The message was loud and clear, be prepared! Candidates that just plan on showing up and going through the motions have little chance of success in the competitive world of finding a job with the carriers of today. Be prepared, have your own equipment, and present yourself in a professional manner were the criteria outlined at a recent seminar for the trucking industry called Smart Trucker.

The guest speaker Guy Broderick who is the recruiter and lead trainer for Apps Transportation in Brampton outlined what he sees as big problems when applicants show up at his door. In his presentation he reviewed where many drivers go wrong when showing up for road tests with carriers. Guy who is a former Ontario Road Knight with an impeccable record and very well respected in the industry says he is looking for a certain knowledge level, professionalism, and dedication to the job that many new drivers lack when arriving for a position with the company.

“People just aren’t prepared! I get drivers who show up and think we will give them a safety vest, hammer, gloves, and other equipment which they should have with them. New candidates seem to think that we will supply that for them, but those are the basics of being prepared for a road test. You are expected to bring that with you on a road test with our company” said Guy.

What was also clear was that safety professionals with the company have the right to terminate a road test at any time if they feel safety is compromised on the road. Guy tells the story of a driver that was conducting a road test and began to get road rage while performing the test. He had been fine on the highway, but when driving in a city environment his attitude changed. The test was terminated part way through with the trainer driving the truck back to the yard.

A road test is more than just testing driving skills with many carriers looking for applicants today. They are testing your knowledge when conducting an inspection. They are looking at how you interact with customers on the job. They are testing your professionalism and dress when showing up for work, and of course they are testing your driving skills. The most important test which may not be on paper but is part of your test is your ATTITUDE! Your attitude is the most important piece of the puzzle and success when trying to get hired on with carriers. Are you willing to learn, listen, and improve over time.

Another message that came through during the recent seminar was the fact that people show up at the company not realizing that they will see a company representative while filling out an application. “We have a process that a team member is called when an applicant arrives at our location. If available we try to meet the person right away to get a feel for them before scheduling an interview. I am always amazed how many drivers weren’t expecting to see anyone when applying,” said Guy.

If you are looking for a position as a driver in transportation today realize you are expected to be able to do certain things and first impressions count. Give yourself a professional makeover before heading out into the landscape of transportation. Here are some points to go over before heading out to your next interview.

• Is your resume in good order, neat and clean?
• Do you have your own safety equipment?
• Do you look professional?
• Are you prepared to conduct a proper pre-trip inspection?
• Have you researched the company and know the type of operation they have?
• Do you have the proper documents the recruiter requires?

Go through this checklist before each interview or road test and you will be well on your way to being successful when applying on the job front. Thanks to Guy Broderick for being our guest speaker at the recent Smart Trucker Seminar. To learn about future seminars visit roadtoday.com/smarttrucker for more information.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge is a consultant with over 30 years experience in the transportation industry. He is the host of The Lead Pedal Podcast for drivers ( www.theleadpedalpodcast.com), author of the books Running By The Mile, and Driven to Drive, and is a trainer and consultant for the industry. You can learn more about Bruce and his work at www.bruceoutridge.com