Highlight any past warehouse or logistics work you have done. This field values practical, hands-on experience.

If possible, mention specific types of equipment you have used, such as forklifts or inventory management software. This shows you are ready to start without much training.

Including certifications like OSHA safety training or equipment operation can make your resume stand out. These can show you have specialized skills that the job needs.

Even basic certifications like first aid training can be relevant. They show that you are prepared for on-the-job challenges and committed to safety.

When you apply for a job, it's important to make sure your resume speaks directly to the job you want. For a material handler role, you need to show you can manage tasks well and are good at keeping records. Also, it’s important to show you can work with others smoothly.

• If you've used warehouse management systems or tools, mention them. For example, say Experienced with RF scanning and inventory management software.
• Show you can lead and work with others. List any roles where you supervised a team or trained new staff, like Supervised a team of 10 in daily warehouse operations.
• If you're new to this field, show how what you've already done can help you as a material handler. Maybe you have moved and sorted items or kept detailed work records. Say something like Managed inventory and record-keeping in a fast-paced retail environment.

When crafting your resume, it's crucial to highlight the specific skills that show you're a strong fit for a material handler role. Here's a list to help you choose which skills to include:

• Forklift operation
• Inventory management
• Shipping and receiving
• Warehouse management systems
• Pallet jacks
• RF scanning
• Order picking
• Material handling equipment
• Packaging
• Basic math skills

You don't need to list every skill, but focus on those that best match your experience and the job you want. Place these skills in a dedicated section on your resume to make sure they are easy to find. This is important because many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes, and including these relevant terms increases your chances of getting noticed.

Remember, while you may have experience with specific brands of equipment or proprietary systems, it's good to also mention general skills like forklift operation or RF scanning. These broader terms are often what hiring managers look for and what ATS systems are programmed to detect.

When you're crafting your resume as a material handler, it's vital to show the measurable impact you've had. Metrics help employers see the value you could bring to their team. Think about the key parts of your work where numbers can tell a strong story.

• For example, if you've increased the speed of inventory processing, estimate the percentage of time saved. Did you help your team move from processing 50 units per hour to 70 units? That's a 40% increase.
• Maybe you've played a role in reducing errors. If the number of mislabeled items went down on your watch, calculate the difference. Going from 10 errors a week to just 2 is a 80% improvement.

Remember, even if you're not sure about the exact figures, you can make reasonable estimates. Think about the typical volume of materials you handle daily, the size of the orders, and the efficiency of your workspace setup. Maybe you've improved loading times by organizing items better, resulting in 20 more orders shipped per day. Or perhaps your attention to safety reduced workplace accidents by 50% year-over-year.

• Keep track of your achievements, like how many pallets you load in an hour or the value of goods you've managed, such as overseeing shipments worth over $500,000.
• Consider the cost savings from waste reduction initiatives you've been a part of. If you helped cut down on material waste, this could translate to significant dollar savings for your employer, say by $10,000 annually.

When you apply for jobs, it's good to show if you have been a leader or have been promoted. This tells employers you are trusted and can take on more tasks. Here are ways you can show this on your resume.

• Include any titles that show you've moved up, like 'Senior material handler' or 'Team lead'. This shows growth.
• List any tasks where you helped others learn the job or made decisions. For example, 'Trained new staff on proper inventory methods' or 'Led a team in organizing warehouse space for efficiency.'

Think about times you were asked to lead a project or were given more work because you do a good job. Even if you're not sure if it was a 'promotion', if you had more responsibility, that's important to include.

As a hiring manager, I know the value of seeing clear examples of growth and leadership on a resume. If you've moved up the ranks as a material handler, it's crucial to highlight this progress. Here are ways you can show your advancement:

• Include job titles with clear progression, like 'Junior Material Handler,' 'Senior Material Handler,' or 'Team Lead.' Each title should have a list of increasing responsibilities or achievements underneath.
• Describe any team-based successes you led or contributed to significantly. For example, 'Led a team of 5 in streamlining inventory management, resulting in a 20% reduction in processing time.'

Even if you're not sure you've had formal leadership roles, think about times you took the lead on projects or were recognized for your work ethic. Mention any awards or recognitions you received for your performance. Remember, proof of your ability to take on more responsibility and lead others is what employers look for.

When you are applying for material handling positions at small companies, like local warehouses or startups, focus on flexibility and a wide range of skills. For example, you might want to show that you can handle various tasks from inventory management to operating different types of machinery. Phrases like 'versatile skill set in material logistics' and 'proficient in small team collaboration' could be helpful.

On the other hand, when targeting larger corporations such as Amazon or FedEx, you should emphasize your ability to work within a highly structured environment. Highlight experiences that show you can follow complex procedures and work with advanced inventory systems. Use phrases like 'experienced in high-volume distribution centers' and 'adept at systematic inventory tracking' to catch the eye of big company hiring managers.

• Small company: emphasize versatility and collaboration
• Large company: highlight systematic approach and experience with advanced systems