Overcoming

Gee whiz, like you said, the old Catch-22. Just from what I've heard from other drivers (so gauge the validity) most of the so called training companies are very strict concerning work history, even just a few months of unemployment. I guess they are wondering if you were maybe in a Turkish prison or collecting unemployment or disability. As you will see all over this forum, even the bottom feeders have the luxury of being picky these days. I am not aware of any company provividing a pre-hire letter prior to them already having their hooks partially into you. Usually most require a company physical, completion of part of your CDL venture, etc. before they do the pre-hire thing. Also if you are not aware, for the most part a pre-hire letter in the trucking industry just means you are invited to their orientation. No job guarantee,
The one thing that I did notice was that most of these companies did not care where or what kind of work you did, just that it was legal and you were working. I guess it helps them when acquiring work references. So this being said, you might have to take a job locally, even part time, that does not particularly thrill you in order to get some up to date work history. Good luck to you.

 

zotoa, when you filled out apps, did you list the unemployed period, and list the work you retired from? Or if you talked to recruiters, did you explain to them?

You also might want to visit some local companies. As gbnf said, a pre-hire letter isn't a job offer, so maybe you could get a local company to give such a letter, just so you could get the tuition money. The local company wouldn't be under any obligation. Try, also, talking to a trucking school. They might be able to get you one from one of the companies that recruit there.

Good luck.

 

Your tax returns may be used also.....

 

Main thing they're looking for is to see how long you stayed with your previous employer(s). If you've got any "short period" jobs be sure to list why you left; part-time job expired, summer job while attending school, got caught with the boss' daughter... that kinda thing.