Top Tips to Land That Lorry Job

While jobs become more competitive in other industries thanks to the credit crunch, it's still relatively easy to get a haulage job. A huge portion of the workforce will be retiring in the next 10 years, so it's a great opportunity for lorry drivers to move on to bigger and better things. But how can you be sure that you get to an interview? Well here are some tips which are essential for the lorry driver looking to impress with their CV:

Be Available

With the nature of haulage jobs, it's invaluable that you're readily available, and the CV is a great way to put the seeds of trust into potential employers' minds. List contact information clearly at the top of your CV. Naturally, if you're on the road you can't expect to pick up your calls so make sure your answer phone message is simple, clean and professional, confirming that the caller has reached you and that you will call them back when you can. If you do get a message from a potential employer, it's essential that you reply quickly - they want someone who's quick to get in contact. It's the very nature of the job!

Make What You're Looking for Clear

Lorry jobs are quite diverse in the distances they cover and their requirements, so make it clear exactly the kind of work you're looking for - be it long distance or dedicated routes. Try to make it more about what you will do than what you won't though - if you're not happy handling freight, emphasise your desire to work with drop off trailers.

List Your Licence Type and Qualifications Clearly

As well as listing the type of licence you hold and your qualifications for the job, consider the areas where you can beat the competition. If you have extra training in areas such as double trailers or hazardous materials, then mention it - it could make all the difference between you and your rivals!

Emphasise Your Achievements

But of course a lot of haulage work is not about qualifications and diplomas, but about honest everyday experience, so put these achievements clearly. Such highlights needn't be about awards won, but just the solid results of doing the job consistently well over time, like "driven over 250,000 miles without an accident" or "over 500 deliveries before the delivery deadline".

Show Your Skills with Technology

With a younger workforce, the haulage industry is looking increasingly towards taking advantage of new technology. If you're tech-savvy, you're already at a huge advantage, so make it clear on your CV! If you regularly use mobile internet and GPS systems with your work, then say so - this will make you a far more attractive candidate than someone who only knows how to drive, like many of the retiring workforce. You make yourself a candidate for the future, and not just the present!

If you've got the qualifications and the experience, there's no reason that you can't take advantage of the impending shortage of drivers at the top companies. Follow these tips in the application stage and you have the best possible chance to ace the interview and land that dream lorry job.