Once you have made the decision to become a truck driver and you are working on your CDL, you will inevitably wonder about what it will be like once you start looking for your first trucking job. With so many companies and types of jobs to choose from it may seem a bit overwhelming. Drive My Way provides a vast number of resources and information to students and established drivers alike, which can provide you with a starting point as you begin looking for your first trucking job. The three most important tips we have for student drivers looking to land their first trucking job are: do your research, build a network, and keep your options open. Do Your Research: As with any new job hunt, the first step for a student driver is to do research on potential employers and create a list of companies that offer positions and benefits that align with your personal preferences and goals. You will also want to determine whether you want to work for a large carrier, small carrier, public or a privately owned company. Some key qualities to look for in a trucking employer include:
For any company you research, make sure to read testimonials of current and past employees to get an idea of whether it will be a good fit for you. Build a Network: From the time you begin truck driving school, you will be encountering several people, from other students to instructors. It is important to build a network with everyone you meet, because you never know who could be a referral for your first job, or when you want to change jobs down the road. As a first-time truck driver, you will also meet people on the road who will be important contacts to maintain for the future. Keep Your Options Open: Whether you are a rookie or a veteran in the trucking industry, it is always a good idea to keep your options open when it comes to finding, and getting hired, for a new trucking position. This is especially true for student truck drivers looking for their first opportunity. Even if the job you are researching is not a perfect fit, it is always worth applying for and finding out more information about the role. Student truck drivers may also benefit from applying for team driving jobs, which would allow them to gain vital experience and skills alongside a more seasoned driver. By keeping your options open, you give yourself the best chance of finding a position immediately after receiving your CDL. Drive My Way offers job listings for student truck drivers who are looking for their first trucking job and can provide additional support in landing a job that best fits with their lifestyle. For more information about our program, please create a Free Driver Profile with us today! We look forward to helping you find your first job in the exciting and evolving trucking industry. The post Are You a Student Driver? Here Are 3 Tips for Landing Your First Trucking Job appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/5KQrhO4
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Commercial truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. It’s also one of the most important, with drivers across the nation responsible for transporting over 70% of the United States’ freight.
Each year, Truck Driver Appreciation Week provides the perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate the tireless commitment of commercial drivers around the country. Here at Drive My Way, we’ve noticed that many of our clients have found creative and thoughtful ways to uplift their drivers with fun gifts, exciting games, and heartfelt messages.
Keep reading to find out how our clients are shining the spotlight on their drivers this appreciation week, and how to keep the recognition going all year round. Goody Bags, Prizes, and More!Presents don’t have to be limited to birthdays or the holiday season any more! This September 10-16, many companies will provide their drivers with unique merchandise, useful tools, or fun swagto show their appreciation. A personalized gift is a thoughtful way to reward drivers for their hard work and show that you care. This year, drivers at Go-To Transport can look forward to receiving a fun collection of company merchandise from display tables set up at their locations throughout the country. A Go-To tumbler, pen, and personal thank you card will be available to every company driver that stops by throughout the week. Drivers will also be able to choose between either a baseball cap, beanie, or a hoodie, depending on supplies.
Drivers for NFI Industries are sure to enjoy choosing from a wide range of fun gear this appreciation week too. With locations across the country and over 4,500 drivers and contractors nationwide, NFI has stepped up by offering company hats, shirts, duffle bags, lunch boxes, and more!
Meanwhile, Schwend, Inc. is utilizing its four locations across the South to set up stations for drivers to receive goody bags and door prizes this appreciation week. Prizes will range from Schwend merchandise to tickets for a weekend vacation! At each location, Schwend will also be setting up a breakfast and lunch serving station, where drivers can receive a home cooked meal each day of appreciation week. But for any driver that isn’t able to make it to a company terminal, there’s no need to worry! Schwend will offer to cover a few meals throughout the week for any driver out on the road.
