Heavy Equipment Operator Resume Sample W/ Job Description
Show employers you know your way around resumes as well as you do with equipment, using these heavy equipment operator resume examples and tips.
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What to highlight in a heavy equipment operator resume
Especially when it comes to construction sites, several important individuals ensure that the site works effectively. One of those people is a heavy equipment machine operator. However, even a hands-on worker like a heavy equipment operator, still needs writing tips to create their resume.
Your skills are always going to be paramount in a heavy equipment operator resume because that’s what you worked for. However, it’s also a good idea to highlight the specific heavy equipment that you’re used to operating. You may see any of these in a heavy equipment operator resume:
- Bulldozers/Dozers
- Excavators
- Backhoes
- Construction equipment
- Forklifts
- Tractors
- Dump trucks
- Bobcat tractors and skid steers
- Front-end loaders
- Compactors
- Scrapers
- Water trucks
Because there are so many different types of heavy machinery, it’s a good idea to mention the ones you’re equipped to manage.
Create your resumeHow to write a heavy equipment operator resume
Your resume structure will depend largely on your resume format. The resume format is extremely important as it guides a recruiter through your resume template. The chronological resume format is most common, but if you have less experience, you might want to use the functional resume format or combination resume format. Here are the headings you’ll include with any format.
Contact information
Your resume header typically just includes your contact information. Feature your full name, location, phone number, email address and any job networking profile links. You can use a resume builder to show you how to create the resume header along with your other resume design elements.
Resume summary or objective
A resume summary or resume objective is a short paragraph that highlights the best parts of your resume. While a summary is a straightforward overview, a resume objective also includes a specific objective you want to achieve.
Skills
When creating your resume, it’s very important to pay close attention to the skills for resume section. In your skills section, you should include any skills you have that are related to a heavy equipment operator job. Here are a few skills you might include as bullet points on your resume:
- Reading blueprints
- OSHA
- Preventative maintenance
- Sticking to safety regulations and safety procedures
- Troubleshooting problems
- Backfilling
- Equipment maintenance
- Managing tool working order
- Working with hand tools
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Work ethic
These skills can be critical in setting you apart from other job seekers. You’ll see both soft skills and hard skills in a heavy equipment operator resume example, as they’re both important for proper functioning on a construction site or similar work environment.
Work history
In your work experience section, you should include as much relevant experience as you have within the last 10 years. Even if you don’t have experience specifically running heavy equipment, you may have gained experience in a similar job. Some job titles like project manager, may also be considered relevant to your job search.
Education
A heavy equipment operator typically only needs a high school diploma, but if you have higher education, you should list it here. You may also want to feature any certifications you hold, like a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), to showcase that you’re legally allowed to perform this job.
Do’s and don’ts for a heavy equipment operator resume
- Spotlight all of your skills, not just the operation skills. Many people can operate heavy equipment, but it’s important to show that you have a wider repertoire of abilities.
- Focus on what the job posting specifically requires. If the job description lists proficiency with a specific piece of equipment for example, make sure it's included in your resume if you have the ability.
- Give your resume a thorough review before you send it. You want to present yourself as a capable, reliable employee, and this should be reflected in an error-free resume.
- Refer to yourself exclusively as a heavy equipment operator. Use titles that also express your actual skills, like forklift operator.
- Include your GPA in your resume. It’s typically not relevant. All a hiring manager needs to know is whether you’re allowed to work at their location and are highly qualified.
- Get too wordy with your resume. Keep your bullet points and phrases brief, and concentrate on the specific abilities and knowledge the employer needs.
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FAQ: Heavy equipment operator resume examples
Have questions? We’re here to help.
Do I need to include a cover letter for a heavy equipment operator application?
A cover letter should always be considered an important part of any application, including a heavy equipment operator application. When you’re looking for a way to stand out from other job seekers, your cover letter allows you to talk directly to the hiring manager and discuss your qualifications. Plus, it gives you a chance to ask for a job interview. You can use the ResumeHelp Cover Letter Builder to create your cover letter.
How can I write a heavy equipment operator resume without a lot of experience?
A heavy equipment operator usually needs more skills than experience. However, to get your license for heavy equipment, you likely need some amount of on-the-job training. Training which often comes in the form of internships can be great to include on your resume, as it shows that you’ve had experience with heavy equipment.
How do I change my heavy equipment operator resume to apply to different jobs?
Applying for multiple jobs usually means changing up your resume every time. If you apply to hundreds of jobs using the same resume, you’re less likely to get a call back than if you apply to just a few dozen jobs with perfectly tailored resumes. The best way to start this process is with resume keywords. Look through the job description to find keywords (critical skills and requirements) that you can include in your summary, skills and experience sections.
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