How t o Prepare for an Interview: Quick Tips to Help You Succeed Interviews can feel nerve-wracking — whether it’s your first in years or just another step in your job search. But with the right preparation, you can walk in confident, focused, and ready to show why you’re the right person for the job. At Elite, we’ve supported hundreds of drivers, warehouse operatives, and logistics professionals through the recruitment process, and we know a little preparation can make all the difference. Here’s our guide on how to prepare for an interview and make a lasting impression. Do Your Research Spend a few minutes learning about the company before you go. ✅ What do they do? ✅ Where are their depots or sites? ✅ What type of customers do they serve? When you understand their operation, it’s easier to explain how your experience fits their needs — and it shows genuine interest. Plan Your Journey Punctuality says a lot about reliability — especially in transport and logistics. Check your route, plan for traffic, and aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. If it’s a remote or site-based interview, make sure you know where to park or which entrance to use. Dress Appropriately You don’t need a suit and tie for every interview — but clean, tidy, and professional always works. For driving or warehouse roles, smart casual clothing gives a good impression. It shows you take pride in yourself and, by extension, in your work. Know Your Experience Be ready to talk about your work history and skills with confidence. Think about: What types of vehicles or equipment you’ve worked with Any specific routes, contracts, or shifts you’ve handled Examples of reliability, teamwork, or problem-solving If you can back up your experience with real examples, you’ll stand out instantly Ask Questions An interview isn’t just for the employer to get to know you — it’s also your chance to learn about them. Good questions include: “What does a typical day look like?” “Is there potential for overtime or progression?” “What are the next steps after this interview?” It shows enthusiasm, curiosity, and confidence — three things every employer values. Stay Calm and Be Yourself Easier said than done, we know. But remember: the interview isn’t a test — it’s a conversation. The employer already liked your CV enough to meet you, so take a breath and show them why they made the right call. Follow Up A quick thank-you message or email after your interview goes a long way. It’s polite, professional, and keeps you in mind when final decisions are made. The Elite Tip If you’re interviewing through Elite , you’re never on your own. Our team will guide you through every stage — from helping you prep for interview questions to making sure you’re fully briefed before your first day. Preparation builds confidence. Confidence wins interviews. Ready for Your Next Opportunity? We’ve got HGV, warehouse, and logistics roles across the UK, from flexible temporary shifts to long-term permanent positions. 📞 Contact the Elite team today: 0151 420 1219 | Jobs@elite-employ.com
Understanding Driver Hours and Staying Compliant If you’re an HGV driver, you already know that the European Union (EU) rules on drivers' hours and working time aren’t just rules — they’re there to keep you safe, protect your licence, and make sure everyone on the road gets home safely. At Elite, we work with professional drivers every day who take pride in doing things right, so, here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know to stay compliant with EU driver hours regulations : Why Driver Hours Matter The EU driver hours rules are designed to prevent fatigue and make sure drivers get proper rest between shifts. It’s not just about avoiding fines (though that’s important too!) it’s about: Keeping yourself and others safe on the road Protecting your job and your HGV licence Helping transport companies stay compliant with DVSA standards The Basics: EU Driver Hours Rules Here’s a quick guide to the main rules : Daily Driving Limits You can drive a maximum of 9 hours a day You can extend this to 10 hours twice a week Weekly Driving Limits No more tha n 56 hours of driving in one week No more than 90 hours over any two consecutive weeks Breaks and Rest After 4 hours 30 minutes of driving, you must take a 45-minute break You can split it into 15 minutes + 30 minutes, but the total must be at least 45 minutes before driving again Daily Rest You must have at lea st 11 hours of rest every 24 hours This can be reduced to 9 hours, up to three times per week You can split your daily rest into two periods — one of at least 3 hours, followed by another of at least 9 hours Weekly Rest You must take at lea st 45 hours of rest every week You can reduce this to 24 hours every other week, but you must make up the difference before the end of the third week You can take weekly rest in your cab only if it’s properly equipped and parked in a safe place Using Your Tachograph Correctly A few key reminders : Always use your own driver card — it’s illegal to share or use anyone else’s. Insert your card before you start your shift and remove it when you finish. Record all activities : Driving Rest and breaks Other work (loading, paperwork, waiting time, etc.) Periods