At Employbridge, we’ve always been close to warehousing. While a lot of people don’t think about it, warehouses are a big part of our communities and our economy. And the people who keep them running are the ones ensuring our stores stay stocked and our online orders are fulfilled.
Warehousing has been one of the few industries that has been actively hiring—and many have been hiring large numbers of skilled and unskilled workers! While some positions require extra certifications and experience, like Forklift Operators and other roles that involve running heavy machinery, there are also plenty of entry-level positions available.
One common entry-level job is Warehouse Associate. These people will typically help fulfill orders, keep the warehouse organized, pick out goods, and seal or label packages. Warehouse Associates are the “boots on the ground” who keep distribution and fulfillment centers running.
Whether you’re considering a role as a Warehouse Associate for the first time or updating your resume to show off your previous experience, keep reading for tips on how to write a warehouse worker resume that will catch a hiring manager’s eye.
Why does my resume matter?
It’s simple: your resume is your first impression! When a warehouse manager is considering hiring you onto their team, what you write on your resume helps them form their opinion of you. They’ll use it to judge if you’re qualified, so you want to put your best foot forward.
What should I write about?
If you’ve never written a resume before, there are a few tools and websites you can use for help. Check out a few of our favorites here. But it helps to do some brainstorming to start.
List the previous positions you’ve held, which employers you’ve worked for, and your skills and accomplishments. Instead of writing your job description from past roles, think more about what you did well, what you learned, and your accomplishments. Even when your experience doesn’t directly apply—maybe you’ve been working in food service and this would be your first warehouse job—you can talk about skills that might be useful in both workplaces.
Focusing on growth and accomplishments shows a hiring manager what you’ll add to their team. And tell them that you learn from mistakes—you’re always getting better! We work with a lot of different warehouses, and they’re always looking for great people who will help them reach their goals and improve their team. If you can add to that, you’re a shoo-in!
Here is an example:
Warehouse Associate, Employbridge
January 2019 – Present
I helped with picking and packing for a local cold storage facility. All orders were packaged, sealed, and labeled accurately and I regularly exceeded goals, packing 10% more orders per hour than my quota. In addition, I helped train new associates to use order technology and other equipment and was known for my teamwork and positivity.
What if I’ve never had a job?
This can create a problem when you’re looking for your first job. If you’ve never held a job before, what do you put on a resume?
There are plenty of options—you just need to think outside the box. Look for things that show you’re responsible, dependable, and hardworking. Even though they’re not direct warehouse experience, these types of things can show that you would be a good addition to a company. Consider these things:
- Informal jobs. Did you mow lawns, shovel snow, babysit, or dog-sit? Pick up mail when a neighbor was out of town? It says a lot when other people trust you to take care of their home, kids, or pets. Or that they could depend on you to help take care of their property. Just because it wasn’t an official job doesn’t mean it can’t go on your resume!
- Skills. Are you great at working on cars or good with computers? The skills you have, even if they’re not directly related to the job you’re applying for, can be useful in a warehouse. Saying that you have maintenance skills means you’re good at picking up details and working with your hands. Computer skills may make a difference for a warehouse that uses a database to keep track of orders.
- What you did in school. Did you have any academic accomplishments? Attendance awards? Were you on a sports team or in a club? Did you hold any leadership positions? Any of these can show your dedication or that you’re a good team player. Especially if you’re just out of school.
You can also start out with a company like Employbridge that doesn’t require a resume to get started. Work jobs over time and build up your skills, without any need for experience at the beginning. This way, you can build your career over time.
What common mistakes can I avoid?
There are a few classic mistakes that are easy to avoid.
First, typos! Having typos in your resume can make it look like you rushed through and didn’t take the time to proofread. You can use tools like Grammarly or the spell check on your computer to check your work.
In addition, have a friend proofread your resume. They may notice things that you overlooked or be able to point out important accomplishments you forgot. Everybody needs an extra set of eyes!
Keep it short. No joke: a lot of recruiters only look at each resume for seven seconds. Make sure your resume is easy to read and limit yourself to one or two pages. You want your resume to be easy to read, and for it to be easy for your reader to immediately know why you’re a great worker.
If you’re ready to begin your Warehouse Associate career, we’re here to help. Whether or not you have a resume, you can get started now.
