TL;DR: I apologize for the long rant, job market is horrendous right now, multiple months of applications, really wanted this job with Penske to be my long-term opportunity, made me do a background check + drug test + driving test and 2 weeks of time just to tell me I "did not pass the backing portion of the test" (backed the trailer into the dock within 30 seconds 1st time no pull ups, driver told me I didnt honk horn before backing), feeling defeated, if anyone knows of any good opputunities in the Chicagoland are anything is appreciated!
My experience (Class A CDL w/ X endorsement): 1.5 years OTR flatbed -> 8 months local fuel delivery hazmat tanker
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I never thought I would be making a post like this asking for help or just ranting but this job market is insanely bad and I am honestly feeling really defeated and hopeless right now.
I am located in Chicago, looking for a local position in the Chicagoland area, my only requirement up to this point has just been a position I can work Sunday-Thursday or Monday-Friday, open to local or regional.
I have filled out so many applications on Indeed, and company websites, its so hard to even get a response or call back these days, and most companies dont even provide a phone number so that you can follow up with them.
I had finally found a position with Penske here near Chicago and have always wanted to work with them, ive heard good things. The pay was really good and the schedule was exactly what I was looking for just night shift. I applied and finally got a call back after 2 phone interviews, saying they want to hire me. I fill out a background check, pass. I go and do my drug test the next day, pass. They then schedule an in-person driving test a few days later, which I attend. It was super simple, checking my pre-trip ability and then a quick driving loop, and then 1 backing maneuver back into the dock. Everything goes smoothly and the driver who did my road test said I did well. His only 2 notes were make sure to use 3 points of contact when getting out of the truck and to beep your horn before starting to back up which I did not do. Seems reasonable, right? I didn't go over any curbs, didn't hit anything, didn't run a red light, didn't hard brake during the test, and I backed up in one try not even a 1 pull up. He brings me back in to the manager who has a 2-minute discussion with the driver in his office and then he comes and shakes my hand and says he will send the feedback to the recruiting department and they will get back to me within 24-48 hours. 5 days go by and I have called the recruiting department 3 times asking for an update and they tell me each time they still haven't received the feedback yet. Get a call this morning from a recruiter saying they have to rescind my job offer because the feedback they got was that I didnt pass the backing portion of the test, I asked if they had any further notes on what specifically I messed up they said no and they said I am also prohibited from applying to Penske driving positions for 1 year now until it resets.....
I am just feeling so defeated and disrespected in this market, why cant humans just talk to people face to face anymore? Why cant they just give me the feedback right after the driving test so I can continue looking for work instead of wasting 5 days waiting? I know they probably have many applicants but Penske really will pass on good workers who already passed a background check and drug tests because of something so subjective, so small and fixable? I had the trailer backed up in the dock within 30 seconds with no pull-ups...I cant apply to another Penske position for a year because I didnt honk a horn before backing up? Anyway im sorry for ranting, just feeling really down right now as its been a few months of looking and now 2 weeks of my time was wasted for a job I really wanted and no respect for my time.