Forklift Operator Resume—Sample, Job Description & Tips

A resume is there to carry you from Job A to Job B.

But—

Most forklift operator resumes are too under-powered for the task.

Here’s what you need:

To prove you’ve got the ability to handle tons of material safely—

That you’re aware of the big picture—

And that you’re a team player.

Here’s how you get it:

With a forklift operator resume that raises you above the rest.

In this guide:

• A forklift operator resume sample better than most.
• How to create the perfect forklift operator job description for resumes.
• How to write a resume for forklift operator jobs that stands out.
• Expert tips and examples to boost your chances of landing a forklift operator job.

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Looking for something a little different? Just entering the workforce? Changing careers? These are just some of our guides:

• Electrician Resume Example
• Factory Worker Resume Example
• High School Graduate Resume Example
• Janitor Resume Example
• Mechanic Resume Example
• Production Worker Resume
• Security Guard Resume Example
• Technical Resume Example
• Truck Driver Resume Example
• Warehouse Resume Example

Forklift Operator Resume Sample

Now here’s how to write a forklift operator resume they’ll love:

1. Go With the Right Forklift Operator Resume Format

Picture this:

The hiring manager is scrolling through a huge batch of forklift operator resumes.

Deleting the ones that don’t look like they have a chance—

Hang on—

Was that your resume he just deleted?

Avoid this by making your resume clean, clear, and enticing. Here’s how to format your resume:

Forklift Driver Resume Format

• Use the reverse-chronological resume format to put your most recent stuff first.
• Choose one of the recommended resume fonts (like Noto, Arial, or Calibri) in 11–12 pt.
• Set your resume margins at one inch and leave lots of white space throughout.
• Measure out your operating area. How many pages should a resume be, anyway? For most forklift operators, the answer is one. Go to a second page only if you’ve got two decades of relevant experience under your belt.
• Include these resume sections: Resume Header, Profile (Summary or Objective), Experience, Education, and Skills. Add extra sections to set yourself apart.

If looking after your layout and formatting were your only concerns, then yes:

PDF is better than *.docx files for your resume.

But—

Some ATSs (Applicant Tracking Systems) can’t handle PDF.

So:

Double check the job ad for preferred file formats.

2. Lead With a Winning Forklift Operator Resume Objective or Summary

The right resume format lets you blend in with the best—

A great resume profile is what puts you ahead of the pack.

Got one or more years’ experience as a forklift driver?

Start with a resume summary. It’ll let you make the most of that experience.

Use:

1. One adjective (efficient, reliable, hard-working)
2. Job title (Forklift Operative, Forklift Driver)
3. Years of experience (4+, 7+)
4. How you’ll help (move material safely, efficiently, and quickly)
5. Two or three of your most impressive achievements (drove a total of 5,000+ miles, moved 15% more product than the average)

These forklift operator resume summary examples show how:

Forklift Operator Resume Examples—Resume Summary

Safety-conscious forklift operator with 3+ years’ experience working in fast-paced environments. Seeking to exceed Schreiber’s material handling metrics while keeping unblemished safety record. At Northwire, achieved <0.5% unanticipated downtime by diligently performing basic maintenance and onboarded and helped to train 11 incoming warehouse operatives.

Forklift operator with 3 years’ experience. Seeking to join an easy going team in a low-stress work setting. At Northwire, performed basic maintenance on forklift and onboarded and helped to train incoming warehouse operatives, in addition to driving the forklift.

See that?

The first example avoids relying on boring and predictable duties by putting numbers to concrete facts—in other words, by making good use of accomplishments.

Don’t have enough forklift experience to pull off something like the above?

Go with a resume objective—it’ll help you shift the focus to relevant accomplishments from other jobs.

Take a look at these resume objective examples: 

Forklift Driver Resume Objective—Examples

Highly motivated warehouse operative with 2+ years’ experience working in a busy, high volume warehouse. Recently completed OSHA forklift certification. Seeking to exceed Schreiber’s material handling quotas safely and efficiently. At Yamazun, exceed pick and pack rates by 13% on average and helped to train 11 incoming warehouse operatives.

No experience working as a forklift operator, but recently certified and ready to go. Some warehouse experience. Looking for friendly work atmosphere and decent pay.

The first example—

Other than using accomplishments instead of duties—

Is focused on what the operator can do for the company, not the other way around.

Struggling?

Write your profile last—

You’ll have pallet loads of material to work with.

3. Write a Killer Skills Section and Forklift Operator Job Descriptions for Your Resume

Your forklift operator resume has one job:

To get you an invitation to an interview—

And to do that, they’ll need to be pretty sure that you handle the work.

