Top warehouse skills to look for in candidates

1. Warehouse experience

Included in 22.75% of warehouse job postings

Many employers look for candidates with prior warehouse experience as it may shorten the training time and increase productivity. If you prefer or require previous warehouse work, list specific warehouse skills or duties based on what’s expected in your role.

Consider these examples when you’re writing descriptions and including experience requirements:

• 1-2 years of experience working in a warehouse environment.
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS).

2. Forklift

Included in 21.16% of warehouse job postings

Forklifts handle the heavy lifting in warehouses. Looking for trained forklift drivers who operate the machinery regularly can keep your warehouse safe. List forklift operation in your warehouse skills if you use the equipment.

Consider these examples when your job description includes forklift requirements:

• Holds current OSHA -compliant forklift certification or has the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Experience operating heavy machinery, such as a forklift, in a warehouse environment.

3. Communication skills

Included in 17.49% of warehouse job postings

Clear, consistent communication between warehouse workers improves safety and productivity. Verbal communication helps team members convey what’s happening. Written communication often happens through emails, memos and documentation in your record-keeping software. List specific communication methods and skills necessary for candidates.

Consider these examples when you’re including communication skills in your job description:

• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills to coordinate team efforts and ensure smooth operations.
• Reads and understands work orders, communicates clearly with other team members and updates supervisors.

4. Customer service

Included in 12.42% of warehouse job postings

Warehouse workers frequently interact with their coworkers rather than customers, but warehouse positions might include customer interactions. If that happens with your company, look for candidates who have customer service skills so they can communicate well and resolve issues for customers.

Craft warehouse worker interview questions similar to these examples when you’re writing descriptions:

• Utilizes strong customer service and resolution skills to handle interactions with clients and resolve issues efficiently.
• Handles customer inquiries related to order status or shipping with professionalism and accuracy.

5. English

Included in 11.39% of warehouse job postings

Because effective communication is essential in a constantly moving warehouse environment, language skills might be on your list of warehouse skills. Ensuring that all employees speak English cuts down on potential language barriers that could affect productivity. This can be helpful with a diverse workforce.

Consider these examples when including English skills in your job description:

• Fluent in English to ensure clear and effective communication in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to write and understand emails and other forms of communication in English.

6. Computer skills

Included in 10.74% of warehouse job postings

Warehouses often rely on software programs to manage inventory and process orders. Having effective computer skills means a candidate knows how to use various programs, such as email and order management programs. If a candidate must have experience with specific software, make it clear in your job description.

Consider these examples when including computer skills in your warehouse job description:

• Demonstrates proficiency with inventory management software to track and process orders accurately.
• Proficient in basic computer tasks, including email communication and data entry.

7. Basic math

Included in 7.29% of warehouse job postings

Managing warehouse inventory requires basic math skills, including counting and basic operations. Measurements, weights, and storage space calculations might also be necessary for accuracy. Decide which math skills your employees need and list them in your job descriptions.

Consider these examples of basic math skills for your warehouse job description:

• Performs accurate calculations of inventory quantities and material weights to ensure proper stock management.
• Applies basic math skills to measure and record inventory levels accurately.

8. Microsoft Office

Included in 5.68% of warehouse job postings

Microsoft Office encompasses several software programs for different tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheets, email management, calendars and presentations. Warehouses use these tools for record-keeping, organization and communication. If you use Microsoft Office, list individual software programs or the general suite.

Consider these examples when you’re including Microsoft Word skills in your warehouse job description:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, for effective record-keeping and communication.
• Utilizes Microsoft Word for generating reports and maintaining documentation.

9. Computer literacy

Included in 5.41% of warehouse job postings

Strong computer literacy skills allow warehouse workers to perform various tasks on a computer, from data entry to controlling equipment like conveyors. This adaptability is crucial in warehouses that rely on technology for operations.

Consider these examples when including computer literacy as a skill in your warehouse job description:

• Shows strong computer literacy skills to adapt quickly to new software and technologies.
• Comfortable with basic computer functions, including data entry and navigating software interfaces.

10. Microsoft Excel

Included in 5.16% of warehouse job postings

Some warehouses use Microsoft Excel to manage inventory, so understanding how to use various features, such as filters and formulas, can help candidates succeed. You might include Excel skills if the program is your main inventory management tool.

Consider these examples when you need to include Microsoft Excel skills in your job descriptions::

• Demonstrates proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including functions, macros, and conditional formatting, to manage inventory effectively.
• Uses Excel to track inventory levels and generate reports on stock status.

