Forklift Operator Resume Examples

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Table of contents

Resume examples
Related resume examples
Choosing the right resume format
5 steps to writing a forklift operator resume
Adding a cover letter
Key takeaways
Commonly asked question about resume writing

Your skills and training as a forklift operator have made you one of the best when it comes to safely moving items around warehouses and industrial sites. You are quick, precise and have a safety-first mindset. So why is it so hard for you to find a new role?

If you’ve been on the job market for a while and aren’t getting the traction you hoped for, your resume likely needs a lift. Don’t worry. We can help.

Find your next role as a forklift driver by crafting a resume that will get you noticed. With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume and some excellent forklift driver resume examples to review, the resume-writing experience can be much quicker and a whole lot more simple than you think. Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive forklift operator resume in a matter of minutes.

Keep reading to find:

Examples of forklift operator resumes for applicants with and without experience.
What makes a forklift operator resume stand out to hiring managers.
Tips and tricks for writing your resume, including how to study a forklift operator job description for resume keywords.
What to include in every section of your forklift operator resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

Ready to write a forklift operator resume now? Use our professional Resume Builder for step-by-step help writing every section.

Entry-level forklift operator resume example

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What makes this a great entry-level forklift operator resume sample:

Descriptive summary statement
While this applicant doesn’t have a ton of work experience, he does have relevant training and skills, which he expertly lays out in his summary statement, also known as a resume objective.
Use of multiple skills sections
This applicant wisely uses the bulk of his resume’s real estate to highlight his related skills. By employing two different types of skills sections, he makes it easy to see that he has the training required to perform the role.
Separate certification section
Operating a forklift can be dangerous work. By putting his OSHA certification under its own header, he leaves no room for a hiring manager to wonder whether he has completed the required safety training.

Experienced forklift operator resume example

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What makes this a great experienced forklift operator resume sample:

Strong professional summary
This resume kicks off with a professional summary that will make hiring managers take notice. It’s packed with critical skills and uses metrics to show employers what the applicant will bring to the table.
Detailed work experience section
This applicant uses multiple detailed bullet points to highlight her past professional experience, which is crucial to convincing a recruiter that you have what it takes to perform the role.
Includes special sections
This applicant makes powerful use of special sections. By placing her training, certifications and language skills under separate headers, she draws attention to her unique skill set.

Choose the right resume format for your forklift operator resume

As a forklift operator, you know that placement is everything. To land the forklift operator job you want, you need to place your most impressive professional skills and accomplishments front and center.

The best way to accomplish that is by choosing the resume format that puts your most impressive credentials front and center.

Here’s how to decide which one is right for you:

The chronological resume format is perfect for applicants with little to no direct work experience as a forklift operator.
The combination resume format is great for midlevel applicants who have a few years of work experience as a forklift driver.
The functional resume format works best for experienced applicants who have five or more years of relevant experience as a forklift operator.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume for more information on how to best showcase your skills, training and experience.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect format, it’s time to pick your resume template.

Choose the right resume template for your resume

Craft Your Resume

Every forklift driver resume will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — but you can customize the look and feel of your resume by selecting the right resume template for you.

For forklift operators, who can work in a variety of settings, a versatile simple resume template may be the way to go. Its minimalist design makes your skills and experience the star of the show and eliminates fussy design elements that might not be appropriate for some companies.

Another option is to try a modern resume. These have a sleek look that is more stylish but still appropriate across industries.

Now let’s dive into the writing process.

How to write a forklift operator resume in 5 simple steps

Just like learning to drive a forklift, writing a great resume is a skill that takes a bit of practice to develop. The key to getting noticed as a top candidate for competitive forklift operator jobs is to write a resume that highlights the skills, training and experience that match the role you’re applying to. The following step-by-step breakdown will show you how to accomplish this.

STEP 1

Study the forklift operator job description

Whether you’re considering applying to work in construction or for a warehouse job, the description for a forklift operator is your first clue on how to succeed. A well-written forklift operator job description should tell you what is necessary to lift your career prospects.

