Tips on how to get a HGV job with no experience

As a specialist logistics recruitment agency, we often get asked about HGV jobs for new drivers, and how best newly qualified drivers can position themselves to get a job with minimal experience.

To answer these questions, we’ve prepared a few tips to help put you in the best position to secure your first job in the HGV industry. Read on to learn more.

 

1. Tailor your CV to the job you’re going for

CV writing is a crucial part of any application, and it is important that you tailor your CV specifically to match the job you are applying for, especially when you don’t have key experience in that role.

You can still showcase yourself in the best possible light by demonstrating the relevant skills and knowledge you have. Here are some examples of what you can do:

  • Highlight the licences or qualifications you already have.
  • Explain any CPC training and other relevant training you’ve undertaken.
  • Describe your knowledge of key HGV responsibilities, such as the ability to reverse on a blind side confidently.
  • Use key phrases from the job description.
  • Think about transferable skills from other industries such as geographical knowledge of the country, map reading skills, motorway etiquette and basic knowledge or rest areas and truck stops
  • Great observational skills
  • Awareness of other road users: bikes, users, pedestrians

By demonstrating the above in your application, you will be showing a clear understanding of what is expected of you in the role, the steps you have taken to work towards it, and how you fit the mould of what they are searching for.

The final two points are crucial when explaining your prior job roles, as you should be thinking about which transferable skills from other roles relate to what is expected of you as a HGV driver. This is best done by taking key words out of the original job posting and moulding your points around them.

 

2. Enrol in driver development programmes

A driver development programme, or DDP are learning courses that provide drivers with additional qualifications that help you to succeed within the industry.

Generally, these courses are taught in a classroom setting over the course of 12 weeks, at the end of which will be an exam to test your knowledge.

These courses arm you with key skills and cover all aspects of logistics and are well respected within the industry. A review of your listening, learnings and understanding takes place at the end of the course.

 

3. Make a great impression during your interview

You don’t have to be the most charismatic person to make a good impression in your interviews. Knowledge and enthusiasm, attitude and willingness to be flexible are far more important, as they both show that you have researched and understood the job role and its requirements.

If you can demonstrate a clear understanding of what is expected of you, what you think you’ll get out of the job, and why you are chasing a career in HGV driving, you stand a good chance of landing a role provided you have the driving qualifications for it.

Be sure to prepare some specific examples of how you may have utilised key skills, like time management or working alone, to demonstrate why you are right for the position.

Last, presentation is everything. Not suited and booted but clean and tidy and looking like you are ready for your first day at work.

 

4. Be flexible with your availability

It is important for a HGV driver to be flexible. In the current market, many jobs will offer you the opportunity to start immediately, and your shift patterns may change quite regularly depending on who you work for.

Many UK HGV employers, like supermarkets or domestic deliveries, will do night and morning deliveries, and may need you to cover shifts at relatively short notice.

By explaining how this could work for you, and any steps you have taken to ensure there will be no disruption to your personal life, will help you to stand out amongst other less flexible candidates. Flexible working when the client needs you, can mean unsociable hours but it has some advantages as it means that no one is on the road and no pedestrians. Weekend working means days off during the week.

 

5. Work with H&G Recruitment

Lastly, consider working with a specialist logistics recruitment company to help get your career off on the right track. We have a huge variety of established partners in the logistics and supply chain sector and will work closely with you to match you to jobs we think fit your skillset.

Whether you are looking for class 1 driver jobs, class 2 driver jobs, or even other roles within the supply chain, we can help find the right one for you. We can even support with driver CPC training and more to help you kickstart your new career in the right way!

If you are “nervous” we can provide you with a mentor and an experienced driver trainer to help hold your hand. We also have a buddying scheme in place, which enables someone to be with you to offer you help and advice. Learning with a trainer helps you to continuously learn.

Working with the right recruitment agency is crucial, so get in touch today to find out exactly what we could do for you. Send an email to enquiries@h-g-recruitment.com to speak with one of our team!

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