11. Driving

Included in 4.84% of warehouse job postings

Warehouses often require workers to operate vehicles such as forklifts, box trucks, or other warehouse vehicles. Safe driving skills are essential for transporting inventory efficiently and safely within or between warehouse locations.

Consider these examples when you’re including driving skills in your job description:

• Safely operates warehouse vehicles, including forklifts and box trucks, to transport inventory.
• Holds a valid driver’s license with experience driving warehouse vehicles.

12. Organizational skills

Included in 3.93% of warehouse job postings

Organization is crucial in a warehouse setting, where materials are constantly moved, and inventory levels frequently change. Well-organized workers contribute to a safer and more efficient work environment.

Consider these examples when you’re adding organizational skills to your job description:

• Maintains a well-organized workspace to enhance productivity and safety in the warehouse.
• Organizes inventory systematically to ensure easy access and efficient stock management.

13. Time management

Included in 3.84% of warehouse job postings

With inventory constantly coming in and out, workers need to use their time efficiently to keep tasks on schedule. Prioritization and time management allow workers to keep deliveries on schedule and ensure all tasks get completed on time. You might list this skill if your warehouse is fast-paced and relies on tight deadlines.

Here are some examples of time management skills you can include in your job description:

• Effectively manages time to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
• Demonstrates strong time management skills by completing tasks efficiently and on schedule.

14. Manufacturing

Included in 3.67% of warehouse job postings

Manufacturing skills are important in warehouses that handle product assembly or production. These skills include operating machinery, understanding production processes, and ensuring product quality. Include manufacturing skills if part of the job is assembling or producing products within your warehouse.

Consider these examples when you’re adding manufacturing experience to your warehouse job description:

• Applies manufacturing techniques to assemble products according to quality standards.
• Operates manufacturing equipment to meet production targets and maintain product quality.

15. Supervising experience

Included in 3.45% of warehouse job postings

Supervising experience involves overseeing other warehouse employees. Being an effective warehouse supervisor requires interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks. If you’re hiring a warehouse supervisor, mention this experience requirement in your posting.

Consider these examples when adding supervisory experience to your job description:

• Leads a team of warehouse employees, ensuring productivity and adherence to safety protocols.
• Oversees daily operations and manages staff schedules to maintain efficient workflow.

16. Management

Included in 3.3% of warehouse job postings

Warehouse managers typically take on more responsibilities than supervisors. Management experience often develops analytical skills, delegation and interpersonal communication. Consider adding these skills when you hire for a warehouse management role or if the candidate will serve as a backup to the manager.

Consider these examples of management skills to include in your job description:

• Applies exceptional warehouse management skills to oversee operations and improve efficiency.
• Leads and develops a team to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.

17. Materials handling

Included in 2.89% of warehouse job postings

Warehouse workers often handle materials, supplies and inventory. This requires knowledge of how to lift, load, unload and transport materials safely. Some warehouses might require workers to handle hazardous materials. Detail the types of materials to ensure candidates have previous handling experience.

Consider these examples when you need materials handling experience in your warehouse job description:

• Safely loads, unloads, and moves materials to ensure efficient warehouse operations.
• Experienced in handling hazardous materials, following proper safety protocols.

18. Bilingual

Included in 2.85% of warehouse job postings

Multiple languages can come into play in the warehouse when you run a diverse company or work with clients and vendors from other countries. Bilingual workers can improve communication between colleagues. If you need employees who speak a language other than English, specify this in your warehouse worker job ad.

Consider these examples when your job description requires bilingualism:

• Communicates fluently in both Spanish and English to enhance communication within a diverse workforce.
• Facilitates communication between English-speaking and [Second Language]-speaking team members.

19. Microsoft Word

Included in 2.84% of warehouse job postings

Microsoft Word is used in warehouses for creating and managing documents, such as inventory tracking sheets, reports and customer statements. Proficiency in Word is important for roles involving documentation and record-keeping.

Consider these examples when you’re adding Microsoft Word skills to your job description:

• Demonstrates advanced Microsoft Word skills to create and manage documents effectively.
• Uses Microsoft Word to draft and format documents related to warehouse operations.

20. Shipping and receiving

Included in 2.43% of warehouse job postings

Shipping and receiving skills refer to managing goods that come into and out of the warehouse. This includes accepting materials and inventory, recording material movement and ensuring the items end up where they belong. Mention this skill if the person you’re hiring will be responsible for shipping and receiving.

