Machine operators and machinists are the unsung heroes of the workshop. They take the plans, ideas and visions and transform them into concrete objects that make everyday life possible. Their advanced knowledge of both computer-aided and manual machines allows the rest of the production team to breathe easy – the project is in good hands.
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Machine operators are in huge demand, which means there are tons of employers waiting for your application – many who are even willing to teach you the skills you need to be a successful machinist. So how do you land one of these dream positions? This guide, plus our machine operator resume example, is designed to teach you everything you need to know.
Here's what you'll find within our machine operator resume guide (assisted by our more than 350 resume examples):
- The best practices for writing a machine operator resume in today's job market
- Tips on which resume format to use for a machine operator
- A breakdown of each section of your resume (summary, work history, skills, education)
- The do's and don'ts of resume layout and design
Sometimes an example is worth a thousand words. That's why we've created a machine operator resume sample that gives you a model to follow for your own resume. Check it out below.
What does a machine operator do?
Machine operators work with machines and equipment during manufacturing, packaging, or some form of production. Machine operators might work with computer-controlled equipment or more mechanically functioning machines. They may be responsible for setting machines up, controlling and adjusting them, and fixing any issues that might arise with the machine’s functioning.
Machine operators should be adept at thoroughly inspecting machinery to ensure their good condition and safety compliance standards. They should also keep organized activity logs consisting of important information relating to the machine’s final products. An ideal candidate has experience as a machine operator, or has an in-depth knowledge of machinery.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. job market for machine operators and machinists is projected to be fairly stable over the coming decade with growth of 4 percent. However, that doesn't tell the whole story. While many machinist jobs have been moved overseas, the U.S. also suffers from a lack of skilled workers. According to MSCdirect, more than 2 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled in the coming decade. If you are interested in starting a career as a machine operator, there's a position waiting for you!
Manufacturing and production are huge, diverse fields in terms of professions and skill-sets. There's a lot of additional material and inspiration to draw from our related production resume examples, such as:
- Production Worker resume sample
- Material Handler resume sample
- Manufacturing Technician resume sample
- Operations Manager resume sample
- Forklift Operator resume sample
- Production resume sample
- Machinist resume sample
- Assembler resume sample
- Quality Assurance resume sample
- Factory Worker resume sample
How to write a machine operator resume
A machine operator resume should clearly demonstrate a candidate’s understanding of production procedures and machine operation. Machine operators should have excellent communication skills and an understanding of the importance of teamwork.
Here are the sections you will find in our machine operator resume sample and that you need to include in yours:
- The resume header
- The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The resume skills section
- The education section
Unless emailing your resume or handing it in to a small shop, it's likely to go through a resume scanner known as an ATS. These algorithms, called Applicant Tracking Systems, are built into most online application portals. They rank resumes based on keywords and send only the highest-scoring to the hiring manager's desk. It might sound daunting but there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of beating the ATS.
- Read the job description carefully and look for any duties or skills that are emphasized.
- Place these "keywords" into the corresponding resume sections using the exact language from the job description.
- Create a resume layout that's well-organized so that the ATS and hiring manager can easily find what they're looking for.
- Try a resume checker that offers you suggestions for improvement.
Choosing the best resume format for machine operators
Our machine operator resume sample follows a reverse chronological format which is one of the most common ways to format your resume. The reverse chronological format begins with your current, or most recent role, and works backwards until you've listed all relevant experience.
Under each job heading, you can create bullet points that showcase your relevant duties and accomplishments. Make sure to use action verbs, numbers and facts to add more emphasis to your words. Our machine operator resume sample will give you a good idea of how to do this.
While the reverse chronological is the best resume format for machine operators with many years of machining experience, it's not your only option. You may also choose to create a combination format which begins with your top skills and experience before moving on to a smaller employment history section. This is a great choice if you have a variety of specialized skills to show without many places of employment.
Resume summary example
Highlight your biggest accomplishments and attributes in your machine operator resume summary (also known as a profile). A machine operator must be able to safely and effectively operate machines. A strong candidate will also explain to the hiring manager why the job is a good fit.
Your summary is also the best place to describe yourself and your strengths, including soft skills like teamwork and attitude, and offer examples of how you use them on the job. Check out the text from our machine operator resume example to see how it's done.
