Uturn2001
01-24-2006, 10:20 AM
Filling out a job application for a postition of a professional driver can be a challenge. The typical application is often longer, more detailed, and asks for more information than most any other employment application that you have seen before. With a little preparation and some care though you can easliy complete it.
Here are some tips for filling out the driver's application to make the process as smooth as possible.
1. Get a copy of your driving record. This way you will know exactly what is on it, and if you find any erronous information you can correct it.
2. Make a list of all employers you have had in the last 10 years. Be sure to include dates employed, addresses and phone numbers. Also include in your list any periods of unemployment. In addition any periods you attended school counts as "employment".
3. Gather up any supporting documentation for periods of unemployment, self employment or schooling you may have had in the last 3 years. This can include unemployment papers, tax records, school transcripts, letters from friends or associates that know and are willing to atest to what you were doing during a particular time frame. (Just be sure to have the letters notorized and that the include contact information)
3A. Have at least 3 personal references ready to go.
4. If you are a recent graduate of a driving school have you certificate of completion handy.
5. If you have had more than 1 liscense in the last several years be sure you know the liscence number of your previous ones.
6. A valid a legible social security card.
7. Make several copies of each item above and get a folder to keep all your information in as you will need all of this when you attend orientation.
Now that you have all your information rounded up you are ready to fill out the application. For this you will need a black ink pen. While blue will work and is the only other acceptable color, the business community views black as a more professional color.
When filling out the job application be sure to carefully read the instructions for every section. Never assume that the current application you are working on is asking for the exact same information that the last one did. For example one application may ask about if you had a liscence suspension in the past 5 years while another may ask if you have had one ever in your lifetime.
Do not try to hide negative information. Doing so will only invalidate your application. Companies are more willing to forgive a rough spot or two, they are not willing to overlook you hiding something.
Write neatly and carefully. This will help demonstrate that you are a careful person who takes some pride in what you do. A sloppy application is a poor reflection and many times your job app is the first impression a potential employer will have of you.
Finally do not forget to sign your application. Doing so will at best delay you getting a response, at worst the company you are applying to will toss your application in the trash. Many applications include a release that allows the company to run a background check on you and by not signing it they can not do so.
Finally when you send in the application be sure to include all extra information the company may want at that time. Some companies ask for a copy of you DMV report, supporting employment information such as letters verifying unemployment, a copy of your driving school "diploma" etc. If the company wants this information only send in copies, keep the originals in your possesion and take them with you when you go to orientation.
Here are some tips for filling out the driver's application to make the process as smooth as possible.
1. Get a copy of your driving record. This way you will know exactly what is on it, and if you find any erronous information you can correct it.
2. Make a list of all employers you have had in the last 10 years. Be sure to include dates employed, addresses and phone numbers. Also include in your list any periods of unemployment. In addition any periods you attended school counts as "employment".
3. Gather up any supporting documentation for periods of unemployment, self employment or schooling you may have had in the last 3 years. This can include unemployment papers, tax records, school transcripts, letters from friends or associates that know and are willing to atest to what you were doing during a particular time frame. (Just be sure to have the letters notorized and that the include contact information)
3A. Have at least 3 personal references ready to go.
4. If you are a recent graduate of a driving school have you certificate of completion handy.
5. If you have had more than 1 liscense in the last several years be sure you know the liscence number of your previous ones.
6. A valid a legible social security card.
7. Make several copies of each item above and get a folder to keep all your information in as you will need all of this when you attend orientation.
Now that you have all your information rounded up you are ready to fill out the application. For this you will need a black ink pen. While blue will work and is the only other acceptable color, the business community views black as a more professional color.
When filling out the job application be sure to carefully read the instructions for every section. Never assume that the current application you are working on is asking for the exact same information that the last one did. For example one application may ask about if you had a liscence suspension in the past 5 years while another may ask if you have had one ever in your lifetime.
Do not try to hide negative information. Doing so will only invalidate your application. Companies are more willing to forgive a rough spot or two, they are not willing to overlook you hiding something.
Write neatly and carefully. This will help demonstrate that you are a careful person who takes some pride in what you do. A sloppy application is a poor reflection and many times your job app is the first impression a potential employer will have of you.
Finally do not forget to sign your application. Doing so will at best delay you getting a response, at worst the company you are applying to will toss your application in the trash. Many applications include a release that allows the company to run a background check on you and by not signing it they can not do so.
Finally when you send in the application be sure to include all extra information the company may want at that time. Some companies ask for a copy of you DMV report, supporting employment information such as letters verifying unemployment, a copy of your driving school "diploma" etc. If the company wants this information only send in copies, keep the originals in your possesion and take them with you when you go to orientation.