Applying To Swift, Question

Hi, I was filling out the online form for Swift, and it asks if I've ever used an illegal substance. Check 'no' to that, but half a lifetime ago I got hauled in on a paraphernalia charge when the cops busted a party. Marijuana pipe, wasn't even mine (ahh, to be 18 and in love again. lol). I'm just wondering if I should submit the application as is, or if i should speak to a recruiter first and explain the situation. I don't want them to find it on the background check and think I'm lying about past drug use, but I'm not sure if mentioning it up front might work against me too.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Were you convicted? If so it will most likely pop up. If the charge was dismissed then it won’t be there.

It'll show up for sure. I just don't know if it'll raise eyebrows if I come right out and bring it up and then they'll toss my application, or if later on when they see it in the background check, they'll think I lied about drug use, and nix me that way. Being a paraphernalia charge and nearly 20 years old at that, I'm wondering if it'd simply be a non-issue in their eyes anyways. *shrugs

If you lie on your application and are caught, you will be dismissed. NO one will care about your explanation, they won't even ask. Be frank,... and yes there is a risk you'll be sent home, but it's far better than lying. Trucking companies want trustworthy candidates. Non-disclosure is a ticket for failure.

Tell the truth. Answer the questions based on exactly what they are asking, nothing more, nothing less.

Hey George..I completely agree with G-Town be Honest and Do Not Lie. The question ask "If YOU ever used an Illegal Substance? If you have I would still disclose it. I had a lady that was in the academy with me at swift tell them about her substance use years ago after she had back surgery. She was still allowed to stay but she left on her own to find another training program. Dont be discouraged but be honest. Please dont rely on a recruiters word. They are there to recruit. There are decent ones who will be honest and upfront and some not so much. I wish you the best and good luck.

George says:

Hi, I was filling out the online form for Swift, and it asks if I've ever used an illegal substance. Check 'no' to that, but half a lifetime ago I got hauled in on a paraphernalia charge when the cops busted a party. Marijuana pipe, wasn't even mine (ahh, to be 18 and in love again. lol).

G-town advises:

Answer the questions based on exactly what they are asking, nothing more, nothing less.

Quot

While I don't know all the questions on a the Swift applications, based on your question, there are three that would come to mind specifically with regard to your drug use.

1. Have you ever used an illegal substance?

What is your answer?

2. Have you been arrested ?

Yes for possession of drug paraphernalia.

3. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

What is your answer?

Thanks for the replies. My concern wasn't about lying on the application, but the appearance that I would be lying, since the paraphernalia charge would seem to contradict my answer that I haven't used an illegal substance.

It's better then to contact a recruiter and make sure this information gets relayed to whoever will review my application? Or does that kind of background check come up later in the process, in which case I'll be able to explain what happened in person?

Thanks again!

Nevermind, I went through the rest of the application and saw there are separate fields to explain in my own words both the nature of any criminal convictions as well as details concerning any past drug use. That should do it, thanks everyone! :)

Good luck George!

Just an FYI, I've been with Swift well over 6 years now, on a Dedicated Walmart account serving stores and Sam's in the North East Region. Schooled with them, trained with them,... stayed with them. I have no regrets.

If I could add one thing. When I was in school most the students were swift recruits. Most were fine students, but a handful were really bad. It’s clear swift is a huge company and will hire just about anyone that meets their requirements, however they don’t mess around. They put people out of school fast for the littlest reason, and that makes sense. They didn’t mess around.

I bet you get hired but with one strike against you. Keep your head down and do well. The instructors said they even keep an eye on the students when off duty at the hotel they were staying at