Dependable and attentive Machine Operator with 19 years of experience in industrial manufacturing. Well-versed in industry compliant safety standards. Certified in class-L machine maintenance and repairs. Managed and operated moving equipment, direct feeds, radial drill presses, power presses and variable speed belt machines. Possessing a strong work ethic and commitment to efficiency and process. A team player with an upbeat attitude and a willingness to stay until the work is done.
If you're looking to showcase some leadership qualities as well, you can check out how the Operations Manager resume sample handles this task.
Machine operator employment history sample
The employment history section of your machine operator resume is the place to list all positions relevant to the position you seek. Instead of stating your responsibilities, try compiling a list of your accomplishments with safety and efficiency to offer more details on your qualifications.
Check out our employment history section from our machine operator resume example:
Machine Operator at Catskills Products Inc., Bohemia, NY
July 2014 - Present
- Operate radial drilling machine in 23-part production process in automotive part manufacturing plant.
- Build an average of 105 components per hour and identify an efficiency that led to a 23% production increase.
- Maintain specialty tools and repairs for 13 milling machines under my direct supervision, including cleaning and part ordering.
- Received class-L machinery safety certification.
- Adept at machine set up and quality testing.
Machine Operator at Aztec Manufacturing Corp., Wichita, KS
April 2006 - December 2013
- Fed a direct feed machine in a manner consistent with a fast-paced production schedule.
- Perfect attendance record.
- Created templates to use and fit molds into to produce less.
- Logged over 5,000 hours on both a drill and power press performing repeated actions in a consistent and reliable manner.
- Certified in drill and power press safety standards and operations.
- Maintained a clean work environment free of debris.
Forklift Operator at Eagle Press Publishing, Weston, NY
March 2000 — July 2005
- Responsible for organizing and transporting all pallets of printed product onto delivery trucks in an orderly and timely manner.
- Implemented safety regulation standards to ensure a safe workplace.
- Maintained and repaired machines as needed.
- Received and stored production materials in appropriate areas.
- Completed all daily and quarterly inventory reports.
Skills section example
Skills are at the heart of a great machine operator resume. This section gives recruiters a quick look at what you can do on the job, so be sure you include the requirements your prospective employer has detailed in the job description.
Your skills section should include hard skills, such as your ability to operate certain machines, understand safety procedures, follow processes or use software. Also list soft skills, or the general personality traits that make you a reliable employee. These include communication, organization and dedication.
Here are some ideas from our machine operator resume example.
- Workplace Safety Standards
- Advanced Mechanics
- Excellent Physical Stamina
- Time Management
- Knowledge of Hand and Power Tools
Education section example
The education section of your machine operator resume is the place to list all degrees and certifications . Any honors or distinctions should be noted here as well. Machine operators typically need a high school diploma and training.
If you hold a degree higher than a bachelors, you may leave out your high school. Check out the education section from our machine operator resume example below.
High School Diploma, Catskill Senior High School, Catskill, NY
August 1995 - May 1999
CV layout and design
Your machine operator resume layout doesn't need to be fancy, but a professional design will go a long way toward making sure you've presented yourself as a serious candidate. A clean, well-organized design shows HR you care about the position and are committed to making a good impression.
Clear sections will also help your resume be scanned by the ATS and increase your chances of making it to the hiring manager's desk.
A ready-to-go resume template can help you keep a balance of white space to text while making sure that your headings, fonts and sizes are all uniform. Here are some more tips to be sure that your resume layout is designed to impress.
- Use common section names like Employment History or Education so as not to confuse hiring managers or the ATS
- Limit your resume to one page
- Create a header that stands out and highlights your name and contact information
- Use multiple colors, fonts or eccentric design elements
- Overload the reader with too much text
- Forget to proofread before you submit
Key takeaways for a machine operator resume
- A great machine operator resume can help you get noticed and land one of the multitude of openings in this critical field.
- Don't forget to inject some personality into your summary and add some personal qualities that hiring managers are looking for.
- Beat the ATS by reading the job description closely and incorporating keywords with the exact language from the job description.
- Make sure to use action verbs, numbers and facts to show your effectiveness in your employment history section.
- Follow our machine operator resume example for an idea of how to create a great layout and design.
