Heavy Equipment Operator Resume Examples to Build Yours

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.

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 format is most common, but if you have less experience, you might want to use the functional format or combination format. Here are the headings you’ll include with any format.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when you are writing your heavy equipment operator resume:

 

Do:

• 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 monumental skill repertoire.
• Write a professional resume for any position you’re trying to get, including traditional heavy work positions like heavy equipment operators. A hiring manager will review your qualifications on your resume.
• Include as much as 10 years of experience in your resume. You can include experience past 10 years t in your  LinkedIn profile.

Don’t:

• 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 highly qualified.
• Include any negatives or mistakes that you’ve experienced as a heavy equipment operator. Your resume should be a place where you only talk about the positives of your work experience.