Forklift Driver CV Example and Warehouse Writing Guide 2026

List each lift truck type separately, with the accrediting body, the year you passed and the date of your last refresher, either in your education section or a short licences section near the top. In the UK, employers usually look for training accredited by a recognised body such as RTITB or ITSSAR. A line such as "Counterbalance Lift Truck, RTITB accredited, 2017, refresher 2024" is clear and easy to check.

Name the truck types you are trained on: counterbalance, reach, very narrow aisle, pivot steer or powered pallet truck. Each needs its own training, so a recruiter for a reach truck role will scan for that word. If your training was completed with an in-house instructor, say so, as this is common in large distribution centres.

In Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority explains the legal requirements for forklift operator training in its code of practice on the safe use of industrial trucks, and employers will ask to see your certificate. Bring copies of every licence to your interview or agency registration.

Show that you follow the rules every day: pre-use checks, safe loading, pedestrian awareness and reporting defects or near misses. The Health and Safety Executive publishes an approved code of practice for rider-operated lift trucks, known as L117, and many employers build their site rules around it. You do not need to quote it, but your bullet points should reflect safe habits.

Describe specific actions rather than writing "safety conscious". "Completed daily pre-use checks and reported defects to the supervisor" tells the employer exactly how you work. If you hold extra training such as manual handling, fire marshal or a Level 2 Award in Health and Safety, list it.

Only mention an accident-free record if you can stand behind it at interview. Employers may check with your references, so accuracy matters more than impressive wording.

Use the terms from the job advert, such as goods in, put-away, replenishment, dispatch, stock control, pick rates and warehouse management system. Many logistics employers and agencies screen CVs with software that looks for these words. Using the same vocabulary as the advert makes your match obvious.

Name the systems you know, such as SAP, Manhattan or a voice picking system, and list RF scanners if you use them. If the role is in chilled or frozen storage, mention it, because not every driver is comfortable working in low temperatures. The same applies to hazardous goods, but only if you have the relevant training.

Keep the layout simple, with clear headings and bullet points. Avoid tables, columns and text in images, which some screening tools cannot read.

Yes, a Level 2 Certificate in Warehousing and Storage shows structured knowledge of stock control, health and safety and warehouse processes, although many employers also recruit without it. It is especially useful if you are early in your career or moving into logistics from another sector. List it under education with the year and college or provider.

Warehouse apprenticeships are another recognised route in England and can include lift truck training. If you completed one, give it its full title and level. Your GCSEs in English and Maths are also worth including, because reading paperwork and counting stock accurately are part of the job.

Finish your application with a short cover letter. Mention the truck types you hold, your shift availability and why you want to work at that particular site.