What is a first line supervisor and how to become one

Key steps to become a first line supervisor

1. Explore first line supervisor education requirements

   Most common first line supervisor degrees

   Bachelor's

   38.5 %

   Associate

   30.3 %

   High School Diploma

   18.5 %

   Show more

2. Start to develop specific first line supervisor skills

   Skills	Percentages
   Safety Procedures	27.68%
   Personnel Actions	16.60%
   Corrective Action	5.12%
   Logistical Support	3.55%
   Conflict Resolution	3.15%

   Show more

3. Complete relevant first line supervisor training and internships

   Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New first line supervisors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a first line supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real first line supervisor resumes.

4. Gain additional first line supervisor certifications

   First line supervisor certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific first line supervisor certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

   The most common certifications for first line supervisors include OSHA Safety Certificate and Security 5 Certification.

   More About Certifications

5. Research first line supervisor duties and responsibilities

   • Lead division payroll meetings and maintain documentation available in share directory and portal to facilitate communication and standardization of payroll procedures.
   • Serve as commercial hvac division field supervisor.
   • Instruct supervisors when and where radar posts should occur to reduce speeding.
   • Supervise for four years a staff of five teamsters in the manufacture of bulk pharmaceuticals according to FDA requirements.

6. Prepare your first line supervisor resume

   When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your first line supervisor resume.

   You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a first line supervisor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

   Choose from 10+ customizable first line supervisor resume templates

   Build a professional first line supervisor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your first line supervisor resume.
   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

7. Apply for first line supervisor jobs

   Now it's time to start searching for a first line supervisor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

   1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
   2. Consult your professional network
   3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
   4. Watch out for job scams