Check your HGV driver CV against the job advert
HGV adverts list licences and cards up front. Put yours in the first few lines, then show the kind of work you've done.
Start with your advert
Every HGV 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 HGV driver adverts usually ask for
Licence category
Why they askClass 2 (C) and Class 1 (C+E) jobs need the right category.
How to show itState the category and the year you passed.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Category [C / C+E] licence since [year].
Driver CPC, tacho card and medical
Why they askProfessional drivers need a current Driver CPC qualification card and a digital tachograph card.
How to show itList both with expiry dates.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Driver CPC (DQC) valid until [month year]; digital tachograph card valid until [month year].
Type of work
Why they askTrunking, multi-drop, tipper, tanker, refrigerated and container work each suit different people.
How to show itName the work, the vehicle and typical routes.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- [Trunking / multi-drop / tipper] work in a [vehicle type], covering [area or routes].
Drivers' hours and checks
Why they askEmployers want drivers who keep to hours rules and do thorough walkaround checks.
How to show itMention them briefly.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Kept to drivers' hours rules and completed daily walkaround checks and defect reports on [paper / app].
Extra licences
Why they askADR, HIAB or forklift licences open more jobs.
How to show itList with expiry dates.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- ADR [packages / tanks] valid until [month year]; [HIAB / forklift] licence.
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 HGV driver applications
- Burying licence and cards.
- Not giving expiry dates.
Questions
Should I list points on my licence?
Only if asked. If asked, answer honestly; employers and insurers check.