Interviewing A Company Sponsored Instructor

Brian M. recently brought up a great topic that I haven't seen discussed since I've joined the forum. I would like to see if I can get some ideas from everyone on how to go about (interviewing) turning the tables on a company sponsored instructor.

I've heard it mentioned that one should make sure the "instructor that chooses you" is a good fit for you.

Obviously I will be relieved that an instructor has chosen me off "the board" of potentials. But in my excitement I don't want to lose sight of the fact that I also need to figure out if I will mesh with this instructor.

I'll leave this question open ended.

Are there certain things to watch out for? Specific questions that need to be asked? Or just go with it and be glad someone picked me?

Sean, I was interviewed by 4 instructors in 3 days. In the interviews we discussed a variety of different subjects personal and professional. Being 48 I felt it may not be a good fit for a 25 year old to train me. Also I wanted a trainer that was a little on the laid back side, I sometimes shut down if being yelled instruction instead of just being talked to. I watched many students here take the first instructor that selected them, they all seemed happy when they left. Yes you have a few time constraints to get on the road at Prime, but Prime seems to understand it might take a few days to find someone. This is a little of my criteria I used that helped me select.

1) What style of Trainer ( positive or negative reinforcement ) by the way someone talks to you during the interview is a good clue on his approach to training and you as an individual. This was my priority, I was brought up to respect those who respected you. Also I saw many of the instructors in a rush to get students on the road. Signing off 4 hours of pad time to get a load. Four hours isn't much but I didn't want to get cheated out of any training. I am here to get my CDL and the best rookie driver I can be. Taking short cuts will only hurt me not my instructor in the end.

2) Common interests - Talk to instructors about what you both listen to on the radio and what you like to do in your off time. Also about family life and if its important to you. You are going on a long journey together and you should share some of the same interests with them. My instructor and I talked about religion, preferences on the radio, family life, and hobbies on our off time.

3) Your Goals - I like to set goals for myself. Of course their are a variety of ways to make them. Sometimes goals can get in the way of your training if you let them. So I am focusing on making my goals based on proficiency and not time based. Of course I am keeping a time frame but if my instructor feels I am not ready to test, I want one who will keep me out a few more days until I am.

4) Are you safe - This instructor is responsible for your safety as well as your training. You have to feel safe with this person, you are putting your life in his hands. One way is to ask about the severe weather conditions, if the instructor never says something about pulling over in a rest area or truck stop during severe storms or wind you may want to ask further.

5) Short Cuts - I have already heard of shortcuts that many drivers use on the road that are automatic fails on the driving test. Make sure he is teaching you for the test and not the road. Their is plenty of time to pick up these tips when you are driving your own truck and now is not that time.

Hope this helps Brian

Thanks Brian those are some good suggestions. I'll bookmark this page so I can read over them again before I head off to orientation.