Warehouse assistants perform various tasks such as storing and retrieving items, taking inventory, preparing shipments, and cleaning facilities. Physical fitness, good vision, basic math skills, and effective communication are essential. Forklift training and certification may be required. Job openings can be found through various sources, and a professional resume is important. Training may last one to two weeks, and with experience, advancement opportunities are available.
Warehouse assistants perform a variety of tasks in distribution centers, warehousing facilities and large independent warehouses for retail products. They store and retrieve items, take inventory, prepare shipments, and clean facilities. Education and training requirements to become a warehouse assistant can vary depending on the setting, but most people are able to find jobs with high school diplomas and little or no prior experience.
In general, a person who wants to become a warehouse assistant needs to be in good physical shape. Walking, bending and lifting are regular elements of the job, and it’s important to be fit enough to perform daily tasks without injuring yourself or taking frequent breaks. Good vision with or without the aid of glasses is essential for accurately reading order forms and finding items quickly. In addition, warehouse assistants often need strong basic math skills to take inventory and calculate weights and quantities of incoming and outgoing shipments. Finally, an individual must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, truck drivers and managers to ensure efficient operations.
Forklift training and certification is often required to become a warehouse assistant in some facilities. Many companies provide training for new employees within the first few weeks of employment, but obtaining certification beforehand can significantly improve a person’s chances of finding work. Many organizations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the United States, offer courses and exams in person, by mail, and online.
An individual who believes he is qualified to become a warehouse assistant can look for openings by browsing newspaper advertisements, visiting job search websites, and talking to current workers. It’s important to put together a professional looking resume when applying for jobs to maximize your chances of getting an interview. During an interview, a person must be honest about his skills and experience. An interviewee who speaks with confidence and shows real interest in the job will likely be rewarded with an entry-level position.
When a person is able to become a warehouse assistant, they can expect to spend one to two weeks in training. Experienced workers can explain policies and demonstrate procedures. Some warehouses require new assistants to work under close supervision or on probation for several weeks to ensure they can handle job responsibilities. With ongoing experience and proven skills, an assistant can become a warehouse manager or obtain an administrative office position.
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