General Contractor Resume: Sample & Guide (Entry Level & Senior Jobs)

Are you a skilled general contractor looking for a new job opportunity? A great resume is key to getting noticed by potential employers. Our general contractor resume example is designed to help you create a professional and compelling resume that highlights your experience, skills, and qualifications. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the industry, our sample resume can serve as a valuable tool in landing your next job.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
Why you should use a resume template

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a General Contractor do?

Oversees all aspects of a construction project
Hires and supervises subcontractors and laborers
Manages project budget and timeline
Obtains necessary permits and licenses
Ensures compliance with building codes and regulations
Coordinates with architects, engineers, and clients
Resolves any issues or disputes that arise during construction

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other General Contractor related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a General Contractor?

Overseeing the construction project from start to finish
Hiring and supervising subcontractors
Obtaining necessary permits and ensuring regulatory compliance
Developing and managing project schedules and budgets
Communicating with the client and other stakeholders
Performing quality control and ensuring work meets specified standards
Addressing and resolving any issues or conflicts that arise during construction

Sample General Contractor Resume for Inspiration

John Doe

123 Main Street, Anytown, USA

(123) 456-7890

johndoe@email.com

Summary: John Doe is a skilled general contractor with over 10 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. He specializes in project management, budgeting, and client relations, and is committed to delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.

Work Experience:

General Contractor, ABC Construction Co. (2015-present)
Project Manager, XYZ Builders Inc. (2010-2015)
Construction Supervisor, 123 Contracting Services (2007-2010)

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, University of Anytown (2007)
Associate's Degree in Carpentry, Anytown Technical College (2005)

Skills:

Project management
Budgeting and cost control
Client relations
Construction scheduling
Quality control

Certifications:

Licensed General Contractor
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification
LEED Green Associate

Languages:

English (fluent)
Spanish (conversational)

Resume tips for General Contractor

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need General Contractor resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned General Contractor - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight your experience in various construction projects
Showcase your knowledge of building codes and regulations
Emphasize your leadership and project management skills
Demonstrate your ability to coordinate and oversee subcontractors
Include any relevant certifications or licenses

General Contractor Resume Summary Examples

A General Contractor Resume Summary or Resume Objective is essential in showcasing your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a concise and impactful manner. It allows potential employers to quickly understand your qualifications and career goals. A well-crafted summary or objective can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of securing an interview for the job you desire.

For Example:

Skilled General Contractor with 10+ years of experience in residential and commercial construction.
Proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.
Expertise in supervising and coordinating subcontractors and construction workers.
Strong knowledge of building codes, regulations, and safety standards.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your General Contractor Resume

Having a strong experience section on a general contractor resume is crucial because it demonstrates to potential employers the depth and breadth of your skills and expertise. It allows you to showcase your relevant work history, impressive projects, and specific accomplishments, which can help you stand out from other applicants. A well-crafted experience section can also demonstrate your ability to execute successful projects, manage teams, and deliver high-quality results, making you a more attractive candidate for hiring managers.

For Example:

Managed a team of 20+ construction workers on various residential and commercial projects
Planned and scheduled project timelines, ensuring all milestones were met on time and within budget
Coordinated with suppliers and subcontractors to procure necessary materials and labor for projects
Oversaw the installation and repair of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems on construction sites
Ensured compliance with building codes and safety regulations on all construction projects
Performed quality inspections to guarantee the highest standard of workmanship
Managed project budgets and tracked expenses throughout the construction process
Communicated regularly with clients to provide updates on project progress and address any concerns
Implemented cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of work
Collaborated with architects, engineers, and other professionals to plan and execute construction projects

General Contractor resume education example

A General Contractor typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent to begin working in the construction industry. Many contractors also pursue post-secondary education in construction management, engineering, or a related field to gain the necessary knowledge and skills for the job. Additionally, some contractors may seek certification or licensure in their state to demonstrate their expertise and credibility in the industry.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a General Contractor resume:

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
ABC University, Anytown, USA
Graduated in May 2014

General Contractor Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills to a general contractor resume because they demonstrate the candidate's ability to successfully complete various tasks and projects. Including a list of skills shows potential employers the range of abilities and experience the candidate brings to the role, and can help the employer quickly assess whether the candidate is a good fit for the position.

Soft Skills:

Project Management
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Collaboration Skills
Adaptability
Negotiation Skills

Hard Skills:

Project Management
Construction Estimation
Blueprint Reading
Quality Control
Resource Management
Site Planning
Building Codes Knowledge
Safety Regulations Compliance
Budget Management
Contract Negotiation

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a General Contractor Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a General Contractor resume

Demonstrate expertise in managing construction projects from start to finish
Showcase strong leadership and decision-making skills
Highlight experience in budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation
Emphasize ability to coordinate and oversee subcontractors and vendors
Include certifications and qualifications relevant to the construction industry

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.