Do Something NiceYou can never say ‘thank you’ too often. For many commercial truck drivers, they don’t hear it enough. This Driver Appreciation Week, show your team how much you care by sending out a thoughtful message or organizing an exciting event.
The management team at Go-To Transport has been busy working with their marketing division to create a video of thank you messages for drivers to go on company social media pages. Hearing words of appreciation directly from management helps keep drivers invested in the company mission by highlighting the direct impact they have through their hard work.
At NFI, it’s clear they know food is the way to everyone’s heart. Besides offering catered breakfast and lunch throughout the week, the company will be holding BBQ cookouts and picnics with food trucks, snow cone trucks, and raffle giveaways to celebrate their hardworking drivers across the country.
At Schwend, their late summer employee appreciation picnics act as an extension of Driver Appreciation Week each year with cash prizes, CB radio giveaways, games, and more. Held at their Jasper, TN, and Dade City, FL, terminals, the picnics are open for all Schwend employees, but focus on drivers and their families.
Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an annual reminder of the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of commercial drivers across the nation. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate drivers, and to highlight the incredible contributions they make each day to the economy and our way of life. Drive My Way is proud of our clients and the efforts they make each year to acknowledge the hard work of their drivers.
If your company celebrates Driver Appreciation Week in a unique way, or you’d like to be featured in more stories like this in the future, be sure to reach out to us on social media!
The post How Our Clients Are Celebrating This Driver Appreciation Week appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/PI2JY98 Should I become a truck driver? It’s a common question for anyone who is considering a change of career and is interested in the transportation and shipping industry. Perhaps you have your CDL but want to pursue a job as a truck driver over driving a bus. Regardless of what led you to this question, it is important to consider whether it is a good fit for you before becoming a truck driver. Top 5 Reasons to Become a Truck DriverA career in truck driving is extremely rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Some of the top reasons that drivers have shared with us about why they became truck drivers are listed below.
At Drive My Way, we are proud to help drivers across the nation find the right trucking job that matches their unique needs. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated with new job openings and exciting announcements. The post Should I Become a Truck Driver? appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/PI2JY98 Living where you work is one of the many adjustments trucker drivers will make once they begin their career driving. One of the best ways to adapt to this situation and create a welcoming environment is to take some initiative to make the truck feel like a home away from home. At Drive My Way, we love compiling tips for truck drivers to help them with their life and career on the road. What are Some Creative Ways Truckers Have Made Their Truck Home?Some of the best tricks and tips we have heard from truckers about making their truck feel like home are outlined below. Create a Library: If you like to read, you can create a mini library in your cab to house a selection of books or magazines. Add a custom reading light and you are ready for some important downtime after a long day. Make sure you also have your favorite books on tape and podcasts on deck to help pass the time during your drives. Dedicate a Space for Entertainment: If you prefer to watch movies, TV shows, or play games, investing in an entertainment space is the perfect way to feel right at home while you’re on the road. Some of the most popular items we have heard truckers adding to their entertainment space include a TV, DVD player, satellite radio, or gaming console. It’s important to remember though, the more electronics and appliances you have onboard, the more important it is to have an inverter as well. An inverter will help spread out the voltage for everything you have plugged in including your TV, phone, tablet, or toaster. Add Personalization: Nothing is going to make your truck feel like home more than making it your space. Create a wall to hang up your children’s drawings, photos of friends and family, and memorabilia you collect on your travels. Get creative with wallpaper, steering wheel and seat covers, accent pillows and seat cushions, area rugs, and more! We’ve even seen truck drivers who create a little spa area with relaxing music and an essential oil diffuser! Give Yourself a Kitchen: Even though the space in a cab is limited, there are plenty of ways to make a kitchen area that allows you to make tasty meals and snacks. Many truckers make sure to have their favorite appliances onboard including a mini refrigerator (a perfect place for all those magnets you collect at truck stops), microwave, crockpot, coffee maker, toaster, or even an air fryer! Don’t forget