Tips on Finding a New Trucking Job
Tips For Finding A New Trucking Job
by Brandon on 11/18/11
Tips for finding a better driving job
Finding a new job can be a scary, time consuming endeavor. Talking with numerous recruiters, trying to keep all the information straight, and getting everything finished up quickly is no small task. Use these helpful tips when searching for your next driving job to make the process go smoothly:
Know whats on your MVR
There are 3 reports that a company will use to decide whether or not they will hire you. The DAC report, PSP report, and MVR (motor vehicle report). You need to know what is on these reports. There are also times where there is false information mistakenly placed on these reports. If you find this is the case, you need to dispute them ASAP, and get the issues corrected. Whatever comes up on these reports, false or true, will determine how a company views your application. Know whats on them, and keep the information up to date. Heres how you can order a copy of each of these reports:
HireRight, Inc./DAC Services 5151 California Avenue, Irvine, CA 92617 1-800-490-7983
PSP/FMSCA 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 1-800-832-5660
For the MVR- Contact your local license branch and get a copy of your MVR
Have a 10 year work history on hand
Many companies are going to want 10 years of work history up front while others will only want 3 years. The DOT requires that a company have on file a complete 10 year driving history, provided you have a 10 year driving history. There are also companies who will want to get a 10 year work history complete with both your driving and non driving jobs. Whether a company wants 3 years or 10 years, if you have a 10 year work history typed up, you’ll be prepared either way. Remember to put names, phone numbers, addresses, and employment dates on your work history.
Be open and honest about your work record
Had a falling out with your last employer? Be honest about it. Nothing is worse than pretending everything was fine and then an employment verification come back with bad remarks on it. Better yet, if you had a falling out with an employer, call them back and try to resolve the issue. You may never want to work for the company again, but at least they wont hinder your chances at a better job down the road.
Fill out the application completely
When you fill out an application, fill it out completely. Empty blanks show a lack of determination to put your best foot forward.
Been on unemployment or self employed?
If youve been on unemployment for longer than 6-12 months within the past 3 years, go to the unemployment office and obtain a print out of all your benefits received. This will help a company “verify” that you were unemployed during that time frame. If you cant physically go to the unemployment office you can usually get these reports online. If you’ve been self employed for an extended period (6-12 months or longer) gather all your tax documents and references. This will make verifying much easier.
Take Notes
Youre going to have a lot of options as a driver looking for work. Take good notes on the companies you talk to. Write down the name and phone number of the company, the person you talked to, and any notes on what the company is offering (pay, vacation time, benefits, retirement, etc….) Take your time and talk to everyone. Dont jump on the first offer just because it sounds good. The more companies you talk to, the better you will understand what the job market is offering you, then pick the best one! If you keep detailed notes, youll be able to look at everything that was offered to you with your family, and then decide what’s best.
Following these helpful tips will make your next job search easier and more productive than ever! Your preparedness will also make a positive impression on the people making the hiring decisions for the best companies in America!
