Distributor Resume Examples

Writing a well thought out and organized resume is one of the most important tasks in the distribution job application process. If you’re initially intimidated by this task and looking for a way to make it easier, think of your skills and experience as products that you need to deliver to the hiring manager. Just as quality is important in the warehouse, so is it in the resume writing world, so you might want to look at several distribution resume samples first before you begin writing this important document.

The better your resume is, the higher chances you will have when it comes to getting a call for an interview. The steps listed in this guide will help you decide which skills to highlight and how to present your work experience and education. You will also discover how to avoid making common resume mistakes.

The first step in writing an impressive resume is sifting through your inventory of qualifications, skills and experience to determine what should appear in your end product. No two resumes will look the same because everyone comes from different backgrounds and every job has different requirements.

Looking at other distribution resume samples will give you a good idea of the structure of resumes and the types of information you should include. Whether you are looking for an entry-level position as a distribution clerk or you are an expert logistician furthering your career, the following sections should appear in your resume.

• Summary Statement
• Skills
• Work History
• Education

As illustrated in distribution resume samples, the format you choose determines how you present the information.

Veteran distributors often prefer the chronological format as it allows them to illustrate their career in a logical progression from specialized schooling to their most recent employment. The functional resume is utilized by entry-level professionals and those who do not have as much work experience in their background. With a functional format, you can focus more on your core skills and education rather than practical job experience.

Once you figure out which format is best for you, it is time to start filling in the sections with information that will make you stand apart from the other candidates.

Both resume types will feature a summary statement at the top, which provides the potential employer a brief and engaging overview of your professional history. You will benefit from reading a number of distribution resume samples that relate to your specialty before writing this section.

You will notice that there are no personal pronouns used in the summary statement. Instead, you will write concise sentence fragments that describe your professional status, duties and abilities. Pick the most important aspects of your distribution career for the summary to make a good first impression on the hiring manager.

You can use a combination of work experience, specialized training and core skills. If you’re not sure where to start, review the job description for the position you’re applying for. The company will most likely state exactly what they are looking for in a candidate, so you can use that information to enhance your own resume.

Take a look at the following summary statements while you review other distribution resume samples.

• Organized distribution clerk with a strong focus on efficiency and accuracy. Responsible for coordinating products in terms of shipment, returns and stocking. Skilled at inventory management and operating computerized systems. Experience in paper, plastic and packaging products.
• Dedicated warehouse distribution manager with over 10 years of experience in the retail industry. Executes timely distribution of products to nationwide retail chains. Exhibits strong leadership abilities while supervising teams of distributors. Strong communication skills when managing client and business relationships.

Most high level distribution jobs require some type of degree or training, so those achievements need to be mentioned on your resume.

In a chronological format, the education section will usually be listed underneath the work history section in the resume.

Functional resumes may have an expanded education section detailing job-related courses you’ve taken or certifications that you have earned. You will see how to format this section by looking at distribution resume samples. If your education is more relevant to the job than your work experience, then list this portion first.

Regardless of format, the best way to detail each of your educational achievements is to list the degree, license or certification you earned. You will also add the name and location of the school you attended. It is up to your discretion whether or not to include dates. A general rule is that if you graduated more than 10 years ago, you do not need to put the date. Do mention courses that you are currently enrolled in even if you are still working towards the degree or diploma.

Whether you have been in the distribution industry for years or you are just starting out at the entry level, every resume should have a work experience section.

As you can see in distribution resume samples, the basics you should include in a chronological resume are the position you held, the company you worked for, the location and the corresponding dates. You will also describe some highlights from each role to further explain your experience and qualifications. The description can be a combination of duties, achievements and skills.

There is no need to list every responsibility you upheld, but try to pick out ones that relate to the job you’re applying for. Quantifiable achievements always look impressive on a resume; for example, discuss your role with the company, how many products you were able to move daily and your time management skills. Start each statement with an action verb.

Depending on the level of the position, you only need to include about three to five previous positions. Pay special attention to the types of jobs that are listed on distribution resume samples. Jobs that relate to the field and specialty look the best, but if you are starting at the entry level, it is okay to include unrelated positions as long as you highlight the skills you picked up that will help you in distribution.

In a functional resume, you’ll emphasize your duties and accomplishments in an expanded skills section. You work experience section will merely become a simplified collection of your previous positions with the most relevant listed first.

When describing your work history, you want to use powerful verbs that stand out to the potential employer. Action verbs, such as those listed below, show that you take an active role in your career and know how to accomplish results. You will find more good words to use by reviewing distributor resume samples. After you’ve gained some inspiration, try to come up with some more on your own.

• Manage
• Coordinate
• Execute
• Arrange
• Conduct
• Distribute
• Ship
• Report
• Return
• Analyze
• Monitor
• Implement
• Maintain
• Develop
• Operate
• Uphold
• Perform

The skills section is often placed underneath the summary statement, especially in a functional resume, but it can also go at the end as in a chronological resume. Compare different distribution resume samples to see where it might fit best for your background.

There are a number of different skills you can include under this section, so try to be creative. Distributors can list organizational skills they have picked up throughout their career. You may also have some engineering-related skills under your belt if you are in logistics. Soft skills like communication and teamwork are good choices to add in this area too.

You can also get more technical with your skills section by including specific software programs you know how to use or specialized equipment you are trained to operate. Consider things you know how to do and aspects of the job that the employer would find desirable. The following examples may help you generate some more ideas.

• Knowledge of Inventory Procedures
• Logistics Projects
• Flexible Schedule
• Organizational and Analytical Skills

Distribution resume samples will show you how to format the skills section and where to place it. Chronological formats usually have a list format in one or two columns. Functional and combination resumes may have longer descriptions of particular skills to make up for a smaller work experience section. Think of the skills section as your core qualifications for the job you want to come up with some great abilities to include.

Some professionals leave room for references on their resume, but this practice is not the best. The resume should be all about your skills, experience and education. There will be a time later for references, but they do not belong on the resume.

It is not a bad idea to start thinking of who to use for references so that you’ll be ready when the hiring manager asks for them. You can use previous supervisors, business partners and coworkers who can speak highly of your distribution abilities.

• Distribution jobs are expected to be in high demand between 2012 and 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job opportunities will grow over this time period by 13 percent to 22 percent depending on the field and specialty.

Professionals who specialize in logistics will have the highest prospects when it comes to finding a job. Businesses are in constant need of moving products in order to maintain and increase profitability. Both the business and military sectors are always looking to enhance their efficiency of supply chains. The distribution industry is expected to have openings across all levels of employment from clerk to supervisor.