Currently, there are businesses all over the country searching for more qualified and skilled drivers to work in their distribution networks. As the industry’s demand for HGV drivers is currently higher than the available supply, an increasing number of recently qualified drivers will discover that they can choose the job they want in this field. From long-haul truck drivers to local delivery drivers, there has never been this many opportunities available for qualified HGV drivers. Just how easy is it right now for a new driver to land their very first HGV position, and what are our best tips for these new drivers?
How Important Is Experience?
Certain jobs require much more experience compared to others. This is true in all industries, so it makes sense that some jobs you won’t be qualified for immediately. Usually, they are higher-paid positions. It will be very obvious what those roles are. However, keep in mind that every experienced driver had to begin somewhere! There are many roles that are still available for new HGV drivers who are trying to start their careers. You just need to have the right attitude and qualification.
Driver Experience Agencies
There are places you can get help if you feel like you need to have some assistance in finding a job. For new drivers, driver recruitment agencies are a very popular option, so you really can’t go wrong if you try one out. Those agencies work very closely with logistics companies to provide drivers to a wide range of customers across the country. However, you need to be aware that usually, these jobs are on a first-come, first-served basis. That means you need to stay alert in order to land a job that you really want to have.
Go It Alone
You can always go it alone, which is the more traditional route to take. That means creating a CV that includes your qualifications, experience, and any other information that is relevant such as a Category C1 licence. Then you need to begin your search. Ideally, you will find hiring managers for haulage and logistics firms in your local area or larger companies who advertise their vacancies. This can be done face to face, by post, online applications, or via email. You will stand out in the crowd if you do this face to face since the approach is more unusual. However, if you are not very experienced, some time in person might be all that a manager needs to be convinced to give you an opportunity.
Be Prepared
If you are going to take the face to face approach (or when you are going to an interview), it is important to be prepared. That means dressing smartly (or smart casual at a minimum) and presenting yourself well. It also means having answers to certain basic questions prepared ahead of time, and do some research on each company in advance. This all makes for a positive first impression and can help you land the job you want.
Check out Driver Development Programmes
There are many employers that offer new recruits induction training, so they can teach them the way they like things to be done and to get them accustomed to the way they do things. There is sometimes ongoing support and instruction as well, which means new drivers can benefit from all of their many years of experience and provide them with extras to put on their CVs as well. Development programmes can include instruction that goes well beyond just driving to explore things such as the company overall and the inner workings of a vehicle.
Whether you are wanting to obtain extra up-skills and extra qualifications for new work, or this is the first time that you are learning how to drive HGVs, there are many companies that are happy to help you.
