Getting Hired - Advice Needed

As an arguably stereotypical hippy/liberal/Californian, I say you have nothing to be ashamed of or even moral conflict in regards to being a dancer.

One of my friends from college became a stripper after working a couple years as a teacher. I'm telling you this because she has no regrets as she doesn't have to figure out who her true friends are and she makes boatloads of money. She doesn't hide anything, she's 100% independent and she loves her life because she does only what she wants to do. Now she's considering grad school FOR FUN - how many people can honestly say that?

Being a dancer, especially today, does not disqualify you from anything. There are politicians who used to be sex workers. You are simply making your money with honesty and a hard working attitude. What's not respectable about that?

If they ask for more specifics about your Dancing job at _____, why would your value as a potential employee be lowered? Just tell them the truth; you worked in customer service and entertainment. You did nothing illegal. It wasn't a driving related gig so there's not much reason to look into it if it was a legitimate job. As far as they are concerned, you've got an employment history that fulfills the minimum requirements.

If someone wants to judge you, they can do it on their own time.

Thanks guys for all of your great responses. Jopa, that was very funny. No, I do NOT intend to drive with my top off, no matter how bored I get. Lol

My basic concern with putting this job down on my application is that I was afraid I would be denied a job because of it. I guess if I was really concerned about what people think, I wouldn't be going into trucking. I honestly don't know anyone who has been supportive of this career choice, unfortunately.

The companies that I plan to apply for are; May Trucking Company, Schneider, and Shaffer Trucking. I know it's recommended that I apply to the bigger companies when I first start out, but Shaffer and May seem to have good reviews and great pay for newbies. It seems that May has also hires from the school I plan to go to. Schneider would be my first choice because it appears they have so many options once you get in good with the company after 6 months. However, the starting pay is very, very low. Sorry to be so picky during my first year but... $0.28 per mile seems to be pushing it! I am open to more feedback about this and, like I mentioned above, Schneider is not my first option but is on my list. I will look into Prime as well. Other than trying to get hired, my other concern is having as little stress as a new driver as possible. I know that my first year will be hard and I am already prepared for that but I want to cut down on my stressful experiences as much as possible if I can by choosing the best company.

About my job description, I have decided to put "Entertainer/Independent Contractor" and the name of the company on the application. The duties will be; excellent customer service, entertain guests at a night club, stage performer. I don't think my manager will write a detailed letter about my job description, but I did get an employment letter from him about a year ago. Hopefully I can use that or my tax returns if I need some other sort of employment proof.

My only question with that is, when would I submit those documents? At the time I submit the application? I thought those applications were online but I could be wrong. Of course I could always scan those documents and submit them as an attachment.

Well, thanks again guys! I am always open to even more advice about this topic so please feel free to chime in. I will provide an update in a few months once I finish school and start applying. I will be going to school in mid-June or July.

My only question with that is, when would I submit those documents? At the time I submit the application? I thought those applications were online but I could be wrong. Of course I could always scan those documents and submit them as an attachment.

The thing is, you only submit what you are asked to submit - nothing more and nothing less . . . since you are going to a school first, look up on this forum what you need to do to get "prehire" letters and such . . . you've got time to pretty much read the whole forum and be really prepared . . . no one mentioned it yet, but get started ASAP on the "High Road" training program (normally a $29.95 Deal-of-the-century - check payable to "Jopa" but I think it's free this week for former dancers) and get your CDL-A Permit so you can hit the ground ruining . . . you'll want to get as much info into yer head as you can at first because there is a few requirements to get out of the way so you can START DRIVING . . . that's the beauty of this whole thing . . . on-the-job training means you learn by doing and by doing I mean piloting yer own building (as Brett always says) down the highway . . . so GOOD LUCK and don't get discouraged no matter what . . . you come back here and get your questions answered and get the hints & tips that help you get over the bumps . . . and HAVE FUN!

Jopa

Other than trying to get hired, my other concern is having as little stress as a new driver as possible. I know that my first year will be hard and I am already prepared for that but I want to cut down on my stressful experiences as much as possible if I can by choosing the best company.

Stress comes with the territory, because you are human. Generally, keep this in mind: whatever is stressing you at the moment, many others have been in the exact situation. (Just say "90° alley dock" to some of the more advanced students.) They survived. My mantra for getting through it all was "Focus On The Task At Hand". Keep posting your school experiences here, you'll have tons of support.

About my job description, I have decided to put "Entertainer/Independent Contractor" and the name of the company on the application. The duties will be; excellent customer service, entertain guests at a night club, stage performer....

I doubt you'll get questions looking for more details of your past life. "Stage performer" has no skills useful for truck driving. If someone gets nosey, just point that out, and that you are leaving all that behind now without embarrassment, and say "Let's move on."

My only question with that is, when would I submit those documents?

Only give them what they ask for. They want a resume, they get a resume. Proof of employment? You submit that. By Not submitting something, even in support of another document you are not hiding anything. If someone asks you for a sandwich, you give them a sandwich. They only get a salad if they ask for that.

.... I will provide an update in a few months once I finish school and start applying....

Wrong order of your steps.

If you already have school chosen, fine. Start now to investigate Truck Driving Jobs and Trucking Companies and How To Choose A Company Many companies will offer you conditional employment with a Pre-hire letter, so read Understanding Pre-Hires

OK, Liz, you have some things to do before you even get to school! Oh! We want updates as things happen. Come back and post your progress.

Jopa and I live in parallel universes. Simple as that.

Jopa and I live in parallel universes. Simple as that.

. . . yes, but my universe doesn't have such weird looking hats . . .

Jopa

If you were a independent contractor with a 1099 and tax forms then thats what you put and for job discription put entertainer or dancer. Also you should not be ashamed you made money to help your family. I wish you the best of luck

Perfect, thank you! I think that is the most reasonable answer so far. I think I will put entertainer for the job description and Independent Contractor for the job title.