Is your CV holding you back from landing your next truck driving gig?
You're a licensed truck driver in New Zealand, so why isn't anyone getting back to you?
Employers can get hundreds of CVs for every truck driving role they post, and most don’t have time to read them all. That’s why your CV needs to hit the mark both for hiring managers and the systems they use to sort applications.
Let’s make sure yours stands out.
1. State Your Licence Class Early and Clearly
Employers want to know straight away: are you Class 2, 4 or 5? Put it in your personal summary and throughout your CV where relevant.
Example:
Class 5 driver with 8 years’ experience in metro and long-haul transport. Skilled with Road Ranger, DG-certified, and excellent safety record.
Mention endorsements too—like F, R, T, W, or D—and be specific. These keywords help your CV get picked up by ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
2. List Your Licences and Certifications Properly
Create a separate section like this:
Licences and Endorsements:
- Class 2, 4, 5
- Forklift (OSH Cert)
- Dangerous Goods (DG)
- WTR Endorsements
Include expiry dates for recent certifications if relevant.
3. Describe Your Driving Experience in Bullet Points
Each job should include:
Job title (e.g. Class 4 Metro Driver), Employer name and location, Dates of employment, Types of freight handled (e.g. chilled, general, oversized), Areas or routes covered, Key responsibilities
Example:
Class 5 Linehaul Driver
ABC Truck Company – Palmerston North | Jan 2020 – Apr 2024
- North Island overnight routes (Auckland–Wellington)
- Refrigerated and bulk general freight
- Daily vehicle inspections, logbook compliance
- Regular use of Road Ranger and manual gearboxes
4. Use Keywords From the Job Ad
Many trucking companies use ATS to filter applications. These systems scan for specific terms. If you don’t include them, your CV might go straight into the decline bucket.
Common keywords:
Class 2 / Class 4 / Class 5
Forklift certified
Logbook management
Load restraint
Fatigue management
Road Ranger gearbox
5. Keep the Format Simple and Clean
Some ATS systems can’t read fancy layouts. So:
Use a basic font (like Calibri or Arial)
Avoid graphics, images, or tables
Stick to 1–2 pages
6. Spellcheck and Proofread (Seriously)
A typo like “breaks” instead of “brakes” might seem small; and what about “diver” instead of “driver”? Small things like this could make your CV go straight to the declined bucket.
Most importantly, don't forget to read it out loud and ask someone else to review it.
If your CV isn’t clear, relevant, and to the point, you could be missing out interviews.
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