Warehouse operative CV example
Warehouse adverts usually ask for the same things: accurate picking, safe working, reliability on shifts and, often, a forklift licence. Here is what to put on your CV so an employer can see you can do the job, with a full example.
What employers look for
- Accurate picking and packing, often to a target rate
- Experience with handheld or RF scanners
- Safe working: manual handling and health and safety
- A forklift licence (counterbalance or reach truck), if the job needs one
- Reliability and good attendance on shifts, including nights or weekends
- Loading, unloading and checking deliveries
Words to use from the advert
These come up again and again in adverts for this kind of job. Use the advert's own words on your CV, but only where they are true for you.
- Picking and packing
- Pick rate
- RF scanner
- Goods in / goods out
- Stock rotation
- Manual handling
- Counterbalance / reach truck
- Health and safety
Make each line show what you did
The examples below are invented. Yours should describe what you really did.
Weaker
Worked in a warehouse doing various jobs.
Stronger
Picked and packed customer orders with a handheld RF scanner, regularly meeting the shift pick rate.
Weaker
Good at health and safety.
Stronger
Followed manual handling and site safety rules, and kept walkways and racking areas clear on every shift.
Example warehouse operative CV
A made-up example. The person, employers and dates are invented, and every line is something that could be backed up.
Alex Morgan
Birmingham · 07700 900123 · alex.morgan@example.com
Profile
- Reliable warehouse operative with three years' experience picking, packing and loading in busy distribution centres. Holds a counterbalance forklift licence and is used to night shifts and working to pick targets.
Experience
- Warehouse Operative, Northfield Distribution, Birmingham, 2023 to present
- Pick and pack customer orders with a handheld RF scanner, regularly meeting the shift pick rate.
- Load and unload deliveries and check them against the delivery note.
- Operate a counterbalance forklift to move pallets between goods in and storage.
- Retail Assistant, Hillside Stores, Solihull, 2021 to 2023
- Received deliveries, rotated stock and served customers on the till.
Licences and training
- Counterbalance forklift licence, 2024
- Manual handling training, 2023
Education
- Hillcrest Academy, Birmingham: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths
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Questions about warehouse operative CVs
- Should I put my forklift licence on my CV?
- Yes, near the top, with the type (for example counterbalance or reach truck) and the year. Many warehouse adverts ask for one, so it is one of the first things an employer looks for.
- How do I show I can work to targets?
- Say what the target was about, such as a pick rate, and that you met it, if that is true. You do not need exact numbers unless you know them.
- Can I apply without warehouse experience?
- Often, yes. Many warehouse jobs offer training. Show reliability and any physical or shift work you have done, such as retail stock work or delivery work.