Before you can work as a state-wide truck driver, you need a Class ''A'' commercial driver license which can be easily obtained from passing a driver's training course in a truck driver school. However, a trucking license is only the first step towards landing one of these jobs. Most long-distance driver positions also require experience and evidence of the skills you will need to handle a range of driving conditions as well as the ability to meet deadlines, be reliable, and complete paperwork properly. If you are new to driving, you may not get your ideal job immediately. You may have to gain some experience in less-demanding driving jobs first.
You can easily find truck driver jobs in your state by doing an online search. You can do a straight up Internet search using terms such as ''Iowa trucking jobs,'' ''truck driver jobs Michigan,'' or ''Minnesota trucking jobs,'' in order to find a number of Web site results which will advertise trucking jobs in your state. Alternatively, you can go straight to online job sites which advertise transportation jobs and browse their advertised positions.
The large generalist job sites advertise jobs across all categories and you can find truck driver jobs in your state by clicking on your state and selecting the appropriate job category. You can also search by salary and even do an advanced search using specific keywords. Generally, you can also receive a job alert to your email address informing you of any new jobs being advertised which meet your requirements. These sites often even allow you to apply online which speeds up your whole job-search process and makes it possible to apply for even more jobs.
Transportation jobs are also advertised on specialist logistics and transportation online job sites. There are even online job sites which advertise only truck driving jobs. In fact, there are state-specific job boards which advertise Iowa trucking jobs, Minnesota trucking jobs, truck driver jobs in Michigan and any other state you wish to search on. The benefits of using these online job sites go beyond the advertised positions. They often offer extra information and services to help truck drivers and potential employers connect. However, the more comprehensive the services these sites provide, the less likely it is that they will be free of charge. In fact, you will probably have to subscribe to have access. Nevertheless, if a small subscription for a few months helps you to get the state-wide trucking job you are looking for, it is probably a small price to pay.
The Internet has made looking for Iowa trucking jobs and all other trucking jobs easier than ever before. However, it is still important to include traditional approaches in looking for a job. Even though you intend to drive across state, you will want to work for a company relatively close to home. It would therefore be helpful to make a list of potential employers in your area. You may already have an idea of who these might be, but if not look in your local Yellow Pages for possible opportunities. You can visit the Web sites of these businesses to see if they are advertising driving positions, or you can contact them by phone and ask for an appointment. You may stumble across an unadvertised vacancy and be offered a job on the spot.
Newspaper employment advertisements are still good sources of trucking jobs as well as driver positions in other states. Buy the largest regional or urban paper in your area on the days it has the most employment ads. Read the job ads carefully so you do not miss a job that would suit you. Be careful, because some listings may have different job titles than you expect. Be willing to have a long-term strategy if necessary in order to get the state-wide trucking job you really want. Consider taking an interim position until you can land the job you want. Research has shown that it is generally easier for people who are currently employed to find their next job than it is for people who have been unemployed for more than a very short period.
Casual driving work may provide immediate income while you continue to look for a better position. Casual hire companies can be good sources of temporary driving work. This can be particularly advantageous to those who need additional experience, skills, and references to help them get the job they really want. It can also give you an opportunity to prove yourself to the very companies you would like to work for. If you impress them, they may offer you a permanent driving position.
You may have searched for ''truck driver jobs Michigan'' or wherever your state is, and you may have discovered a number of excellent possibilities, but if your resume and letters of application are under par you will not be offered a job interview. It is important that your letters of application are unique for each job and address each position's specific selection criteria. Your resume should be relevant to the jobs you are applying for and should be professional and neat. Do not send a resume with coffee stains and crumbs on it. If you are uncertain about the quality of your resume, it may be worthwhile to pay a professional to rework it for you.
You may not get the job offer you want immediately, but if you take these steps you will give yourself the best chance of landing a well-paying, state-wide trucking job you will be happy with.
