Eye-Grabbing Logistics Resumes Examples

ﾠ

TIP: Need a resume? Click here to view our Resume Samples.

Introduction

Whether you’re already a logistics manager or that’s you goal, you understand that every step in the supply chain is important. It’s the same when it comes to writing your resume, and your first step should be to research logistics resume samples. By taking the time to see how others in the field have presented their qualifications, you’ll get a feel for the kind of information you should include and the format options that are currently in vogue.

As you read further, you’ll learn about the recommended resume sections and the order in which they should logically appear. You’ll also find guidance to help you highlight your qualifications in a way that will appeal to a potential employer, and you’ll learn about common mistakes to avoid.

What to Include in a Logistics Resume

While examining logistics resume samples for inspiration and formatting ideas, you’ll likely notice that no two resumes are the same. Each job seeker approaches the process with different levels of education, experience and qualifications, and their resumes reflect those differences. It’s often those variations that appeal to a hiring manager, so strive to emphasize your individuality while conforming to the basic structural constructs of the modern resume.

There are three accepted resume formats to choose from, so while the content will vary significantly, they share essentially the same framework. The recommended sections for a basic chronological style, which focuses on your consistent work history, are:

Contact info (name/phone/email)
Resume summary
Work experience
Skills
Education

The functional style, which allows your achievements to stand out in a new “Accomplishments” section often works well for those with employment gaps, jobs not relevant to the logistics industry, or job seekers who are looking for a career change.

The third option is a combination style, which you can create by using the best elements of both styles.

Examples of each of the formats mentioned above can be found in the logistics resume samples already identified.

How to Write the Logistics Resume Summary Statement

As you compile the sections of your resume, consider the importance of your resume summary statement, which is the first element that a potential employer will read. It’s your introduction. Make the most of it by putting the spotlight on your greatest hits. You want the reader to see an accomplished professional who they want to get to know better.

Some guidelines as your write your resume summary statement:

It should only be 2-3 statements long
There should be no first-person pronouns in your summary statement, or anywhere in your resume
Use incomplete sentences
If possible, state a problem, your solution, and the positive result for the company

To appeal to a potential employer, review their job description so you can describe yourself and your accomplishments in a way that will add value to their organization.

Reviewing logistics resume samples to get a feel for well-written summary statements will also help you identify the right tone and composition style. Additionally, following are two more examples for your consideration and inspiration:

Logistics supervisor with over 10 years experience in the manufacturing sector. Conducted system evaluation of resources needed for production line and made recommendations for improvements that streamlined availability of resources while eliminating backlog of production. Saved the company in man hours and overtime while increasing output.

Experienced logistics professional who is able to communicate with senior executives about issues like fleet-truck efficiencies as well as management concerns like economic profit and cash flow. Was equally able to discuss and manage supplier delivery schedules, reflecting the important but rare quality of succeeding at cross-company and cross-functional challenges.

How to Write the Logistics Work Experience Section

If you’ve decided to follow the chronological format, your work experience section will follow your resume summary statement. In this format, you’ll list your previous employment, most recent job first, and 3-5 bullet points highlighting your accomplishments and responsibilities. Each job will be its own sub-heading containing your job title, the company name and location, and employment period.

A typical job listing would look like this:

Logistics Supervisor
ABC Manufacturing – Cleveland, OH
August 2009 – February 2016

Monitored supplier deliveries to ensure raw materials for production line were always available when needed
Identified areas that needed improvement and proposed solutions to management
Used complex ERP software to track inventory and warehousing

If, however, you’ve decided on the functional format, now is the time to insert the Accomplishments section. Because you don’t have to identify your achievements by linking them to an employer, you can focus more on matching your responsibilities and accomplishments to the potential employer’s requirements.

You should have 6-8 bullet points in this section that enable you to effectively appeal to the employer’s needs by mirroring them. The bullet points in either resume style should identify a problem, your solution, and the positive result.

After you’ve completed the accomplishments section, you can move on to the now scant work experience section, which will be a simple list of relevant previous jobs/employers. There’s no need to indicate employment dates, which will allow you to avoid a focus on possible gaps in employment.

The combination style is another alternative, and if you’d like to see how others have combined the chronological and functional styles, take a look at the logistics resume samples you’ve already identified.

Action Verbs to Include in Your Logistics Work Experience Section

At every point in your resume where you have an opportunity to describe your skills and qualifications, it’s important to use action verbs to bring your attributes to life. Samples of industry-related action verbs follow:

Manage
Understand
Design
Review
Propose
Analyze
Coordinate
Oversee
Evaluate
Develop
Apply
Perceive
Instruct
Monitor
Plan
Process
Lead
Link
Innovate
Inspire

A quick scan of logistics resume samples will likely provide additional action verbs to consider.

