4 Things Employers Look For In Good Candidates For CDL Truck Driver Positions

Posted on: 24 June 2020

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There are approximately 3.5 million truck drivers employed in the United States. Even when other businesses wane and suffer, it is the trucking industry that literally keeps right on trucking as supplies are almost always in demand on some level. If you are a CDL truck driver looking for employment, you should have no trouble finding a company looking for a driver. However, it is best if you know up front what employers are looking for in a candidate when trying to fill their CDL truck driver positions. Here are a few things employers will be looking for in the best drivers. 

1. Reliability 

Reliability is one of the most important attributes a trucker can have. If your employer is expecting you to come in after a day off to start a run, they need to know you will be there. Likewise, the employer needs to know that when you head out on the road in their equipment and hauling product for their company, they can rely on you to get the job done. You can expect that prior employers and references will be asked about your reliability as an employee. 

2. Training or Trainability 

While some trucking companies do some training on their own, many do prefer drivers who are already trained. Therefore, if you have attended any kind of training program, it is best if you include that on your resume. If you haven't had any formal training, employers will want to see that you are open to being trained by them, even if that means you have to go on a few runs with an experienced driver before setting out on your own.

3. Experience 

Naturally, truck driving companies with CDL truck driver positions to fill prefer candidates that have some level of experience. Make sure you include all levels of experience on your resume, even if you didn't spend very long doing a particular type of driving. For instance, if you have a bit of experience with hauling livestock long distances due to some work on a farm, this should be included. 

4. Personable 

As a truck driver, you may spend a lot of time on your own, but you will also be expected to communicate with your employer and clients when picking up or dropping off loads. Therefore, having a personable personality can definitely be an advantage as a prospect. If you are not so good about communicating with others in a direct and personable way, it can make it more difficult to give you directions and to put a good face on the company name when interacting with clients and others.