How to make your CV stand out

Working in the dive industry is one of the most rewarding careers out there — you get to share your passion for the ocean while meeting people from all over the world. But as dreamy as it sounds, it’s also very competitive! Dive centers receive dozens of applications for just one instructor role. So how do you make sure your CV stands out from the crowd? Here are some tips to get you noticed (for all the right reasons).

Get your CV to the top of the pile!

Tailor your contact

• Do your research before you apply. When sending your CV to a company – read about the company first! Find out who they are and who they are looking for.

• Try to avoid using Dear Sir/Team/Dive Centre Name - find a name to write to - this shows that you have put in the extra effort to find out about them, and that you want this job specifically.

Keep it clear and professional

• Use a clean, easy-to-read format. Dive shop managers don’t have time to wade through pages of text — one page is perfect, 2 at most.

• Use bullet points and short sentence’s; keep the paragraphs for your cover letter.

• Avoid overloading with graphics or fancy fonts; keep it simple and professional.

• You want it to deliver all the important information in a quick glance.

Use a good template

• Do more than just bullet point on a word doc, use a template that divides the page into easy-to-read sections and simple colours.

• Use clear sections so the information is easy to find.

Tailor it for the job

• Know what job you are applying for and mention the skills specific for that job.

• If you are applying for a dive Instructor role, they don’t need your full work history – only relevant roles and experiences – they wont care that you worked in a supermarket when you were 18!

• Read the job description and know what they are looking for.

Highlight your certifications

• Clearly list your professional qualifications: agency (PADI, SSI, RAID, etc.), instructor number, and any specialty instructor ratings, including EFR Instructor.

• You can also include any extra relevant certifications: Boat license, equipment specialist qualifications, social media knowledge.

Show your diving experience

• Include the number of logged dives.

• The types of conditions you’ve worked in (currents, cold water, low visibility). This reassures employers that you can handle varied environments.

Demonstrate language skills

• If you speak multiple languages, list them proudly — it’s a huge asset in the dive world, and most employers will favour those who can teach in multiple languages.

Include a professional photo

• It’s a bonus for the dive centre to see your face – but keep it professional. Don’t be tempted to use a funny underwater one, just a simple professional headshot.

Include references

• Always provide a couple of references from Course Directors, dive shop managers, or past employers.

• Always ask your references before you add them.

Key sections to have:

• You: Your full name, nationality and DOB

• Contact info: email and phone number (+Instagram/LinkedIn)

• Dive Qualifications: Organisations (PADI/SSI…), Instructor rating, Specs

• Experience: company name, role and dates (if its your first job use your dive experience instead) with a small note on your responsibilities for each role

• Other skills/qualifications: boat licences, equipment specialist. Also any higher education; degrees or masters degrees.

• Languages (you can teach in)

So to get your CV to stand out, keep it simple, tailor it to the job and only list relevant skills/experience. Be confident and showcase who you are and what you can do!