What Skills Do I Need To Be A Warehouse Operative?
Do you have the right skills to be a warehouse operative? If you’re asking yourself this, it’s a good sign! Many people assume they have the right skills, but don’t know what they are getting into. So if you’re wondering whether or not you have the right skills to be a warehouse operative, it’s a sign you have enough respect for the job. That it itself is a great step one!
But what about the other skills? Warehouse work can be fun. You have your workmates, a clear job to do and ways to progress. But it’s not for everyone. You need to have a certain skill set to make a success of it.
Here are just some of the skills you really need to be a warehouse operative …
1. You need to have some physical fitness
Why?
Now, we’re not saying you need to be ready to enter a Premier League football team!
But you’re going to be on your feet a lot. So it will help if you can handle light exercise. You don’t want to be too out of puff before your first break!
That said, if you’re looking to get into shape, warehouse work can be a good way to get fit. Who needs a gym, eh?
You might need this skill for…
- Unloading containers
- Lifting
- Walking around the warehouse
- Standing
2. You need to be a hard worker
Why?
No job is easy. You could be getting paid to taste crisp flavors and even that would get tiring after a while! Warehouse work is the same.
That’s why one of the most important skills you need to be a good warehouse operative is the ability to work hard. You’re on your feet a lot. There will be busy times. Not everyone can handle it.
But if you’re the type of person who likes to finish what they’ve started, then you could be just what we’re looking for.
You might need this skill for…
- Busy times
- Last-minute orders
- Times when the team is understaffed
3. Speediness!
Why?
Don’t worry – you don’t need to be any Mo Farrah! But to keep on top of things, you do need to be able to keep an eye on the clock. Warehouses have targets like any other work environment.
To be a successful warehouse operative in a busy company, you need to have the skill of speed. You won’t be expected to go at lightning pace from day one, but if you can steadily build up your speed, that will definitely earn you some serious points!
You might need this skill for…
- Unloading containers at pace
- Storing large amounts of goods
- Cleaning up at the end of the day
4. A sharp eye for detail
Why?
An incorrectly named stock item can mean the difference between life and death, for some products! For example, if you’re working in the food industry.
Whatever duties you’ll be given, it’s vital you are switched on and alert to any errors. The success of the business you’re working for could depend on it!
You might need this skill for…
- Quality control
- Using a hand-held scanner
- Packing stock ready for orders
- Checking stock quality
5. A good sense of teamwork
Why?
You know the saying … there’s no “I” in team! There’s a reason some clichés are so popular … because they’re true. When it comes to a day in the life of a warehouse operative, this couldn’t be truer.
At the end of the day, when the chips are down, your team are the people you need to rely on. So it’s a good idea to make sure you’re on good terms with them when the chips are up!
But above all, the best reason to make friends with your workmates is because it will be fun. Who knows? You could make friends for life!
You might need this skill for…
- Times when you have a deadline coming up
- Working on the packing line
- Learning how to assemble
6. Flexibility
Why?
If you can’t go with the flow, you’ll just have to go! In our experience, people with the best skills for life as a warehouse operative are often the ones who can switch things up when needed.
Industrial business is hard to predict. For this reason, companies value people who can move with them. This may mean you accept a different shift pattern, or work in a different area of the warehouse from one week to the next.
You might need this skill for…
- Changes in staffing
- Sudden rise in demand
- Unexpected orders
7. The ability to work with your hands!
Why?
It’s no secret that industrial work is hands-on. You don’t need to be able to unpick a lock (although that helps!) but you do need to be confident using your hands. It’s nothing getting stuck in won’t improve in no time at all!
You might need this skill for…
- Basic assembly work
- Packing boxes up neatly
- Handling machinery
Start your industrial career today!
Whatever your skill set, with the right attitude, you can find industrial work that you will succeed at. If you think you have the dedication to make a success of your new job, then we would love to hear from you.
There’s no better feeling than sitting back at the end of a long day getting things done. What’s more, you could be setting yourself on the path to much greater things.
If you’re looking to get some factory or warehouse work and you feel you have the skills to be a great operative, then get in touch today.
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