Machine Operator Resume Examples: Writing Guide

Obviously, your skills with specific machines should be front and center when you create a resume for a machine operator job. Your machine operator license is an important part of your resume as well. Additionally, you should mention your ability to attain specific quality standards and work as part of a team, as you’ll almost always be part of a team as a machine operator.

Your machine operator resume, like any other resume, will change slightly depending on the resume format you use. If you have many years of experience, you should choose the chronological format, which is the most common format for job applicants. However, the functional and combination formats can be effective for someone with less experience, as long as you can feature important skills and other attributes. Regardless of the format, your machine operator resume example will include these sections:

 

 

Your resume header includes your full name, contact information, including your phone number, and, typically your professional links (if you have them, such as a LinkedIn profile). 

 

 

The next section is your resume summary or resume objective. A summary is a short two to three-sentence paragraph at the very top of the resume that goes over your top strengths. A resume objective will also have a statement sentence indicating the objective for the resume. Here  are some common skills to consider for your skills section:

• Reading blueprints
• Written and verbal communication
• Quality control
• Troubleshooting jams and machine malfunctions
• Understanding work orders
• Inspecting finished products
• Using various machines (Lathe, drill press, CNC machine operator, grinder, hand tools)
• Measuring as small as micrometers with calipers
• Following legal requirements like OSHA
• Lifting pallets
• Problem-solving 
• Understanding the production process
• Working alongside a production line
• Doing quality checks
• Teamwork
• Using hoists
• Interpersonal skills
• General machine setup
• Preventative maintenance
• Gauging product quality
• Handling raw materials
• Time management 
• Maintaining your work area

Note that you can find both soft skills and hard skills on this list. Even as the machine operator on a site, you’ll still likely need soft skills that show you can work as part of a team.

 

 

Your work history section should include any jobs where you’ve previously also operated heavy machinery. This shows that you have a great track record as a production machine operator, which can go a long way in convincing a hiring manager to give you a chance.

 

 

Last is your education section. Typically, this is where you’ll put your certifications for your heavy machinery operation. Most of the time, you only need a high school diploma or equivalent to be a machine operator, so just list your highest level of education here (either high school or college diploma).

Do:

• List the specific heavy machinery that you’re qualified to use in your resume. There are many machine operator certifications – feature certifications that tie into what the job needs.
• Focus on positions or projects where you’ve used skills that are relevant to the job you want. You can always provide a more comprehensive overview of all your past jobs in your LinkedIn profile.
• List specific skills that you see in the job description. This helps you target your machine operator resume more effectively.

Don’t:

• Forget to provide details on your heavy machinery certifications. List the accrediting institution and when you received your certification.
• Mention skills that you’re not completely comfortable with. Your skills list should be a showcase of all the best skills you have.
• Discuss any negative experiences you’ve had in previous jobs. If the interviewer wants to learn more about these, then they will ask you in an interview.