September 25, 2023 - BY EagleLogistics LLC
Professional truck drivers have always known that the U.S. economy does not work without them. In recent years, this understanding has become universally known. Optimizing your resume for truck driver job openings now, is key to snagging the right opportunity for you and your family.
Lead With a Strong Header
Your resume's header is the first thing potential employers will see. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and location, and ensure that your contact information is accurate and professional. Avoid using nicknames or outdated email addresses.
Example:
John Doe
Phone: (555) 555-5555
Email: johndoe@email.com
Location: Your Hometown, Your State
Include a Simple Summary
A brief summary highlighting why you are an excellent candidate, capable of delivering, can grab the hiring manager’s attention. This section should mention your years of experience, the type of driver's license(s) you hold, and your commitment to safety and reliability.
Example:
Dedicated and safety-conscious truck driver with 7+ years of experience holding a Class A CDL. Proven track record of delivering goods on time while maintaining a clean driving record and exceeding safety standards.
Highlight Your Skills
It’s important to demonstrate your ability to perform the technical aspects of the job, while reassuring potential employers that you are a trustworthy teammate. Include both technical and soft skills when listing your relevant skills.
Example:
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in operating various types of trucks, such as tractor-trailers, flatbeds, tankers
- Knowledge of safety regulations, with a commitment to DOT compliance
- Expertise in route planning and GPS navigation systems to ensure on-time deliveries
- Experience with vehicle maintenance and inspection
Soft Skills:
- Excellent time management with adherence to deadlines
- Effective communication abilities for coordinating with dispatch, clients, and colleagues
- Strong problem-solving skills to resolve unexpected situations on the road
- Attentive to detail, ensuring precise records and safe cargo
List Your Professional Experience and Accomplishments
Provide details about your recent work history. Within each list entry, include your job title, the name of the company, the company location, and the dates of employment. Under each position, describe your responsibilities and achievements. Quantifying your accomplishments with numbers helps hiring managers understand the impact you have had on previous companies.
Example:
Truck Driver - XYZ Transport LLC, Town Name, State
June 2018 - Present
- Safely transported goods across long distances, logging over 200,000 accident-free miles
- Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the truck's roadworthiness
- Maintained a 99% on-time delivery rate, ensuring client satisfaction and improving company reputation
- Collaborated with dispatch to optimize delivery routes, resulting in reduced fuel costs by 10%
Provide Training and Education Details
Give the specifics about your educational background, certifications, and relevant endorsements. Your CDL and other licenses should have been mentioned in the resume summary, but the quality of your training can sometimes be determined by the program provider.
Example:
Education:
Name of Degree
Name of college/ university, Town Name, State
Graduated: May 2010
High School Diploma
Name of high school, Town Name, State
Graduated: May 2006
Certifications:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A
Name of certifying body
Commercial Driver's License Program
Name of program provider, Town Name, State
Hazmat Endorsement
Name of certifying body
Tanker Endorsement
Name of certifying body
Tailor and Proofread Carefully
Take time to customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experiences that match the specific requirements from each potential employer. Using keywords from each job post will make your resume more appealing to applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many employers. Additionally, the adjustments you make to your resume for truck driver listings can help you stand out from other applicants.
Last but not least, a polished resume is essential. Ask a trusted friend to double-check your spelling and grammar and ensure that the formatting for each section is consistent and easy to read. A professional font and bullet points will make your resume more readable and scannable.
Experienced drivers looking for new opportunities in trucking are invited to learn more about Eagle Logistics LLC. We’re accepting short form applications to make it easier to apply from the road. Safe travels on your job search journey!