How to Write the Logistics Skills Section

If you’re aiming for a position as a logistics manager, you already know that a specific skill set is required to do the job, and not everyone is up to the challenge. By reviewing the employer’s job description, you’ll have an idea of which skills are most important to them and you should list those first.

Do your best to direct the hiring manager’s attention to the skills that show you’re able to manage the entire life cycle of a product. Consider what it takes to get the right product, in the right quantity, delivered on time to the right customer at the right cost.

Personalize your skills section to fit your actual abilities, and make sure you present them in a logical fashion. An example of a well-written skills section is provided below:

Technology:

ERP systems like SAP and Oracle
Proficient with Excel and Access
MS SQL Server

Functional Expertise:

Shipping routes
Warehousing
Freight rates and fuel costs
Inventory management
Production planning
Distribution and delivery

Competencies:

Customer focus
Planning and organization
Problem solving
Conflict management
Teamwork and collaboration
Results focused
Systems thinking
Strong judgment and decision making skills

Take another look at the logistics resume samples for formatting ideas and even additional skills you can honestly claim.

How to Write the Logistics Education Section

The education section is your final opportunity to separate yourself from the crowd. Whatever your highest level of education, it should be listed first. Degrees should be listed by the school attended, school location, and degree obtained. If you’re currently working on a degree, list that information in the same format with the qualifier that the degree is “in progress.”

A combination of experience, certification and an associate’s degree may qualify a job seeker for certain logistician jobs, but the typical educational requirement for most positions is a bachelor”â„¢s degree. Degrees in business, systems engineering or supply chain management are particularly attractive to employer’s hiring for a logistics manager position

While certification isn’t required, it can indicate your commitment to your profession, and if you’re certified or are enrolled in a certification program, that’s valuable information for the employer. If you have something to list, create a sub-heading called “Certifications” that might that might include some of the information below:

Certifications:

APICS certified in production and inventory management (CPIM)
APICS certified supply chain professional (CSCP)
APICS certified supply chain operations reference professional (SCOR-P)
American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL) certified logistician
International Society of Logistics (SOLE) certified logistician

If you’ve received in-house training on ERP software at a previous job, or relevant training while serving in the military, include that training under its own sub-heading.

By referring to the job description to make sure you meet the employer’s educational requirements and examining logistics resume samples to see how others have done it, you’ll be able to present your education in the best possible light

Should I Include References in my Logistics Resume

References should be listed on a separate document, and they shouldn’t be sent as an attachment to your resume either. Simply state that they’re available upon request.

When the employer asks for them, you’ll know for sure they’re interested. You can give your references a heads-up to be expecting a call, and you can ask them to let you know when they’ve been contacted and how it went.

When you’re compiling your reference list, choose 3-4 previous supervisors or managers with whom you’ve worked well. In the logistics sector, it’s common to continue using certain vendors from job to job; so if there’s a vendor you’ve developed a strong relationship who could be seen as a desirable contact for the potential employer, they could fill out your list.

Logistics Resume Fails: Mistakes to Avoid

You’re applying for a position in the logistics industry, so you need to show your ability to see the big picture, even in the writing of your resume. There should be a logical flow, a focus on your ability to do the job, and every word should direct the employer’s attention to your logistical prowess. Reread it from the employer’s perspective and make changes as necessary.
If your resume is more than two pages, it’s too long. Go back and whittle it down to what’s important. The more concise your resume is, the more focused you look. If you have large blocks of dense text, it may not even get read. Make it easy for the employer to learn about you.
Even if you had an employer that made it almost impossible to do your job well, don’t let that negativity show through in your resume. Be positive. Employers don’t want to hire someone with a bad attitude.
You don’t have to list every job you ever had. Most employers consider jobs in the last 10-15 years to be relevant. If you’re concerned about age discrimination, be careful about going all the way back to your first job out of school.

Job Prospects in the Logistics Industry

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth for all occupations from 2014 to 2024 to grow at 7 percent.

Employment of logisticians, however, is projected to grow slower than the average, at 2 percent. Part of the reason for the moderate growth is because logisticians are concentrated in the declining sectors of government and manufacturing. However, because of the global economy and the complexities of logistics, logisticians will be needed to gain more efficiencies at minimal cost. The military requires a great deal of logistical work and private firms will help meet those needs.

The highest concentration of employment for logisticians: