How to Optimize Your Resume for Warehouse and Factory Jobs

Finding a warehouse or factory job is becoming more difficult each year. The job market is saturated with qualified candidates who are looking for both temporary and permanent positions. Plus, artificial intelligence has been quickly transforming the industry and taking over certain warehouse and manufacturing jobs as well. What does all of this mean? In order to find a good warehouse or factory job in today’s job climate, you have to make sure your resume really stands out.

In this article, we’re going to focus on how to highlight the skills employers are looking for when hiring warehouse and factory employees. Learn how to optimize your resume and get that coveted warehouse or factory position fast.



The importance of keyword optimization

Keyword optimization sounds like a difficult and highly technical task that has nothing to do with resumes. However, it’s actually pretty important when you’re looking for a job. In the most simple terms, keyword optimization means including important words within your resume in order to grab the attention of employers.

Often, employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to automate the reading and filtering of job applications and resumes. These systems search for specific words and phrases that the employer has selected in resumes to find ones that may be the best fit. Even if employers don’t use automated systems to sift through resumes, human resources specialists read resumes looking for specific words and phrases that are relevant to the job they are hiring for.

It's in every candidate’s best interest to include warehouse and factory skills-related keywords in their resumes to attract the attention of employers and stand out in a competitive job market.

Warehouse and factory skills

When writing your warehouse and factory resume, it’s important to highlight your skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you have any of the following skills, include them in various sections of the resume, such as the Skills and Expertise section or the Previous Employment section:

• Loading and unloading: In many warehouse and factory positions, employees are required to load and unload heavy packages, products, and machinery. Include this skill to highlight your strength and stamina.

• Pallet jack operation: Some warehouses and factories use a pallet jack for loading and unloading, and it’s an important piece of machinery to know how to use. If you have experience using it, be sure to highlight it in your resume.

• Packing: An important part of most warehouse and factory jobs includes packing products. Many companies even have quotas around packing. To highlight your skills, you can mention how many packages you packed within a certain time frame, for example.

• Forklift operation: If you are certified to operate a forklift, you may be in demand with employers. Mention how long you’ve been operating a forklift and any improvements you’ve made to efficiency as a result.

• Straight truck driving: Some employers may have company straight trucks that they need drivers for. If you are certified to drive a straight truck, mention it to increase your chances of being hired.

• Compliance and safety training: All factory and warehouse jobs require employees to take compliance and safety training. If you work with an employment agency like Noble Human Resources Solutions, we provide the safety training for you. This is a major benefit for employers.

• First aid: Safety is critical in all warehouse and factory jobs. Many employers even ask their employees to be certified in first aid. If you have experience in this, employers will want to know about when you were certified.

Management and leadership level skills in warehouses and factories

If you have been working in warehouses and factories for a few years and have had consistently good reviews from past employers, you may be ready to move into a management or leadership role. Here are some skills to optimize your resume for management and leadership jobs at factories and warehouses:

• Microsoft Office: Many warehouses and factories use Windows products, so it’s important to know how to use Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel.

• SAP: SAP warehouse management software is also a common product used in the warehouse and factory space. If you have used it for managing inventory or goods, highlight your experience in your resume. If you have used another warehouse management system, such as NetSuite WMS or HighJump, include that information as well.

• Agile: Agile methodology is used in project management and included in many warehouse and factory processes. Including this skill will set you apart from other candidates who are looking to break into management or leadership positions.

• Vendor management: Managers and leaders often have to order supplies from a number of different vendors and ensure everything arrives on time. If you’ve been taking on some of these tasks, include them in your resume.

• Inventory management: If you have used any inventory management software in the past, such as Fishbowl inventory or Oracle Warehouse management, highlight these details to attract the attention of employers.

Warehouse and manufacturing soft skills

Hard skills like the ones we’ve mentioned above will definitely get your resume noticed by warehouse and factory employers. However, don’t forget these important soft skills employers are looking for:

• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Communication
• Patience
• Time management
• Self awareness
• Initiative
• Reliability
• Organization
• Problem solving

Let us help you find your next warehouse or factory job

Optimizing your resume for factory or warehouse positions can be overwhelming. If you want to make sure your stand out as an employable candidate, work with Noble Human Resources Solutions. We have a partnership with several warehouses and factories in the Mississauga, Brampton, Peel Region, and GTA, all of which are on the hunt for part-time and full-time workers.

Apply online with us using the Job Seeker Form. We’ll review your details and match your skills and experience with an employer who values what you bring to the table. You can also check out our Job Board and apply to specific positions you’re interested in.