How to prepare for an recruitment interview as a truck driver?

1 December 2023

Preparing for the interview

1. Make an excellent first impression 

Whether you have been invited to an interview in a traditional recruitment office or online - the first impression is always crucial. How we are perceived in the first moments of the meeting can influence the recruiter’s final decision. So, it is worth taking care to dress neatly and present yourself visually appropriately.

2. Find a quiet place

If you’re interviewing online, having a quiet, calm environment with a good internet connection is a good idea to focus entirely on the conversation. A comfortable place will ensure a better presence and avoid uncomfortable situations during the interview.

3. Prepare for questions

Before the interview, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the job you’ve applied for and its requirements and responsibilities so you know what questions the recruiter may ask you.

Here are examples of questions to prepare for:

1. What driving experience do you have?
   Tell us about your work as a truck driver. Recommendations from former employers will also be welcome.
2. What kind of training and certifications do you have? 
   In addition to your category C or CE licence and the requirement for a professional driver’s code (known as Code 95), an employer will undoubtedly be pleased to see that you have additional qualifications, such as an ADR certificate.
3. Do you have up-to-date psychological and medical examinations from an occupational physician?
4. What are your skills in operating different types of vehicles? E.g., a forklift course. 
5. What languages do you speak? 
   Knowledge of a language can set you apart from other candidates, as it makes the process of loading and unloading goods much easier and faster. A foreign language also proves helpful in dealing with emergency situations during the route.
6. How do you handle difficult situations on the road? 
   Come up with some examples of how you’ve previously managed difficult conditions on the road. It shows that you’re able to solve problems in a good manner. An employer needs to be confident that you can resolve issues as quickly as possible if they decide to hire you.

4. Be on time

Try to be a couple of minutes early for your interview. If an unfortunate situation happens and you might run late, let the recruiter know by calling them.

5. Tell the recruiter about yourself

A brief introduction of yourself will allow the employer to get to know you better. Talk about your strengths, interpersonal skills, and approach to work. It is also worth mentioning your passion for truck driving and your commitment to professional development.

6. Ask questions

An interview is also your chance to ask questions. By doing so, you will show that you are interested in the job offer, and this is always received positively by recruiters.
Ask about details of the offer that are not included in the advertisement and issues that are bothering you. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and inaccuracies before you start work.

7. Share your availability 

Suppose the job offer is for a truck driving position abroad. In that case, it is important that you express a clear understanding and acceptance of the conditions associated with the type of work. Express your willingness to travel abroad and changes in your schedule, and tell the recruiter how long you plan to commit to working there.

8. Bring your resume

Show off your experience, and list the qualifications and certificates you have gained. You can easily create your CV using free templates such as Canva and many more.

Dressing appropriately, being in a quiet room, and being ready to answer key questions will all go a long way to creating a positive impression and winning your dream job. 

To increase your chances of getting the job you've applied for, it's worth putting in the time and effort to prepare properly for the interview.

Remember that every interview is an opportunity to get to know each other and understand if the job offer is right for you. Therefore, be ready with questions that will allow you to better assess whether the company meets your expectations.

Good luck!

We would love to find your dream job for you. Contact us: https://www.247drive.com/contact 

If you are interested in a 24/7 drive job, you can find the entire application procedure here: https://www.247drive.com/employees/application-procedure  

Tel.: +31 88 52 25 240, e-mail: jobs@247drive.com