Will A Varied And Eccentric Job History Have A Negative Impact For Getting Started In Trucking?

Hey Everybody,

So I recently applied to a company sponsored training program for the first time and they wanted a 10 year job history. Not a problem as I do have a solid work history, However I have had 11 different jobs over the last 10 years. With 10 of those jobs being from 2006-2012. My most recent job I stayed at for the last 4 years working as Security and Maintenance Mechanic for a large nightlife establishment. Before that from 2006-2012 I've done everything from being a legal messenger, delivery driver, exotic car rental agency manager, fitness club sales, piano technician, graveyard gas station attendant, gymnastics coach, and to top it all off, a professional flying trapeze catcher. I guess you can say I'm a man of many talents. It's all verifiable, except for maybe a couple jobs I lost due to the companies shutting down. Also very few gaps in employment history. With no gaps in employment over 30 days.

As far as the big picture long run is concerned I'm sure I'll be able to get started somewhere somehow. But for the more competitive training programs like the company I just applied for that only takes about 5 students for every 100 or so applicants, I'm thinking a varied work history like mine may not be much of an advantage. Even if it does make for an interesting interview process. I would think that an applicant who for example has been an Emergency Medical Technician for the last 10 years, might be looked upon more favorably than someone like me with all else being equal.

What do you cool peoples think? Any insight would be much appreciated.

Interesting and colorful job history. I doubt it will cause a problem for you. Your most recent job of 4 years, is definitely a positive for you.

They focus far more attention on driving records, criminal background, and medical qualification.

I wouldn't sweat this.

Good luck.

My company wanted three years for non driving or ten years for driving jobs. So ur good :)

Swift required the last 2 years of my job history. I believe the 10 years is a Federal requirement for Truck Driving Job history. I may be mistaken on the Federal requirement, but most Companies will require it. Good Luck!

Swift required the last 2 years of my job history. I believe the 10 years is a Federal requirement for Truck Driving Job history. I may be mistaken on the Federal requirement, but most Companies will require it. Good Luck!

Correct - 10 years of history if you were a DOT Regulated Driver - 3 if not.

The "automated online applications" are all set up to require 10 years of history (because they assume you are currently driving), but when the recruiter starts going through it and seeing you never did any DOT driving - they'll focus on the most recent 3 years as regs require.

As far as lots of job hopping making somehow "less desirable" than someone that's held the same gig for years...

Since they're looking primarily at your "bouncer at a strip club gig" as the last 3 years of employment (I'm assuming you've been at the some club), you should be fine as far as "consistency" goes.

While they may look at random constant job hunting as a "lack of consistency", compared to someone that's been in the same gig for a decade - you need to understand that new entrants to the industry come from an incredibly wide variety of backgrounds and pasts - as we see from folks that find our board here.

The recruiters object is to get applicants that are otherwise qualified (criminal & driving history) into seats at orientation. They know full well that, for better or worse - the vast majority of orientation classes will lose 50-75% of entrants due to various issues. Failed physicals, failed drug tests, items found in background checks that weren't disclosed (and can't be excused) both criminal and driving. Folks who get out on the road and realize the trade just isn't for them, folks that just "aren't driver material" that lack the coordination/aptitude to operate a truck safely and either run into things, or can't pass the skills tests.

Which company did you apply to? As most get 1,000 applicants, take 100, and only 20 graduate to become employees that last more than a few months.

Rick