2 years unemployment bad?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Karen76, Nov 25, 2010.

  1. Karen76

    Karen76 Light Load Member

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    I've been a stay-at-home mom for two years. I got my CDL November 12th. I was a pre-hire for Con-Way, but I failed their road test. They said I ran a red light, but the light was yellow. Plus they let me finish the rest of test instead of pulling me out.
    My driving record is flawless, and I have no drug or criminal history. I'm also a seven year army veteran.
    I filled out an application online that went to 80 different trucking companies this week and so far Werner and CRST has called me. Werner did a phone interview and turned me down the next day...probably for my unemployment history. Now I'm talking to CRST. They are only hiring teams and they expect me to pay back my orientation lodging and bus fare. Should I jump on them or wait for another offer?
     
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  3. Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

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    Don't know what your financial situation is, but if you could wait, I certainly would. I also would have filled out online applications myself rather then depend on a company to circulate one for me. I think a company would look closer at one you filled out at their site rather than one that accompanied a bunch of others. In fact, I would suggest your chances would be better on your own...not knowing how these things work, I would imagine if a company hires you from an application they got from the 80 app company, they'd owe them a fee.
    Got the time? Fill out online applications yourself. There's no shortcuts to success.
     
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  4. TruckerLady

    TruckerLady Bobtail Member

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    Employment gaps are a problem, it seems like carriers are being picky as all get out, but keep applying to as many places as you can. Try looking in your local area for smaller companies and put in with them. And not to nitpick you, but just for the sake of safety, whenever you get near a light you should try to leave yourself room to stop. I watch the pedestrian lights on the cross street side to give me a hint if it is getting ready to turn yellow. Technically speaking, if part of your truck or trailer is in the intersection when the light turns red, you did run it.
     
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  5. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    i wouldn't want to pay back ANY trucking company.....that should ALL BE ON THEM.....!!!

    now being a "stay at home mom" should NOT be a problem....what you WILL need is maybe a letter or two written by someone who knows you, but IS NOT related to you. like a clergy, business owner, and if not, maybe a lawyer..?? you just need to verify 10 years back......so those 2 years need to be verified. beyond that, any job you had should suffice to fill in the rest.

    also please DO NOT add your social security number to any "generic" website application for a job.
     
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  6. Biscuit75

    Biscuit75 Road Train Member

    Personally I would wait it out and try to find something that fits you better. A couple years ago I was a 12 year driving veteran that was laid off from my gas hauling job at the time while I was recovering from a car accident. It took me 2 months and talking to 20+ companies before I was able to find a job. I'm not trying to deter you, just give you insight into what I went through.

    Don't take the first thing that comes your way. Do your research and find something that fits your needs while realizing your going to have to bend a little on what you desire out of a company. This isn't 5-10 years ago. The companies have a plethora of drivers to pick from instead of it being the other way around. They have the upper hand now...

    As far as 2 years unemployment, that should have no bearing on your ability to find a job. They can't, and shouldn't, hold it against you.
     
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  7. o.m.d.

    o.m.d. Heavy Load Member

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    this is such a powerful statement i had to quote it on its own.
     
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  8. walstib

    walstib Darkstar

    A driver in my WS class has been on unemployment for 2 years! Now he has a job!
     
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  9. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Where did you get your CDL? I would leave Conway out of the picture if you can and show a fresh start. You are not an employee until you meet all their requirements including the road test. I believe that is what is holding you back. Being a stay at home mom is a job by itself and I wouldn't think it would be frowned on. They might ask you to get a notorized statement from a neighbor stating you weren't working. They need something to satisfy DOT regulations that you haven't been running on another CDL. Avoid CRST if you can. Keep trying! Put your resume on Career Builder. My phone rung off the hook there.

    You are not going to find the perfect company off the bat. You'll have to pay your dues sort of the first year. Call JBHunt, Swift, USExpress and all the bigger companies. Like walstib says Willis Shaw would be a good start.
    Edited: Wait, that looks like a Watkins Shepard truck, lol. :biggrin_2559:
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2010
  10. celticwolf

    celticwolf Road Train Member

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    I was unemployed for the last two years. I had to prove I was unemployed and not goofing off.

    Stay at home mom is not goofing off..
     
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  11. Corporal_Clegg

    Corporal_Clegg Road Train Member

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    Were you drawing unemployment benefits, or just unemployed ? it does make a differance with some companies. And, were you terminated from your last job?
     
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