Charlotte Haye 15th August 2018

Getting Your First HGV Driver Job

Right now, businesses all across the country are clamouring for more skilled, qualified drivers to support their distribution networks. With the industries demand for HGV drivers outstripping the supply available, more and more newly-qualified drivers will find that they get the pick of the litter when it comes to jobs in the field. From local delivery drivers to long-haul truck drivers, there have never been more opportunities out there for qualified HGV drivers. So, how easy is to for a fledgeling driver to find their first HGV job, and what tips do we have for them?

How Important Is Experience?

It goes without saying that some driving jobs will require more experience than others, and some companies will want to hire an experienced driver over a brand new one. So the most highly paid roles are more likely to go to these more experienced drivers. But even they had to start somewhere! There are still plenty of jobs out there for a new driver looking to get their foot on the ladder. All you need are the right qualifications, most of which you can get from us at Easy as HGV.

Option 1 – Driver Recruitment Agencies

When it comes to actually finding yourself a role, there are two options available for you. The first is approaching a driver recruitment agency. These are agencies that specifically focus on recruiting drivers for all sorts of companies and roles. You can sign up to these agencies with your CV, and the more you sign up with, the better your chances of finding a role. When a driver is needed, the agency will give the job to the first suitably qualified driver to accept it – so you do need to be quick off the mark for this option! But you do still get the choice of role you choose, so you won’t end up with a random driving job.

Option 2 – The Direct Approach

Of course, if you prefer to be a bit more hands on about things, then you could choose option 2. Get the necessary qualifications under your belt, polish up your CV and start handing it out. Ideally, you want to get it into the hands of the people who handle hiring at large and medium-sized haulage companies around where you live. You can do this digitally, by post or, if you want to stand out from the crowd, in person to the hiring manager. This might take you more time, but you are more likely to get a job you want for a bigger firm, and a face to face chat can be all a hiring manager needs to give them the confidence to bring you in for an interview.

Be Prepared

When you do get yourself a meeting with a prospective employer, whether for an official interview or just an unofficial chat, it always pays to be prepared. Make sure you’re wearing smart or smart/casual clothing, with a clean and tidy appearance. This will send out the right message – that you’re serious about your work. You will probably be asked about your qualifications and any work experience, so it’s worth having an answer pre-prepared, or at least have an idea of what you want to say. If they ask you to put anything in writing, make sure you take the time to give accurate information in readable writing.

Driver Development Programmes

Many employers provide induction training for new recruits, so they can instruct them in the way they like things done and get them used to their way of doing things. Sometimes there’s ongoing instruction and support too, which gives new drivers the benefit of their years of experience and gives them a great extra for their CV too. These development programmes may include instruction that goes beyond the actual driving to look at such things as the workings of the vehicle and the company as a whole.

At Easy as HGV, we provide training, instruction and support to prospective HGV drivers, no matter what stage of their career they are at. Whether you’re looking to upskill for a new job with another qualification, or this is your first experience of HGV driving, we can help you gain the knowledge, skill and experience behind the wheel to perform well. If you’d like to find out more just get in touch with the team today.

Charlotte Haye

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