There is a lot that goes into finding and hiring truck drivers. If your firm is looking to get a leg up on the competition, it is essential to understand what the best recruiters are doing to get results.
Recruiting truck drivers requires understanding their motivations and what they seek in their careers. This includes whether they enjoy their route, the job’s perks, and how well their company treats its drivers.
Know What You Want
A successful recruitment strategy requires a deep understanding of truck drivers and what matters most to them. The best truck driving recruiters can help you build a compelling narrative to attract the proper truck drivers and set you up for success.
During the interview process, truck drivers will want to know how your company plans to grow and what you can offer them. They will also like to learn about the company’s culture and whether it fits with their values. They’ll want to hear about the opportunities for advancement and the competitive pay and benefits packages.
They may move on to another recruiter if you still need the answers to their questions. You should have clear, concise information about the job, a short application process, and an easy way for applicants to contact you. Also, be upfront with truck drivers about elements of the job they might enjoy less. This honesty will establish trust and help you build a lasting relationship. Truck driver recruitment is a dynamic field, so you need to stay in touch with the latest industry trends and news.
Ask For References
While it may seem obvious, truck driving recruiters must be aware that drivers have specific needs and wants when they interview for a job. A clear understanding of your drivers and their needs will help you effectively connect with them, which is the key to maximizing recruitment success.
For example, many truck drivers seek a company that offers them a higher home time percentage and a better benefits package. You can quickly answer this in the interview with a potential driver by providing details about your company’s policies and procedures.
It’s also important to be prepared for various questions from potential candidates, such as how long they have been in the industry and any previous employment history. You should also know what questions are illegal, including about a candidate’s national origin, age, religion, sex, or other factors that could lead to discrimination. A reputable pre-employment background check provider will ensure your recruiting process is fair and legal.
Look For Experience
Truck drivers have specific needs that are different from any other job. They are looking for companies offering competitive pay rates and flexible home time policies. They’re also looking for a company with an excellent reputation in the trucking community that treats their employees respectfully and with gratitude.
Your recruiting agency should be able to understand these concerns and articulate them clearly to prospective truck drivers. They should be over-prepared for every interview and able to talk about your company’s benefits beyond pay and home time. This shows potential recruits that your agency cares about them as individuals and is passionate about finding the best driver for their clients.
During the interview, look for candidates with experience with various trucking routes and industries. This diversity in experience will give your candidates a broader perspective and more valuable skills to offer your company. It would help if you also focused on personal qualities like reliability, punctuality, and a customer service orientation. These traits will help your truck driver candidates cultivate positive relationships with dispatchers and customers.
Look For Reputation
Choosing a truck-driving recruiter is a crucial step to hiring quality drivers. This guide outlines some of the essential criteria to look for in a driver recruiter and how to find one who can meet your specific needs.
During the interview process, highlight your company’s reputation within the industry. Drivers want to know your safety record, home time policy, maintenance standards, and more. Many will even ask to talk with your current employees as part of their research.
You can also make it easy for potential applicants to apply by providing a mobile-friendly application and making it easy to find on your website. Having short phone calls with each applicant is also a good idea so you can screen out applicants who need fit before inviting them in for an in-person interview.
Avoid asking stock interview questions, such as “What are your greatest strengths?” or “What do you feel you can bring to our company?” These questions will tell a driver that you don’t value their experience and knowledge.
Look For Value
Truck drivers are the backbone of your company, so it’s essential to find the right recruiter. It saves time and money and reduces the risk of hiring a dud.
The recruiter you choose should understand your business. This includes the routes you run, your cargo, and how you deal with customers. It also means finding drivers whose skills and experience match your company culture.
Effective online advertising can scale your recruiting efforts. It’s the fastest way to reach potential candidates in all lanes of the country.
If you need help getting the word out about your open position, try offering a limited application window. This gives applicants a sense of urgency and shows that you’re a sought-after employer. It’s also a great way to avoid oversaturating the market and wasting valuable resources. This is especially true for high-need positions, like an extra-hot lane or a specific fleet or terminal. You can even use this approach to help you attract candidates that may otherwise go to your competitor. Then, you can retain those candidates for extended periods and improve your bottom line.
