Reason for leaving a job...

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by BigJDub, Jun 23, 2011.

  1. BigJDub

    BigJDub Light Load Member

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    I'm having trouble getting back into the industry mainly due to me being out of trucking for a touch over 3 years. I have had steady employment just not in a truck. I have been pouring over my application to see what else might be causing me problems and I'm wondering if my reason for leaving jobs could be part of it.

    For the most part I have left jobs to take one that paid better or was closer to home (9-5 type jobs). These I don't think are bad. But my 2 trucking company's I worked for I left for pushing me to break DOT laws. One was being forced to run an overweight hasmat load (I didn't take it) and the other for not giving me the chains to carry into northern CA during the winter. DOT was sitting 10 miles up the road at the time counting chains and I was 2 short because that's all the company would give me and they told me to run or quit (the guy that "rescued" my load came back 45 minutes later with a $500 chain ticket).

    Both jobs I put in a 2 week and moved on.

    Could a potential company see this and that one of my references is a Police LT that I have been friends with for 25 years and come to the idea that I'm going to be a "truck stop lawyer" type of person. I'm not, I just won't do anything that will risk my license.

    Would it help to change my reasons? The second company was a step up from the first; just not the reason I went to it.
     
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  3. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    just say you left either job for a better paying one or better benefits..

    the end.
     
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  4. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    I never put a reason for leaving any job.

    Is that something new ?
     
  5. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

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    A lot of the online apps ask that now. They used to just have a yes or no for termination and that's all they wanted to know.
     
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  6. BigJDub

    BigJDub Light Load Member

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    Yep, most every application I have ever filled out has asked that. On my 10 year history I don't have any jobs I was fired from so I'm good there.

    I was fired from my very first job for fighting at 15 years old, that was the only time. I was young and stupid. I'm 33 now and a lot has changed from then.Every job since then I left on my own accord for different reasons.
     
  7. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    even if one is terminated, just say NO...

    by LAW no employer can say anything bad about you, ONLY your times/dates of employment..!!!

    if anyone gets fired..??

    just say NO to the termination question, then in the "reason why left space", say either, "i wanted more money, better benefits, better hours, more miles"

    or

    "i just didn't like it there so we parted ways."

    and of course, NEVER speak badly of your former employer...!!

    no matter have much of an arsehole he was....!!!
     
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  8. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Your problem is trucking companies require your experience to be within the last 3 years. You'll have to go through refresher training.

    To bounce around jobs? That's common in the trucking industry. Usually it's like 4-6 times in a short time. It's not hard to meet them requirements. Never disclose more than you have to. Drivers are always looking for greener pastures. Especially when there is so many money hungry companies out there willing to squeeze your paycheck.
     
  9. BigJDub

    BigJDub Light Load Member

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    Wish I could find just 1 of them.
     
  10. sammycat

    sammycat "Oldest Hijackerette"

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    Just said the same thing as Condo on a different thread-that you will probably have to take a refresher course.

    Always say when asked why you left your last job that is was better pay or hours. Or the standard, ' I was looking to advance my career.'
     
  11. BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    It's most likely a refresher course, a small fleet or a small company. Online applications and Mega-Companies aren't likely to work well. Phone calls and face to face interviews where you sell yourself. Always say you left for a better opportunity or to improve you situation like Rerun said.

    In the same situation, I have found two possible oilfield jobs and two small fleet owners that would give me a chance if their insurance approves. I have not filled out a single online application, too old school.

    Don't get me wrong for the mainstream driver online works and is convenient.
     
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