of availability (when you’re waiting but not actively working) Make manual entries when needed - If you’ve carried out any work or rest away from the vehicle, such as: Loading or unloading before inserting your card Taking a rest period before your shift Travelling as a passenger Then you must manually enter this information when you insert your driver card, so your record is complete. Manual entries ensure your tachograph data reflects your full day, not just the time you were driving. Common Mistakes to Avoid Even experienced drivers can slip up. Here are a few common issues to watch out for: Forgetting to take your 45-minute break after 4.5 hours driving Extending your daily drive time too often Not taking compensatory rest after a reduced weekly rest Missing manual entries for off-vehicle work or rest periods A small mistake can lead to fines, points, or disciplinary action Elite Standards: Helping You Stay Safe and Legal We know the transport industry inside out and we’re here to help you succeed. Here’s how we support you: Guidance on working time and rest periods Ongoing support for any compliance or driver hours queries Because when you work with Elite , you’re backed by a team that values safety, professionalism, and compliance as much as you do. Final Thought If you need some extra information about staying legal you can find the full guidance here (link the Gov Guidance) European Union (EU) rules on drivers’ hours and working time – simplified guidance Know your hours. Record your work. Make your manual entries. 📩 Ready to work with a team that values compliance and professionalism? Register with Elite today — and drive with confidence.
Whether you’re a HGV Driver , Transport Planner , or Logistics Manager , your CV is the first impression you make on a potential employer — and in a competitive industry, that first impression matters. A strong CV can help you stand out, showcase your experience, and land interviews for the roles you really want. Here are our top tips to help you write a CV that gets noticed 👇🏼 1) Start with the Basics — and Get Them Right It might sound simple, but you’d be surprised how many CVs miss key details. Make sure your CV includes: Full name and up-to-date contact details (phone number and email) Current location or area you’re willing to work in Licences and qualifications (C, CE, CPC, Digi Card, ADR, etc.) A short personal summary at the top that highlights your skills and experience Keep it clean, professional, and easy to read — ideally one or two pages maximum. 2) Tailor It to the Role Every transport or logistics job is slightly different, so don’t use the same CV for every application. Read the job advert carefully and highlight the skills and experience that match what the employer is asking for. For example: If it’s a Tramping role , mention your experience with long-distance or nights out. If it’s a Transport Planning position , focus on route planning, fleet management, or software systems you’ve used. 3) Showcase Achievements, Not Just Duties Recruiters and hiring managers want to know what you achieved, not just what you did. Instead of saying: “Responsible for daily route planning.” Try: “Planned and optimised delivery routes for 40+ vehicles, improving efficiency and reducing costs by 10%.” Where possible, include numbers or results — it shows impact and professionalism. 4) Highlight Industry Skills and Training In logistics and transport, compliance and training matter. Include: CPC or ADR certifications Health and safety training Tachograph and WTD knowledge IT systems (like Mandata, Paragon, or Microlise) Leadership or people management experience This helps employers quickly see that you’re compliant, competent, and ready to hit the ground running. 5) Keep It Professional — in Format and Tone Avoid complicated templates or heavy graphics. A simple, well-structured layout works best: Use clear headings (Experience, Education, Licences, Skills) Keep fonts clean and easy to read Save your CV as a PDF to maintain formatting And always double-check spelling and grammar — small errors can leave a poor impression. 6) Add a Strong Personal Statement Your personal statement (or professional summary) should be a few sentences that quickly tell employers who you are and what you bring to the table. Example: “Experienced Class 1 HGV Driver with 5+ years’ experience in general haulage and event logistics. Reliable, compliant, and passionate about delivering great service.” This is your elevator pitch — keep it confident, concise, and relevant. 7) Keep It Current Make sure your most recent role and achievements are clearly listed. If you’ve had recent training, new qualifications, or experience with new clients or routes — add them. A CV that looks regularly updated shows that you take your career seriously. Final Tip: Get a Second Opinion Before sending your CV, ask someone you trust (or your recruiter!) to review it. At Elite , we’re always happy to offer honest feedback and advice to help your application stand out. A great CV opens doors and we’re here to help you step through them. 📩 Looking for your next role in transport or logistics? Register with Elite today and let’s find the right fit for your experience and goals.
