The forklift operator CV: safety and driving come first
A forklift operator (cariste in France) drives material handling equipment to move, store and load goods. Recruiters in logistics and manufacturing want safe, independent operators who hold the right CACES (the French equipment operator certificate). A clear CV that puts these points up front gets through the filters and reassures right away.
CACES R489: the number one detail
Since the reform, lift truck licenses fall under the CACES R489 standard. It's often a screening criterion, so list the categories you hold, with their expiration date:
- Category 1 (1A/1B): ride-on pallet jacks and stackers.
- Category 3: counterbalance forklifts (the most requested).
- Category 5: reach trucks (high-bay storage).
- Category 6: order pickers with an elevating operator platform.
Use exactly the categories the job posting asks for. Also mention whether your medical clearance is current and whether you hold an operating authorisation issued by an employer.
The skills to highlight
- Driving and maneuvering: stacking, unstacking, loading and unloading trucks, high-bay storage.
- Safety: following traffic rules, pre-shift equipment checks, safe lifting and posture, zero accidents.
- Accuracy: checking SKUs, managing locations, inventories.
- Tools: vehicle-mounted terminal, scanners, WMS (SAP, Reflex, Gildas...), reading pick tickets.
- Environment: logistics warehouse, manufacturing, food, cold storage, rotating shifts (2 or 3 shifts a day).
Good example: "Forklift operator, CACES R489 cat. 1-3-5, loading and unloading 25 trucks a day, stacking up to 11 m (36 ft), zero accidents in 3 years, daily use of the SAP WMS."
Forklift operator or order picker?
The two jobs overlap but the emphasis differs: a forklift operator highlights equipment operation and CACES, while an order picker highlights picking and pick rates. If you do both, say so clearly.
Watch the format: a CV with a busy design doesn't get through applicant tracking systems well. See why Canva CVs are often unreadable for ATS.
Test your forklift operator CV
CVpass compares your CV to the job posting, spots missing keywords (CACES categories, tools, safety) and suggests rewrites with numbers.
FAQ
Which CACES should I list on a forklift operator CV?
The CACES R489 categories you hold, with their expiration date. Most often that means 1, 3 and 5. Prioritise the ones the job posting asks for.
How do I add numbers to a forklift operator CV?
State your volumes (trucks or pallets per day), your stacking height, your accident-free track record and the tools you use (WMS, scanners). Numbers and safety reassure recruiters.
Can you be a forklift operator with no experience?
Yes, if you hold the CACES. Highlight the training you completed, your accuracy, your availability for rotating shifts and any manual or logistics job you've already done. See also writing a CV with no experience.
Read next
- Order picker CV: CACES and pick rates
- Delivery driver CV: license and customer service
- CV keywords: what recruiters look for
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