Do I Need a Résumé for Warehouse and Manufacturing Jobs?

Q:  If I’m looking for light industrial work, do I really need to create a résumé?

A:  It depends.  Do you want to stand out from the competition and get hired?

Admittedly, preparing a résumé does require a bit of effort.  To make matters tougher, most how-to résumé writing guides are geared toward office, managerial and executive positions.

But if you want to land the best manufacturing jobs, you need to find a way to differentiate yourself from the countless other job seekers vying for the same openings.  Creating a polished résumé can help you do just that.  Use these tips from PrideStaff to craft a solid résumé appropriate for a non-office position – and get that job:

Gather your information.  Create a list of where you worked, when you worked there and what your responsibilities were.  Include telephone numbers and supervisors’ names.  Although you might not use all of this information on your résumé, you’ll have it on hand as you apply for jobs.

Brainstorm.  What makes you the right candidate for the job?  What can you offer an employer that others can’t?  Make sure you highlight these factors on your résumé.

Write a specific objective.  A targeted objective statement like “To obtain a position using my assembly and/or punch press operation skills” is much more likely to get noticed than a general one.  Take a look at the skills required for the job you want, and tailor your statement to match it.

List your education.  Start with your most recent school.  Include any honors you received and the highest degree that you hold.

Add your employment.  While you don’t need to list every job you’ve ever held, be sure to include your most recent employers and those jobs that show how diverse and relevant your experience is.  In addition to summarizing your responsibilities, explain the results you achieved – quantifying those results whenever possible (e.g., met 100% of production goals for six consecutive months; reduced assembly time by 10%, etc.).

Include your accomplishments and special training.  List the achievements at work, in organizations and/or in school of which you’re most proud.  Also list additional skills, professional certifications, advanced training or licenses that may relate to warehouse or manufacturing work.

Final thoughts:

• The space at the top of your résumé is the area most noticed by employers.  Make sure you use it to your advantage, by listing your most relevant skills and experience first.
• A typical employer will only spend a few minutes (at most!) scanning your résumé, before deciding whether or not you’re a potential candidate.  Keep your résumé brief (one page) and make it easy to read.  If you don’t have the computer skills to format it properly, ask a trusted friend or family member for help.
• Always have someone else proofread your résumé, to check for typos and correct grammar usage.

If you’re looking for a light industrial job, PrideStaff will help ensure that you just don’t search, but succeed.  Contact the PrideStaff office in your area to find out more about great manufacturing job opportunities and warehouse job opportunities.