Honesty on Applications

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by cigaroo, Oct 5, 2010.

  1. cigaroo

    cigaroo Bobtail Member

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    Oct 5, 2010
    Washington State
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    After spending many many hours reading these forums and other info on the net about trucking, I am astounded by how often the issue of honesty comes up when talking about applications. Everyone keeps telling us new guys to be completely honest. Why is the trucking industry so different than every other job in the world where it is pretty much expected that people lie on their applications and resumes? I have had a lot of jobs and I can tell you I wouldn't have gotten half of them if not for some serious bending of the truth. I don't know anyone who doesn't tell a fib or two or three on their resume. So what's the deal with trucking?
    It seems like a bit of a catch22 too. For example, I was looking at an application for a trucking company and they ask "have you ever used any illegal drug, including marijuana?" Well, it seems to me like that is a no-win question. If you put no and claim you have never used any illegal drug, wouldn't they just be able to assume you were lying because everyone has used some drug at some time? If you put yes, even if it honestly was many years ago, well, you have used drugs and are disqualified. Confusing.
     
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  3. RESPECT

    RESPECT Light Load Member

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    Sep 24, 2010
    Jasper, AlaFreakinBama
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    it is only illegal if u get caught. so if u never got caught using illegal drugs, then you have never used illegal drugs, right? :biggrin_25523:
     
  4. ssbowles

    ssbowles Heavy Load Member

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    I don't think you have to worry about an application being rejected because the company assumed you smoked a joint back in '72...:biggrin_2556:
    What you want to be honest about is your work history, criminal history...that sort of thing. If you have anything on your MVR, tell them up front, and sort it out from there. You're better off being honest about it from the start and then sorting it out with the recruiter, rather than leaving out the info and hoping they don't catch it. Now you look dishonest, and if you're not honest now, what's the chance that you'll be honest after they hire you?
     
    RESPECT Thanks this.
  5. Robot-o

    Robot-o Bobtail Member

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    Sep 21, 2010
    Las Vegas
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    hmmm wish this post was made a little sooner...i put in an app earlier today with swift and answered the marijana question with a "yes in 2001" didnt know that long ago would disqualify me
     
  6. Bent Wrench

    Bent Wrench Medium Load Member

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    Cornholio, OR
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    Well then I can say no then because I have never been popped for under the influence of a narcotic.

    The sales thing got dropped and possession of under an oz of pot is not a felony..... :^)

    I was a wild child, I impersonate a law abiding citizen nowadays.

    25 years ago I had enough driving citations to keep me warm, how can I possibly remember them all.

    Probably only 3 in the last ten though, that will appear on my record...
     
  7. otherhalftw

    otherhalftw R.I.P.

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    CA...gold discovery foothills
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    The companies aren't looking for people that are willing to "avoid or bend the truth". If you can't be honest on a job application, how can you expect them to trust you after hiring you?

    As for the "illegal drug, including marijuana"...you would be surprised how many "tokers" come in for orientation, get the "pee test" and fail because they were partying the night before. Doesn't show much for honesty or a willingness to be legal, now does it?

    On my application, I admitted to "trying" marijuana back in college/high school, but ended my remark by stating that was then, this is now, and I am not a user of any illicit drug or medication. If they don't believe you...so be it....the pee test will show what you got in you!

    Bottom line...be honest on your application, especially with tickets, accidents, and periods of employment or periods of unemployment.

    Just check out my signature line...good advice to follow!

    Oh...Welcome to the Forum!
     
  8. Scott7975

    Scott7975 Light Load Member

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    Aug 5, 2010
    Cortland, NY
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    The reason its different, I assume, is that most jobs you are not driving an 80,000 pound vehicle that could kill alot of people in a split second. Also, in most jobs you are not handling 100k's $$ in product, all day everyday, while unsupervised.
     
  9. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Drivers are many things and can tell tall tales.
    But they are honest when it comes to the job and freight.

    New hires don't have to worry about distant skeletons in your closet. Once you start driving, your history follows you.
    Hazmat certification and TWIC will check your background, but you have to prove yourself totally distrustful not to get them.
     
  10. Hamsterrock74

    Hamsterrock74 Medium Load Member

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    Sep 23, 2010
    Marietta Ga
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    I think being honest is more for third party use,DOT,Fed background checks,MVRs,insurance company.You will probably agree that lieing on your app is running uphill.One of those third partys will find somthing.
    As for the joint you smoked yrs ago..I'll bet that gets by them..unless you got arested/convicted of it.On my app,when asked about smoking dope..I answerd "yes but did not inhale" Hope that works!
     
  11. Emulsified

    Emulsified Road Train Member

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    Dallas, TX
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    what? Am I the only one on this formum that has never smoked a joint?
    I know no one would believe me, especially having been a child of the 60's, but I answered no and was hired.
     
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