How to Apply to Trucking Jobs Step by Step by: FreeWorld
Agenda
Completed Application Example
Where to Look
Know Your Worth
Explaining Work Gap
Application Walkthrough (p. 8-2 9
Explaining Traffic Violation
Follow Up on Applications
Prep Your Tools
Explaining Reason for Leaving
Final Tips
Explaining Background
Resume Walkthrough
Survey
Directions
- Click on these buttons when you see them for further information throughout the slideshow
Step 1: Know Your Worth
- Remember that you’ve got your CDL — that makes you employable.
- You may get told no due to your lack of experience and your background. Keep going. You only need one yes to make a difference. Keep your eye on the prize.
- You should not be picky about your first CDL job. Be picky after you have atleast 6 months of experience.
Step 2: Prep Your Tools
Before applying, you want to make sure you have these documents ready to go:
Your email should be professional, usually your first and last name and a few numbers. Make sure there is no unprofessional phrases in yours and that it matches the email you have in your resume. Good Ex: chrisstevenson@gmail.com Bad Ex: kingofchaosxx@gmail.com
Have your CDL number and endorsements information ready to go just in case the information is requested on the application.
You will need a tailored resume to show that you are qualified. If a recruiter is not impressed with your resume, you will not get considered for an interview. Make sure to work with your Success Coach at FreeWorld to help you update your resume to reflect CDL jobs based on your previous experience.
A professional voicemail is necessary on the phone number that your resume is linked to. If a recruiter calls you and you did not answer, an unprofessional voicemail can be the reason they move on to the next candidate — without leaving a message or calling back.
Professional Email Address
A professional voicemail
A Tailored Resume for CDL Jobs
CDL Details
Resume Walkthrough
Huge gap in resume?
ChatGPT
Step 3: Where to Look
- Direct applications on company sites (e.g. Schneider, Western Express, Dr.Pepper)
- FreeWorld job leads
- Job boards:
- Indeed
- Tenstreet
- CraigList
- Facebook under local CDL groups
Application Walkthrough
Check out more safe answers for reasons for leaving and termination on the next page
Professional Ways to Explain Leaving a Job
- Always keep it positive and focused on your growth.
Examples:
- The position wasn’t the right fit for my skills.
- There was a change in company needs.The company was restructuring, and my position was affected.
Keep it neutral and positive. Say:- Looking for a fresh start
- Ready for a new direction
- Seeking stability and long-term growth
- Seeking better opportunities
- Career growth
- Seeking full-time/consistent work
- The job was a temporary/seasonal job
- Company downsized
- Relocated
Typical Reasons to Leave
Left on Bad Terms?
How to Explain Termination
Check out this completed application
click the link below
For Job Application Practice/Assistance
- Take a few minutes to practice filling out a real job application by clicking the link below. Once you submit it, a FreeWorld team member will review it and follow up with tips or suggestions to make it even stronger.
Bonus: By completing this application, you’ll unlock direct job leads sent straight to your Tenth Street profile!
Click on the link below to fill out that application:
Step 5: Follow Up
- When following up in regards to your application via email or phone call, follow this script:
- Keeping track of your job applications helps you stay organized and follow up professionally.
📒 To keep track of where you applied, you can use:
- Notebook – Write down each job, date applied, and contact info.
- Notes app – Quick and easy for phone users.
- Tracking sheet – Use a spreadsheet or downloadable PDF.
📅 When Should You Follow Up?
✅ General Rule:
Follow up 2 to 3 business days after submitting your application if you haven’t heard anything.
Applied online, no response?→ Wait 2–3 business days, then call or send a short follow-up message. Spoke with a recruiter, but no callback?→ Wait 2 days, then check back in. Told they’d call back by a certain day?→ Wait 1 day after that, then follow up. Left a voicemail already?→ Wait 2 more days before trying again.
- Don't call the same day you apply
- Don't send long or emotional messages
What is the incorrect way to follow up?
What is the correct way to follow up with job applications?
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your follow-ups polite and short. Always mention your name and the position you applied for. Think of it like this: If you planted a seed, you wouldn’t dig it up the next day. Give it 2–3 days, then water it with a quick follow-up!
Final Tips
ChatGPT can help you make your answers, resumes, or job applications sound more professional and clear. It’s like having a writing coach in your pocket. Simple Steps to Use ChatGPT (Even If You’re Not Tech-Savvy):
- Open ChatGPT on your phone or computer using the link.
- Start a New Chat
Click “New Chat” and type your question.
- Example: “Can you help me write a professional reason for leaving my last job?”
- Copy and Paste The Answer
- Write what you want to say in your own words. Then ask:
“Can you make this sound more professional?”
ChatGPT will rewrite it in a clearer, more polished way.
- Review and Use It
- Read over the response, copy what you like, and use it in your job application or resume.
Bonus Tip: You can also ask for help with interview answers, explaining work gaps, or writing cover letters—just be honest about what you want to say, and ChatGPT will help polish it.
Survey
Certification of completion
- Thanks for taking the time to complete this module — it shows you're serious about applying to jobs the right way.
- To recognize your effort, we’d love to reward you with a Certificate of Completion.
- Just follow the link below to fill out your information.
- Your certificate will be emailed to you shortly after.
