Does the old school method of going in person and asking about job opportunities still work?
Posted by locknloadchode@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 23 comments
I’m looking to break into the industry. I have a class A with no restrictions, but no endorsements either (studying for hazmat test). Some stuff on my driving record but nothing that is outside most company’s standards.
A friend of mine working in food service says that there’s plenty of small family run companies that don’t have a website, and that going in person and asking about jobs can’t hurt. I plan to do so, but has anyone here done this and found success?
colourmixx@reddit
This works with farms.
OilOk3463@reddit
I would think that mostly works with small businesses. We don’t have a website or online app. I get most of our applicants from indeed. Usually 15-20 applicants for 1 position. I look through the resumes and call the drivers that have directly applicable (dump truck) experience first. We don’t require previous experience, but I start with the guys that do have it and usually end up hiring one of them. However, if you show up at my office and fill out an application, I’ll look it over right then and there. If I like what I see, I’ll ask you to do a road test/interview with me. If you do well on the road test then I’ll offer you a job. I’m not here to waste a bunch of people’s time interviewing/road testing. If you’re qualified, then I don’t need to call anybody else. Let’s do the drugs test/paperwork and get that truck on the road.
locknloadchode@reddit (OP)
I might just try it and see what happens. Worst case scenario is they tell me to fuck off lol.
I’m either getting rejected or no one is getting back to me. Should I call recruiters to follow up on my applications?
Broad-Ad-1015@reddit
Give 2 weeks than start calling about your applications
locknloadchode@reddit (OP)
Sounds good. Thank you!
horizon_monument@reddit
I did exactly this last year, dressed professionally, had a lil folder with resumes and was ready to shake hands. Everyone thought I was a crack head or a salesman. Couple places didn't even open the gate. So I applied online.
locknloadchode@reddit (OP)
At least you tried rather than wondered “what if?”
jmzstl@reddit
Depends on the company. My job has 3 layers of locked gates/doors to get through to get to the office. Someone who presses the intercom at the first gate and asks about a job opening would be politely told to get leave the property and apply online. And even then, your application has to go through a screening by corporate HR to determine if they want to send it down to the local management level.
Jalpita_Dude@reddit
Its not what you know, its who you blow /:
locknloadchode@reddit (OP)
Ain’t that the damn truth
SeaRow556@reddit
If you see a driver of a company you are interested in then they can give you a referral and a contact number, normally their manager or a higherup. You can also call them. I prefer to talk to their safety managers before calling the recruitment line though.
Naborsx21@reddit
Just curious, what do you want to the safety manager for? I personally wouldn't want to work anywhere that has a "Safety" department.
SeaRow556@reddit
Well even small companies have someone who deals with safety and compliance. And personally recruiters suck and don't know what they are talking about. I could ask hypothetical questions and make an educated guess if they are overly managed or a shitty company that will force you to PC to make a delivery.
Naborsx21@reddit
Fair enough.
locknloadchode@reddit (OP)
Thank you
SeaRow556@reddit
Np. Also since this will be your first trucking job besure to bring a detailed résumé. Once you get more than a couple years of verifiable driving experience then it aint that important. My current employer asked about a resume and i just laughed it off.
EUTrucker@reddit
If they don't stop you at the security gate, yes
santanzchild@reddit
The P&D with 10 trucks it still works I've been hired that way a few times. The good ones never post jobs they just rely on walk-ins and word of mouth from employees.
halfcow@reddit
I'm speaking as GenX, just so you know my perspective. I'd be real hesitant to just show up in person, without jumping through the hoops first.
Why? Because the receptionist/recruiter is gonna look at you like you have 2 heads. The first thing they're gonna do is invite you to apply online, because that's how they process their business. If you want to go in person, I don't imagine that would hurt your chances, but they cannot process you as an applicant until you are in their computer system system.
locknloadchode@reddit (OP)
Makes sense. Just wanted to get everyone’s thoughts. Thank you for the feedback
12InchPickle@reddit
They would rather you apply online
locknloadchode@reddit (OP)
Just so they can not reply back ever lol. Haven’t heard back from a single company. I’ll take rejections over nothing at all
mxadema@reddit
It hit and miss. Mainly, depending on what the company is. The bigger ones are not so much. Construction and smallse stuff are likely the only way.