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Production work encompasses a multitude of jobs, ranging from assembling and checking products, ensuring smooth machine operation, assisting in the packaging and shipment of products, and aiding the distribution process. Jobs in this field include forklift operator, machine operator, supply chain manager and machinist.

No matter what your job objective is in production, we can help you take advantage of the right opportunity with these expert resume examples and tips — use them to create your own winning resume.

Top production resume examples

Assembler

Machinist

Production Worker

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How to build your resume for a production career

On this page we present resume examples and tips for common professions and career tracks in production — use them to build and customize your own resume.

Career Track: Machine Production

Machines play a vital role in production activities, and the right employees are needed to make sure that machines function at top efficiency. This field encompasses a wide range of potential jobs; 48% of the population is involved in the business of machine operation.

Machine Operator $31,125 Median Salary

Resume Format

Functional Resume

Experience is less important for this position than skills and training, so use a functional format, which focuses on a comprehensive skills section. Be sure to include any vocational training you have that applies to the job.

Summary statement tip

Emphasize top strengths that relate to the potential job, such as excellent communication skills or physical dexterity. If you have related experiences through volunteer or part-time work, mention them here.

Skills to feature

  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical skills
  • Teamwork
  • Ability to read blueprints and technical manuals
  • Handling heavy equipment
  • Good at problem-solving and troubleshooting

Get to the next level

Move up your career ladder by developing these skills and experiences, and adding them to your resume:

  • Machine operation qualifications and/or certifications earned on the job.
  • Gain knowledge of a wide range of equipment (e.g., diggers, trenchers and backhoes).
  • Demonstrate ability to follow safety regulations and construction practices, and contribute to smooth operations.

Forklift Operator $37,270 Median Salary

Resume Format

Combination Resume

As this is a mid-level job, use the combination format, as it provides a blend of your skills and work history.  Be sure to include relevant training, such as a forklift certificate.

Summary statement tip

 Keep your summary to a few sentences, emphasizing your top skills and experiences. Highlight your ability to communicate with customers, suppliers and employees, and provide efficient, productive service.

Skills to feature

  • Time management skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Industrial equipment knowledge
  • Good physical condition
  • Basic math and inventory knowledge
  • Excellent coordination ability
  • Safety-conscious

Get to the next level

Accelerate your career growth by gaining experience and knowledge in these areas:

  • Proven success applying safety standards and procedures to the job.
  • Gain additional experience in areas such as applying bracing and strapping.
  • Acquire a valid forklift operator certification if you don’t have one already.
  • Broaden the range of tasks you carry out, and look to gain experience supervising and mentoring junior employees.

Machinist$44,059 Median Salary

Resume Format

Chronological Resume

For this position, use a chronological format that helps you emphasize your administrative expertise and knowledge. Highlight previous jobs and specialized skills, such as proficiency with a manual lathe, drill press, or vertical mill.

Summary statement tip

In a few sentences, highlight your top skills, and stress the positive impact you’ve made at previous positions, using relevant abilities  such as knowledge of CNC mills, or fabricating and modifying parts.

Skills to feature

  • Mathematical skills
  • Proficiency with design software and blueprints
  • Analytical skills
  • Ability to adhere to processes and safety regulations
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Working of precision tools

Get to the next level

Grab the opportunity to rise in your career by focusing on improving and gaining more experience in these areas:

  • Additional training or apprenticeships that widen your skillset and technical knowledge
  • Managing machine designs, construction, adaptation and output
  • Coordinating with internal departments and teams to ensure smooth operations
  • Ability to use various precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, and depth gauges to inspect various parts

Career Track: Supply Chain

From sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products and services, supply chain employees play a pivotal role in production. According to a Logistics Bureau report, 79% of companies with high-performing supply chains achieve revenue growth greater than the average within their industries.

Distribution Clerk $30,433 Median Salary

Resume Format

Functional Resume

For this junior-level job, use the functional format, which spotlights your skills by category (e.g., “practical skills,” “soft skills,” “hard skills”).

Summary statement tip

Focus on relevant organizational and administrative skills, as well as any experiences you have to apply to distribution (e.g., intern or summer work at a production center). You should also highlight any vocational training you’ve had that’s honed your distribution skills.

Skills to feature

  • Attention to detail
  • Mathematical skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Physical coordination
  • Computer literacy
  • Multitasking ability

Get to the next level

To rise in your career, focus on these experiences and skills:

  • Examples of working with different departments to achieve team goals
  • Proficiency in handling product inventory and handling demand-supply chain management
  • Additional training and certification in important software, such as Microsoft Office or inventory software such as NetSuite and Brightpearl

Supply Chain Analyst $78,657 Median Salary

Resume Format

Combination Resume

As this position usually requires a few years of experience, use a functional format, which prioritizes your relevant work achievements and skills. This format is also good if you’re making a career change, as it highlights transferable skills and accomplishments.

Summary statement tip

Review the job description to pinpoint key responsibilities, such as tracking and maintaining purchase orders, or resolving invoice issues. Make sure you highlight skills and past experiences that address these responsibilities.

Skills to feature

  • Mathematical skills
  • Inventory management
  • Effective communication skills
  • Customer service approach
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail

Get to the next level

To move up the organizational chain, focus on further developing these areas:

  • Evidence of maintaining an excellent working relationship with customers
  • Gaining a full understanding of all aspects of supply chain processes
  • Proficiency in training junior employees in distribution functions
  • Proven ability to maintain accurate records, back-order logs and regulatory reporting

Supply Chain Manager $107,480 Median Salary

Resume Format

Chronological Resume

For this senior position, use a chronological format for your resume, which highlights your work history section. Use your experiences to prove your ability to manage a team and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Summary statement tip

Increase your memorability factor with the reader by including quantifiable aspects into the summary statement. Also, provide a specific example of how you’ve helped businesses increase efficiency, such as improving performance standards and cross-training of employees to perform functions.

Skills to feature

  • Understanding of cross-cultural/global issues
  • Excellent analytical and cost-accounting skills
  • Ability to understand financial statements
  • Project management
  • Self-starter
  • Flexibility
  • Business ethics

Get to the next level

To continue moving up in your professional career, gain experience in these areas:

  • Knowledge of operational policies, and examples where you’ve contributed to reducing inefficiency
  • Examples of superior negotiation and conflict resolution strategies
  • Organizing training and development programs
  • Managing staff, including addressing issues to improve employee collaboration and communication

Production resume FAQ

How should you format your resume based on your career level?

How you present your resume will depend heavily on your work history, accomplishments and relevant skills. The functional format works well if you lack work experience but can emphasize your skills and training. The chronological format is best if you can document a long, successful career path in production work, backed up with a brief list of prime skills. The combination format is a mix of the other two formats, and is a good choice if you want to give equal weight to your skills and work history.

What are the qualities and traits that employers are looking for in this industry?

To achieve success in this industry, you should display a good combination of practical, technical and soft skills. You should have in-depth knowledge of safety standards and procedures, along with an interest and aptitude for technology, and proficiency in specific equipment that matches what the job requires. You should also display useful intangible abilities such as the ability to be cross trained, attention to detail, strong communication skills and critical thinking.

What other useful skills, certifications and training should you pick up for this job category?

Make sure you have a solid foundation of basic training and certifications, in areas such as:

  • Certified Production Technician
  • Certified Automation Professional
  • Quality Engineer Certification
  • Project Management Professional Certification

You should be well-versed with basic data analytics, communication skills, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and use of digital tools and programming (including coding if required).