The best way to convince them?

Describe how you’ve handled it before.

Make your resume work experience section an avalanche of achievements.

How to write a warehouse forklift operator job description:

1. Take your time re-reading the job ad.
2. Zero in on the operator skills and duties in it.
3. Think of times you’ve used those skills to impress supervisors.
4. Write resume bullet points to describe and put numbers to those times.

These forklift operator resume examples show how:

Forklift Operator Job Description for a Resume—Examples

Forklift Operator

Northwire

Aug 2019–present

• Performed basic maintenance on forklift equipment to ensure <0.5% unanticipated downtime.
• Loaded and unloaded over 140 tons of material on platforms and lifting devices.
• Recorded mass of materials and other production data on tags with 99.1% accuracy according to internal WSK audit.
• Onboarded and helped to train 11 incoming warehouse operatives.

Forklift Operator

Northwire

2019–present

• Performed basic maintenance on forklift equipment.
• Loaded and unloaded material on platforms and lifting devices.
• Recorded mass of materials and other production data on tags.
• Onboarded and helped to train incoming warehouse operatives.

Hits different, doesn’t it.

The first example shows the difference being concrete and putting numbers to claims can make.

Even if you don’t have any experience driving a forklift—

You can find relevant accomplishments from other positions and even lines of work.

There’s one more thing you need here:

A selection of skills to put on a resume.

But—

Don’t just dump every skill you find online into this section.

Let the job ad dictate what you include.

These examples should give you an idea of what’s possible.

Forklift Operator Skills for Resume—Examples

Hard skills

• Safety around heavy equipment
• Preventive maintenance
• Basic math skills
• Following safety procedures
• Operating pallet jacks
• Loading and unloading
• Stacking
• Stocking and packing
• Picking and pulling
• Operating radio equipment

Soft skills

• Communication skills
• Team player
• Organization skills
• Time management
• Ability to concentrate
• Stress management
• Decision making
• Technical skills
• Troubleshooting
• Problem solving

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4. Turn Boring Education Into a Reason to Hire You

You don’t usually need more than a high-school diploma when applying for a forklift operator position.

But—

That doesn’t mean your education doesn’t matter—

Far from it.

For college degrees:

List degrees (with majors), school names, and graduation dates.

For high school:

List the name of the school, its location, and the year you graduated.

Then:

Add bullets that show relevant skills in the making.

This forklift operator resume example shows how:

Forklift Operator Resume Example—Education Section

AS in Industrial Design

Diablo Valley College, San Ramon, CA

Expected graduation: 2023

• Pursuing a passion for transportation design coursework.
• Taking part in Logistics Optimization Challenge.

San Ramon Valley High School, Danville, CA

Graduated: 2017

Forklift operator experience on the low end? 

When adding education to your resume, include projects, classes, and accomplishments that show forklift operator skills like coordination and spatial awareness.

5. Stack Your Forklift Operator Resume With Extra Sections

Here’s a tip:

Most resumes for forklift operator jobs end with only experience, education, and skills sections.

When they do add more, it’s way off—

And does more harm than good.

Add one or two extra resume sections:

• Additional Activities
• Foreign Languages
• Classes Taken
• Awards
• Hobbies and Interests
• Volunteering
• Certifications
• Professional References

These two forklift operator resume examples show go vs no:

Forklift Operator Resume Examples—Extra Sections

Certifications

• OSHA Forklift Certification, Allstate Forklift
• First Aid, CPR, AED, American Red Cross

Languages

• Spanish – advanced

Certifications

• OSHA, FA, CPR, AED

Hobbies and Interests

• Crocheting 3D, 1:1 handguns
• Collecting movie scores (Transformers only)
• Teaching chopsticks techniques at the mall

Night, meet day.

The first example has nailed it.

There’s nothing wrong with including hobbies and interests—

But—

They have to be very obviously relevant to the job ad.

One last thing:

Unless the job ad says otherwise—

You need a cover letter to go with your forklift operator resume.

Write a cover letter that’s as good as your resume, and you’re guaranteed to land an interview. 

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Key Points

For a forklift operator resume that gets interviews:

• Use the forklift operator resume template up top. It’s as clean and organized as the best warehouses out there and checks all the boxes.
• Put forklift operator achievementsin your profile, work experience, and education sections to show that you walk the walk.
• Choose the right forklift operator skills to put in your resume—the job ad will let you know which ones to include.
• Write a forklift operator cover letter. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the work while making a case for being the best candidate they’ve seen.

Still a little unsure of how to go about writing your forklift driver resume? It can be daunting at first. Leave a comment down below. We’ll be sure to reply.

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