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March 21, 2018
5 Ways to Ace Your Trucking Interview
Dynamic Transit office

5 Ways to Ace Your Trucking Interview

Want a high-paying trucking job? Learn how to present yourself. You could have a million miles on your record, but a sloppy interview or a bad first impression means the company will pass on you. We sat down with Alaina Yobby, recruiter at Dynamic Transit, to talk about a few things you can do to make yourself shine with a recruiter.

 

  1. Know Your Stuff

Before you can ace the interview, you have to get the interview. Your application is the first impression you’ll make with a recruiter, so don’t overlook it. Make sure it’s free of errors and accurately shows your employment history. If what you put on your application perfectly matches what the recruiter sees in a background check, you’ll come across as highly organized. You should also have your driving record handy and be prepared to answer any questions a recruiter has.

 

“When I’m looking at your past experience, I’m looking at longevity,” Alaina says. “I want to see that you’ve been somewhere for at least eight months, preferably longer. When it comes to your driving record, I’m checking if you have any tickets in the last few years and what those tickets were for.”

 

  1. Keep it Professional

Recruiters are looking for honesty in an trucking interview, but that doesn’t mean you need to get into all the reasons your last company drove you nuts. Any time you talk to a recruiter, they’re taking notes on everything you say. You don’t want to say anything that may be used against you, so it’s best to go into the conversation with a open mind and some positivity.

 

  1. Sell Yourself

One of the biggest mistakes drivers can make in a trucking interview is selling themselves short. Not all drivers are equal, so find ways to make yourself stand out from the pack. Recruiters will make note of these and they’ll make you more valuable in the long run.

  • Have you hauled a reefer or hazmat? Bring it up!
  • Never been late on a delivery? Brag about it!
  • Dress the part. Nice jeans and a button shirt go further than your old Led Zeppelin t-shirt and holey jeans.

 

“I love candidates who come in, listen to what we have to say and are open and honest about what they bring to the table,” Alaina says. “I want the interview to be a time where you’re excited to show off your accomplishments. If you come in, look sloppy and don’t seem engaged, I’m going to assume you aren’t interested.”

 

  1. Ask Questions

It may feel like you’re in the hot seat, but interviews are a two-way street. As much as the company is trying to see if you’re a good fit for them, this is your chance to see if they’re a good fit for you. Ask questions about the things that are important to you, like home time, average miles and benefits. You’ll get the answers you need and recruiters will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

 

  1. Follow Up

Even after the interview, you should stay in touch with your driver recruiter. The key is to know the right way of going about it. You want to be pleasantly persistent so that you still appear interested in the job without being a bother. Here are Alaina’s tips to keep tabs on your status after the interview.

 

  • If you have not heard from a recruiter after 48 hours just pick up the phone and call
  • Don’t call the same day unless you have an urgent question or update
  • Don’t call multiple people in the office. Have one person you’re dealing with and leave it at that.

 

Follow these steps next time you’re on the job hunt and you’re sure to get a few more call backs. And if you’re on the job hunt right now, get in touch with our recruiters. They’d love to help you find a home here at Dynamic Transit.

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