Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this truck driving position?
3. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult customer.
4. What is your experience with [specific type of truck/trailer]?
5. How do you stay safe on the road?
6. How do you handle long hours and being away from home?
7. What are your salary expectations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a proven technique for answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When answering a question, you should describe a specific situation, the task you had to complete, the actions you took, and the results of your actions. This method helps you provide concrete examples of your skills and experiences, making your answers more impactful.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
This question is designed to get a sense of your personality and work history.

Example Answer: “I’m a hardworking and dedicated individual with [number] years of experience as a truck driver. I’m passionate about safety and efficiency, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills. In my previous role at [Company Name], I was responsible for [briefly describe your responsibilities]. I’m a team player and I’m always willing to help out wherever needed.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer uses the STAR method by briefly outlining a situation (your previous role), the task (your responsibilities), the actions you took (being a team player), and the results (achieving a positive outcome). It also highlights your relevant skills and experience.

2. Why are you interested in this truck driving position?
This question helps the interviewer understand your motivation for applying.

Example Answer: “I’ve always been drawn to the open road and the freedom of driving. I’m interested in this position because it offers the opportunity to [mention specific aspects of the job that appeal to you, e.g., work with a specific type of cargo, travel to new areas, etc.]. I’m also impressed with [Company Name]’s commitment to [mention a company value that resonates with you, e.g., safety, employee development, etc.] and I believe my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and the company. It highlights specific aspects of the job that appeal to you and aligns your values with the company’s.

3. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult customer.
This question assesses your customer service skills and conflict resolution abilities.

Example Answer: “I once had a customer who was very upset about a delayed delivery. They were yelling and demanding a refund. I remained calm and listened to their concerns. I explained the situation, apologized for the inconvenience, and offered a solution to compensate for the delay. I ultimately resolved the situation by [describe the solution you offered and the positive outcome]. The customer was satisfied with the outcome and thanked me for my professionalism.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates your ability to handle difficult situations with composure and professionalism. It highlights your active listening skills, your ability to find solutions, and your commitment to customer satisfaction.

4. What is your experience with [specific type of truck/trailer]?
This question assesses your technical skills and experience with specific equipment.

Example Answer: “I have [number] years of experience driving [specific type of truck/trailer]. In my previous role at [Company Name], I was responsible for [briefly describe your responsibilities involving that specific type of truck/trailer]. I’m familiar with the [mention specific features, safety protocols, or maintenance requirements for that type of truck/trailer]. I’m confident in my ability to operate this type of equipment safely and efficiently.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates your specific experience with the requested equipment. It highlights your knowledge of relevant features, safety protocols, and maintenance requirements.

5. How do you stay safe on the road?
This question assesses your commitment to safety and your understanding of safe driving practices.

Example Answer: “Safety is my top priority on the road. I always follow all traffic laws and regulations. I regularly perform pre-trip inspections to ensure my vehicle is in safe working condition. I also practice defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe following distance and being aware of my surroundings. I’m committed to staying alert and avoiding distractions while driving.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates your commitment to safety and your knowledge of safe driving practices. It highlights specific actions you take to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

6. How do you handle long hours and being away from home?
This question assesses your ability to handle the demands of the job and your personal resilience.

Example Answer: “I understand that being a truck driver requires long hours and time away from home. I’m a self-motivated and disciplined individual who can manage my time effectively. I stay organized and prioritize my tasks to ensure I complete them efficiently. I also stay connected with my family and friends while I’m on the road to maintain a sense of balance. I’m dedicated to my work and I’m comfortable with the demands of this profession.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates your ability to handle the demands of the job and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It highlights your self-motivation, time management skills, and your commitment to staying connected with loved ones while on the road.

7. What are your salary expectations?
This question is an opportunity to state your desired compensation.

Example Answer: “Based on my experience and the requirements of this position, I am seeking a salary in the range of [mention salary range]. I am confident that my skills and contributions will be a valuable asset to your team.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer provides a clear and confident response to the salary question. It demonstrates your understanding of the market value for similar roles and your confidence in your abilities.