So, you have completed your Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver training and passed your tests and got your HGV licence. You are ready to go out on the road and land your first job as an HGV driver.
Although, you may find it difficult to get your first job role as a newly licenced driver.
The main reason you may struggle to find a job is purely lack of experience, or possibly age for insurance reasons. Business owners can be more apprehensive to hire a newly qualified HGV driver, as they haven’t worked in the industry before.
So, how can you land your first job as an HGV driver?
Step 1: Update Your CV
The first step would be to create or update your CV to predominantly focus on the HGV industry. This should show that you have invested time and money into getting your licence for the vehicle category you chose to drive in.
Also, reiterating that you have no penalty points on your licence (if applicable) and that you have an aspiration to join the HGV industry will help.
If you can show that you have driven in your previous job role would be beneficial. Even if that is a Category B+E or a vehicle that is not over 3.5 tonne threshold.
You can create a cover letter too, which can also be used in case asked to produce one. You can either make it generic enough so that it can be used universally for all jobs you apply for. But, if you want to make it more personal for each business you apply to work for, you can also make a template cover letter, then fill in the blanks after.
Once your CV is updated, create a professional profile on LinkedIn for prospective employers to see and get it out there in the world!
Step 2: Apply for Jobs!
Whether this be applying on job search sites, or phoning businesses up, even going to their depot and handing them a physical copy of your CV. The more jobs you apply for, the better chance you have at getting interview opportunities.
You can also use your Professional Profile on LinkedIn to your advantage. From applying for jobs through this platform, to being headhunted by local companies. Following company profiles and engaging with them online can make you a more favourable candidate.
Building these connections gives you a head start to gaining potential job prospects. You will also need to be patient. You may not hear back from some businesses, whether that be because they are not actively looking to hire staff, or perhaps they have had an influx of applications.
Now, let’s say after updating your CV and distributing this to businesses, you are offered an interview from one, or several companies, what can you expect?
Step 3: Prepare For Your Interview
They may conduct a driving assessment with you, so they can see your driving abilities in an HGV. This could mirror manoeuvres and procedures you completed in your driver training and test, but don’t panic.
This is a normal procedure for business owners. They want to ensure that you are a safe and competent driver who can mitigate risks and can do the job properly. They could ask you to complete a reversing exercise into a bay, or complete a different task in your assessment.
This isn’t a guarantee that this will happen, but it’s a possibility.
The business may also want to start you driving a smaller vehicle. Since the update to licences in 2021, permitting those to go straight from a car to C+E, rather than having to obtain your Category C licence first. These individuals also get the Category C entitlement automatically.
So, the employer may want to start you on a rigid lorry first. We suggest that you also get training on the Category C vehicle, and even the Category C1 7.5 tonne HGV. This will increase your chances of securing a job in the industry, and you can then work your way up driving different trucks.
Once you get a job offer, you are on your way to starting your career in the HGV industry!
Final Thoughts
Even though it can seem like an impossible task to get a job once you get your HGV licence, there are ways to better your chances. Selling yourself in a particular way can be the make or break towards landing the job role of your dreams.
Interested in getting your HGV licence? Talk to our team on 02392 123 555, and discuss your interest, requirements and queries with our team of advisors. They will lead you in the right direction, and you can become an HGV driver in no time with 2 Start!
2 Start have a Job Vacancy board, which offers a list of businesses who are actively looking for HGV Drivers. This also includes companies who are actively hiring newly qualified HGV drivers too.
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