to bring along some of your favorite recipes also. Make Your Sleeping Area an Oasis on Wheels: Not only is your truck a place to work and eat, but it is also your bedroom. Some of the best ideas we have seen from truckers on how to make their sleeping area inviting include adding curtains to give the space a more private feel, and if you’re really sensitive to light, blackout curtains are the way to go. You can make your bed the perfect fit for every season by having nice cool, cotton sheets for the summer and super soft, flannel ones for the winter. You can also invest in an electric blanket, comfortable pillows, and any other necessities that will help you get your best rest. You can also add mood lighting and a sound machine to create serenity to help you doze off. Rotate Your Theme: One way to keep the excitement going with your truck personalization is to have a new theme and matching decorations that you can rotate throughout the year. You can go patriotic for the 4th of July, spooky for Halloween, and merry for Christmas. From holiday lights to bedspreads, you can make your truck feel close to home. If you drive a company owned truck, always make sure to check with them before making any modifications to the interior or exterior of the vehicle. While taking any of these steps can give your truck a homier feel, it’s important to remember that if you feel lonely or isolated, get in touch with family and friends, or be social with fellow truckers at stops. A good conversation is an excellent way to break up the monotony of being alone while driving. With a little creativity, your cab can transform into a tiny home rather than feeling like just the back of your truck. Do you have a decked-out rig, full of personality? We want to see all the creative ways you have made your truck and cab match your unique needs and style. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to show off your truck and tell us your story. The post Creative Ways Truckers Have Made Their Truck Home appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/m5iXo2B If you’re looking to diversify your driving experience and stand out to employers, becoming a boom truck operator might be the right move for you. This unique driving position requires an additional training certification, but often results in increased pay and a wider variety of available jobs.
Boom trucks are used in a range of industry settings, and can be a great investment if you’re looking to own and operate your own truck. The certification process only takes a few hours and is widely available online. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before becoming a boom truck operator, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What is a Boom Truck?By definition, a boom truck is a commercial truck with a hydraulic crane attached to its chassis. There are many variations on this basic structure that enable boom trucks to be useful for a range of different jobs. The two primary types of truck are fixed cab and swing cab vehicles, which are classified depending on the mobility and positioning of the cabin.
A fixed cabin boom truck will contain one cab with all of the controls for the crane. This means that these trucks operate much like a standard truck, allowing them to have a smaller size that can make maneuverability easier.
There are also downsides to a stationary cab, including visibility issues. This is where a swing cab boom truck comes into play. With a longer structure, these trucks have a separate cab for the operator which offers better visibility and flexibility when lifting. Swing cabs are often favored by construction companies, since they are better for more intricate jobs.
Which Boom Truck is Right for You?Beyond the two primary types of boom truck, there are a few other variations. It’s important to know the different kinds of boom trucks so you can choose the right one for you.
Sometimes referred to as a boom truck crane or a boom crane, this type of truck has a telescopic arm and usually works similar to a typical crane to lift and move heavy objects between 10 and 60 tons.
Another type of boom truck is an articulating lift, which is helpful in jobs where precision is important. Due to the joint in the extension, these trucks are designed to be lightweight and able to maneuver while working in tight spaces.
If your jobs call for lifting people, instead of heavy loads, then a bucket truck is the right choice for you. These trucks are designed with a rising platform where technicians can stand and work while keeping their tools close by. Most bucket trucks have some sort of wall or railing for safety, and some newer trucks are built with a fiberglass cabin to further improve worker safety.
Flexibility, experience, and having the ability to develop new skills are all extremely important in the career of every truck driver. In today’s competitive market, it is more important than ever to stand out to employers by increasing your marketable talents. Being able to drive specialized vehicles, such as boom trucks, is a great way to differentiate yourself from your competition and increase the scope of jobs for which you are qualified.
Although driving a boom truck requires its own certification, plenty of companies will make it worth the effort with incentives and bonuses for having this skill.
