Twelve phone-screen questions that separate good delivery drivers from quick quits
Twelve phone-screen questions for hiring delivery drivers, what a good answer sounds like, and the red flags to listen for.
Start with the practical facts
Where do you live and how will you get here? What days and hours can you work, including early starts? Do you have a valid license and can you pass a driving record check? Short answers here save everyone time.
Test for the physical job
Tell me about your last job: what did you carry, climb or walk? How do you feel about being on your feet and lifting packages all day? A good answer is specific. A vague answer is a warning.
Test for pace and attitude
Tell me about a busy day at your last job and how you handled it. What would you do if you were running behind? You are listening for ownership, not excuses.
Ask about leaving
Why did you leave your last two jobs? What would make you leave this one? People tell you the truth if you ask plainly, and it shows what to fix before you hire.
Listen for red flags
Blaming every previous employer, no way to get to work, unwillingness to confirm the schedule, or an application that does not match what they say. One red flag is a question to follow up. Three is an answer.
Close with the next step
Tell them what happens next and when. Candidates who know the timeline show up. Candidates who hear nothing take another job.
Can I ask about someone's criminal record?
Rules differ by state and city, and on when in the process you can ask. Check your local rules or ask a professional before you add that question.
How long should the call be?
Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to decide whether to move forward.
Need road-test-ready drivers?
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