Warehouse hiring managers don’t have much time to “read between the lines”. They scan for proof you can do the job day after day — accurately, quickly, and safely — without needing constant supervision.
What employers look for in a picker packer CV
The four qualities that stand out fast
Most picker packer CVs need to show these traits clearly:
- Accuracy – picking the right item, the right quantity, the right order. Employers want fewer errors, fewer returns, and fewer delays.
- Speed – working to targets, keeping up during busy periods, and not slowing the line down.
- Safety awareness – manual handling, PPE, clear walkways, safe stacking, reporting hazards.
- Reliability – turning up on time, completing shifts, and being consistent (especially important for temp work and peak seasons).
What they’re looking for evidence of (not just claims)
A CV that says “hardworking” doesn’t say much. A CV that shows how you work does. That’s why employers look for:
- Warehouse tools and systems such as RF scanners, barcode scanning, warehouse management systems (WMS), pick lists, and labelling.
- Everyday warehouse methods like FIFO/FEFO stock rotation, palletising, shrink wrapping, quality checks, and dispatch preparation.
- Comfort with physical work (manual handling, standing/walking for long periods, moving stock safely).
- Understanding of targets such as pick rate (items or lines per hour), accuracy percentages, on-time dispatch, and reducing errors.
If you’re new to warehousing, you can still compete by leaning on transferable skills from retail (stock handling, deliveries, stockroom organisation) or hospitality (fast-paced work, staying accurate under pressure, teamwork).
Structuring your picker packer CV: formatting essentials
A picker packer CV doesn’t need fancy design. It needs to be easy to scan, easy for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to read, and quick for a hiring manager to understand.
The standard CV structure
Most warehouse CVs work best in this order:
- Contact details
- Personal profile (CV profile / personal statement)
- Work experience
- Key skills
- Education and qualifications
- Certifications (manual handling, health and safety, forklift licence, first aid, etc.)
Formatting rules that keep it readable (and professional)
A few basics make a big difference:
- Keep it to one or two pages.
- Use a clean font such as Arial or Calibri in 10–12pt.
- Use bullet points for duties and achievements (dense paragraphs get skipped).
- Keep spacing consistent so it looks tidy, even at a quick glance.
What to leave out on a CV
Unless the advert asks for it, avoid:
- Photographs
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- National Insurance number
- A right-to-work statement is only worth adding if the job advert requests it or you need to clarify visa restrictions.
Practical finishing touches
Save your CV as a PDF so your formatting doesn’t shift between devices. Use a clear filename like Firstname_Lastname_Picker_Packer_CV.pdf. And always list work experience in reverse chronological order (your most recent role first). If you have gaps, a brief explanation is fine — caring responsibilities, travel, and career breaks are common.
Writing a compelling personal profile for picker packer roles
Your personal profile sits at the top of the CV, under your contact details. Think of it as your “why you” paragraph: short, specific, and aimed at the exact role you’re applying for. Keep it around 100–150 words.
A simple formula that works
To make it easy, build it like this:
- Start with your job title (or “motivated warehouse professional” if entry-level).
- Mention experience (years, types of warehouses, or shift patterns you’ve done).
- Pick two or three strengths that matter most: accuracy, speed, safety, reliability.
- Add tools/systems you’ve used: RF scanners, WMS, barcode scanning, pick lists.
- Finish with what you want next (a reliable picker packer role, order picker role, warehouse operative role, etc.).
Example personal profile (experienced)
Reliable picker packer with over three years of experience in high-volume warehouse settings. Proven ability to consistently achieve pick rates of 150+ items per hour while maintaining 99% accuracy. Skilled in using RF scanners, barcode systems, and manual handling equipment. Strong understanding of health and safety protocols and FIFO stock rotation.
Example personal profile (entry-level)
Motivated and physically fit individual seeking an entry-level picker packer role. Previous experience in retail stock handling and customer order preparation has built strong organisation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. Quick learner with a positive attitude, committed to high standards of accuracy and safety.