Step one is to customize your document to include keywords that show employers that you have what it takes to perform the duties of the role. Why is this important? Many employers run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen out unqualified candidates based on preset keywords from the job description. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you’ll be eliminated before a human ever sees your resume. To make your resume ATS-friendly, you’ll need to customize it to the forklift operator job description to improve your chances of landing a job interview.

To choose the right keywords, all you need to do is study the job ad. While every forklift operator role is different, a good job ad should tell you everything you need to know about which keywords to add to your forklift operator resume. The key to success is to review the job post and make a list of the skills, training and experience the employer lists as critical to the role. These are your keywords.

For example, if the job description for the forklift operator role you seek asks for proficiency in operating various types of forklifts and safety awareness, plus strong problem-solving skills, you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your forklift operator resume. Look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add the keywords you’ve identified. Then, go through your resume and make sure your wording matches the wording in the job description exactly so that the ATS recognizes it.

It may sound like a lot, but once you get used to the process, it should only take you a few minutes to do and will get your forklift operator resume better results than if you don’t tailor it.

STEP 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Depending on your level of experience, your forklift operator resume should include either a professional summary or a resume objective to start. Think of this section as your resume profile, where you provide potential employers with a summary of your most relevant skills, experience and professional highlights.

Candidates with less experience should choose a resume objective, which states your transferable skills and your career goals. Applicants with more direct experience in a forklift operator role should use a professional summary, which outlines your skills and experience and highlights some of your most notable professional accomplishments.

Let’s look at how each of these would appear on a forklift operator resume.

Forklift operator professional summary example:

Dedicated and safety-conscious forklift operator with six years of hands-on experience in high-volume warehouse environments. Strong track record of precise and efficient material handling, ensuring seamless operations. Proficient in operating a range of forklift models including counterbalance, reach truck and pallet jack. Expertise in load handling, stacking and optimizing warehouse space for maximum efficiency. Hold a current OSHA certification and have undergone extensive safety training, prioritizing a secure work environment. Reputation for maintaining a stellar safety record and prioritizing the well-being of colleagues and inventory.

Forklift operator resume objective example:

Detail-oriented and safety-conscious forklift operator with a current OSHA certification and six months of hands-on experience in container handling at an industrial site. Adept at precise material movement and committed to maintaining a secure work environment. Eager to leverage practical experience and certification to contribute to a dynamic warehouse team while further developing technical expertise.

STEP 3

Highlight your most relevant forklift operator skills

Whether you are new to working with forklifts or a veteran of the field, hiring managers will closely scrutinize the skills you list on your forklift operator resume. Ensure that these skills are incorporated into your resume skills section, as well as folded into your professional summary or resume objective, along with your work experience details.

Providing employers with a well-balanced combination of both hard and soft skills is crucial. Hard skills are the quantifiable abilities required to perform the job, such as proficiently operating various types of forklifts and conducting thorough pre-operational checks. These skills can be effectively taught in a classroom setting. On the other hand, soft skills, like teamwork and adaptability, represent behavioral traits and personality attributes that are harder to measure and teach.

Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.

Key skills for a forklift operator resume

Hard Skills

Operating various types of forklifts

Conducting pre-operational checks

Load handling and stacking

Knowledge of weight capacities

Material handling

Soft Skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Communication

Safety awareness

Problem-solving

Here’s an example of a strong resume skills section for a forklift operator:

Proficient in operating various types of forklifts, including counterbalance, reach truck and pallet jack.
Expertise in efficiently handling diverse loads.
Adept at collaborating with colleagues.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Clear and effective communication skills.
In-depth understanding of various types of materials and potential hazards.

Pro Tip

When writing the skills section of your forklift driving resume, it’s important to add your technical and computer skills. But don’t forget that soft skills count, too. Try to find a mix of hard and soft skills to show that you are a well balanced applicant.

STEP 4

Write a strong forklift operator work experience section

Every employer has different needs, which is why it’s critical to study the job ad. While the required skills, training and work experience will be different for each forklift driver role, the key to getting noticed is to learn how to write a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.

