The UK warehouse sector continues to expand rapidly, with e-commerce growth and supply chain modernisation creating strong demand for skilled professionals at all levels. Highlighting the right combination of technical skills and soft skills (such as time management and good communication) on your CV can make a big difference to the success of your job search, particularly as modern warehouse roles now ask for proficiency with sophisticated inventory systems, strict safety protocols, and effective team collaboration.
Essential hard skills every warehouse CV needs
Inventory management and stock control expertise
Demonstrate all the knowledge you have when it comes to inventory management — from goods-in checks and stock rotation to cycle counting, ABC analysis and discrepancy resolution. Employers value people who can keep accurate records, streamline storage, and reduce shrinkage through careful monitoring and reporting.
Reference the systems and approaches you’ve used in the past (such as perpetual inventory tracking, barcode/RFID use, cycle counting cadence), and mirror the terms you see in job adverts such as ‘Inventory Management,’ ‘Order Picking and Packing,’ and ‘Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).’
For more senior roles, state how you’ve implemented stock policies, optimised locations, or trained colleagues on best practice. For a closer look at how these skills grow across roles, see the warehouse career progression guide.
- Keywords to include in your CV: Inventory management, cycle counting, stock control, pick accuracy, shrinkage reduction
- Action verbs to use: Managed, Implemented, Optimised, Monitored, Reported
Equipment operation and safety compliance
Many roles require the safe and confident operation of material handling equipment. Show the range of equipment you’ve worked with (counterbalance/reach trucks, order pickers, pallet trucks, conveyor systems) and list current licences and training, mentioning accrediting bodies and dates. Make it clear that you understand all relevant safety procedures and regulations, and highlight your strong safety record.
- Licences and training to list: RTITB or ITSSAR forklift licences, IOSH Working Safely, First Aid at Work, Fire Marshal, working at height, HAZMAT handling
- Regulatory knowledge: LOLER, PUWER
- Action verbs to use: Operated, Maintained, Trained, Monitored, Reported
Warehouse management systems (WMS) and technical skills
WMS knowledge is now essential for all roles. Make sure you specify platforms you’ve used (e.g. SAP, Oracle WMS, Manhattan Associates, HighJump) and core workflows you’ve handled: receiving, put-away strategies, pick path optimisation, replenishment, despatch and labelling. Add related tech, such as RF scanners, voice picking, RFID, handhelds and barcode systems. If you’ve been a super-user or supported a system rollout, say so —experience of this marks you out as a leader and shows that you can adapt.
Spreadsheet capability (lookups, pivot tables) for stock analysis is a plus.
- Keywords to include in your CV: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), RF scanning, RFID, transport management systems (TMS)
- Action verbs to use: Implemented, Coordinated, Processed, Maintained, Trained
Key soft skills that set you apart
Communication and teamwork on the warehouse floor
Clear, timely communication keeps receiving, storage, picking and despatch aligned. Use brief examples which show how you collaborated across shifts, coordinated with procurement or drivers, or mentored new starters to speed up their onboarding. If you take on temporary or flexible work through platforms such as Indeed Flex, highlight how you integrate quickly with different teams and processes — adaptability and a positive approach to handovers will make you stand out as a candidate.
- Soft skills to reference: Communication and collaboration, time management, attention to detail, customer focus
- Action verbs to use: Collaborated, Coordinated, Assisted, Led, Reported
Problem-solving and a willingness to improve
Warehouses reward people who spot an issue early and suggest practical ways to fix it, such as rerouting picks during peak hours, rebalancing stations, or updating a checklist to prevent repeat errors. Be sure to mention 5S, Lean, or Kaizen activities you’ve contributed to and how you balance speed with accuracy when things suddenly change. For team leads and supervisors, note how you’ve implemented improvements and monitored results to keep things on track.
- Methods to put on your CV: 5S workplace organisation, Lean waste reduction, Kaizen improvements
- Action verbs to use: Identified, Improved, Optimised, Standardised, Monitored
Tailoring your warehouse skills section for maximum impact
Structuring skills to pass ATS screening
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. Match your skills to the job advert and keep the wording consistent, using common industry terms. Group similar strengths together so that both humans and software can scan quickly.
