Savvy truck drivers know they can benefit from having a resume, especially if they want to move into an office job. And while truckers are in demand, a resume that highlights your strengths can help you log a higher salary and more benefits.
"If you're looking for a professional job at better companies, you should always go in with a resume," said Jeevan DeVore, spokeswoman for resume-writing service CareerPerfect. "We absolutely have done driving resumes."
Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.
Still think you don't need a resume? Learn how other drivers are distinguishing themselves on paper as well as on the road.
Advantages of Having a Trucking Resume
Mike Gaffin, a New England-based local truck driver, likes his current job but wants to monitor other opportunities. He maintains two Monster resumes -- one emphasizing his driving record and the other his 16 years of transportation experience. The former helps him find companies "that respect the drivers, pay well and have good benefits and top-notch equipment." The latter draws responses on administrative openings, like for safety managers or fleet managers.
Gaffin believes having resumes puts him in the minority, but he sees more drivers creating their own. Technology is a factor. He found it easy to create both resumes using the Monster Resume Builder.
"I see nowadays that a lot of college-educated truck drivers who couldn't find jobs are now coming into the industry," Gaffin said. "We're getting more professional drivers -- and more with laptops. A lot of my friends have resumes online."
Related: Search for driver jobs.
Trucker Resume Tips from a Pro
High turnover and increasing U.S. freight imports ensure a steady flow of trucking jobs, each offering a wide range of pay and benefits, DeVore explains. Whether your goal is to get a higher-paying trucking or warehousing job or to break into management, you'll need to set yourself apart to secure a spot at the top of the range.
"If we can talk about your on-time delivery record, if we can highlight that you're always ahead of schedule, [and] are a safe driver ... you will be even more desirable," DeVore said. She recommends emphasizing these strengths on your resume:
- Hazmat qualifications and other commercial-license extras.
- Good safety and driving record.
- Specialization in a particular type of equipment.
- Experience in logistics and inventory functions, such as warehousing.
- Knowledge of federal and state regulations.
- Background in customer service -- delivering to homes, vendors or businesses.
- Physical strength.
- Computer skills.
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