Check your delivery driver CV against the job advert
Delivery driver adverts check your licence first, then your experience on the road and with customers. Make both clear in the first few lines.
Start with your advert
Every delivery driver advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What delivery driver adverts usually ask for
Your licence
Why they askA full UK manual licence is usually essential, and adverts may set a limit on points.
How to show itState the licence type and how long you've held it. Mention points honestly if asked.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Full UK manual driving licence held for [number] years.
Van and multi-drop experience
Why they askMulti-drop work needs planning and pace.
How to show itDescribe the vehicles and the drops per day.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Drove a [van size] on multi-drop routes of about [number] drops a day.
Route planning and handheld apps
Why they askDrivers use apps or handhelds for routes and proof of delivery.
How to show itName the kind of system and how you used it.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Planned routes and recorded proof of delivery on [handheld / app].
Vehicle checks and safety
Why they askDaily checks and safe loading matter.
How to show itMention them.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Carried out daily vehicle checks on a [type of van] and loaded [type of goods] safely.
Customer service
Why they askDrivers are often the only person a customer meets.
How to show itGive one example.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Handled [type of customer issue] at the door and reported it to [depot].
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost delivery driver applications
- Not stating licence type or how long you've held it.
- Leaving out self-employed or app-based delivery work.
Questions
Do I need a van licence to be a delivery driver?
Most delivery vans can be driven on a standard car (category B) licence. Check the vehicle weight in the advert.