- Zone 6, Unit 60 & 63L, Bradley Hall Trading Estate, WN6 0XQ
If you have just passed your HGV driving test and are a newly qualified lorry driver, you may feel nervous about going for an HGV job interview. As an experienced HGV training company, we know that a well-prepared and experienced driver will easily get the job they desire. A good, reliable, and responsible driver is in high demand in the transportation industry.
If you want to get the HGV position you apply for, you must prepare before going for the interview. In this article, we share some useful interview tips to help you stand out from the crowd and land the ideal HGV job. Read on to find out more!
However, before we get into interview tips & techniques, let’s go over the skills required and the responsibilities of a good HGV driver.
As an HGV driver, you will be in charge of transporting items safely throughout the country or across borders. The responsibilities of an HGV driver include the following:
Making sure the items you’re transporting are securely fastened in the vehicle
Checking that the load is balanced and not too heavy for the vehicle
Following the correct route and obeying traffic laws
Ensuring that the items you’re transporting are delivered on time
Inspecting the vehicle before and after each journey
To become a good HGV driver, you’ll need good driving skills. You should be able to control a large vehicle and reverse it into tight spaces. You’ll also need to be able to read maps and follow directions, be safety conscious, and be aware of your surroundings while driving.
It’s also important that you’re able to stay calm under pressure. This is because you might have to deal with difficult situations, such as bad weather or traffic jams that delay your delivery schedules.
Now that we understand what’s required to become a good HGV driver let’s look at the top tips for passing an interview.
Our HGV pass plus course could help to improve your driving skills beyond just passing your driving test
Before your interview, research the company you’re applying to. This will show the interviewer that you’re interested in the company and that you have the motivation to work for them. Find out the company’s history, products, and customers as much as possible. If you know someone who works for the company, ask them for advice.
Some common interview questions are about your experience, skills, and motivation to apply for the job. Spend some time preparing for these questions. This will help you answer them confidently and without hesitation.
There will be some common questions related to HGV driving. For example, the interviewer might ask about your experience driving large vehicles. They might also ask you about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation while driving.
During the interview, you might be asked to demonstrate your driving skills. This could involve reversing into space or driving around a course. You can use an online simulator or visit a local driving school to practice your driving skills.
As an HGV driver, you’ll be responsible for delivering items to customers on time. This means that you’ll need to have good customer service skills. You should be able to deal with customers professionally and honestly.
In your interview, highlight any customer service experience you have. This could be from a previous job or volunteering. If you don’t have direct experience, give an example of a situation where you provided good customer service.
HGV driving can be a demanding job. You might have to work long hours, weekends and holidays. You’ll also need to deal with last-minute changes, such as a change in the delivery route. Show the interviewer that you are flexible and able to deal with changes.
Make sure you arrive at your interview on time. This shows that you are punctual and respect the interviewer’s time. If you are running late, call the interviewer and let them know.
One of the main responsibilities of an HGV driver is to deliver items on time. This means that punctuality is important. If you can’t arrive on time for your interview, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to do the job.
At the interview stage, you must be fully prepared and confident that you can do the job. This means being positive and enthusiastic about the role. It’s also important to make a good first impression.
At the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions. This is your chance to find out more about the job and company. It also shows that you’re interested in the role.
Some questions you could ask include:
What are the main responsibilities of the job?
What are the working hours?
What training will be provided?
After your interview, send a thank you email to the interviewer. This shows that you’re grateful for their time and interested in the job. You should also follow up with a phone call if you haven’t heard back from the company after a week or two.
Hopefully, by following these tips, you’ll have a successful interview and get the job you wanted. Good luck!
For all of your HGV training needs call us on 01942 741 310
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Meet Michelle, our dynamic new car driving instructor and the latest addition to our team. With a passion for road safety and years of teaching experience, Michelle is set to become a valuable asset. Her patient and friendly approach makes learning to drive an enjoyable experience. Welcome aboard, Michelle – your expertise is sure to guide our learners toward success on the road!
Kam, our dedicated Car Driving Instructor, embodies excellence with a passion for precision and safety. With a robust background in driver education, Kam imparts invaluable skills and knowledge to learners. His patient and encouraging demeanor fosters a positive learning environment, ensuring students feel confident and well-prepared. Kam's commitment to cultivating responsible and skilled drivers makes him an integral part of our team, contributing to the success and reputation of our driving instruction services.
Wayne, a specialist HGV instructor, focuses on the intricacies of reversing and uncoupling in our training courses. Known for his friendly and relaxed approach, Wayne is a people person who effortlessly connects with everyone. His amiable nature creates a positive learning environment, making the challenging aspects of HGV training more accessible. Wayne's expertise in mastering the nuances of reversing and uncoupling, coupled with his affable personality, makes him a beloved and effective instructor in the world of heavy goods vehicle operations.
Chris, an adept HGV instructor, brings a unique blend of expertise from his military background. Having served as an HGV instructor in the army, Chris honed his skills in precision and discipline. With a commitment to excellence instilled during his military service, Chris imparts not only technical know-how but also a strong sense of responsibility to his students. His seasoned approach, forged in the disciplined environment of the armed forces, sets Chris apart as a trusted and effective HGV instructor.
Kyle, a seasoned HGV instructor, draws from a decade of diverse experience as an HGV driver. Over the past ten years, he navigated a spectrum of roles, mastering the intricacies of transporting goods. Kyle's wealth of knowledge enriches his instruction, offering students real-world insights into the challenges and nuances of the road. His passion for safe and efficient driving, combined with a decade of hands-on expertise, makes Kyle an invaluable mentor in the world of Heavy Goods Vehicle operations.
As the proprietor and Director of Craig Baker Driver Training, Craig boasts over 10 years of instructional expertise backed by over a decade in the HGV industry. Holding qualifications as an ADI, NRI LGV instructor, RTITB CPC instructor, and DVSA-approved 3a examiner, Craig ensures the highest standards. Over the last few years, the business has expanded significantly under his leadership. Craig's adept management style, characterized by fairness and a commitment to staff well-being, underscores the success and growth of the enterprise.
With over two decades of experience in the HGV industry, Dave, hailing from a distinguished driver training background, exemplifies a deep commitment to the craft. His enduring passion for training is evident as he meticulously imparts knowledge. Dave, dedicated to excellence, takes pride in ensuring his candidates are comprehensively prepared for a successful driving career. His professional approach and wealth of experience contribute significantly to the quality and effectiveness of the training provided under his guidance.
Andras, our adept LGV and Car Instructor, brings extensive experience in both European and UK haulage to his role. Additionally, he holds qualifications as a PCV driver. With a wealth of knowledge in the intricacies of transportation, Andras ensures that our training programs meet the highest standards. His multifaceted expertise and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset in equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge essential for success in LGV and Car driving.
Lee, our accomplished Operations Manager, swiftly ascended the ranks, showcasing exceptional leadership and serving as a role model within the company. Responsible for overseeing instructors, vehicles, and general operations, Lee is synonymous with adaptability. His patient and adept approach to candidates ensures that lessons are both enjoyable and informative. Lee's managerial prowess and commitment to excellence significantly contribute to the seamless functioning and success of our operations.
Kerry, serving as the office manager at Craig Baker Driver Training for the past four years, adeptly oversees lesson coordination, instructor management, and office staff organization. With a commitment to seamless operations, she consistently ensures the smooth functioning of all facets. Kerry's problem-solving acumen and dedication are evident, as she not only navigates operational challenges but also readily assists with customer inquiries, reflecting her pivotal role in maintaining operational excellence and client satisfaction.
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