Here at Drive My Way, we’re always looking to find and promote tools that could be beneficial to any trucker. Read more from our Driver Blog to learn essential tips and resources, and be sure to reach out to us on social media if there’s anything we missed! The post Everything You Need to Know About Being a Boom Truck Operator appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/m5iXo2B Are you looking for a new truck driving position? Perhaps you want to learn new skills and switch to a specialty job? Within the trucking industry, there are many different types of jobs, some of which require additional training and/or certification but may afford you the opportunity to learn new skills, carry different types of freight, and travel different routes. One option is transporting dry bulk tanks. Dry bulk tank jobs offer unique benefits, but they also have special requirements that other types of job do not, including cleaning the tank (in some cases) and understanding how to unload the material you are hauling. Types of Dry Bulk TanksDry bulk tanks are used for the transport of dry materials including food grade, industrial, and construction materials. Unlike traditional tankers, dry bulk tanks do not carry liquid or gas. Common materials transported in dry bulk tanks include:
This type of tanker is also known as a pneumatic tanker and is typically manufactured as a single compartment tank, made of aluminum or steel. Dry bulk tanks are vacuum sealed and have openings on the top and bottom of the cylinders for both loading and unloading of the materials. Space within a dry bulk tank is measured in cubic feet and most tankers have a capacity between 560 – 3120 cubic feet. Depending on how much material they hold, dry bulk tanks are usually referred to as “small cube” or “large cube.” Dry bulk tanks are excellent for transporting a variety of materials since they prevent contamination and are easy to load and unload. Safety Concerns with Dry Bulk TanksUnlike a dry van trailer, dry bulk tankers have a high center of gravity, which allows for materials to shift during transport. Shifts in weight like this are not something all drivers are familiar with, so it is important to take care while learning how to drive these types of loads. Some other safety concerns include falls while climbing on the tanks during the unloading process. It is vital for drivers to exercise caution and take preventative measures to avoid falls including having sufficient lighting (for night runs), wearing non-slip shoes, and using available handrails and lanyard attachments. A Day in the Life of a Dry Bulk Tank DriverWe recently interviewed Shelly Kroesen, a driver recruiter from Dart America, one of several companies partnering with Drive My Way to hire dry bulk tank drivers, to see what a job as a dry bulk tank driver typically entails. Can you tell us about the type of tankers used at Dart America and what they’re hauling? We haul pneumatic tankers and dump trailers. We haul carbon in bulk for Calgon Carbon. Carbon is used in filtration, including water filtration. What are the driver’s responsibilities? The driver drives and hooks hoses from the tank or dump to the customer’s vessel upon arrival. The driver is typically out of the truck for 4-7 hours during unloading. The driver must be able to get on top of the tanker to close the man ways. What are some general tips or things to know for drivers interested in or already hauling tankers? What we haul is used in filtration, so it is recession proof. I can’t ever see a time that filtered water would not be used. Any other comments or feedback on tankers? This is not hard work, but it does take time, attention, and common sense.
When it comes to trucking there are many different types of jobs available and unique types of freight you could haul. Are you interested in a new trucking position? Check out available jobs with our partners today! The post Is a Dry Bulk Tank Job Right for Me? appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/mzjsqoG Do you have what it takes to compete with the best of the best?
This year, truck drivers from across the nation will be headed to Columbus, OH, to battle it out for the title of 2023 Grand Champion in the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck and Step Van Driving Championships.
Every competitor must have first qualified at a state level championship, competing in one of nine classes of competition. In addition to winning at the state level, each contender must have been accident free for a year, inspiring safe driving practices among the tens of thousands of drivers vying for a spot annually.
Over 500 attendees will crowd the Greater Columbus Convention Center from August 16-19 this year to watch the three-part championships. The competitors will undergo a written examination, a pre-trip inspection test, and, ultimately, a skills test. Although the 2023 Grand Champion is the most coveted title of the championship, there will also be awards for Professional Excellence, Vehicle Condition, and Rookie of the Year.
