How to Follow Up on CDL Jobs You’ve Applied To (Without Being Annoying)

How to Follow Up on CDL Jobs You’ve Applied To (Without Being Annoying)

So you applied for a CDL job — maybe a few. It’s been a few days, and now you’re stuck wondering:
“Should I call? Should I email? Will I mess it up if I say the wrong thing?”

Good news: following up the right way doesn’t make you look pushy — it shows you’re serious about the job. Most recruiters are juggling hundreds of applicants, and a simple follow-up can move your name closer to the top of their list.

Here’s how to follow up like a pro — whether it’s after you applied or after an interview.

When to Follow Up

Let’s break this into two key situations:

✅ After you apply:

• Wait 3–5 business days before checking in.
  
  
• If it’s a smaller company, you might hear back sooner.
  
  
• If it’s a large company (like Swift or Western Express), give it 5 full business days.
  
  

✅ After an interview:

• Send a short thank-you message within 24–48 hours.
  
  
• Follow up again after 3–5 days if you haven’t heard anything.
  
  

This timing shows you’re proactive — not pestering.

How to Write a Follow-Up Email That Gets Read

Keep it short, respectful, and professional.

Example: Follow-Up Email After Application

Subject: Follow-Up on CDL A Driver Application – [Your Name]

Hi [Recruiter’s Name],

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I hope you're doing well. I recently applied for the CDL A driver role with [Company Name], and I wanted to check in to see if there are any updates or additional steps I can take.

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I’m very interested in joining your team and ready to get on the road as soon as possible. Please let me know if you need anything else from me to move forward.

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Thanks so much,  

[Your Name]  

[Your Phone Number]  

[Your Email]

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What to Say If You’re Calling

Calling makes a big impression — especially with smaller or mid-sized companies. Most recruiters are okay with it as long as you’re respectful of their time.

✅ What to say if it’s the first follow-up (after applying):

“Hi, this is [Your Name]. I applied for the CDL A driver position earlier this week, and I just wanted to check in to make sure my application was received. I’m very interested in the role and just wanted to see if there are any next steps.”

✅ What to say after the interview:

“Hi, this is [Your Name]. I interviewed with [Recruiter Name] on [Day], and I just wanted to thank them for their time and follow up on whether any decisions have been made yet. I’m still very interested and available if you need anything else from me.”

👉 Pro Tip:

Write down the recruiter’s name, company, and the date you applied so you don’t forget — especially if you’re applying to a few jobs at once.

How to Find the Recruiter’s Contact Info

If you didn’t get it right away, don’t worry — there are a few ways to track it down:

• Check the job post: Scroll all the way down — sometimes it’s listed in the fine print.
  
  
• Google “[Company Name] CDL recruiter contact” — you’d be surprised how often emails pop up.
  
  
• Search LinkedIn: Look up the company, filter by “people,” and search “recruiter” or “driver recruiter.”
  
  
• Use Trucking forums and Facebook groups: Drivers often share recruiter names, numbers, or personal experiences.
  
  

If You’re an Emerge Career Student — Let Us Do the Legwork

Your coach can:

• Find the actual recruiter behind the job you applied for
  
  
• Give you the right email or phone number
  
  
• Help you write or practice what to say — even role-play the call if you’re nervous
  
  
• Let you know if that company even still has open seats
  
  

Seriously — don’t hesitate to ask. That’s what we’re here for.

Final Tips for Following Up

✅ Be polite — Never act frustrated or entitled.

✅ Be brief — They’re busy. Respect their time.

✅ Be available — If they ask you to interview that same day? Say yes.

✅ Don’t ghost back — If they reply and ask for info, respond immediately.

Final Thoughts:
Following up isn’t about bothering people — it’s about showing you’re ready to work. Many students who do this get bumped ahead of the line just because they followed up when others didn’t.

If you applied and you’re waiting around — don’t. Make the move. Call. Email. Check in. The job might be one message away.

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