Best Inside Practices when Applying for a Position and Engaging with a Recruiter or Employer

Have you ever wondered what transportation companies are looking for in an applicant? With safety at the forefront, qualifications are assessed beyond hard driving skills. 

First, let’s start with tips on how an application should be completed:

Is the information you are providing accurate and chronologically in order? Are the starting and end dates accurate? Are you using the correct names and spelling? Companies are looking for stability in employment. Unless you are just starting as a new driver, and don’t have a lot of experience, employers are looking for longevity in employment with previous employers of one or more years. This, in contrast to job hopping employers every two to six months, suggests stability and a level of commitment to learn and adhere to processes and company policies. It also suggests the ability to recognize any company has its hurdles to work through, further demonstrating the ability to recognize you’re part of a team. It is not always necessary to list all of your previous employment. Focus on your most recent employment history that can detail more years of employment and that can cover gaps.

What is your “Reason for Leaving”? If you state “better opportunity” or “pay” on all previous 

positions, an employer may not want to invest time in you. Rather, are you wanting to diversify your 

equipment experience? Are you wanting to come off the road, have better benefits, or to learn more? Do you need more home time? What is the underlying reason?

Secondly, what are the best practices to follow up on your application, and how to contact and respond to a recruiter or employer? 

First and foremost, keep track of the companies and position you apply to on a notepad. Include the company name, website, and name and phone number of the contact person. By doing this, when contacted for an interview, it shows extreme interest in the company, rather than they being a random interest.

Some employers may use a combination of SMS and email to communicate to request further information or move you through the early steps in the application process before a phone interview. Employers don’t want to distract you during any potential driving time. By leaving requests in this manner, you are able to reply to the information needed when you are free. Check all of your email inboxes daily. Respond to both SMS and emails timely, and when free of driving distractions. Delaying any responses to a company you apply to can signal a lack of commitment, seriousness and dedication. 

Background checks further determine if you’re eligible for a position, but don’t necessarily guarantee you will be hired. Many other criteria are considered whether you will be a good fit for the company’s culture and objectives. Background checks can run anywhere from one to three weeks on average. Be patient, and check in with the recruiter or employer after two weeks.

Know what you’re looking for in a company. Companies want to know you’ve researched them. Rather than just focusing on looking for a position for better pay, determine if you fit in the culture, and the opportunities and growth a company can provide.

Lastly, companies look at “soft skills” that make up the full skill set of an applicant to be a well-rounded driver. While some of these skills may not be initially apparent by an employer, your job performance is under a constant “interview and review”. What skill set strengths do you have, and what can you improve on?

Communication

How well do you relay important information in a clear and thorough manner? Are you able to use a computer or electronic device to receive and send emails, SMS, or to log your trip and inspections? Are you able to use a GPS?

Critical thinking, Patience, Problem Solving, and Conflict Resolution

Your drive changes moment to moment. Are you able to anticipate maneuvers other drivers may make when passing you? Do you prepare for a ¼ mile ahead of you? Are you prepared for adverse weather conditions or construction, and able to effectively reroute or take precautionary action? Do you collect facts before communicating a problem and have a solution prepared? Are you courteous towards others?

Team Player, Attitude, and Adaptability 

Do you communicate with your team and offer support or suggestions? Do you reach out to your team or management for help? Do you do things to benefit the team you work with or do you isolate yourself? Can you adapt to and accept a company’s policies and procedures? Do you regard yourself fully experienced by the number of years you’ve been driving, or, do you have the mindset “I always have something new to learn”?

Time Management, Discipline, and Patience

Are you on time for work? Better yet, are you early for work? Showing up early indicates good organizational skills and discipline and to plan for the day; to perform a thorough inspection, to review weather updates and construction, and to set your route. If you’ll be passing through adverse road conditions, have you acknowledged you’re not in a race for miles, but safety is paramount?