- Create clear categories to list:
- Technical skills: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), RF scanners, Excel
- Equipment operation: Forklift operation, reach truck, pallet truck
- Core competencies: Inventory management, order picking and packing, safety and compliance
- Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, time management, attention to detail
- Use keywords from the job advert naturally throughout your CV (profile, skills, and experience).
- Keep wording straightforward so ATS can easily scan it; avoid graphics, embedded tables, or unusual headings.
Matching skills to experience levels and job requirements
- Entry-level: Emphasise your physical stamina, knowledge of basic inventory processes, accurate picking and packing, and your strong safety attitude. Show a willingness to gain certifications quickly.
- Mid-level: Highlight WMS fluency, multi-equipment operation, mentoring of new colleagues, and improvements you’ve implemented in accuracy or throughput.
- Senior: Focus on shift leadership, KPI ownership, budget awareness, cross-department coordination, supplier or carrier liaison, and change management (e.g. system upgrades or layout changes).
If you’re switching specialisms (e.g. from goods-in to inventory control), a combination CV — skills up top, followed by experience, from most recent onwards —highlights your transferable strengths while showing steady progression.
Showcasing certifications and professional development
Industry-recognised qualifications that employers value
Certifications prove competence and a commitment to safe, consistent practice. Place them where they’re easy to find and include awarding bodies and renewal dates.
- Equipment and safety:
- RTITB forklift certification (counterbalance, reach, etc.)
- ITSSAR forklift certification
- IOSH Working Safely, First Aid at Work, Fire Marshal
- Advanced and sector-specific:
- APICS CPIM and CLTD for broader supply chain knowledge
- BRCGS Storage and Distribution (food sector)
- Good Distribution Practice (GDP) (pharmaceuticals)
Showing commitment to ongoing learning
Shine the spotlight on your recent training and self-directed learning—WMS upgrades, automation exposure, sustainability in warehousing, or cross-training across inbound, inventory, and despatch. Include reputable online learning and list any qualifications that are in progress, with your expected completion dates.
- Professional development ideas:
- Online courses via LinkedIn Learning or Coursera
- Industry initiatives that address skills gaps, such as Generation Logistics
- Internal cross-training and job shadowing to broaden day-to-day capability
Common CV mistakes to avoid when listing warehouse skills
Overcoming generic descriptions and lack of context
Avoid a list of duties with no real outcome. Strengthen each bullet point on your CV by pairing it with an action and a result, and tie it to what the employer is looking for.
- Instead of ‘Picked and packed orders,’ try: ‘Picked and packed high-volume orders with consistent accuracy, supporting next-day despatch targets.’
- Instead of ‘Did inventory,’ try: ‘Completed daily cycle counts and investigated variances to keep records aligned with physical stock.’
- Instead of ‘Team player,’ try: “Partnered with procurement and goods-in to resolve supplier discrepancies before they affected customer orders.”
Be honest about your skill level and keep your language aligned to the role. Outdated tech or licences can distract employers — prioritise what the job advert asks for and what you use now.
Formatting errors that hinder ATS scanning
Solid content won’t help if software can’t read it. Keep your CV formatting straightforward and ATS-friendly.
- Use standard headings: Profile, Skills, Work Experience, Education, Certifications.
- Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, and graphics in core sections.
- Stick to common fonts and simple bullets; save as the format requested in the advert e.g. DOCX or PDF
- Keep key details out of headers/footers; many systems can’t read them.
- Check all content by pasting your CV into a plain text editor to see if the order still makes sense.
Turning warehouse skills into opportunity
Showcasing a blend of technical expertise, technology skills, and strong soft skills on your CV, means that you’re more likely to be viewed as a well-rounded candidate for modern warehouse roles. By matching your skills to job requirements, emphasising relevant certifications, and clearly presenting your achievements, you increase your chances of passing initial screenings and impressing hiring managers. Regularly updating your CV to reflect ongoing learning ensures you’re ready for new opportunities and can stand out in a highly competitive market.
Take the next step towards your warehouse career
If you’re ready to put your skills to work and enjoy flexibility, competitive pay, and a variety of roles, Indeed Flex makes it easy to connect with leading employers in the warehouse sector. Start your journey by downloading the Indeed Flex app and discover immediate opportunities that match your experience. Download the Indeed Flex app