Unless you are writing a functional resume, which doesn’t provide details on your work experience, the key to highlighting your past experience is to think in terms of projects that challenged your skills, professional obstacles you’ve overcome and career successes you are proud of over the course of your career. Describing your work experience in these terms helps show off the impact of your work rather than just your job duties.

Sample forklift operator work history entry:

Forklift operator, Amazon Fulfillment Center
Newark, CA
June 2020 – December 2022

Safely operated various types of forklifts, including counterbalance and reach trucks, achieving a 98% incident-free track record.
Conducted routine equipment checks and maintenance, reducing unexpected breakdowns by 25% and ensuring uninterrupted workflow.
Collaborated effectively with the team, assisting in the timely loading and unloading of an average of 150 shipments daily, contributing to a 10% improvement in operational efficiency.
Demonstrated strong communication skills, receiving commendations for clear and concise coordination with colleagues, supervisors and other departments.

Pro Tip

Make your forklift operator credentials pop by using action words, data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

STEP 5

Showcase your education and training

To be hired as a forklift operator, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. For most jobs, a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED) is sufficient. This level of education provides the basic skills required for understanding safety instructions, reading labels and completing paperwork associated with operating a forklift. There is no need to list your year of graduation unless you are a very recent grad.

The most critical aspect of becoming a forklift driver is completing proper training and certification. This training is typically provided by accredited organizations, vocational schools or through employer-sponsored programs. It covers essential topics like safe operation, load handling and maintenance procedures. Additionally, it educates operators on OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations and guidelines.

How to list your education:

EDUCATION

Forklift Operator Training
Smithtown Community College, Smithtown, NY>
2022

High School Diploma
Central High School, Smithtown, NY
2020

CERTIFICATIONS:

OSHA Certification in Forklift Operation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training Center, 2023

Optional sections for your forklift operator resume

Hobbies, interests or volunteer work

Featuring personal projects or hobbies, especially those tied to community service or creativity, offers a more comprehensive view of your passion for the creative world. It’s fine to add any of your personal interests to your resume as long as they aren’t political or religious in nature and have some relevance to the role you’re applying to.

How to feature hobbies, interests or volunteer work on your resume:

Monthly volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.
Organized bake sale to raise money for the construction of a local playground.
Interest in 3D printing.

Awards and honors

Adding honors and awards to your resume is a smart way to show off your abilities, achievements and qualifications. Being a successful forklift operator is all about volume, speed and safety so including awards for exceptional performance in these areas can help you stand out and increase your chances of landing the job.

How to showcase awards and honors on your resume:

Leadership in Safety Training Award, 2022
Team Player Award, 2018

Languages

Knowing more than one language is highly prized in today’s job market. Being able to speak more than one language is valuable to employers because it expands your communication abilities, allowing you to communicate with more colleagues and customers. Having these skills can make you a more desirable candidate so be sure to list your language skills on your forklift operator resume.
How to showcase languages on your resume:

Fluent in Chinese and English
Conversational Spanish

Add a cover letter

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER

Adding a forklift operator cover letter can give your application a boost. Why? First, many job applicants skip this step, so writing one shows you are willing to go the extra mile to get the job. Also, writing a cover letter gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

Learning how to write a cover letter for a forklift operator job starts with studying our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

If you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Builder, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your forklift operator resume

Personalize your resume for each opportunity
Tailor your resume to align with the specific requirements of each job ad to which you apply, making note of the critical skills and experience outlined in the job description.
Select the appropriate resume format
Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your forklift operator resume — such as strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the format that will help you put your best foot forward.
Choose an appropriate resume template
If you’re applying for a job at a conservative company, you’ll want to choose a conservative resume design. For less traditional work environments, your resume template can be more colorful and creative.
Follow our steps for a standout resume
Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
Include both hard and soft skills
Being a forklift operator requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Give your work experience section a lift
Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
Go the extra mile
Including a well-written forklift operator cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview.

Commonly asked question about resume writing

Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.

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