10 Skills Employers Look for in Cat C+E HGV Drivers

Are you giving some serious thought to becoming a Class 1 (Cat C+E) HGV driver? Well, with a potential salary of up to £36k per year, it will perhaps come as no surprise that there’s a lot of competition for this kind of work. As such, understanding what hiring managers look for will help you work on these abilities and make yourself more employable.

As demand for skilled Class 1 HGV drivers continues to grow, employers are looking for candidates who bring more than just driving skills to the table. With this in mind, here are 10 key skills that employers are actively seeking.

Skill 1 – An Excellent Driving Record

Naturally, when you’re applying to become a professional driver, you’re going to need a spotless driving record. Most employers will view this as the bare minimum, as they must be sure that any HGV drivers they take on will be able to get their goods to their destination safely.

Skill 2 – Adaptability

No two days are ever quite the same as a Class 1 driver, with sudden weather changes, road closures and more often throwing a spanner in the works. That’s why employers look for the kind of adaptability needed to overcome these obstacles.

Skill 3 – Time Management

One of the most important metrics in logistics is time and that certainly applies to the kinds of perishable cargo you’ll carry as a Cat C+E licence holder. Hiring managers will expect you to be able to efficiently plan routes and meet delivery deadlines so that customers are kept happy.

Skill 4 – Good Communication

While you will spend much of the time on your own, you will still need to be an effective communicator. You’ll be relaying information to dispatchers, talking to customers and coordinating with colleagues, so communication is key.

Attention to Detail

As a Class 1 driver, you’ll be dealing with paperwork, vehicle inspections and more and this requires good attention to detail. So, when you’re called for an interview, try and think of ways to demonstrate your abilities in this area.

Skill 6 – Problem-Solving

No matter how much you plan, there will always be times when you’ll be faced with problems that you didn’t anticipate, such as unexpected mechanical issues. Employers appreciate drivers who are able to think critically to resolve problems and stay on schedule.

Skill 7 – Customer Service

No matter where you are when working as an HGV driver, you’re representative of the company you work for. That’s why you should have a friendly, professional attitude at all times so that the reputation of your employers remains intact.

Skill 8 – Physical/Mental Stamina

Class 1 drivers often drive for long hours either within the UK or on international haulage routes. This kind of work demands good physical health and stamina, so employers will be looking to hire people who handle the physical and mental demands of the job.

Skill 9 – An Understanding of Regulations

Class 1 HGV driving is one of the most regulated spheres in the professional world, and employers will value applicants who not only fully understand these industry regulations, but also actively and independently keep themselves updated on changes as they occur.

Skill 10 – Dependability

As you might expect, employers want their Class 1 drivers to be dependable meaning that you show up on time and are able to consistently meet your schedules. They want to know that come rain or shine, you’ll be there doing your job.

Securing Your Dream Role as Cat C+E HGV Driver

While there may be a shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, you still need to do your utmost to impress hiring managers by displaying all of the skills we’ve touched upon here. Whether talking about good communication, reliability, physical stamina, or any of the others skills mentioned, you’ll get ahead by clearly showing you possess them.
If you’d like to know more about how anyone taking HGV training with us gets support in finding work thanks to our partnership with Manpower, take a few moments to browse our website. Alternatively, to discuss your training needs, give our expert team a call today.