A Long History of RoadeoOriginally called the National Truck Roadeo, the championships have been held since 1937. The first competition came just four years after the founding of the American Trucking Association in 1933.
There have been many memorable moments over the years, and a long list of talented drivers who have competed, won, and logged millions of safe driving miles. Over the years, the National Truck and Step Van Driving Championships have provided an opportunity for countless truckers with diverse backgrounds and experience to display the skills, patience, and bravery necessary to succeed in this field.
The 2022 Bendix Grand Champion, Roland Bolduc, is no exception to this great history of impressive drivers. With the 2017 Bendix Grand Champion title already under his belt, the FedEx Express driver aced all the tests last year competing in the Sleeper Berth Division..
Bolduc, who has more than 2.5 million safe driving miles in a career extending over four decades, was also one of four FedEx drivers that won four out of the nine classes of competition. This included Step Van Division (Gregory Long, FedEx Express), Tank Truck Division (Michael Flippin, FedEx Freight), and Straight Truck Division (Christopher Shaw, FedEx Express).
Winners from the other five classes hailed from employers across the country, including Three-Axle Division (Wilbert Vano, XPO Logistics Inc.), Four-Axle Division (Martin McMahon, RIST Transport), Five-Axle Division (David Guinn, Publix Super Markets Inc.), Flatbed Division (Eric Ramsdell, Walmart Transportation LLC), and Twins Division (Damien Hebert, XPO Logistics Inc).
The annual National Truck and Step Van Driving Championships aren’t called the “Olympics of Trucking” for nothing. These competitions offer an opportunity for top talent from across the country to highlight the extensive knowledge and talent required to be a truck driver while entertaining hundreds of spectators.
From winning state level competitions to competing nationally this year in Columbus, OH, every competitor taking part in the National Championships will help shed light on the hard work being achieved by every truck driver in America.
What are your favorite memories of past championships? Will you be attending this year’s? Be sure to connect with us on social media to share your stories and learn more about the National Truck and Step Van Driving Championships. The post 2023 National Truck and Step Van Driving Championships appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/mzjsqoG Summer trucking, just like trucking in all other seasons, comes with its perks and its downsides. For truck drivers with families, the toughest part about being a truck driver during the summer months is finding a good work life balance which allows you to generate income, while still spending important time with your spouse and children. Many drivers will select a job based on how much time they are able to spend at home, so it is very important to find a company that aligns with your needs. The last thing you want to miss is barbecues, trips to amusement parks, or family reunions, so finding this balance is key. Depending on your company’s policies, you may have the option to bring a spouse, kids, or the whole crew along on your trips, so our list of tips will be split into two categories: Making the Most of the Summer with Your Family on the Road and Tips for Staying Connected When You Are Away from Your Family. Making the Most of the Summer with Your Family on the RoadAccording to Healthy Trucking of America, 13.6% of all truck drivers suffer from some level of depression, with one of the leading causes being spending too much time alone. This is especially true for truck drivers with families. The summertime is an important season for spending quality time with family and making new memories, so it is important for truckers to be able to have this time. For this reason, many companies offer the flexibility to bring family members along during a haul, so that you don’t miss out on anything. Now, even within a company that permits bringing people onboard your rig, there are different rules and procedures in place, so it is important to check with your company before getting on the road. Some companies have a minimum age requirement for children who will be traveling onboard, for example. After determining your company’s rider policy, you will then want to make sure your cab is suitable for the family. Can more than one person comfortably ride in it? What can you add to make it more kid-friendly? Road trips can already be a lot of work when traveling with children but could be especially taxing if they are not used to riding in a big rig. Before setting off on your trip, make sure you have everything you need to make for a great ride. This can include entertainment for the kids, lots of snacks, pillows for naps, and plenty of ways to stay cool during the inevitable heat of summer. Another important factor to consider is the actual route of the trip. Some trips may be along routes that wouldn’t be suitable for the whole family, especially if they are known for severe or sudden changes in the weather. Mountain driving may not be for everyone, so if your route requires that, you may want to hold off on that one as a family trip. No matter what route you are taking, plan to make some stops along the way that are both trucker and kid-friendly. By planning ahead, you can make sure there are plenty of places to stop to eat, use the restroom, and even play, along the way. Consider looking for rest stops that offer picnic areas or playgrounds to make sure the kids can get out and stretch their legs during the trip. Making random stops is one of the most memorable parts of a road trip, so you definitely do not want to leave this out! Depending on your route, you may be able to coordinate a stop at popular destinations like these to keep the whole family entertained. Taking everyone on the road with you while working a job may not be the typical way to spend a summer vacation together, but it is a unique experience that allows you to show your family what you do, the beauty of the open road, and all the memories you can make along the way. Tips for Staying Connected When You Are Away from Your FamilyIf your company does not allow you to bring family members on the road with you, or you are traveling on a route with adverse conditions, there are several creative ways to stay in touch with your spouse and kids while you are out working.
