.
Even highly qualified candidates can go unnoticed - High application volumes, generic CVs, outdated experience, and impersonal applications often prevent recruiters from seeing strong talent.
Targeted, proactive applications increase visibility - Tailor your CV, showcase digital and industry knowledge, maintain an up-to-date online presence, and network strategically to ensure your skills and experience are recognised.
What makes a great maritime candidate in 2025
A standout candidate combines hands-on experience with skills that are increasingly valued across the maritime industry:
Technically and digitally literate: confident using maritime software, navigation tools, data systems, or other emerging technologies.
Environmentally aware: knowledgeable about sustainability, green shipping initiatives, and ESG compliance, whether onboard or ashore.
Commercially astute: balances operational expertise with strategic thinking and an understanding of business pressures.
Adaptable and forward-thinking: able to respond to changing circumstances, learn new systems quickly, and embrace industry innovation.
Strong communicator and team player: effective at collaborating with crew, colleagues, and stakeholders across cultures and locations.
Leadership potential: capable of mentoring, motivating, and influencing teams both on board and in shore-based roles.
(For more insight, check out our career advice on the ‘Top 5 Human Skills for Maritime Careers in 2025’.)
Why good candidates can go unnoticed
Even strong candidates can slip under the radar for reasons unrelated to ability:
Generic CVs: Applications that aren’t tailored to the role or focus only on job titles rather than concrete achievements are less likely to stand out. Recruiters look for evidence of what you’ve actually accomplished, how you’ve added value, and the skills you’ve applied in real situations. A strong CV highlights relevant experience, measurable results, and the impact you’ve had, whether on board a vessel or in a shore-based role.
Misalignment with modern expectations: Candidates who rely only on traditional experience without demonstrating awareness of technology, sustainability, or broader industry trends may be overlooked. This applies at sea and ashore, from using modern vessel systems and digital tools onboard to understanding green shipping initiatives and global operational changes.
Lack of personalisation: Recruiters look for applications tailored to each role, showing a clear understanding of the company, sector, and responsibilities. Candidates need to ensure their CV and cover letter are well-structured, include accurate contact details, and show careful attention to grammar and spelling.
How to make sure your application gets noticed in 2025
Tailor your application: Highlight achievements, skills, and experience that are relevant to the specific role, rather than relying on generic CV templates.
Demonstrate industry awareness: Include knowledge of market trends, regulatory updates, and sustainability initiatives to show that you understand the broader industry context.
Maintain a strong online presence: Keep your LinkedIn profile current, engage in maritime forums, and share insights to raise your visibility.
Network strategically: Attend industry events, webinars, or gatherings and connect with recruiters to increase your chances of being seen.
Even in a market where many applications go unanswered, a proactive and well-targeted approach can help ensure that your skills and experience get noticed in 2025.
Take the next step: Explore current maritime and shipping opportunities with Faststream Recruitment or set up a job alert so your next application gets the attention it deserves.
