Applying for local/interview advice since im otr

The easy, most efficient way is to take vacation time.

 

Not sure if you are still in GA as your profile says, but most local companies want somebody with an instate license so you might have some issues there. I know I did when I tried to go local in another state. I would say fill out applications and when they ask when they can schedule you for an interview pick a week when you would be home. Some companies take longer then 2 weeks to get back to you.

 

I would look online at your local newspaper want ad section maybe craigs list or if a local place has a website.Some local companies hire like otr does,looks up your mvr and such then schedule you for a prehire.Maybe call some local companies and have them fax you an app whatever truck stop you're at.Or u get 5 days off,hit the pavement soon as you get home.They may call you in for an interview right after filling out the application.

 

Yeh, that is the catch with OTR gigs. Your have to wonder how much more over 100% the mega-crap turnover would be if you had halfway decent chance of job searching while working. There is no doubt, it is a real pain to search jobs while otr. You cannot get to job interviews. You have a hard time answering the phone during business hours: you are either moving in traffic or sleeping.

Vacation is good idea. But sometimes things don't come through in just a couple of weeks.

I just quit and rolled the dice. Got something in just a couple of applications so it worked out but it was a chance.

If you could leave with reason - like if they shorted your pay or something, or freight dropped off - you could collect unemployment until you found something local. Moving for family reasons is also a just cause in some states.

Other wise try the vacation route. Get applications out the week before vacation and hope you get called before you have to return. The catch there is if you get something your contract might require 2 weeks notice and then you have to return for two weeks after vacation or suffer for some DAC retribution. I would do it any way and even if I did not land something I would plan on putting in my notice.

 

When u get a call for an interview tell them when you will be in for home time and most places are good with that. They do it where I work.

 

Tell your prospective employer (new boss) your position. Ask him or her to give you at least 2-3 weeks advance notice for the interview, and then request your home time for that date.

If you do get the job, don't start it immediately. Give at least a 2week notice to your current employer and go back on the road. Let your prospective employer know that you'll be going back out. Also use this home time to clean out unnecessary items from your truck, such as TV's.

This does two things:

1) You won't burn your bridges with your old employer. You'll never know if you're going to need to use this employer for a reference, or if you might need to work for them again if it doesn't work out.

2) You will impress your next employer. Even though you're still quitting your previous job, going back on the road with the employer you're going to quit, to quit the right way shows commitment and loyalty. It also shows responsibility. Characteristics that are rare with most drivers.

 

This subject was discussed yesterday on here. The concensus is, credit unions offer better services than banks. If you're a vet or relative of a vet, look at USAA Credit Union.


Edit : How is MCT? Did you go through their CDL school? Did you run coast to coast?

 

When on home time drive over to the places you want to work at. Chances are they might just interview right then and there.