Truck Job Seeker - How to Get the Trucking Job You Want

When it comes to job hunting, truckers are in the driver's seat. There is such high demand for new drivers right now that you can afford to be choosy indeciding who to drive for. But how do you decide?

• Start with a list of questions (check our next post for a list to get you started). Ask each recruiter the same questions and write down the answers. Don't trust your memory. By the time you finish the third interview, it will be hard to remember exactly who said what.
• Before you start comparing companies, weed out the obvious no's. If the recruiter didn't give you straight answers to your questions,if he didn't show up on time or kept you waiting, if he took phone calls during the interview, if he changed the offer, if something just doesn't sound or feel right, don't waste your time. Cross that company off your list and move on.
• Sit down with your interview notes and the literature you received and make a point-by-point comparison. Scratch off the list those companies that don't have everything you're looking for.
• Find out what other truckers think of the companies left on your list. Check out the boards and chat rooms to see what other truckers are saying. Narrow your list.
• Make an appointment to visit the yards of your top two or three choices. Do you like what you see? Are drivers respected? Is equipment cared for? How do you feel about the people you'll be working with? This is really the acid test and the best way to find out if you and the company will be a good fit for each other.

Next time: Questions to ask when you apply for a trucking job.