Although owner driver jobs differ greatly from many other mainstream careers, the structure of an interview remains the same. Preparing for these interviews is always a daunting task, but hopefully this guide will give you a lot of useful information to help you secure that dream freelance driving job.
The Questions
One can never predict exactly what an interviewer will ask, but for owner driver jobs, questions tend to follow similar trends. You will no doubt have to answer basic questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, employment history and hobbies and skills, but it’s the company-related questions that can be the real killer.
You’re likely to be asked about the company you’ll be sub-contracting for itself – which of their products you prefer, why you want to work for them, etc (so be sure to do your research!). As well as this, courier companies will usually ask about your driving skills and history, and may bring up the subject of customer service – so be prepared to discuss how you have handled difficult situations or how you might handle future issues.
Here are some example questions for you to prepare answers to:
•What would you do if you got into an accident while driving for us?
•Describe a stressful customer service experience you have handled in the past.
•This job requires time management skills. How well do you manage your time at work?
•This position will require you to work in all weather conditions such as rain, cold, snow, wind, etc. Will you be able to meet this requirement?
What to Bring
Taking the correct materials to the interview immediately puts you across to the employer as an organised and proactive person. It’s important to make sure you check any past emails or other interactions concerning the position to make sure you haven’t missed any relevant information regarding this. If you haven’t been told what to bring, it’s a good idea to take a few useful documents anyway, because you’re likely to need them. Primarily, make sure to take your driver’s license and any vehicle insurance documents.
How to Prepare
In addition to packing your folio with the relevant materials, interviews for long term owner driver jobs may also require extensive research about the company. Find out about the products you would be delivering if you were to get the job, the customers that the company deal with on a regular basis, and any other information you consider useful.
A useful way to prepare is to practice with a few example questions, whether you find them online or make them up yourself. Perhaps prepare a few questions of your own to ask the interviewer – not only will you appear interested, but you might actually discover things about the company you weren’t aware of. Remember, this employer may have different expectations to those you are used to.
If you’re on the hunt for owner driver jobs and have interviews looming, leave your worries behind and simply do all you can to prepare. With the correct knowledge and a positive mind-set, you will feel unbeatable!
Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day owner driver courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
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