Prime Not Returning Calls

I called Prime 3 weeks ago to ask general questions and the recruiter gave me her ext. #. She didn't seem very knowledgeable so I called again and someone else encouraged me to submit an application. I did that and heard nothing from Prime. A week later I called wondering what happened, and got someone else on the phone. She said they receive a ton of applications and can't hire everyone. She was quick to hang up and seemed irritated. Confused, I decided to call the original recruiter, but I've had to leave messages. Each time they haven't been returned. I'm totally baffled. I thought there was a serious shortage in truckers and Prime would do anything to get trainees in the door. I have no criminal history at all and a good driving record. Why wouldn't they hire me? Why does it seem like they're completely ignoring my requests for answers? I don't even know who to contact next or if I should even bother. I'm at a loss.

Unfortunately the recruiters at Prime are swamped with recruits. Prime really needs to get their head out of their butt and hire some more recruiters, this is an ongoing problem and a struggle for everyone coming into Prime.

Your best bet is to stick with your current recruiter and keep trying to get ahold of them. Here's a tip, call your recruiter at 0701 Central time. That's when they come in. The idea is to catch them as they sit down and become their first client of the day.

If you still cannot get ahold of your recruiter I would politely keep calling and ask to change recruiters. Try to get ahold of management in recruiting. Just don't show any attitude - they'll instantly hang up the phone on you. But sadly there's not too much I can tell you, this is just a part of the struggle when trying to sign on with Prime. Keep trying and don't give up. Also, contact other companies as well. Prime isn't the only good company around. Don't sell yourself to them only.

Thanks Daniel. I'll keep trying.

I was very lucky with my recruiter Julie k. She helped me out a lot and kept In contact via email too. But yea prime gets massive amounts of calls so they do get backed up. Good luck to ya

Julie k was my recruiter as well. As stated they are swamped. They tend to start verifying your application once they receive it so they might contact you soon, but like Daniel said try catching them early in the day. If recommend trying to get the email address for your recruiter because I found that was the best way to reach mine and get quick responses.

Update: Recruiter still never returned my calls after several messages left for a full week. Different recruiter told me the same exact thing word for word as the other woman who told me they can't put me to work at this time. When I asked for more detail as to why they won't take me on, she immediately transferred me to a different recruiter, who also didn't answer the phone. Another message left. From the very first time I called, through submitting my application, to now, it's been nothing but vague answers and voicemails. Time to move on.

Bob, for legal reasons they normally do not tell anyone why they weren't hired. If they happen to say the wrong thing or word something incorrectly it can become a lawsuit in a hurry. So they normally just say they can't hire you at this time.

Brett explains:

Bob, for legal reasons they normally do not tell anyone why they weren't hired. If they happen to say the wrong thing or word something incorrectly it can become a lawsuit in a hurry. So they normally just say they can't hire you at this time.

Bob, list for us a few things that may not be good, if any, so we can take a look. This might help you out.

Bob, are you trying to do Company-Sponsored Training ?

If so, check out that link for some other opportunities.

Usually when you get an answer like "they can't put me to work at this time," that is an indication that there is something in your application that is giving them some questions about you. Prime is really strict about work history - if you have gaps of time in your work history, or if your work history cannot be verified with good solid contacts and phone numbers, that could possibly be the problem. My experience is that they will usually not tell you what the problem is if it is not something the recruiter thinks they can help you get straightened out.

I thought there was a serious shortage in truckers and Prime would do anything to get trainees in the door.

Don't lean on that perception like it is an easy guarantee to break into this career. It is a tough road sometimes landing a trucking job, and an even tougher one to maintain oneself in good standing with a career in trucking. There is a large demand, but that is because it's no cake walk - I worked at a company one time that was bringing in approximately 200 new drivers each week. The reason was that they were losing approximately that many each week also. A lot of people give this a try just because they have heard there is a big demand. What they don't realize is that there are big demands required of a truck driver also. Many go through the process of getting their license and trying to make a start, but few stick it out for a career.

Earlier you stated that you had no criminal record, and a clean driving record. How is your work history? That is one critical component in the application process.

Have you researched some of our information here on the site? I hope you will take the time to read the Truck Driver's Career Guide, it should provide you with a lot of great information regarding this career.

Good replies from all, thanks. Work history must be the reason. I do have some gaps in there, and I assumed that was the issue, I just figured they would tell me. I was unaware work history was such a big deal and also unaware that there's a legal reason behind them not giving me straight answers. I'll look around at other companies. Thanks everyone.