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 you write your resume as a material handler, the verbs you choose can make a big difference. You want to show that you are active and skilled at your workplace tasks. Think about the daily work you do and pick verbs that match those actions. It's not just about what you did, but how you did it. Strong action verbs can help your resume stand out.

Here's a list of action words that fit well for someone in your line of work. These words are simple but show that you are good at handling tasks. Use them to describe your past job duties and achievements.

• To show how you move and manage items, use operated, dispatched, transported, lifted, sorted.
• If you worked with inventory, say you stocked, cataloged, counted, replenished, audited.
• To highlight safety and efficiency, include verbs like enforced, secured, streamlined, inspected, sustained.
• For showing teamwork and collaboration, use verbs such as collaborated, assisted, supported, coordinated, communicated.
• When discussing improvements or problem-solving, verbs like optimized, resolved, enhanced, rectified, troubleshooted are strong choices.

Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like Acted as, Supported, Help, Communicated, Analyze.

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've worked as a material handler, showing any leadership roles or promotions you've earned is key. Think about times you've led a team or trained new staff. This shows you're ready for more responsibility.

• Managed a small team during inventory checks, ensuring accurate counts and team efficiency.
• Promoted to shift lead within a year due to strong work ethic and problem-solving skills.

Even if you're not sure if you've held a formal leadership role, consider times you've taken the lead on a project or initiative. Perhaps you've overseen the organization of the storage area or led safety meetings. Use clear, simple terms to describe these experiences.

• Organized warehouse layout for better workflow, leading to a 20% time reduction in material retrieval.
• Led weekly safety briefings to maintain a safe work environment and reduce accidents.

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.