Do you like order and structure? Can you perform well under pressure and complete difficult tasks with accuracy? If so, a job as an order selector may be for you. Order selectors are found in a warehouse taking care of packaging and deliveries so that companies can send out their products to their consumers as soon as possible.
Order selectors are required to be familiar with handling equipment in the warehouse, like forklifts and other heavy machinery, to prioritize the safety of the staff and meet regulatory guidelines. The main job of an order selector is to fulfill orders by grabbing products from the inventory shelves and packaging them up in envelopes or boxes. They can get deliveries out on time to ensure a happy customer and boss at the same time.
Sample job description
[Your Company Name] is looking for an experienced order selector to join our company. The ideal candidate would be able to work independently to fulfill orders, but can also be a team player when the warehouse crew needs to work together to clean the storage area and maintain inventory control. They need to be organized and follow guidelines to ensure the safety of themselves and others. While the job can become stressful at times due to several orders, it can also be fun as you pack orders in a fast-paced environment and get them to the truck for delivery.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Gather order information to fulfill deliveries
- Grab ordered items from storage using barcodes and serial numbers
- Perform everyday warehouse duties as needed
- Securely wrap items before putting them in envelopes or boxes
- Operate warehouse equipment complying with safety regulations
- Determine potential risks before using warehouse equipment
- Receive and follow directions given by a supervisor
- Review documentation and work procedures
- Put items in envelopes or boxes and seal them shut
- Update inventory after deliveries are sent out
- Label order shipments for quick identification
- Keep warehouse clean and organized
- Perform regular inspection of orders to ensure they are accurate and ready for shipment
- Communicate with colleagues to maximize work completion
- Load delivery trucks and other vehicles
Education and experience
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- 2+ years of experience in a similar role working in a warehouse
Required skills and qualifications
- Proficiency using a barcode scanner
- Independent to work independently
- Ability to stay motivated
- Understands industry safety regulations
- Good team player
- High physical strength and stamina
- Great oral communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure while reaching quick deadlines
- Attention to detail
- Basic computer skills
- Can work in a fast-paced environment for long hours
- Good mechanical skills
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds
- Able to keep on your feet for hours without fail
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with inventory management
- Forklift license
- Solid mathematical skills
- Experience with handling warehouse equipment
Typical work environment
Order selectors work in warehouses or storage facilities managing inventory and fulfilling orders for the company they work for. Work can be stressful since the job demands speed and accuracy when completing orders. It can also be physically tiring as they spend the majority of their work time on their feet moving stuff around. Order selectors need to be organized and focused to ensure the safety of themselves and others while using large equipment. One of the most common pieces of equipment they use is forklifts, so having your license is extremely important.
Typical hours
Order selectors are typically full-time employees with a 40-hour workweek. However, some companies offer part-time positions if that better fits the needs of your schedule. Most won’t have the normal 9-5 hours, so you can expect to work early mornings or late nights depending on the company you work for.
Available certifications
As order selectors work on fulfilling orders, there are many certifications that they can earn that will help them work more efficiently at their job. Check them out below:
- OSHA Forklift Certification & Online Training. Obtaining your forklift license will make you a competitive candidate. It is required by law to have a forklift license, so most companies require you to earn the certification before you start the job. During this training, you will learn how to safely operate a forklift by learning how to drive, lift, and transport items using the machine. Not only will your employer be thanking you for earning this certificate beforehand, but you will thank yourself since forklifts allow you to quickly move items around the warehouse that would normally take you hours to do yourself.
- Logistics and Distribution Certification. This certification is great for anyone interested in working in a warehouse, but is especially useful for people looking to become an order selector. This course will teach its participants how to stock and store products, properly operate warehouse machines and equipment, and fulfill customer orders effectively. Earning the Logistics and Distribution Certification will get you the right head start in becoming a warehouse employee and help demonstrate to your future employers that you are interested in learning more about the position you’ll be starting.
- APICS Certification. The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) offers a certification that focuses on supply chain operation and inventory management in a warehouse setting. This is perfect for anyone looking to be an order selector, but doesn’t have the right experience with inventory management to succeed at the job. This will help them know how to manage inventory by learning the process of ordering, storing, tracking, and using inventory when they are fulfilling orders.
Career path
Before becoming an order selector, you need to earn a high school diploma or complete the GED. While it may be helpful to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, most employers don’t require it. However, it would be ideal to start gaining relevant experience by working in a warehouse and completing a forklift certification to make yourself a competitive candidate to your potential employer. Once you gain the experience your employer needs you to have, you will continue to learn more about inventory control, packaging, and delivery services on the job.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 53-7065
| 2020 Employment | 2,223,000 |
| Projected Employment in 2029 | 2,319,700 |
| Projected 2019-2029 Percentage Shift | 4% increase |
| Projected 2019-2029 Numeric Shift | 96,700 increase |
Position trends
The Flexographic Technical Organization offers professional skill and knowledge development opportunities, such as modules There are more and more companies entering the economy due to our ever-increasing number of entrepreneurs in the United States, so there is a projected high demand for order selectors in the next few years. As more companies come out with different products, there will be a need for more order selectors to fulfill those orders. There has also been steep growth in online orders, so more order selectors will be needed to prepare orders for pickup and delivery.