What to avoid
Try not to fill this section with “soft” claims like “hardworking team player” unless you back them up elsewhere. Specific details (systems, methods, results) make your profile feel believable — and easier to match against the job description keywords.
Presenting your work experience effectively
If a recruiter reads only one part of your CV, it’s usually your work experience. This is where you show you can hit targets, keep errors low, and follow safe working practices.
How to lay it out so it’s easy to scan
List each role in reverse chronological order with clear headings:
- Job title
- Employer name
- Location (city, country)
- Dates (month and year)
Then add four to six bullet points per role. Start each bullet with an action verb, such as: picked, packed, processed, inspected, operated, maintained, achieved, reported.
Show outcomes, not just duties
A warehouse CV becomes far more convincing when you quantify results. Compare these two lines:
- Responsible for picking and packing orders
- Picked and packed an average of 120 orders per shift with 98% accuracy
The second line tells the employer what they really want to know: can you keep up, and can you keep it accurate?
Example bullet points for picker packer roles
- Picked and packed customer orders using RF scanners and warehouse management systems, consistently meeting daily targets of 150+ items per hour
- Conducted quality checks on outgoing orders, reducing error rates by 15% over six months
- Operated manual handling equipment including pallet jacks and hand trolleys in line with health and safety requirements
- Maintained accurate stock records and reported discrepancies to supervisors, supporting inventory control
- Worked with team members to prepare high-priority orders for same-day dispatch, ensuring 100% on-time delivery during peak periods
- Followed FIFO stock rotation and ensured goods were correctly labelled and shrink-wrapped for shipment
If your experience is agency or temp work
You can list each placement separately, or group them under the agency name and describe the range of work underneath (for example: picking, packing, goods-in, dispatch). Either way, be clear about what you did and what tools you used.
For workers who’ve done flexible shifts across different platforms (including via Indeed Flex), it can be worth mentioning the variety of warehouse settings you’ve supported — done properly, it shows you can adapt quickly and stay reliable.
Key skills to include in your picker packer CV
Your skills section is your quick “at-a-glance” proof you match the job description. Keep it scannable and relevant—ideally six to ten skills you can genuinely back up in your work experience.
Skills employers expect to see
Rather than writing a long list, use a mix that covers the job properly:
- Technical skills: RF scanner operation, barcode scanning, warehouse management systems (WMS), voice picking systems, pick list interpretation, labelling and packaging equipment, pallet jack and hand trolley use
- Operational skills: order picking and packing, stock counting and recording, FIFO/FEFO stock rotation, quality control and inspection, dispatch preparation, inventory monitoring, goods receiving and stacking
- Compliance and safety skills: manual handling, health and safety awareness, PPE use, hazard spotting, housekeeping standards, food safety (where relevant), working in temperature-controlled warehouses
- Soft skills: attention to detail, time management, working to targets, reliability and punctuality, communication with supervisors and colleagues, ability to work independently and as part of a team
Tailor skills to the job advert (without stretching the truth)
If the advert keeps repeating “accuracy” and “working to targets”, put those near the top. If it mentions RF scanners or FIFO, include them if you’ve used them. If you haven’t, don’t list them — warehouse hiring often includes practical checks, and it’s not worth being caught out.
If you’re entry-level, transferable skills can still look strong here — especially if you add any training you’ve completed (manual handling and health and safety are great starts).
Education, qualifications, and certifications
Most picker packer roles don’t demand formal qualifications, but this section still matters. It shows basic skills (like numeracy for stock counts) and proves you take safety seriously.
What to include (and how to format it)
Keep it simple and tidy:
- Qualification name
- School/college or awarding body
- Year completed (or “In progress”)
If you have them, GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English are worth listing because they often relate to accuracy, counting, and basic written communication.
Certifications that strengthen a warehouse CV
These are commonly valued in warehouse and logistics roles:
- Level 1 or Level 2 Certificate in Warehousing and Storage
- Manual Handling training
- Health and Safety in the Workplace
- First Aid at Work
- Forklift Truck Licence (Counterbalance, Reach, or relevant category)
- Food Safety and Hygiene (Level 1 or 2) for food warehouses
Apprenticeships in warehousing or logistics also deserve a mention.
