How to Be Packer/Picker Worker - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 1, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increase in online shopping has had a direct effect on the demand for Packer/Picker Workers. With more people buying goods online, the need for warehouse staff to pick and pack orders has grown exponentially. This has led to an increase in employment opportunities for Packer/Picker Workers, with many companies offering attractive salaries and benefits.

The shift towards online shopping has also caused an increase in demand for automated systems and robotics, as these are seen as more efficient and cost-effective solutions to packing and picking orders. This in turn has created additional jobs, such as those for robotics engineers and software developers, to develop and maintain the technology.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer applicants who have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Receive on-the-job training. Packer/Picker Workers need to be trained in the use of different tools, handling of fragile items and the proper care of packing materials. Employers usually provide on-the-job training for new employees.
Learn about safety procedures and regulations. Packer/Picker Workers must follow safety protocols when handling materials and packing items. Employers often require employees to attend safety meetings and complete safety courses.
Familiarize yourself with the company's policies and procedures. Each company has its own rules and regulations regarding packing and shipping items. Packer/Picker Workers must understand these policies and adhere to them.
Stay up-to-date with new packing materials. Packing materials are constantly changing, so Packer/Picker Workers must be able to use the latest materials effectively.
Develop a good working relationship with co-workers. Working as part of a team is essential when packing items quickly and efficiently.

Working as a packer or picker in a warehouse requires a reliable and capable worker. The job requires being able to work quickly and accurately, while also staying organized. It is important to be able to keep up with the pace of the warehouse, as well as the demand for orders.

Being reliable and capable means being able to stay focused and organized, and work efficiently to complete tasks. In addition, it is important to be able to lift heavy objects and remain physically fit. A successful packer or picker must be organized, capable, and reliable in order to remain productive and meet the demands of the job.

You may want to check Line Worker, Technician Worker, and Security Worker for alternative.

Job Description

Packer/Picker Worker Responsible for packing and picking orders in a warehouse setting. Must be able to work quickly and accurately while following safety protocols.
Loader/Unloader Loads and unloads items from trucks, containers, and other vehicles in a warehouse setting. Must be able to lift heavy objects, follow safety protocols, and work in a fast-paced environment.
Shipping and Receiving Clerk Responsible for verifying and keeping records on incoming and outgoing shipments, as well as preparing items for shipment. Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
Inventory Control Clerk Responsible for tracking inventory levels, conducting physical counts, and keeping accurate records of all inventory transactions. Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
Forklift Operator Operates a forklift to move materials around a warehouse or other industrial setting. Must be able to follow safety protocols and operate the forklift safely and efficiently.
Warehouse Associate Responsible for performing various warehouse duties including sorting, packing, loading, unloading, and stocking of products. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and follow safety protocols.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret instructions.
Ability to lift, carry and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to use basic hand tools such as box cutters.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Attention to detail and accuracy in packing and picking orders.
Ability to stand, bend and stoop for extended periods of time.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to use computers for order processing and shipping.
Good communication skills for interacting with customers and colleagues.

Packer/Picker Workers are essential members of any warehouse team, as they are responsible for the accurate and timely packing and picking of products. Attention to detail is the most important skill to have when working as a Packer/Picker Worker. Without it, mistakes can be made that can cause delays in delivery or even lead to customer dissatisfaction.

It is also important to be able to work quickly and efficiently, as the number of orders that need to be packed and picked can vary greatly. Good communication skills are also necessary, as Packers/Pickers must be able to properly communicate with their team members and supervisors when issues arise. Finally, knowledge of safety standards and regulations is essential for Packer/Picker Workers to prevent workplace injuries or health hazards.

All of these skills are important for a Packer/Picker Worker to be successful in their job, and any mistakes or lack of knowledge can lead to costly consequences.

Industrial Worker, Order Filler/Packer Worker, and Tool and Die Worker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Packer/Picker Worker?
How do you ensure that orders are accurately picked and packed?
Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline for packing/picking orders.
What safety protocols do you follow when packing/picking orders?
How do you handle errors in the packing/picking process?
What techniques do you use to stay organized and efficient when packing/picking orders?
Do you have experience using a forklift or other material handling equipment?
Are you familiar with any warehouse management systems?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult customer situation related to packing/picking orders.
What do you think is the most important skill for a successful Packer/Picker Worker?

Common Tools in Industry

Hand truck. A hand truck is a cart with handles and wheels used to move heavy items. (e. g. moving boxes of merchandise)
Pallet Jack. A pallet jack is a device used to move pallets of products or materials. (e. g. moving pallets of merchandise)
Label Maker. A label maker is a device used to create adhesive labels for organization purposes. (e. g. labeling items for storage or shipment)
Tape Gun. A tape gun is a device used to quickly and efficiently apply adhesive tape to packages. (e. g. taping boxes for shipment)
Box Cutter. A box cutter is a device used to cut open cardboard boxes for unpacking and repacking. (e. g. opening boxes of merchandise)
Scanner. A scanner is a device used for scanning barcodes and other identifying information for inventory purposes. (e. g. scanning products for shipping)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Staffing Association (ASA)
National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS)
Institute of Supply Management (ISM)
Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA)
National Retail Federation (NRF)
International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA)
International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW)
Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L)
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)

We also have Utility Worker, Assembly Worker, and Machine Worker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Palletizing. The process of arranging items into pallet-sized units for easier transportation.
Shrink Wrapping. The process of wrapping products in plastic film to protect them and make them easier to store and transport.
Order Picking. The selection of items from a warehouse inventory based on an individual customer's order.
Inventory Management. The process of tracking the stock of products in a warehouse and ensuring the necessary levels are maintained.
Barcoding. The process of using barcodes or RFID tags to identify different types of products in a warehouse.
Forklift Operation. The use of a forklift to move items around a warehouse or loading dock.
Scanning. The process of using a scanner to read labels and identify products in a warehouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Packer/Picker Worker?

A Packer/Picker Worker is a job role responsible for packing and picking orders in a warehouse or store, ensuring that the correct items are included in each order.

What skills are necessary to be a successful Packer/Picker Worker?

To be successful as a Packer/Picker Worker, one must have attention to detail, good organizational skills, the ability to work quickly and accurately, and the ability to lift heavy objects.

What type of environment do Packer/Picker Workers typically work in?

Packer/Picker Workers typically work in warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores.

How much does a Packer/Picker Worker typically earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for Packer/Picker Workers is $13.13 per hour.

What safety precautions should Packer/Picker Workers take?

Packer/Picker Workers should always follow their employer's safety guidelines, use proper lifting technique when lifting heavy items, wear appropriate clothing and protective gear, and take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.