Tale of 2 Recruiters

So, I just got off the phone with Two recruiters today,

I'm omitting company names for fairness to any potential candidate looking into them or waiting to attend classes at these 2 companies. Anyone with research skills will know who I am referring to…

The first recruiter was kind, knowledgeable about the company, and industry. From Mid, TN and provided answers to all of my questions from Dispatch, Fleet size, Out week miles, home week miles, number of trainers, and the years of experience they each have. They knew pay and compensation, quarterly raise numbers the first year, where the position can progress to within the company keeping a good driving record (Heavy haul & Flatbed). Finally, the recruiter explained they do not have a "School" they train incoming drivers in Manual trucks, provide mentors and I will test in manual trucks to get a CDL with no Restrictions, no contracts, and no Balloon "School Payments" if employment ends. Just a breath of Fresh air.

The second conversation went something like this:

Recruiter, reading from a script: Hi _ "insert candidate name here". At this time we only have positions in OTR for people in your "hiring area." Our "Industry-leading" school will teach new drivers what they need to know in 3 weeks and be driving on the road driving with a mentor. It will all happen in Automatic Trucks and if for any reason a student does not complete the 120,000 miles with the company, approx 1.5 years, they would need to pay the company $7,000 for school. (For an Automatic Restricted CDL-A). Performance is reviewed every 6 months with at top 4 cents raise from your starting 36 cents every 6 months. Weekly miles are between 2,300 and 2,500 with home time of 3 days after 11-13 days out.

When I asked how realistic is it to hit 2300 miles average a week and be home every other week they replied: "Our targets are certainly doable and we wouldn't have those targets if it was not possible to hit." Riiight... My next question, so What sets your training apart to be valued at $7000? Response: We have "Industry-leading" training programs with a cornerstone in safety. . . Me, waiting for a next sentence that didn't happen. When I asked about scheduling home time as I live far away from a terminal. The recording, uhh recruiter assured me because the program is designed with 11-13 days out and 3 days home I Would get that home time. They wouldn't create a program if it wasn't possible to meet that mark… Having gained ALL the information I needed to make an informed decision I thanked them and ended the call.

Now, If you are reading this and are new to the industry like me I'm posting this information to offer a few job hunting tips. First, make sure you apply with a company that will work with you and makes you feel valued as a professional. Second, make sure any recruiter you speak to Answers your questions directly with information related to your question! No pre-programmed responses. Finally, if the company is asking to charge you $7,000 for 3 weeks of training to gain an Automatic restricted CDL - RUN - don't walk away. Enroll in a private 6 - 8 week school and save 3 grand. It will place you in a better hiring situation. if that's not possible financially find a company that doesn't treat you like a paycheck to them and has no contracts or gotcha payments.

Thanks for the Memories!

 

Right On the Money!