No qualifications? Don’t panic. Many employers care more about consistent attendance, safe working, and the ability to hit targets. If you’re trying to break into warehouse work, a short course can give you something solid to add while you build experience.
Tailoring your CV to pass applicant tracking systems
Many warehouse employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter CVs before a person sees them. ATS software looks for keywords and matches your CV against the job description — so wording matters.
ATS-friendly changes that don’t ruin readability
These small tweaks can help your CV get through the first filter:
- Use the job title from the advert (for example, “Order Picker” if that’s what they call it).
- Mirror key terms naturally: RF scanner, WMS, FIFO, pick rate, manual handling, quality checks.
- Stick to standard headings like “Work Experience”, “Skills”, and “Education”.
- Avoid tables, text boxes, and headers/footers—some ATS tools struggle to read them.
- Send as PDF or .docx (depending on what the employer requests).
Don’t keyword-stuff
Repeating “RF scanner” ten times won’t help. The aim is to sound like a real person while still using the same language the employer uses. Once the CV reaches a human, clear examples and measured achievements are what get interviews.
Use the Indeed Flex job-specific CV builder to tailor your skills and experience.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a picker packer CV
A lot of CVs get rejected for fixable reasons—often nothing to do with your ability to do the job.
Errors that can cost you interviews
- Vague descriptions that don’t show outcomes (for example, “responsible for picking and packing”).
- Not tailoring to the advert, so key warehouse terms and keywords are missing.
- Too much irrelevant detail that pushes your most useful experience out of view.
- Hard-to-read formatting (long paragraphs, inconsistent fonts, cluttered layout).
- Spelling and grammar mistakes, which can suggest poor attention to detail.
- Duties with no achievements—tasks are expected; results make you memorable.
- Missing relevant training like manual handling or health and safety.
- Unprofessional contact details (especially email addresses).
A quick proofread routine that works
Read your CV aloud once—awkward lines jump out. Then ask someone else to read it (they’ll spot things you’ve missed). If you can, print it to check spacing and layout; it often looks different on paper than on screen.
Picker packer CV template (ready to copy and adapt)
Use the template below as a starting point. The best results come from editing it so it sounds like you—your sites, your tools, your shift types, your achievements.
If you want another reference point for structure and phrasing, it can help to skim examples like this picker packer CV example and guide and then come back and tailor your own version.
Copy-and-paste template
[Full Name] [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [City, Postcode] | [Linkedin URL] Personal Profile [Write a concise 100–150 word summary highlighting your experience, key skills, and what you're looking for. Example: “Reliable and efficient picker packer with two years of experience in fast-paced warehouse settings. Consistently achieve pick rates of 140+ items per hour while maintaining 98% accuracy. Skilled in using RF scanners, barcode systems, and manual handling equipment. Strong understanding of health and safety protocols, FIFO stock rotation, and quality control procedures. Seeking a picker packer role where I can support efficient order fulfilment and contribute to a productive team.”] Work Experience Picker Packer [Employer Name], [City] [Month Year] – [Month Year / Present] -Picked and packed customer orders using RF scanners and warehouse management systems, consistently meeting daily targets of 150+ items per hour -Conducted quality checks on outgoing orders, reducing error rates by 12% over six months -Operated manual handling equipment including pallet jacks and hand trolleys in line with health and safety requirements -Maintained accurate stock records and reported discrepancies to supervisors, supporting inventory control Warehouse Operative [Employer Name / Agency Name], [City] [Month Year] – [Month Year] -Received, checked, and stacked incoming deliveries, ensuring accurate stock counts and correct storage -Supported order picking and packing during busy periods, keeping high standards of accuracy and speed -Followed FIFO stock rotation and ensured products were correctly labelled for shipment -Maintained a clean and organised work area, following housekeeping and safety standards [Previous Role – if relevant] [Employer Name], [City] [Month Year] – [Month Year] -[Bullet point describing transferable skills or relevant duties] -[Bullet point describing transferable skills or relevant duties] Key Skills -RF scanner operation and barcode scanning -Warehouse management systems (WMS) -Order picking and packing -FIFO/FEFO stock rotation -Quality control and inspection -Manual handling and pallet jack operation -Health and safety compliance -Attention to detail and accuracy -Time management and working to targets -Team collaboration and communication Education and Qualifications [Diploma/GED/College] | [School name] | [City, State] — [Year] Certifications Manual Handling Training – [Year] Health and Safety in the Workplace – [Year] [Any additional certifications, e.g., Forklift Licence, First Aid] – [Year]
How to customise it quickly
- Replace placeholders with your details and remove anything that doesn’t apply.
