When the time comes to move onto another truck driving job, many drivers rely on word of mouth to find their next position. While this can be a quick way to get a job, it may not be the best way to ensure that you get the best pay, home time, and benefits.
Many truck drivers never even consider LinkedIn as a way to get their next job, but there are several advantages and disadvantages you should consider before you use this social networking tool.
Benefits of LinkedIn for Truckers Looking for Jobs
— The jobs are more likely to be legitimate. LinkedIn charges recruiters to place ads, which helps to weed out shady job listings.
— A good LinkedIn profile can help the right job find you. With the truck driver shortage, recruiters are looking everywhere for drivers. An up-to-date LinkedIn profile can take a lot of the work out of job hunting — the jobs can come to you.
— LinkedIn allows you to network with others in the trucking industry.
Disadvantages of LinkedIn for Truck Drivers Seeking New Jobs
— You often have to wade through spam and information that doesn’t pertain to you to find what you’re looking for on LinkedIn.
— Maintaining an up-to-date profile and networking to take full advantage of LinkedIn takes a lot of time — which most drivers don’t have.
— If you’re looking for a new trucking job while currently employed, you should be aware that many employers monitor their employee’s LinkedIn profiles and consider a sudden uptick in activity to be suspicious.
If you’re looking for a new trucking job, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of LinkedIn. You should also expand your search by using word of mouth, Craigslist, and trucking job boards to help you find the job that’s right for you so that you can stop hunting and start driving!
Sources:
Forbes
LinkedIn Pulse
Arizona Central