Forklift Operator Resume Sample

Show employers you’re a star forklift operator with these writing tips.

1. Highlight your work history with a clear resume objective

Forklift drivers have a specific skill-set because they work daily with specialized heavy machinery. Impress hiring managers by opening with a strong resume objective that describes your top skills.

A resume objective is a 2–4 sentence introduction placed at the top of your resume that gives employers an instant look at your qualifications and professional background. Here’s a quick guide for writing a resume objective:

1. Start by listing your work experience in years. Use hard numbers as they are more impactful.
2. Mention any essential qualities or certifications that your role requires. For example, forklift operators must follow OSHA safety guidelines by being certified and attentive. Use relevant resume adjectives that add variety to your resume and give employers a great first impression of you.
3. Briefly list 1–2 of your main job duties by describing the work environments you regularly work in, the types of equipment you use, or how much you can lift.
4. Personalize the last sentence by including the company’s name and briefly describing how your skills and experience will help them.

Here’s a resume objective from our forklift operator resume example:

8+ years of experience as a certified and highly mindful forklift operator in fast-paced warehouse and manufacturing environments. Specialized in using pallet jacks and side loaders. Able to lift 75 lbs and adhere to safety guidelines and company standards. Looking to leverage my skills in a responsible role as a Lead Forklift Operator with [Mano Industries].

2. Create a targeted resume to match the forklift operator job description

To help you land more jobs as a forklift operator, make a targeted resume. A targeted resume lists the specific skills that hiring managers are looking for and presents you as a top applicant. Have a look at our tips for writing a targeted resume:

First, review each job description carefully, and match the exact resume keywords they use throughout your forklift driver resume. Employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to eliminate irrelevant or poorly written resumes, so it’s important to make sure your resume makes it past this software.

Second, list important skills and qualifications that relate directly to the job you’re applying for. For example, if a company lists that they load and unload shipping containers using cargo trucks, mention a similar experience in one of your bullet points.

Additionally, use powerful action verbs at the start of your resume to strengthen your points and make your application stand out from the others. Here’s an example:

Successfully reduced client wait time by 20% in March 2018 by consistently providing services within the delivered time frame.

Also, provide a concise one page resume that provides only position-specific information. Forklift operators should first focus on listing hard skills that are job specific, such as knowledge about heavy-duty equipment, having a specific driver’s license, and factory experience.

Last, soft skills are important in every job because you need them to interact successfully with others at work. Learn what key soft skills forklift operators need before adding them to your additional skills section. Time management skills, communication skills, attention to detail, and working under pressure are essential for forklift drivers.

3. Mention your certifications and education level

A forklift operator needs to receive training before they can drive a forklift. List any certifications related to operating a forklift clearly in the education section of your resume and your resume objective.

OSHA training courses have 10-hour and 30-hour online courses, but each state has different requirements so review the company’s job posting and website before applying for specific jobs.

If you have college experience, there’s no need to include your high school information. Instead, write your college’s name, degree title, location, and graduation date.

Forklift operators don’t need higher education beyond graduating high school. If you don’t have college experience, mention your high school diploma. Write your high school name, location, and graduation date, and note any relevant coursework.