Factory and Warehouse Skills for Resume: What to Look For as an Employer

Hiring for factory or warehouse roles? You already know how fast-paced and hands-on these environments can be. The right people make all the difference—so when you're flipping through resumes, it's important to know what to look for. Whether you're staffing for a small warehouse in Mississauga or a large plant outside Toronto, this guide will help you spot the top candidates for part-time and full-time roles more quickly.

Why skills on a resume matter

Let’s be real—anyone can say they’re a “hard worker” or a “team player.” But when a resume clearly lists the right skills, it shows you that the person knows what the job actually involves. A strong skills section can also help you weed out applicants who aren’t the right fit early on, saving you time (and headaches) later.

Basic skills every factory or warehouse worker should have

There are a few core abilities that pretty much every solid candidate should bring to the table. Be sure to pay attention to these skills on candidate resumes:

• Physical stamina and strength – These jobs are physical. Standing for long hours, lifting boxes, moving materials—it’s all part of the deal.
• Attention to detail – Whether it’s labeling shipments or monitoring machines, mistakes can be costly.
• Time management – Can they stay on task and hit deadlines? That’s huge in fast-moving environments.
• Basic math and measurement – Think calculating weights, reading tape measures, or managing inventory.
• Communication skills – Even in physical jobs, being able to follow instructions or work with a team is key.

Technical skills that stand out

When someone’s resume includes these technical skills, it’s usually a good sign they’ve had some solid hands-on experience:

• Forklift operation – Bonus points if they’re certified.
• Inventory systems knowledge – Experience with tools like SAP, Oracle, or other warehouse management systems (WMS) is a big plus.
• Machine operation or maintenance – Whether it’s CNC machines or packaging lines, these skills are valuable.
• Quality control processes – Catching defects before they ship out? That’s a skill you want.
• Packaging and labeling – Accuracy and speed both matter here.

Don’t overlook soft skills

Technical skills are great, but soft skills can really make or break someone’s performance on the factory or warehouse floor:

• Reliability – Will they show up, on time, every day?
• Teamwork – Can they work well with others without drama?
• Flexibility – Shifts change. Priorities shift. Can they roll with it?
• Problem-solving – When something breaks or a shipment’s off, can they think on their feet?
• Willingness to learn – Especially if they’re new to the industry, a good attitude can go a long way.

Certifications and training to keep an eye out for

In Ontario, there are a few specific certifications that can really make a resume stand out:

• Forklift certification – Look for valid Ontario-recognized training.
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) – A must-have for safety.
• OSHA/health and safety training – Especially important in factory settings.
• First aid/CPR – More relevant for team leads or supervisors, but always a plus.
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma – Great for process-focused roles.

Red flags to be aware of

Not every resume tells the whole story, but there are a few things that might give you pause:

• Big unexplained employment gaps – Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t interview them, but it’s worth asking about.
• Lots of job hopping – A string of short-term jobs could be a sign of reliability issues.
• Vague job descriptions – “Worked in warehouse” doesn’t tell you much. Look for specific duties.
• Overuse of buzzwords – If it’s full of fluff with no detail (think “motivated self-starter”), dig deeper.

What makes a resume really stand out

The best resumes are clear, specific, and honest. Here’s what to look for:

• Clean format – Easy to skim, with clear sections and job titles.
• Specific achievements – Something like “increased packing line efficiency by 15%” is way more useful than “worked on packing line.”
• A short summary or objective – Especially helpful if they explain what kind of role they’re looking for.
• Consistent work history – You don’t need 10 years of experience, but steady growth is a good sign.

Let Noble Human Resources Solutions review the resumes for you

Not every factory or warehouse job needs the same skill set. What you’re looking for in a picker/packer isn’t the same as what you’d want in a machine operator or supervisor. The key is to match the resume to the specific needs of the role—and don’t forget to consider attitude and potential, not just experience.

A great resume is only part of the picture, but it’s where the hiring process starts. Knowing what to look for helps you build better teams, faster. Let Noble Human Resources Solutions do the hard work for you. We’ll review the resumes to fill your open roles — finding you the best candidates for the job.

Simply fill out the Employer Contact Form, tell us about your employee needs, and we’ll get to work sourcing candidates for your factory or warehouse.