Forklift Resume: Sample & Guide (Entry Level & Senior Jobs)

Looking for a new job as a forklift operator? Our forklift resume example article will help you create a professional and effective resume to showcase your skills and experience. Whether you're an experienced forklift operator or just starting out in the industry, a well-written resume is essential to landing your next job. Check out our forklift resume example and customize it to highlight your qualifications and stand out to potential employers.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
Why you should use a resume template

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Forklift do?

Carries and transports heavy loads
Lifts and places materials at different heights
Moves materials around a warehouse or work site
Helps with loading and unloading of trucks and storage containers

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Forklift related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Forklift?

Transporting materials and goods
Loading and unloading trucks and containers
Moving pallets and large containers within a warehouse or storage facility
Stacking and organizing products and materials on shelves
Operating in a safe and efficient manner
Maintaining and inspecting the forklift for proper functioning

Sample Forklift Resume for Inspiration

Forklift Resume Personal Details

Name: John Smith

Email: johnsmith@email.com

Phone: 123-456-7890

Address: 123 Forklift Way, Forkliftville, USA

Summary

John Smith is a skilled and experienced forklift operator with a proven track record of safety and efficiency. He has a strong work ethic and is committed to ensuring that all tasks are completed to a high standard.

Work Experience

ABC Company - Forklift Operator (2018-Present)
- Operated forklift to move materials and products around the warehouse
- Adhered to all safety protocols and ensured a clean and organized work area
- Collaborated with team members to meet production deadlines
XYZ Corporation - Warehouse Associate (2015-2018)
- Assisted with inventory management and order fulfillment
- Operated various warehouse equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks
- Maintained accurate records of incoming and outgoing shipments

Education

High School Diploma - Forklift Operations Certification (2015)
OSHA Forklift Safety Training (2016)

Skills

Safe and efficient forklift operation
Inventory management
Team collaboration
Attention to detail
Time management

Certifications

OSHA Forklift Safety Training
Forklift Operations Certification

Languages

English - Fluent

Resume tips for Forklift

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Forklift resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Forklift - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Include specific forklift experience, such as type of forklifts operated and any specific certifications
Highlight any related skills such as loading/unloading, inventory management, and safety procedures
Showcasing any relevant education or training in operating forklifts
Emphasize any experience in working in fast-paced warehouse environments
Include any additional related experience, such as material handling or logistics

Forklift Resume Summary Examples

Using a forklift resume summary or resume objective can help to quickly showcase your relevant skills and experience to potential employers. It provides a brief overview of your qualifications and career goals, helping the hiring manager to understand why you are the best fit for the position. This can increase your chances of getting an interview and landing the job.

For Example:

Experienced forklift operator with 5+ years of experience in various warehouse environments.
Skilled in safely and efficiently operating different types of forklifts, including electric and propane-powered.
Proficient in loading and unloading trucks, stacking and organizing pallets, and performing inventory counts.
Possess a valid forklift certification and a strong commitment to workplace safety.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a proven track record of working effectively in fast-paced settings.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Forklift Resume

The experience section is crucial for a forklift resume as it demonstrates the candidate's expertise, abilities, and accomplishments in operating forklifts and handling materials. Employers look for a strong experience section to gauge the candidate's level of proficiency in handling different types of forklifts, navigating through different work environments, and adhering to safety protocols. A detailed experience section can increase the candidate's chances of securing an interview and landing the job.

For Example:

Operated forklift to move and stack materials in a safe and efficient manner
Utilized forklift to load and unload trucks and containers
Performed routine inspections and maintenance on forklift equipment
Assisted with inventory management by organizing and counting materials
Adhered to all safety protocols and guidelines while operating forklift
Collaborated with warehouse team to fulfill orders and facilitate material handling
Operated forklift in a variety of warehouse and industrial settings
Followed picking instructions to accurately gather materials and load onto forklift
Worked efficiently to meet production and shipping deadlines
Communicated any issues or concerns with forklift equipment to management

Forklift resume education example

A forklift operator must complete a formal training program to operate a forklift legally and safely. This program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a written and practical test. The training covers topics such as forklift operation, safety procedures, and proper maintenance. Additionally, operators must be familiar with OSHA regulations and be certified to operate a forklift. This certification must be renewed every three years.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Forklift resume:

Obtained forklift certification from XYZ Training Center
Completed OSHA-approved forklift safety training course
Received on-the-job training in forklift operation and maintenance
Participated in regular safety meetings to stay updated on best practices

Forklift Skills for a Resume

Adding skills for a Forklift Resume is important because it demonstrates the candidate's ability to operate a forklift effectively and safely. Employers look for candidates with specific forklift skills such as operating various types of forklifts, maintaining equipment, understanding safety regulations, and having good spatial awareness. Including these skills in a resume can increase the candidate's chances of securing a job in the forklift operation industry.

Soft Skills:

Problem-solving
Communication
Adaptability
Time Management
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Critical Thinking
Customer Service
Flexibility

Hard Skills:

Operate Forklift
Load and Unload
Material Handling
Inventory Management
Shipping and Receiving
Equipment Maintenance
Safety Compliance
Quality Control
Driving and Maneuvering
Stock Management

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Forklift Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Forklift resume

Valid forklift operator certification
Experience operating various types of forklifts (e.g. sit-down, stand-up, narrow aisle)
Proficient in loading and unloading materials safely
Ability to perform routine maintenance and inspections on forklift
Knowledge of warehouse safety protocols
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Attention to detail and accuracy in handling materials
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.