Practical Job application advice

[goodwillhunting]

Hi all,

I'm brand new here, and I'm hoping to get some advice on potentially starting a new career in truck driving. Ok, first I'll give you all my negative background spiel to give everyone an idea of where I'm at:

1- I just went through a messy divorce, but am still relatively young at 31, so I still think there's time for me to "start over."

2- Due to the divorce (I won't get into everything about it here), my ex hauled me into court (even after I thought everything was settled in the divorce agreement) on felony fraud charges due to credit cards being in both of our names. This is going to be settled soon, and will likely end up (best case scenario) as me pleading to misdemeanor "disorderly conduct."

3- Due to the divorce, and other credit issues, I'm about to file bankruptcy. Only a couple years ago I had excellent credit, and a high credit score.

4- My most recent work history involves a lot of self employment. While I've also had "regular jobs" during this time, the last one was a couple months ago, and didn't last as it was only a short term contract position. And, my last longest stint at a "real" employer was over a year and a half ago.

Before I get the choruses of "I wouldn't hire you," or "don't even bother," I'm just wondering if there is any hope of me getting into the trucking business. It seems like even the lowliest jobs/companies do background and credit checks now a days, so I guess I'd like to know if anyone had some difficulty getting hired at first, but overcame it to eventually get a job.

As I have no CDL yet, I'd love to get into Schneider's training program and go from there. But, in my research so far I've heard some getting turned down flat right away due to piddly things on their record. So, it doesn't seem likely right now from what I've said, but I haven't even called them yet.

Ok, now some good things about me:

1- I've been self employed since 2001, and I used to have a dedicated cargo van run every night, and do other expediting work. My resume actually looks decent, and I'm able to explain it well. I loved the driving job I had, and have always thought about truck driving as a career.

2- I have my bachelor's degree, so I'm "reasonably" educated, but I couldn't find employment in my field (journalism) other than self-employment. I don't know if an education means much in getting a trucking job, as experience is more valuable, but if nothing else the degree could show someone I know how to study, pay attention, learn, meet goals, and remain ambitious. I don't want a desk job, I'd rather be on the road.

3- Obviously, with all the former strikes against me I mentioned, I have incentive to bust my butt and work hard. I don't have any children, or other real family obligations at this time, and I can just run hard and hopefully bank some money.

I don't know if the former bad things would out weigh the good things or not In the eyes of a prospective employer? Much more could be said, but I'll just leave it at this for now, and if anyone has any other questions or comments let me know, and I'll respond with more details.

Looking forward to any sound advice. I'm glad to be here, and I hope I can fulfill my dream and then share it with all you good people.

[pro1driver]

Originally Posted by goodwillhunting

Hi all,

I'm brand new here, and I'm hoping to get some advice on potentially starting a new career in truck driving. Ok, first I'll give you all my negative background spiel to give everyone an idea of where I'm at:

1- I just went through a messy divorce, but am still relatively young at 31, so I still think there's time for me to "start over."

2- Due to the divorce (I won't get into everything about it here), my ex hauled me into court (even after I thought everything was settled in the divorce agreement) on felony fraud charges due to credit cards being in both of our names. This is going to be settled soon, and will likely end up (best case scenario) as me pleading to misdemeanor "disorderly conduct."

3- Due to the divorce, and other credit issues, I'm about to file bankruptcy. Only a couple years ago I had excellent credit, and a high credit score.

4- My most recent work history involves a lot of self employment. While I've also had "regular jobs" during this time, the last one was a couple months ago, and didn't last as it was only a short term contract position. And, my last longest stint at a "real" employer was over a year and a half ago.

Before I get the choruses of "I wouldn't hire you," or "don't even bother," I'm just wondering if there is any hope of me getting into the trucking business. It seems like even the lowliest jobs/companies do background and credit checks now a days, so I guess I'd like to know if anyone had some difficulty getting hired at first, but overcame it to eventually get a job.

As I have no CDL yet, I'd love to get into Schneider's training program and go from there. But, in my research so far I've heard some getting turned down flat right away due to piddly things on their record. So, it doesn't seem likely right now from what I've said, but I haven't even called them yet.

Ok, now some good things about me:

1- I've been self employed since 2001, and I used to have a dedicated cargo van run every night, and do other expediting work. My resume actually looks decent, and I'm able to explain it well. I loved the driving job I had, and have always thought about truck driving as a career.

2- I have my bachelor's degree, so I'm "reasonably" educated, but I couldn't find employment in my field (journalism) other than self-employment. I don't know if an education means much in getting a trucking job, as experience is more valuable, but if nothing else the degree could show someone I know how to study, pay attention, learn, meet goals, and remain ambitious. I don't want a desk job, I'd rather be on the road.

3- Obviously, with all the former strikes against me I mentioned, I have incentive to bust my butt and work hard. I don't have any children, or other real family obligations at this time, and I can just run hard and hopefully bank some money.

I don't know if the former bad things would out weigh the good things or not In the eyes of a prospective employer? Much more could be said, but I'll just leave it at this for now, and if anyone has any other questions or comments let me know, and I'll respond with more details.

Looking forward to any sound advice. I'm glad to be here, and I hope I can fulfill my dream and then share it with all you good people.

i don't know how a "felony" charge of fraud can be turned into a "misdemeaner charge".. a felony is just that, a felony, and fraud too to boot....you need to wait and see the actual outcome of those charges....

then, you need to see if they are actually wiped clean from any record you have...till then, you're a felon, or at least charged as one till found guilty.....but, apply for school now, and to them, you're guilty first, innocent last......and if the school takes your money, you're screwed if you graduate and can't get a job...then what will you do....???

even a misdemeaner charge of "disorderly conduct" can make you unemployable as you will be dealing with customers. if you are "disorderly" now, how will you be to the customers later....??

you really need to get all that crap cleaned up FIRST, BEORE you go to any trucking school....

now for the bankruptcy.....this can be tricky too as ALL trucking companies run a background check on you....bankruptcy will make them suspicious of you, can't pay your bills, fall behind, you need money, then suddenly freight is missing from the trailer....

you need NOT to file bankruptcy........get credit counseling instead.

for "self employment" you will 1099 forms as proof of your employment, maybe even some letters from people, not related to you, that can substantiate your claim of this self employment...be carefull here....one lie and you're doomed.

your college won't help you get a driving job, maybe an office job.

right now, you have more strikes against you than A-Rod has......

get everything cleaned up first, then pursue a driving career/job.....

what get's me every time is that someone has a "dream" or a "long desire" or whatever to "be a truck driver"....

its like the last job people seek when they can't find work else where's and think they can get a driving job with no problem, or we can solve the problems for them.....

simply put, anyone's past needs to be clean for a driving job these days with any respectable company. if anyone "see's" that they have so many problems, why do they think they can get a driving job, knowing the industry has requirements they cannot meet as drivers...????

and then scream high holy hell when they spend the money for schooling, and can't get a job...???

you are "reasonably educated" as you stated.......try another career which you can apply that education to, because in this industry, it may very well be a long time before you get behind the wheel, depending on any and all of those charges you face, and your financial problems......

trucking isn't "God's savior"..........