Stunning Machine Operator Resume Examples for You to Use

Follow these tips and examples to create a resume that gets you the machine operator position you want.

OUR USERS HAVE BEEN HIRED BY

Machine Operator Resume Example

A machine operator is any individual who works in a factory or production plant using heavy machinery. You may specialize in the use of specific equipment, like a crane or forklift, or you may need to operate different types of heavy machinery. For a job in this profession, you need to write a resume that spotlights your best skills. If you’re planning to be an equipment operator, then here’s how you can use a machine operator resume sample to create your own.

Build My Resume

What to Highlight in a Machine Operator Resume

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.

The Structure of a Machine Operator Resume

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:

Header

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).

Resume summary or objective

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.

Work history

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.

Education

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).

Build My Resume

Do’s and Don’ts for a Machine Operator Resume

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.

Build My Resume

FAQ: Machine Operator Resumes

Q: Do I need to include a cover letter for a machine operator application?

Yes. Cover letters are always a crucial part of your job application, no matter the role you’re applying to. It gives you a platform to talk directly to the hiring manager, lets you talk about your experience with a little bit more depth, and even allows you to ask directly for the job interview. For more tips and expert-designed templates, you can use for your cover letter, use the cover letter builder from ResumeHelp to create your letter.

Q: How can I write a machine operator resume without a lot of experience?

You don’t need lots of experience to work as a machine operator. Typically, a recruiter is just looking to see that you know how to do the job. A professional resume is possible even if you don’t have a lot of specific work experience. Try to focus on important skills instead and consider featuring volunteer experience and part-time experience from your past, as long as these activities use much-needed skills.

Q: How do I change my machine operator resume to apply to different jobs?

The best way to apply to different jobs with the same basic resume is to use resume keywords. Resume keywords appear in job descriptions and reflect the specific skills and knowledge that a hiring manager wants to see from the worker who ends up in that position. If you’re applying to multiple jobs, then use resume keywords to personalize your resume for each posting.

Move your resume to the top of the yes pile!

Build My Resume