Professional Phone Skills for CDL-A Job Search

Professional Phone Skills for CDL-A Job Search

How to Call Recruiters, Follow Up, and Check Application Status

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Index

Learning

Quiz

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Certificate

Why Phone Calls Matter

• Recruiters are busy — phone calls cut through the noise.

• Shows that you’re serious, professional, and reliable.

• Not all companies respond quickly online — calling puts you in control.

• First impressions matter — your voice = your handshake.


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How to Ask if a Company is Hiring

Step 1 – Make the First Contact:Call when:

• You found the company name but not a clear job ad.
• You're looking for local/OTR opportunities in your area.

• Key Script:
“Hi, my name is ____. I have my CDL-A and I’m calling to ask if you're currently hiring drivers, especially recent graduates or entry-level drivers.”


What to listen for:

• Are they hiring now?
• What endorsements or experience do they require?
• Who should you speak to? (Ask for recruiter’s name.)

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How to Check Application Status

Step 2 – Follow Up on Your Application:

• Call 3–5 business days after applying.
• Goal: Keep your name top of mind.

Script:
“Hi, this is ____. I submitted an application for the CDL-A position on ____. I’m calling to check on the status and see if you need anything else from me.”
 Ask: “Would it help to resend my resume?”

• Pro move: Mention anything new: “Since I applied, I’ve also added my Hazmat endorsement.”

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Following Up After the Interview

Step 3 – Call to Say Thank You and Reconfirm Interest:

• Call/Email 1–2 days after your interview.
• Purpose: Show professionalism and eagerness.

Script:
“Hi, [Recruiter’s Name], this is ____. I wanted to thank you for the interview on ____. I’m still very interested in the position and would love to know what the next steps are.”

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What to Do Before You Call

Be Ready to Make a Good Impression
Checklist:✅ Call while in a quiet space✅ Have a pen and notebook ready✅ Know the company name and job title✅ Have a clear voicemail (in case they call you back!)✅ Have your calendar ready (in case they offer a time to talk)Extra:

• Practice reading your script out loud once or twice before calling.

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If You Get Voicemail

What to Say in a Voicemail
Script: “Hi, this is ____. I applied for the CDL-A position on ____. Just following up to see if you had a chance to review my application. My number is ____. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.”

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid These When Calling a Recruiter
List:❌ Not knowing who you're calling❌ Talking too fast or mumbling❌ Sounding annoyed or impatient❌ Calling without writing down your question first ❌ Not checking your voicemail inbox

• Pro Tip: Practice with a friend or mentor before calling recruiters.

Answer Unknown Numbers

• When you're job hunting, expect calls from numbers you don’t recognize—it could be a job opportunity.

Practice and answer all unknown numbers with a professional greeting:

• “Hi, this is [Your Name], how can I help you?”

• Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the company.

• Note any important next steps or instructions.

End the call with:

• “Thank you for your time—I really appreciate the information.”

Setting Up a Proper Voicemail

If you miss a call from a recruiter, your voicemail is your backup first impression for them. Make it count. Here’s a sample script: “Hi, this is [Your Name]. I’m unable to take your call right now, but please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you!” Make sure your voicemail: ✅ Includes your name ✅ Sounds clear and confident ✅ Isn’t full (check regularly and delete unnecessary voicemails so there is space for jobs to leave voicemails!)

Helpful Resources

Keep These Tools Handy
Include:

• Phone script

• List of questions to ask a recruiter
• Voicemail script template
• Quick checklist before every call

Final Reminders

Stay Professional and Confident
Closing Thoughts:

• You are calling as a professional driver.
• Be polite, organized, and clear.
• Recruiters remember drivers who follow up!
• Every call is a chance to build your network.

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Survey

Certification of Completion

Thanks for completing this module!

• Taking the time to work through it shows that you're serious about communicating professionally — and that effort will make a big difference when you're applying to jobs.

• To recognize your hard work, 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