Forklift operator resume

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Key skills for a forklift operator resume

Terms that job ads ask for and ATS filters look for. Only include the ones you master.

  • Sit-down forklift
  • Stand-up reach truck
  • Order picker
  • Electric pallet jack
  • Loading and unloading trucks
  • Put-away and replenishment
  • RF scanners
  • Inventory counts
  • Load securing
  • Forklift safety

Tips for your forklift operator resume

  1. Put your forklift certification near the top, with the date of your last evaluation.
  2. List the trucks you operate: sit-down, reach truck, order picker or turret truck.
  3. Say the heights and types of loads you handle.
  4. Describe your tasks: loading trucks, put-away, replenishment or inventory.
  5. Add your safety record if you have no incidents.
  6. Mention your shift availability.

Forklift operator resume summary examples

Adapt these examples with your real details: years of experience, industry, tools and certifications.

Experienced

Forklift operator with 8 years of experience at a third-party logistics warehouse. I run sit-down forklifts and reach trucks up to 35 feet, load and unload about 20 trucks a shift and do put-away with an RF scanner. Certified by my employer, with no incidents in 5 years.

Entry-level

Warehouse associate with a year of experience picking and packing who just completed forklift training and evaluation at my company. Looking for my first full-time forklift operator role.

Other job titles

Search for them too and use the one in the job ad on your resume.

  • Reach truck operator
  • Lift truck operator
  • Material handler
  • Warehouse equipment operator
  • Order picker operator
  • Industrial truck operator

How to write a forklift operator resume step by step

  1. Write a short summary

    Three or four lines with your experience, the trucks you operate, load heights and availability.

  2. Detail your experience

    In “Experience”, add the company, type of warehouse, equipment and tasks.

  3. Add certifications and licenses

    In “Certificates”, list your forklift certification with its date and any safety courses.

  4. Highlight your skills

    In “Skills”, include each type of truck and the warehouse systems you know.

  5. Tailor your resume to the job ad and download it

    Paste the job ad into Beatjob: the AI improves the wording with the keywords your experience backs up. Then download the PDF.

More resume examples

Frequently asked questions about a forklift operator resume

Do forklift operators need a certification?

Yes, from the employer. OSHA requires employers to train and evaluate each operator and certify that it was done before the person is assigned to drive a powered industrial truck.

How often is a forklift evaluation required?

OSHA requires an evaluation of each operator's performance at least once every three years, and refresher training after events such as an accident or near miss.

What should an entry-level forklift resume include?

Your training, the trucks it covered, any warehouse experience and your availability.

Sources

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Forklift operator resume: examples and tips | Beatjob