How Face to Face Meetings Lead to Better Crew Placements

In a world dominated by digital communication and remote interviews, there’s still no substitute for meeting in person—especially when it comes to hiring yacht crew. At Northrop & Johnson, we’re fortunate to have offices in every major yachting hub, which makes it easy for crew to drop in and meet us face-to-face. And we’re big believers that this still makes a huge difference.

First, resumes and phone calls can only tell you so much. You get a list of qualifications, maybe a few buzzwords about personality—but what about the things you can’t see on paper? An in-person meeting gives us a clearer read on someone’s communication style, confidence level, and overall vibe. We’ve all seen the CV that says “non-smoker,”… and then the candidate walks in reeking of cigarettes. Or the so-called “non-drinker” who smells like they’ve just left a brewery. Or the deckhand who turns out to be 6’8”—a great guy, but not exactly ideal for a cabin with limited headroom.

Meeting in person also helps build trust. It allows for more open, honest conversations and often leads to the kind of candid insight you’d never get over email. These chats can include anything from day-to-day preferences to industry chat, helping us better understand who someone really is and what they’re looking for.

Then there’s the value of non-verbal cues. Eye contact, body language, facial expressions—all of these give us added context that helps us evaluate professionalism, enthusiasm, and cultural fit. It’s not about passing judgment—it’s about making sure the right people end up in the right roles.

Let’s not forget: CV embellishment is a thing. Meeting in person gives us a chance to verify skills, experience, and authenticity in real-time. It’s faster, more accurate, and leads to better placements.

We’re always available and we genuinely enjoy meeting crew in person. So if you’re around one of our offices, pop in and say hello. Want to schedule a meeting? Reach out to a crew agent in your time zone—we’d love to connect.