Consider these examples when you need shipping and receiving skills in your warehouse job description:

• Manages incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring accurate recording and timely processing.
• Coordinates shipping and receiving tasks to maintain accurate inventory records.

21. Writing skills

Included in 2.28% of warehouse job postings

Writing skills are important for documenting inventory changes, communicating with team members, and maintaining accurate records in the warehouse. Clear writing ensures that all information is properly conveyed and understood.

Consider these examples when adding writing skills to your job descriptions:

• Documents inventory changes and communication details clearly and accurately in written form.
• Uses strong writing skills to create accurate reports and maintain clear communication.

22. Warehouse distribution

Included in 2.18% of warehouse job postings

Warehouse distribution skills involve managing the flow of products from the warehouse to their final destinations, such as retail stores. These skills are crucial for ensuring that shipments are accurate and timely.

Consider these examples when requiring warehouse distribution skills in your job description:

• Manages the flow of products through the warehouse distribution center to ensure timely and accurate shipments.
• Coordinates distribution tasks to optimize inventory management and shipping schedules.

23. Leadership

Included in 2.14% of warehouse job postings

Even if a warehouse job isn’t a supervisory or management role, the candidate will likely benefit from leadership skills. These encompass conflict resolution, motivation, communication and decisiveness. Include this skill preference if you’re looking for a worker to motivate and unite the team.

Consider these examples when including leadership skills in your job description:

• Demonstrates effective, motivating leadership skills to foster a productive and cohesive team environment.
• Motivates team members and facilitates conflict resolution to maintain a cohesive workforce.

24. Pallet jack

Included in 2.1% of warehouse job postings

A pallet jack is an alternative to a forklift for moving pallets of material around the warehouse. Related skills involve knowing how to operate the equipment correctly and safely. This skill makes a good addition to your job ad if you use pallet jacks in your warehouse.

Consider these examples when you’re adding pallet jack requirements to your job description:

• Operates a pallet jack safely to move materials efficiently around the warehouse.
• Experienced in using pallet jacks to transport materials, ensuring smooth and safe operations.

25. Inventory control

Included in 2.1% of warehouse job postings

Inventory control involves managing inventory in the warehouse, including tracking and organizing items. Effective inventory control skills help maximize profit by decreasing waste and loss. All warehouse workers play a role in inventory management, but some positions are tasked with specific duties. Mention the skill if you’re hiring for one of those positions.

Consider these examples when you’re including inventory control skills to your warehouse job description:

• Maintains accurate inventory records and ensures effective inventory control processes are followed.
• Monitors and adjusts stock levels to minimize waste and optimize warehouse operations.

Other top warehouse skills in demand

Here are an additional 25 warehouse skills that are common in warehouse job postings on Indeed:

26. Heavy lifting: Included in 2.04% of warehouse job postings

27. Maths: Included in 1.97% of warehouse job postings

28. Stocking: Included in 1.93% of warehouse job postings

29. Spanish: Included in 1.87% of warehouse job postings

30. Warehouse management system: Included in 1.72% of warehouse job postings

31. Microsoft Outlook: Included in 1.7% of warehouse job postings

32. Mechanical knowledge: Included in 1.52% of warehouse job postings

33. Data entry: Included in 1.43% of warehouse job postings

34. Analysis skills: Included in 1.36% of warehouse job postings

35. Microsoft PowerPoint: Included in 0.99% of warehouse job postings

36. Logistics: Included in 0.97% of warehouse job postings

37. Restaurant experience: Included in 0.87% of warehouse job postings

38. Commercial driving: Included in 0.82% of warehouse job postings

39. Order picker: Included in 0.81% of warehouse job postings

40. ERP systems: Included in 0.79% of warehouse job postings

41. Windows: Included in 0.71% of warehouse job postings

42. Reach truck: Included in 0.69% of warehouse job postings

43. Cashiering: Included in 0.67% of warehouse job postings

44. SAP: Included in 0.67% of warehouse job postings

45. Hand tools: Included in 0.63% of warehouse job postings

46. Box truck: Included in 0.62% of warehouse job postings

47. Load and unload: Included in 0.59% of warehouse job postings

48. Cherry picker: Included in 0.54% of warehouse job postings

49. Oracle: Included in 0.5% of warehouse job postings

50. Freight: Included in 0.5% of warehouse job postings

¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023