Ok, so you’ve put in the hard work, time and dedication to attending truck driving school and you’ve achieved your goal of earning your CDL. You’re eager to hit the road and start earning money putting everything you’ve learned to practical use. Unfortunately, nobody seems to be interested in hiring you because you “don’t have experience”.
But how can you get experience if nobody will hire you? It’s a vicious cycle that haunts many new truck drivers. The good news is, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of finally landing one of those truck driving jobs you’ve got your heart set on.
Spruce Up Your Resume – This document will serve as the very first impression that potential employers will get of you, so it needs to be good. If you’re not sure how to create a resume, consider enlisting the help of a professional. Sending this along with any application can instantly help you stand out from other applicants.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter – Your cover letter is what will essentially introduce you to prospective companies and it should be compelling enough to sell who you are, what you have to offer and – most importantly – why you would be the best fit for the job.
Start Applying – Now that you’ve got your resume and cover letter ready, start aggressively applying to as many open trucking jobs as possible. The more truck driver jobs you apply to, the greater your chances of getting a call back.
Do Your Research – Once that phone rings and you’ve been called in for an interview, prepare ahead by researching and learning about the company. Come up with a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview. By demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and are truly interested in learning more, you’ll differentiate yourself from other applicants.
Follow Up – Whether or not you got a call back, it’s important to follow up on any communication you’ve had in relation to truck driving jobs you’ve applied for. For applications, follow up with a phone call about a week after submission, and every week thereafter. For interviews, follow up immediately with an email thanking them for their time. This will keep you top of mind.
Get the Word Out – Finally, if you’re still having a difficult time landing a job, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Let friends, family and colleagues know you’re in the market and spend time where you’ll be more likely to associate with other truck drivers, such as at truck stops.
Anxious to get your first truck driving job but not sure where to start? Why not submit your application to M&W Transportation? It’s fast, it’s easy and it’ll improve your chances of becoming the professional truck driver you’ve worked so hard to be.
