Question:
Had an opening for a driver , put an ad in the paper with a phone # to a automated service to allow potential candidates to get the job details then leave their name & # for a call back.
Out of 20 messages 10 are totally nonunderstandable ,why do people mumble so badly then rhymn off their phone # at warp 3.
1 guy spent 5 minutes hummin and hawin about wether he want a job, another yawned through the entire message. 1 was kind enough to let us know not to call for 2 days as he was going out to get WASTED and have some fun ( sounded like JIM on the old TAXI show ).
Another called 4 times with a different phone # each time , last message was UH hope I did not call before , kinda lost track of who I called .
To all potential job applicants regardless if your a NEWBIE or a long time experienced driver , and regardless if your applying to a large fleet or a small O/O the 1ST IMPRESSION a potential employer gets is usually the lasting 1 so make it a good 1.

Answer:
I totally Agree.
Sounds like you had some real "Winners" that called.

Answer:
Did you put the CO name in the ad I know alot do not put that in just how great the job is and all and then a number you call and its JB or Swift be honest in your ad put the co name and a real number that a person answers and you would be amased most these nimrods wont call what kinda folks do you expect when all the ad says is cents permile and good home time.
Answer:
Really Ray.
Anytime I go job hunting I use 3 different newspapers as companies that hire in this area do not always put ads in all of them. Many times there will be no company name mentioned, but I will call anyway and end up calling the same company two or three times.
Also I once seen 9 ads for JB Hunt (of course you didnt know it was JB until you called) in the three papers all with different 800 numbers to call. 5 of those ads ended up going to a system like the one mentioned and the other 4 went directly to a recruiter.
Answer:
Yep, they do the same thing here in the Oklahoma, papers.
That really burns me up....WASTING My Time like that!
Whereas, if they would say who they are to begin with I would NOT bother calling. (and they KNOW that people would NOT call, THAT'S WHY they do what they do.)

Answer:
I have to say I know exactly what Roadhugger is talking about. I've been putting in alot of apps lately. I jhave also had alot of phone calls and several approvals. Some with big companies, some with small companies and a couple with affiliates of bigger companies. I've had more than one recruiter tell me they could actually read my app. and I even filled out the whole thing.
Seems alot of people, drivers, are to lazy to fill out an application correctly. Recruiters and one terminal manager have told me most applicants leave blank spaces, maybe put in one job, usually dont put in dates or the dates of employment are wrong and all sorts of other mistakes that make the potential driver look like a lazy bum.
I have every bit of information that even the most comprehensive of applications might ask for typed out. I take the information with me when I go out to apply and I follow it by the letter when I fill out online apps. Blank spaces that do not apply get a N/A or a none. I never leave a blank space. Also fill out atleast your last 3 years of employment on your app. Have phone numbers, dates and names when possible and any information you might need for all your jobs. Have the correct dates and numbers. The less information you fill out the harder the recruiter or company owners job will be and the less likely you'll be picked above those that do a good job with the information. If it was me I would think if you can't fill out an application correctly it's doubtful you'll care about the bills and other truck related paper work.
You can worry about Roadhuggers add if it is correct or not or you can worry about what his post is all about. Making that first impression a good one and having a chance at a job that might be better than the norm.. It seems "nimrods" will call no matter what information is in the add.

Answer:
Race Fan Ray yes I put the CO name in the AD , as well as on the greeting for the automated info.
Had 2 gentleman in their mid 50's apply they both managed to leave all the required info .
Arrived for the interview on time , clean , presentable and with all the required paperwork and documents both have been hired.
They had been employed with the private carrier div of a large manufacturer who recently closed down.
Sort of confirms the old saying " ACT LIKE A PROFESSIONAL get TREATED LIKE A PROFESSIONAL "