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Searching for and securing Professional Truck Driving Jobs

How do I find professional truck driving jobs?

There are many resources which offer truck job listings and other truck driving job resources, such as TheTrucker.com. In addition, there are numerous recruiting magazines which can be found in locations frequented by truckers, such as truck stops. Check out The Trucker Media Group’s national recruiting publications as a start.

For additional tips on getting a truck driving job, watch this video.

Visit TheTrucker.com to view a complete listing of all job opportunities and to submit your application online.

What resources are available for people looking for professional truck driving jobs?

In addition to Truck Driving Job Resources found on TheTrucker.com and The Trucker Media Group’s national recruiting publications, nearly every carrier maintains a website, and most have pages including information on “jobs,” “careers,” or “employment.” Make a list of the aspects of a job that are important to you then compare your list to what is included on various carrier websites.

What should I know about truck driving job recruiters?

Truck Driver Recruiters’ jobs are to find individuals wanting to become truck drivers. Some recruiters will search for drivers already holding CDLs, while others may accommodate non-CDL holders.

Keep in mind that companies use marketing strategies like slogans to attract interest among potential drivers. For instance, if a company advertises, “Great Home Time,” ask the recruiter for specifics. Don’t base your decision on slogans or promises without details.

How do I fill out an application for a professional truck driver position?

Applications for truck driver jobs are normally consistent with those for any other job, but they will likely ask about your CDL, endorsements, and other trucking-specific information. Do not include anything on an application that is not 100% truthful. Provide a complete picture of your experience and include all previous employers, job duties in various positions, etc. While you may be applying for an entry-level position with yet holding a CDL, other job experience and qualities may be relevant (i.e., self-motivation, working unsupervised, physical work, etc.)

TheTrucker.com provides an online application which can be submitted directly to all carriers from its website. Visit TheTrucker.com to view a complete listing of all job opportunities and to submit your application online.

Is a resume and/or cover letter something I should sent to potential employers hiring truck drivers?

Most employers do not want resumes. They will check your record and learn about your education and experience elsewhere, and they will check your references. Any information you might include on a resume will likely already be covered in your application.

Cover letters are typically unnecessary unless the carrier requests them. In fact, cover letters can be detrimental if the language is too “flowery” or self-promoting. Likewise, if a cover letter is written poorly, it may be a red flag that you do not pay attention to detail. Yes, truck drivers need to be able to write, but the occupation doesn’t require dissertations.

How do I interview for a truck driving job?

You should “know your stuff” before interviewing. Understand that recruiters have heard everything before and will be suspicious if something you say doesn’t sound right. As with your application, be honest and factual.

How do I prepare for an interview for a truck driving job?

If you are already holding a CDL, you must know what is on your record. Obtain copies of your DAC and PSP reports to you’ll know what former employers have included in your file. Your story should match. But be upfront about anything negative in your record.

If you do not yet hold a CDL, many carriers will fund your CDL training in exchange for a commitment to drive for them for a specific period. Explain why they should take a chance with you and why you will be successful (dependability, flexibility, ability to travel, etc.).

How should I dress for an in-person or “Skype” online interview?

Appropriate dress for an interview is something everyone applying for any job often worries about. If you are told to dress “casual,” you may find two outcomes: 1) you dress as instructed, in which case, the interviewer thinks, “Doesn’t this person know this is an interview?” or 2) you overdress, in which case the interviewer thinks, “Can’t this person follow instructions?”

Interviews for truck driver jobs don’t require suits. Normally you should dress professionally but casually. Never wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, or flip flops to an interview. Show the interviewers how you represent the company.

What information does a truck driver job recruiter try to obtain in an interview?

Interview questions will vary by carrier and even by the recruiter interviewing you. Examples of information recruiters are interested involve your previous work history: why did you leave your previous jobs and how? Interviewers don’t want to hire drivers who quit for unreasonable reasons or abandon their loads. They want to see professionalism. If there is a negative issue, just tell the facts. Also, they are looking for information that may show negative or positive patterns. For instance, if you quit your past five jobs because of low pay, you will quit a new job for the same reason.

What questions should I ask in a first interview?

Ask about what is important to you. If you need a certain amount of home time, ask if the carrier can accommodate you. If a specific type of truck is your preference, ask. Pets? Again, ask. Anything that might be a deal breaker for you is up for discussion.

What questions should I avoid asking?

Never ask any questions that insinuate the recruiters or dispatchers are dishonest or the company is bad. If you have information like this from other drivers, consider it to be rumors. You’ll find out soon enough in the process if it is accurate.

What are some “red flags” I should look for before submitting an application to a carrier?

Consider the carrier’s values. If ads feature scantily clad women standing by trucks, the carrier may not be for you. Look for clarity. Is the carrier clear in what they offer drivers? Look beyond slogans and encouraging words like “family” or “You’re not just a number.” If they offer “competitive pay,” it means they offer about the same as every other carrier. You can look to web-based employee reviews or comments; however, remember that a majority of the comments may be left by disgruntled workers. If the same complaint turns up repeatedly in the reviews, it might be more valid.

What are some tips on getting a professional truck driving job?

For additional tips on getting a truck driving job, watch this video.