What are some entry-level jobs?
What kind of jobs can you expect at McKelvey Trucking? Trucking companies need, aside from drivers (long-haul), diesel mechanics, payroll specialists, data entry personnel and account representatives. It’s not all about driving. It takes a team of people for a trucking company to operate.
Many prisons and jails have specialized classes, some of which even offer commercial driver’s license (CDL) training. If you’ve been through these classes, or can take them while incarcerated, you will have an advantage when applying.
Special skills
While we couldn’t find any specifics about special training required to work at McKelvey, if you want to be a driver, you will have to obtain your CDL. Many companies will offer to put employees through CDL training. To get a job at McKelvey Trucking, you should be willing to go through any training necessary, especially if they will pay for it. The more skills you have, the better you will be for future employment opportunities.
Tips to get hired here with a felony
Let’s improve your chances of being hired. Start by contacting the company and asking about their requirements. Since there is such a shortage of truck drivers, they may be looking immediately. Then update your resume using our guide for former felons so you capitalize on your good side.
If you are located near the McKelvey Trucking headquarters, it would be a good first step to visit and ask for an application. By visiting in person, they will be able to put a face to you. You never know, they may need immediate help and discuss hiring you then.
That being said, first impressions are important. We know that the prison environment is different and you may have picked up on language that’s not suitable for a work environment. This includes body language. Be aware of any bad habits you may have picked up and work on getting rid of them.
Before an interview, it wouldn’t hurt to record yourself answering basic interview questions:
- Why do you want to work here?
- How have you worked to improve yourself?
- What makes you qualified to work here?
By recording and watching yourself, you can pick up on areas where you can improve.
Dress well. If you have visible tattoos, cover the ones you can. Trucking companies may be more lenient with tattoo policies, but you won’t know for sure at first.
An interview is your chance to explain why you will be a good fit for the company. You also have a chance to explain your prior convictions. As with the application, be forthcoming. Many people are more than willing to give people with a felony conviction a second chance.
If you do not hear back from McKelvey Trucking within a week or two, it would be a good idea to call them. Ask to speak with the manager and thank them for considering you for employment.
They may not hire you, but be polite in any case. They might put your application to the side for consideration in the future.