SmashTheJob

Check your warehouse operative CV against the job advert

Warehouse adverts are short and practical: what you've picked or loaded, which equipment you're licensed for, and when you can work. Put those where they're seen first.

Updated 3 October 2026. General guidance for UK job adverts; your advert decides what matters.

Start with your advert

Every warehouse operative advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:

  1. Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
  2. For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
  3. Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.

Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.

What warehouse operative adverts usually ask for

Picking, packing and goods in or out

Why they ask

These are the core tasks in most warehouse jobs.

How to show it

Say which tasks you did and what kind of goods.

Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts
  • Picked and packed [type of goods] orders using [RF scanner / voice picking / paper lists].
  • Unloaded and checked deliveries in goods in, and booked stock onto [WMS or system].

Rates and accuracy

Why they ask

Many warehouses measure pick rates and accuracy.

How to show it

Use your real figures if you know them; otherwise say you met targets.

Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts
  • Met pick rate and accuracy targets [how consistently], on [shift pattern].

Equipment licences

Why they ask

Adverts often ask for counterbalance, reach truck, powered pallet truck or other licences.

How to show it

List each licence with the type and year, and whether it's current.

Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts
  • [Counterbalance / reach / PPT / LLOP] licence, [awarding body if known], [year].

Health and safety

Why they ask

Warehouses are busy, and safe working is essential.

How to show it

Mention safety training and how you follow procedures.

Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts
  • Completed [manual handling / site safety] training and followed [safety procedures].

Shifts and reliability

Why they ask

Nights, weekends and overtime at peak are common.

How to show it

State your availability and transport.

Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts
  • Available for [days / nights / weekends] and overtime at peak; own transport.

Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.

Mistakes that cost warehouse operative applications

Questions

How do I write a warehouse CV with no experience?

Show physical work, reliability and following instructions from anywhere: retail stock work, delivery, labouring, sport. State your availability.

Similar jobs

Guides