Do you have special spots you like to travel to with your family during the summer months? Would you like to share how your kids stay entertained while traveling in your truck? Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram to share your stories! The post Truck Driver Work Life Balance – Making the Most of the Summer appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/tPnfrcG There’s a reason there are blogs, social media pages, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to the safety of female truck drivers. While safety should be every driver’s top priority, women in the trucking industry face unique discrimination and threats to their safety that are serious and continuing to evolve.
Although women have been pioneers in the commercial driving industry since its origins in the early 1900s, they have had to fight for progress and recognition, as well as for support against safety threats. Modern times have seen improvements in equality behind the wheel, but many female truck drivers still feel like they’re on their own to protect themselves at truck stops and in other industry settings. Keep reading if you’re looking for necessary tips to avoid dangerous situations as a woman in the trucking business.
Modern Times Means Modern ThreatsUnfortunately, as technology and ideas continue to develop over time, so do the people who abuse them. One threat that is increasingly dangerous for women in the trucking industry is human trafficking.
Truck stops are often safe, relaxing places that give all members of the trucking community a much needed recharge and refuel point. However, they can also be used as points to mark and target solo truck drivers as potential victims, and as stopping points for traffickers already transporting kidnapped women and children.
Many veteran female truck drivers have potentially life saving tips to avoid dangerous situations that they use no matter where they are. One driver, who will not be identified for her safety, was recently at a truck stop and noticed a zip tie had been put on her emergency air line while she was sleeping. This is a known signal for traffickers, along with tissues, paper, and other small, intentionally placed markers.
If you encounter something like this, do not attempt to remove the marker on your own. Traffickers sometimes use drugs that can be absorbed through skin contact alone. In a situation like this, it is recommended to get to a safe location immediately and call the police. If this seems dramatic, consider that making a decision like this could be the difference between life or death.
Tips and Tricks from Women in the FieldHuman trafficking is not the only safety threat that female truckers face. Here at Drive My Way, we have compiled advice that real women in the trucking industry have shared on social media and blogs for how they remain safe and comfortable while still getting the job done.
Some of the most important and widely shared tips explain how a woman driving solo can make it appear as if she isn’t alone. Making it appear as if you have a driving partner, husband, or even dog can be an easy and effective way to protect yourself at truck stops or in other uncomfortable situations.
Many women have also shared tips that they practice at all times to maintain their safety.
It is a sad reality that female truck drivers face threats to their safety across the country. However, it is important to be aware of this disparity to continue the fight for increased safety regulations and improvements to truck stop security. Women are a fast growing minority in the trucking industry, but there is still a long way to go.
Are there any safety tips we missed? Which truck stops make you feel the most comfortable and safe? Please let us know on our social media so we can continue to share information that helps make the trucking industry equal for every driver. The post Must-Read Safety Advice for Every Female Truck Driver appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/tPnfrcG Recruiting truck drivers can be tricky. With the ongoing driver and freight shortages, coupled with evolving hiring practices industry wide, it is important to have clear standards and policies that follow realistic and measurable recruiting goals.
