Industry
Outlook for Drivers Jobs
It is anticipated that career
opportunities for drivers jobs will remain strong due to the fact that
the turnover tends to remain high. This is largely due to individuals
who come in and out of the profession as they pursue other interests.
Taxi drivers are responsible
for transporting people from one location to another.
This may include locals as
well as tourists and out of town business people.
In addition to ferrying
customers, taxi drivers are responsible for insuring that their vehicle
is in good working order and for reporting any malfunctions.
Chauffeurs operate vehicles
ranging from limousines to vans as well as private cars. Like taxi
drivers, they are responsible for insuring that the vehicle they
operate is in good working order.
Working conditions for both
taxi drivers and chauffeurs may include working in inclimate weather as well as assisting customers with heavy baggage.
The work schedule for taxi
drivers and chauffeurs tends to be irregular, with individuals employed
in this industry working both part time and full time during day,
evening and night shifts including weekends and holidays.
While chauffeurs may have a
set schedule; taxi drivers are responsible for incurring new business
each day. This typically occurs in one of three ways:
- They may ‘cruise’ the
streets for business and take on passengers that flag them down
- May also report to pick up customers who have
called for a cab or taxi
- Finally they may take on new business by
hanging out by the taxi stands at airports and bus terminals
Employment
Prospects for Drivers Jobs
Taxi drivers may be
independently employed or employed by a local taxi or cab company.
Chauffeurs may be employed by:
- Pivate individuals
- Bsinesses
- Goverment agencies
- Limousine companies
Job Search for
Drivers Jobs
Due to the fact that taxi
drivers and chauffeurs are employed by a widely diverse client base,
employment opportunities can be located through the classifieds as well
as through the services of an employment agency.
Particularly high profile
jobs, such as employment for wealthy private individuals, may be
located through the services of a recruitment agency as well as
networking.
Resumes for
Drivers Jobs
While most taxi and limousine
companies will require the completion of a separate application, a
resume can serve as a lead in. A chronological, functional or
combination resume will work equally well.
Cover Letters
for Drivers Jobs
Although a cover letter is not
generally required for entry into this industry; in
the event that a job seeker is applying for employment with a high
profile client or company; a cover letter may prove to be beneficial.
It should focus on customer service and when applicable, mention
references.
Training
& Qualifications for Drivers Jobs
At a minimum individuals who
are interested in becoming taxi drives must meet the standards set by
local governments in regards to driving experience and training. Higher
standards may be set by individual taxi and limousine companies.
Most companies review
applicant’s credit, criminal, medical and driving records in order to make a hiring decision.
It is also common for
companies to require a high school diploma and may only hire applicants
of a minimum age; due to insurance restrictions. In order to become a
taxi driver, an individual must first obtain a standard driver license
and then obtain a taxi license.
In order to obtain this, many
applicants are required to pass a written test or complete a training
program.
The written tests may cover
such as areas as knowledge of:
- Local geography
- Safe motor vehicle laws
- Customer service
- Taxicab regulations.
They may also be required to demonstrate some degree of English
proficiency.
On the job training may be
provided by some taxi and limousine companies; although this will not
serve as a substitute for attaining a taxi driver
license. This generally serves as a base for
attaining the knowledge necessary to pass the requisite exam.
As individuals attain
experience they may either open their own company or be promoted to a
senior position.