Trucking jobs are in high demand, and opportunities are only expected to increase. If you’ve recently graduated from truck driving school and are ready for employment, a job interview is your next challenge. Taking the proper steps and preparing will ensure you go into your interview confident and ready to start a rewarding career.

How to Land a Trucking Job

1. Create an Effective Resume

Your resume is the first impression you’ll make on an employer. It should be well-organized, legible, and printed on a good paper stock advertised as resume paper. Begin with your contact info, including your name, address, phone number, and email address. You can lead with an introductory statement about recently graduating truck driving school and your long-term goals.

Next, list your qualifications. Include CDL licensure, safe driving certifications you’ve earned, navigation and GPS training, and other soft skills like communication abilities, organization, and critical thinking that are relevant to the job. Also, include details from your employment history and education that back both your soft skills and professional certifications.

It’s imperative that you have several people read the resume to look for formatting and grammatical errors. Your truck driving school may have employment resources to help with this.

2. Gather Supporting Documents

Create an information packet that contains supporting documents drivers look for. Include copies of your transcript from the truck driving school, recommendations from trainers, teachers, and past employers, and copies of any licenses or training certificates you’ve received.

Secure a copy of your motor vehicle record from the DMV and a copy of your Department of Transportation physical. These further back your resume, and the documents will streamline your application and interview process.

3. Research the Potential Employer

Spend plenty of time getting to know who you’ll be working for. Know what they haul and where, the type of loads they carry, and partners they work with. You can find a good amount of this information on their website. Also, look into average pay and benefits for these positions so you can submit an offer if the employer asks.

It’s wise to prepare for specific questions and to stage mock interviews with friends. Consider what employers might ask about on-the-job scenarios. Think about what to do if you break down or if inclement weather interferes with your delivery schedule. They may ask about weight station best practices or quality inspections you’ll want to perform before each trip. They’ll be impressed that you’re ready to answer these, and your knowledge will further support your qualifications.

If you’re considering a career as a truck driver, contact Great Lakes Truck Driving School. Based in Columbia Station, OH, this truck driving school is led by instructors with over 500 years of combined experience. They provide CDL training, transportation safety training, and help with job placement. Explore their programs on their website and call (440) 236-3436 to discuss admissions.