Click this link to get your certificate
ChatGPT.com
How ChatGPT Can Help You Build a CDL-A Resume (With No Experience) Even if you haven’t driven a truck yet, ChatGPT can help you create a strong, professional resume. Just tell it your past jobs (like construction, warehouse, or fast food), and tell Chat to tailor your resume for CDL-A jobs— it will focus on skills like safety, time management, and physical work. Also include your CDL school, any endorsements, and ask ChatGPT to format it professionally. It’s a quick, easy way to create a resume that helps you stand out, even as a new driver. Use it anytime to polish or tailor your resume for different jobs!
How to fill out an application
O'Neal Heard
Created on March 26, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Explainer Video: AI for Companies
View
Explainer Video: Keys to Effective Communication
View
Corporate CV
View
Flow Presentation
View
Discover Your AI Assistant
View
Urban Illustrated Presentation
View
Geographical Challenge: Drag to the map
Explore all templates
Transcript
How to Apply to Trucking Jobs Step by Step by: FreeWorld
Agenda
Completed Application Example
Where to Look
Know Your Worth
Explaining Work Gap
Application Walkthrough (p. 8-2 9
Explaining Traffic Violation
Follow Up on Applications
Prep Your Tools
Explaining Reason for Leaving
Final Tips
Explaining Background
Resume Walkthrough
Survey
Directions
Step 1: Know Your Worth
Step 2: Prep Your Tools
Before applying, you want to make sure you have these documents ready to go:
Your email should be professional, usually your first and last name and a few numbers. Make sure there is no unprofessional phrases in yours and that it matches the email you have in your resume. Good Ex: chrisstevenson@gmail.com Bad Ex: kingofchaosxx@gmail.com
Have your CDL number and endorsements information ready to go just in case the information is requested on the application.
You will need a tailored resume to show that you are qualified. If a recruiter is not impressed with your resume, you will not get considered for an interview. Make sure to work with your Success Coach at FreeWorld to help you update your resume to reflect CDL jobs based on your previous experience.
A professional voicemail is necessary on the phone number that your resume is linked to. If a recruiter calls you and you did not answer, an unprofessional voicemail can be the reason they move on to the next candidate — without leaving a message or calling back.
Professional Email Address
A professional voicemail
A Tailored Resume for CDL Jobs
CDL Details
Resume Walkthrough
Huge gap in resume?
ChatGPT
Step 3: Where to Look
Application Walkthrough
Check out more safe answers for reasons for leaving and termination on the next page
Professional Ways to Explain Leaving a Job
- Always keep it positive and focused on your growth.
Examples:Keep it neutral and positive. Say:- Looking for a fresh start
- Ready for a new direction
- Seeking stability and long-term growth
Typical Reasons to Leave
Left on Bad Terms?
How to Explain Termination
Check out this completed application
click the link below
For Job Application Practice/Assistance
- Take a few minutes to practice filling out a real job application by clicking the link below. Once you submit it, a FreeWorld team member will review it and follow up with tips or suggestions to make it even stronger.
Bonus: By completing this application, you’ll unlock direct job leads sent straight to your Tenth Street profile!Click on the link below to fill out that application:
Step 5: Follow Up
- Keeping track of your job applications helps you stay organized and follow up professionally.
📒 To keep track of where you applied, you can use:📅 When Should You Follow Up?
✅ General Rule: Follow up 2 to 3 business days after submitting your application if you haven’t heard anything.
Applied online, no response?→ Wait 2–3 business days, then call or send a short follow-up message. Spoke with a recruiter, but no callback?→ Wait 2 days, then check back in. Told they’d call back by a certain day?→ Wait 1 day after that, then follow up. Left a voicemail already?→ Wait 2 more days before trying again.
What is the incorrect way to follow up?
What is the correct way to follow up with job applications?
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your follow-ups polite and short. Always mention your name and the position you applied for. Think of it like this: If you planted a seed, you wouldn’t dig it up the next day. Give it 2–3 days, then water it with a quick follow-up!
Final Tips
ChatGPT can help you make your answers, resumes, or job applications sound more professional and clear. It’s like having a writing coach in your pocket. Simple Steps to Use ChatGPT (Even If You’re Not Tech-Savvy):
- Open ChatGPT on your phone or computer using the link.
- Start a New Chat
Click “New Chat” and type your question.
- Example: “Can you help me write a professional reason for leaving my last job?”
- Copy and Paste The Answer
- Write what you want to say in your own words. Then ask:
“Can you make this sound more professional?”
ChatGPT will rewrite it in a clearer, more polished way.
- Review and Use It
- Read over the response, copy what you like, and use it in your job application or resume.
Bonus Tip: You can also ask for help with interview answers, explaining work gaps, or writing cover letters—just be honest about what you want to say, and ChatGPT will help polish it.Survey
Certification of completion
Click this link to get your certificate
ChatGPT.com
How ChatGPT Can Help You Build a CDL-A Resume (With No Experience) Even if you haven’t driven a truck yet, ChatGPT can help you create a strong, professional resume. Just tell it your past jobs (like construction, warehouse, or fast food), and tell Chat to tailor your resume for CDL-A jobs— it will focus on skills like safety, time management, and physical work. Also include your CDL school, any endorsements, and ask ChatGPT to format it professionally. It’s a quick, easy way to create a resume that helps you stand out, even as a new driver. Use it anytime to polish or tailor your resume for different jobs!