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Forklift operator: CV and cover letter examples

2 fully written cover letters, a ready CV with a placeholder portrait and practical tips – open the example and replace the details with yours.

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Cover letter examples

Each example is written for a different starting point. Borrow the structure, not the sentences – your own examples and numbers are what make a letter work.

1Experienced reach operatorExperienced

Ryan Walsh
30 Binley Road
Coventry CV3 1HZ
030 23125 355 · ryan.walsh@example.com

Midlands Distribution Centre
Wolfe
Unit 3, Logistics Way
Coventry CV3 4PE

DD Month YYYY

Application for the position of Reach truck operator

Dear Mr Wolfe,

twelve-metre racking, narrow aisles and pallets of glass bottles have been my workplace for five years at a drinks wholesaler. I operate reach and very-narrow-aisle machines and have had no reportable damage in that time.

I live in Coventry and would like to stop commuting to Birmingham. I am happy on rotating shifts, confident with handheld scanners and the warehouse system, and I help induct new starters when needed.

Yours sincerely,

Ryan Walsh

Enclosures
CV
Licence
Reference

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2Career changer with a new licenceCareer change

Donna Sefton
80 Foleshill Road
Coventry CV1 4JF
030 23125 745 · donna.sefton@example.com

Heartland Furniture Ltd
Cook
10 Trade Park
Coventry CV6 5RZ

DD Month YYYY

Application for the position of Forklift operator, goods in

Dear Ms Cook,

until last year I worked on a supermarket checkout. Since passing my counterbalance training this spring, I know logistics suits me better. During the work placement I unloaded lorries for two weeks without a single knock.

I am careful, calm and like it when everything is in its place at the end of the day. Early shifts suit me best, but lates are fine.

Yours sincerely,

Donna Sefton

Enclosures
CV
Certificate

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All people, companies and contact details in the examples are fictional.

CV example

A complete CV for the role – with an illustrated placeholder instead of a photo.

Preview of the CV of Ryan Walsh in the Compact design
Read the CV as text

Ryan Walsh

Forklift operator

30 Binley Road, Coventry CV3 1HZ · 030 23125 355 · ryan.walsh@example.com

Placeholder portrait: replace it with your photo in the editor, or remove it.

Work experience

  • 2021 – present
    Forklift operator
    Midlands Drinks Wholesale, Birmingham
    • Reach and VNA up to 12 m
    • Put-away, picking, loading
    • Inducting new colleagues
  • 2016 – 2021
    Warehouse operative
    Coventry Building Supplies, Coventry

Education

  • 2005 – 2010
    Secondary school
    Caludon Castle School, Coventry

Training

  • 2021
    Forklift training: reach, VNA, counterbalance

Skills

Reach truck, VNA, Scanners, Load safety

Languages

English (Native)

Interests

Fishing, football

Use this CV template

Good to know

Your application in three steps

  1. Add your own photo – or none

    The example uses an illustrated placeholder. Replace it under “Choose photo” in the editor, or remove it: in the UK, US and many other countries a CV photo is not expected.

  2. Replace the details

    Name, contact, jobs, skills: everything is filled in and can be overwritten field by field.

  3. Save as PDF

    The PDF is created in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, no account needed.

What employers look for

Forklift operators load and unload, put away pallets and keep production supplied. You need recognised forklift training for the types you drive, care and good spatial awareness. Name the machines you are trained on.

  • Recognised forklift training and certificate

  • Counterbalance, reach or VNA experience

  • Safety awareness

  • Scanner and warehouse system use

  • Shift work

Tips for your application

Do

  • Name the machine types and lift heights.
  • Mention a clean safety record if true.
  • Say which shifts you can do.

Don’t

  • Overstate a licence without practice.
  • Hide damage if asked.
  • Leave availability unclear.
Typical interview questions

Prepare a short, honest example from your own work for each one.

  1. Which trucks have you operated?
  2. What do you check before a shift?
  3. How do you secure a load?
  4. What do you do with a damaged pallet?

Salary expectations

If the advert asks for your salary expectations, give an annual gross figure or a range you have researched – through pay scales, salary surveys from public sources or people who do the job. If it does not ask, leave pay out of the letter; it will come up in the interview.

Frequently asked questions
Is a certificate enough?

You also need to be authorised by your employer and given site-specific training for the equipment you will use.

Should I put a photo on my CV?

It depends on the country. In the UK, Ireland and the US a photo is usually left out to avoid bias, and many employers prefer CVs without one. In Germany and some other countries it is common but optional. If you use one: recent, friendly, plain background, dressed as you would be on a good day at work.

Can I copy the example letters?

Yes, they are free to use. But recruiters read a lot of letters – one with your own examples, numbers and a real reason for choosing this employer will always do better. Use the examples as scaffolding and write the sentences yourself.

Is my data stored anywhere?

No. The CV and the letter are created in your browser. Nothing is stored unless you switch on “Save the draft” in the editor – and then only on your device.

Related jobs

Finish your application

Cover letter and CV as PDF, certificates added, all in one file – small enough for any job portal.