- Swap example bullets for your real tasks and results (targets, accuracy, error reduction, dispatch deadlines).
- Create a few saved versions (picker packer / order picker / warehouse operative) so you can tailor faster for each application.
Writing a cover letter for picker packer roles
Not every warehouse job asks for a cover letter. But when it’s optional, a short, focused letter can help — especially if your experience is mostly agency work, you’re changing careers, or you’ve got a gap to explain.
A simple structure (three to four short paragraphs)
- Opening: Say what role you’re applying for, where you saw it, and why it caught your eye.
- Middle: Pick one or two strengths and back them up with a real example (accuracy, speed, safety, reliability, tools used).
- Close: Confirm availability, thank them, and invite them to contact you.
Short example snippet
Dear [Name], I’m applying for the Order Picker role advertised on [job board]. I’m interested in the position because I enjoy target-driven work and I’m confident working with RF scanners and pick lists. In my previous warehouse role, I consistently met daily pick targets while keeping accuracy high through barcode checks and careful labelling. I take health and safety seriously and I’m comfortable with manual handling and keeping work areas tidy and hazard-free. Thank you for considering my application. I’m available for an interview and can start from [date]. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
Tips for entry-level candidates and career changers
Picker packer work is one of the more accessible ways into warehousing because many employers care more about reliability and attitude than a long list of qualifications. Your job is to make your “work-ready” skills obvious.
Make your previous jobs do more work for you
If you’ve worked in retail, hospitality, or physical roles, you’ve probably already built warehouse-friendly skills. For example:
- Retail: deliveries, stock replenishment, stockroom organisation, counting stock, preparing customer orders
- Hospitality: fast-paced work, staying accurate under pressure, teamwork, keeping areas clean and safe
- Manual work: stamina, safe lifting, following instructions, using basic equipment
- Volunteering: reliability, organisation, following processes
Build trust with honesty (and small proof points)
You don’t need to pretend you’ve used every warehouse system. Instead:
- Be clear you’re entry-level, then show you learn quickly.
- Add any short training you’ve done (manual handling and health and safety look great early on).
- Use your profile and experience bullets to show punctuality and consistency—two things warehouses value heavily.
Starting with temp work can also help you get hands-on experience quickly, build recent warehouse experience for your CV, and learn different processes across sites.
Final checklist before submitting your picker packer CV
Before you hit “send”, run through this quick list. It takes a few minutes and catches the issues that often lead to rejection.
- Proofread for spelling, grammar and punctuation (read it aloud once).
- Check your contact details are correct and your email address looks professional.
- Make sure it’s tailored to the job description (job title, keywords, tools, warehouse methods).
- Confirm the formatting is ATS-friendly (no tables, text boxes, unusual fonts).
- Check work experience is in reverse chronological order with clear dates.
- Add measurable achievements where you can (pick rate, accuracy, error reduction, on-time dispatch).
- Re-read your personal profile—does it match what the advert cares about most?
- Save as a PDF with a clear filename (Firstname_Lastname_Picker_Packer_CV.pdf).
- Attach a cover letter if requested (or if it helps explain context).
- Double-check application instructions (recipient email, subject line, extra documents).
Keeping a “master CV” and then saving tailored versions for different warehouse roles makes future applications much quicker.
Find flexible picker packer shifts with Indeed Flex
Ready to put your new CV to work? Download the free Indeed Flex app to access a wide range of picker packer and warehouse jobs across the UK, with instant booking and flexible shift options to suit your schedule.
