Why Was Your Truck Driver Application Rejected?
If you've ever been rejected for a truck driver job opening, you know it is a frustrating experience. In most cases, the employer won't share their reasons for passing you over unless they are required to by FCRA guidelines (Fair Credit Reporting Act) or FMCSA guidelines (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Still, it's a good idea to ask the truck driver recruiter why your application was shut out. Sometimes the answer might be surprising, especially considering how great the demand is for qualified truck drivers.
So, what if you've met all the requirements listed in the posted driving job ad? You've got the right amount of driving experience and you've got the correct type CDL experience. What's more, what if you have more truck driver experience and education than the employer listed? Well, there are a couple of things to consider in this instance.
Overqualified - With the current atmosphere of truck driver shortages, you'd think that driver recruiters would welcome any qualified truck driver, but that's not necessarily the case. It's not unusual for employers to turn down qualified driver applicants who have more experience than the job requires. First off, an over-qualified truck driver will automatically expect higher wages for their background. Secondly, it's easy to assume that an over-qualified truck driver will easily get bored with the driving job and move on.
Job Jumping - Whatever the reason a truck driver changes jobs, frequent changes never look good on a driver job application. The more often a driver jumps, and the less time spent in each new position, the more his/her chances of getting a job decline, especially if the jumps result in employment gaps. Staying in a driving job for six months to a year minimum should be the standard for any truck driver who's CDL career is important.
Employment Gaps - Just as with job jumping between trucking companies, gaps in employment are a negative factor on a truck driver application. Be prepared, when first submitting a driver application, to explain any non-driving periods of time, after all, the carrier is required to inquire about those gaps. Perhaps, there was a medical reason, or a return to school. Save time by explaining the reasons right up front.
Child Support Suspensions - These are especially troublesome, especially if there is a history of solid work. The question of why there was non-payment during employment is nagging and could lead to concern that suspension could recur at any time. It makes a potential driver candidate appear irresponsible.
Handheld Device Tickets - Tickets for driving while using a handheld device are expensive and rack up serious points. This is another example of a truck driver appearing irresponsible and not protective enough of his/her CDL. In addition, the mere notion of a driver putting anyone else at risk on the road is serious.
Seatbelt Tickets - As with handheld device tickets, seatbelt infractions cost a truck driver hefty points. Driver recruiters can easily consider not wearing a seatbelt to be a careless reason to risk damaging a CDL.
When a truck driver application is rejected, it's a good idea to get ahold of your PSP, DAC and MVR. Truck drivers are entitled to one free report from each agency per year. Dispute anything that is inaccurate and be sure to check back every year.