Picker Packer 101: How to Get a Warehouse Packing Job

You know those pick-and-pack Amazon warehouses that you see everywhere? Ever wondered how people get jobs there?

“Pick-and-packing” jobs abound, but it’s often confusing to figure out the job requirements, find warehouses that are hiring, or land an interview.

As a staffing firm specializing in helping companies hire warehouse picker packers, we spend our days reading resumes and reviewing applications for some of the biggest warehouses in California. When it comes to picker packer jobs, this is exactly what you need to know to land your first or next job in a major warehouse.

In this article:

What is a warehouse picker (or warehouse packer)?
What does a picker-packer do? (job responsibilities)
Who’s a good fit for a picker-packer job?
Skills required to get hired
How to find jobs hiring now
How to get hired as a picker-packer

What is a Warehouse Picker Packer?

Wholesalers, retailers, and manufacturers often have warehouses or distribution centers where they hold inventory before shipping to consumers or trade buyers. A picker packer (sometimes also called a “pick packer,” “pick and packer,” or “warehouse packer” — different warehouses have different names for the role) is an entry-level position that helps fill orders and assists with inventory in those warehouses.

What Does a Warehouse Packer Do?

Warehouse packers are responsible for selecting items in a warehouse setting and arranging them for shipment. According to Monster, general picker-packer job responsibilities include:

Pulling and packing products for daily orders
Keeping products organized and in good rotation
Monitoring product quality and reporting any problems or safety issues
Operating equipment, including dolly loaders, pallet wrappers, forklifts, etc.
Following safe work practices
And other duties as assigned

Who is Right for a Warehouse Packer Job?

If you want to find a job at a warehouse or distribution center, then you should probably start applying for picker-packer jobs. Because they’re entry-level positions, you’ll learn important skills on the job without needing background experience.

Do I need a GED to get hired as a picker-packer?

Sometimes, but not always. Here at Star, we’ve worked with companies that consider it optional. Some companies offer on-the-job training and don’t require a high school diploma. However, company requirements vary, and some warehouse packer job descriptions state that a high school diploma or GED is required to apply. Check the job listing to find out if one is required.

Pro Tip: If you’re seeking employment without a high school diploma or GED, applying through jobs via a staffing firm like ours can help. Local staffing firms often hire for many different roles at larger companies and may be aware of jobs that don’t require a GED that you haven’t considered.

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Warehouse Picker Packer Skills and Requirements

If you’re interested in a warehouse picker packer job, you’ll need one skill most: physical strength. Second, you’ll need the ability to work fast. Here’s a great video on that:

You will have to pick up boxes and put them away, or take boxes out of storage and bring them to where they’re needed. You might put the boxes on pallets or in vans for shipment and/or weigh items as they arrive. This includes potentially operating heavy machinery, including pallet jacks. Additionally, you might also have to create labels and do all the paperwork needed for shipment.

Beyond physical labor, you might have to create labels and complete the paperwork required to ship orders and fulfill customer orders. As a packer, you also have to keep the work area clean and organized so that all required inventory is stored and ready for use.

Here is a quick list of all the skills we look for at Star Staffing when hiring picker packer candidates.

Manual skills

Hands-on experience in operating vans/pick trucks/fork lifters to pull inventory from the warehouse or distribution center
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Physical strength. Able to lift up to 40 lbs without support and perform routine packing work

Computer Skills

Ability to fill out manual and computerized forms or ship documents to complete customer orders
Highly skilled in packaging and picking a wide variety of items, as well as completing manual and computerized forms or shipping documents.
Proven record of arranging, placing, sealing, marking and tagging of items

Personal and other skills

High school diploma (usually)
Great attention to detail with accuracy
Excellent knowledge of packing procedures and standard warehouse operating procedures
Hands-on experience in counting and storing various product items efficiently
Experienced in reading conditions and identifying the accurate parts for fulfilling customer orders

How to Find Warehouse Jobs

The great news is: Picker packer jobs aren’t just at Amazon — they’re everywhere. According to the job search site Zippia, “Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 156,200 job opportunities across the U.S.”

If you’re in Northern California, we can help you find a pick and pack job near you. If you live elsewhere, you’ll want to search for “picker packer jobs near me” to find the local jobs. Also, keep in mind that picker packer job descriptions use a lot of different job titles, including but not limited to “Picker/Packer – Warehouse,” “Picker/Packer – Lead,” “Warehouse Associate – Picker/Packer,” “Warehouse Selector,” and more.

How to Get Hired as a Picker-Packer

If you have these skills and believe you are the right fit for a picker packer job, go ahead and apply for that picker packer position through Star Staffing! Our hiring database lists dozens of picker packer jobs each week.

If you are applying for a warehouse picker packer job, be sure to mention the above qualifications and skills in your resume to fit the job requirements and stand out as a candidate. List the above skills under the “Skills/Strengths” section of your resume, or you can use them as pointers in your interview.

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If you feel that a picker packer position is not the best choice for you, check out Star Staffing for other employment opportunities, too. We know how hard a job search can be, and our goal is to make finding a new career easier for you. Reach out to us today!