New guy: Walk-in off street for trucking jobs...Rules of Engagement (ROE)?

Go dressed ready for work...not for a wedding. Be neat , clean ( especially your hands , 1st thing most folks really notice ) You are doing it the absolute best way , ftf is always better than on the net or on the phone...... it shows a potential employer you have enough personal initiative to make the effort to come see them in person , even though you don't have lots of experience , it shows them you not only respect them as a potential employer , but you respect yourself enough to get out and actually "look for a job" , instead of "letting your fingers do the walking" Good job , keep trying. One tip though , if they say you don't have enough seat time in , tell them you'd be willing to start on the dock , or in the yard to get your feet wet to begin with....it's worth a shot , and it might lead to a great job!

 

My advice, for a driving job or any job, is to follow up with a thank you letter. In it you briefly recap your meeting, thank him/her for spending some of their valuable time with you and re-emphasize how you'd be a valued addition to their team.

If you have anything additional to tell the interviewer (for example you have a passport and would welcome runs to Canada) mention that. Also say something about the company that didn't come up in the interview (for example, "I read in a trade journal that your company grew 18% last year, that's the kind of company I want to work for, it shows the company has great leadership and a winning strategy". That will set you apart from other applicants and help the interviewer remember you). A little flattery never hurts.

Remember, Companies don't hire because it's good for you, they hire because it's beneficial to them.

 

Always be prepared to answer, "Tell me why I should hire you!" I know it seems basic, but sometimes a sentence like that from the interviewer can throw you for a loop if you are not prepared for it. Go in blind, but with the full intention of getting a full interview, filling out application, and even make sure you have the time to take a pee test right then and their, should they want it.
I've always believed that knocking on doors was the best way to find a job. It not only gives the employer a chance to look you over, it gives you a chance to look over their operation. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.
Try to notice the condition of the equipment you will be driving. Is it something you can work with OK, or is it going to drive you crazy because it is junk. . .
If they have a dock and you get to see it, is it in any kind of order? And if it is not, is anyone doing anything to make it so? Things get "just a bit hectic" on a doc, (to say the least,) but they should at least strive to keep them safe from tripping/slipping hazards.
Don't be arrogant, but don't be bashful about your qualifications and worth.

 

Yes, I absolutely did have positive results. I was an OTR driver and wanted a local job. I interviewed and had a test drive with a local fuel hauler. I had NO petroleum experience and NO tanker experience but I did have Hazmat and Tanker endorsements. After, what I thought was a productive interview, I wrote the owner, terminal manager and safety manager a thank you letter. I referenced the interview/test drive, mentioned a tidbit in the local paper about the company and complimented them on their equipment, growth objectives and safety emphasis. I was offered a job within 48 hours. Was it the interview? test drive? follow-up letter? I have no idea. What I do know is that common courtesy, being polite and literate, demonstrating a little knowledge about the company and having a professional appearance matters. Worse case scenario - it can't hurt.

I do agree that 'professional appearance' varies according to the industry. Clothing appropriate for a bank loan officer will not be effective when applying for a job as a 'transportation professional'. That said, don't show up looking (and smelling) like you just climbed out of a truck after 1,000 hard miles. No one wants to look at a slob wearing a 4 day beard, oily jeans and shirt that is evidence of what yu ate for the past week. just sayin'....

As background, I have an engineering degree (### Laude), an MBA in finance from a top 40 university (Summa ### Laude), have owned and sold (profitably) 3 fast food franchises, currently own a portfolio of rental properties and a Travel Agency, was a past driver and am reentering the industry with an eye toward owning/operating a small fleet. I offer this not to brag but to establish credibility, scope and scale.

All the Best, Bootsie

 

Uh-Bootsie???? If you want to establish credibility around here, you must use language that does NOT get caught up in the profanity filters. Honestly, I didn't know they gave degrees in that stuff.

Obviously, I'm just jerking your chain here.

Every job I have ever had, that was worth a darn was obtained by my contacting the appropriate person at the company, in person. In fact, the only one I ever got by an online resume or application was KNIGHT. And that was probably one of the worst trucking jobs I've ever had. . .

 

I didn't read all these long winded replies, but.....

If it hasn't been mentioned already take a copy of your MVR (if its clean) and any safety awards you have..