Star Staffing hires forklift operators in Northern California fairly often and year-round (if you’re looking for a job as a forklift operator, browse our job openings), so we know a thing or two about the crucial skills you need to get hired.
Typical duties include operating forklift trucks to load and unload materials and deliveries and moving loads to and from storage areas, machines, and loading docks. It’s a job that plays a vital role in industrial, manufacturing, and construction facilities. It requires fast and efficient movement of goods to meet deadlines and customer needs.
If you ask most employment agencies about the key requirements for any forklift operator, you’ll probably be answered with “steady nerves” and a “focus on workplace safety.” True enough, forklift operators face tough demands and real danger. This is why candidates should have extensive training and a specific set of skills before applying for the job.
1. Experience with Operating Forklifts
A potential employer may use a certain type of forklift in their facility. Forklifts may vary in size, cab type, fuel type. If you have specific experience with a certain kind of machinery used in an employer’s facility, it should make your resume more attractive.
Of course, forklift operating skills are transferable to some extent, so don’t worry if you’ve only handled one type of forklift all your life. Regardless, OSHA requirements state that employers provide training to all new forklift operators. This is true even for employees with prior experience.
Article you might also like:
- 6 Seasonal Jobs for Summer and Fall in California
- What Does It Take to Be a Warehouse Picker Packer?
- 7 Times You Should Take a Temp Job
- The Most Common Questions About the Direct Hire (or Direct Recruiting) Process
2. Math Skills
Forklift operators don’t just move loads to and from one area of the facility. You will be expected to calculate load weight, bills of lading, freight quotes with pricing estimates and adjustments. At the very least, you should have math abilities at the eighth-grade level to perform these functions.
3. Skill with Using Computerized Inventory Processes
Forklift operators are also expected to be able to use (or learn to use) automated and computerized solutions for inventory management. It’s highly likely that you will be required to assist in physical inventories and enterprise resource programs to maintain inventory records and reports to ensure tight inventory control and stock rotation.
It goes without saying that forklift operators need to be reliable, given their key position in a company’s supply chain. If you’re interested in applying for this role, contact the staffing services specialists of Star Staffing to discuss your application!