Every company has different hiring practices depending on fleet size and capability, so setting realistic recruiting goals is an important step for your company to find top talent who are the right fit for the job. Keep reading to find out Drive My Way’s 5 tips to set realistic recruiting goals that will take you from hiring to onboarding in no time.
Understand and Define the NeedHow many drivers do you need? Do you know which drivers are necessary for each market? These are important questions to ask yourself when setting foundational goals in recruiting. If you set goals regarding how many drivers you need and the necessary qualifications, you will be able to assess if your sourcing strategy will provide enough candidates that fit the criteria needed for your company. This is why it is essential to know where potential candidates are looking for jobs or industry updates.
It’s also important to understand why the opening exists to be able to create hiring goals. If a driver is retiring, how far in advance should you be looking for a replacement? If you’re anticipating growth within your company, how should this reflect in your hiring practices? Defining your company’s demand is an important step to creating specific and attainable recruiting goals.
Set Goals on a TimelineSetting goals is a key part of working ahead of time and being prepared. The hiring process can take a lot longer than you anticipate. Background checks and drug clearing house processing alone can add days or weeks. Allotting extra time and being flexible when creating will help you remain on track and still be able to measure your success.
Even with goals set, you should still start ahead. Strike up connections with potential candidates, even if the time isn’t right yet. You’ll thank yourself later for being proactive now, by networking with drivers who could be a fit down the road.
Establish Clearly Defined Minimum QualificationsSave yourself time and money by setting recruiting standards specific to your company. Well defined hiring criteria will ensure that every candidate meets the basic requirements, so you can spend more time with these candidates to eventually find the perfect match. It’s also important to be up front about your minimum qualifications. For example, if your company requires hair-follicle drug testing and you mention this on the job posting, candidates may self-select out and save you both in the long term.
You also can’t have unrealistic expectations for applicants. You might prefer drivers to fill out an extensive application, but in today’s competitive market, drivers tend to not fully complete applications until all their questions have been answered. Be sure to make job listings mobile-friendly, and don’t be afraid to reach out to candidates with partially completed applications or you could lose top talent by setting unattainable goals.
Provide Goals with Incentives for RecruitersProviding recruiters with incentives is a smart move to encourage high hiring rates and team morale while achieving your recruitment goals. When doing this, it is also important to make sure to have goals measuring quality metrics and not just hiring volume.
As potential candidates progress through the phases of the hiring process (sourcing, screening, interview and selection, background check, offer and acceptance, orientation and training), it is important to measure your conversion rates through each of these phases to ensure efficient and effective practices. Providing incentives for recruiters successfully bringing candidates through this process will help you achieve your goals while keeping your team invested in the company.
Set Goals From Recruiting to OrientationYou have to look at the total candidate experience. As a recruiter, the job isn’t finished until the driver has officially started, and retention is a key measurement of recruiter success. To improve retention rates, hold the recruiter accountable for not just hiring the driver, but also for retaining them. By setting goals and providing incentives along each stage of the hiring process, your recruiters will ensure that they will create an open channel of communication with the candidate that should exist even after they’ve been hired.
Metrics like volume of candidates attending an orientation, the speed of the process, and the amount of support they receive along the way are important markers to monitor and adjust when creating recruitment strategies.
Setting goals for driver recruitment can help you achieve the results your company is looking for, but it’s important to keep one more thing in mind. Every step of the recruitment process should be measurable and able to be evaluated at any time. This means that recruiters should do a good job at marking where candidates are in the process, and management should organize and remain up to date on qualitative and quantitative results.
Here at Drive My Way we’re always looking to learn more about the best recruiting processes and hiring strategies. If you have any ideas for us, please reach out on our social media so we can continue learning!
The post Hiring Drivers? Read These 5 Important Tips to Set Realistic Recruiting Goals appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/q2X5kIP |
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