Using Third Party Truck Driver Recruiters
As the truck driving and transportation industry continues to evolve, increasing numbers of commercial trucking companies are utilizing the services of third-party truck driver recruiters and driver recruiting services. For CDL drivers who are soon to be or are currently seeking driving jobs, engaging a truck driver recruiter or driver recruiting service can make the process far more successful. Here are some obvious tips to consider whenever deciding whether to engage a professional truck driver recruiter.
There are different types of commercial truck driver recruiters and driver recruiting services. In-house CDL driver recruiters work for the trucking company that is hiring drivers. Their sole job is to identify right fit experienced driver candidates, and they are typically experts on the trucking companies they represent. The downside may sometimes be at because they are tasked with promoting their particular trucking jobs and commercial fleets, they won’t always be able to give much useful information and feedback about other driver jobs carriers. These 3rd-party driver recruiters often work for outside driver recruiting agencies to help trucking companies who need assistance finding drivers and hiring drivers. For that reason alone, these driver recruitment firms will have more knowledge of different driver jobs and trucking companies.
When choosing to work with a dedicated driver recruiter, rather than simply completing and submitting online driver applications for every carrier, there are some driver recruitment points to keep in mind.
Experience: How long has the recruiter been working in the driver recruitment field? Have they always been recruiting truck drivers or did they only recently start hiring drivers? Have they ever worked as a CDL driver? Do they understand the differences between OTR driving jobs and local truck driver jobs are, for example? Do they understand the value of each CDL endorsement a driver might have on his MVR?
What details can the commercial driver recruiter help with as part of his/her driver recruitment process? Are they able to assist with developing a truly professional driver resume if needed, and helping to prepare for a driving job interview? Are they willing to go to bat for candidates during the interview process? Will the driver recruiter guide driver applicants on how to beef up important trucking skills, endorsements and experience?
It’s important to know if the driver recruiter is filling actual driver job openings or just gathering online applications for future driving jobs. Many CDL driver recruiters collect electronic driver applications even when they don’t have open trucking jobs that they are actively seeking drivers for. A professional driver recruiter will be able to give definite and accurate timelines for the CDL application and interview process, including start dates, and should also be accessible for questions and follow-up. Asking clear process questions up front can save communication misunderstandings down the road.
Once you decide to work with a professional truck driver recruiter or driver recruiting service, it should be a painless process in which both you and the company that is seeking drivers can trust in the other’s ability to recruit drivers and find great CDL jobs at great trucking companies.