Your general contractor resume should demonstrate your capacity to lead construction teams and execute building plans for homeowners, developers, businesses, and more. General contractors have a bird’s-eye view of construction operations but can zoom in on specific problems to help keep the project on track. The role requires high versatility and many different technical and management skills, which can pose a challenge in writing your resume. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a compelling resume emphasizing your accomplishments and qualifications as a leader in construction.
Most Popular General Contractor Resumes
General Contractor Resume Example
Why This Resume Works
Alex’s resume highlights his ability to manage projects independently, from cost estimation to subcontractor oversight. The focus on client satisfaction and building code compliance adds value to his qualifications. Learn more about structuring a strong independent contractor resume here.
Subcontractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Jessica’s resume highlights her technical expertise in framing and drywall while showcasing her commitment to safety and adherence to building codes. Her contributions to high-value projects make her a strong candidate for subcontractor roles. Learn how to highlight safety records on your resume here.
General Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Michael’s resume demonstrates his leadership abilities and expertise in cost reduction and vendor negotiations. His proven track record of managing high-value projects makes him a standout candidate. Learn how to tailor a resume for construction leadership roles here.
Government Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Ethan’s resume emphasizes his expertise in managing government infrastructure projects while ensuring regulatory compliance. His success in securing $20M in contracts highlights his strong proposal skills. Learn more about writing resumes for government roles here.
Self-Employed Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Rachel’s resume highlights her ability to independently manage 150+ projects while maintaining a 95% client approval rate. Her success in client relations and project management showcases her versatility as a contractor. Learn how to emphasize independent work experience here.
Painting Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Steven’s resume demonstrates his ability to successfully manage large-scale painting projects and grow revenue through client referrals. His skills in surface preparation and customer service are key to his effectiveness as a painting contractor. Learn how to emphasize project management in your resume here.
Residential Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Linda’s resume highlights her extensive experience in custom home construction and her ability to deliver high-value projects. Her focus on cost reduction and client collaboration demonstrates her well-rounded capabilities. Learn how to showcase client collaboration skills here.
Commercial Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Mark’s resume emphasizes his ability to deliver large-scale commercial projects on time and within budget. His track record of managing $50M in construction projects demonstrates his expertise in the commercial sector. Learn how to highlight large-scale project experience here.
Renovation Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Sarah’s resume showcases her ability to manage both modern renovations and historic restorations. Her emphasis on architectural preservation and client satisfaction adds value to her experience. Learn how to highlight specialized construction expertise here.
Construction Supervisor Resume
Why This Resume Works
David’s resume highlights his leadership skills and his ability to manage teams effectively while ensuring quality and safety standards. His experience with high-value projects demonstrates his reliability. Learn how to showcase leadership on a construction resume here.
General Contractor And Project Manager Resume
Why This Resume Works
Paul’s resume highlights his extensive experience leading multimillion-dollar projects while maintaining budgets and timelines. His ability to build strong client relationships and deliver high-quality work positions him as a strong candidate. Learn how to tailor your resume for leadership roles here.
Government Infrastructure Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Emily’s resume emphasizes her ability to manage high-budget public works projects while ensuring compliance with government regulations. Her success in reducing delays demonstrates her efficiency as a contractor. Learn more about highlighting government experience here.
Renovation and Remodeling Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Daniel’s resume highlights his expertise in delivering high-quality renovations and cost-effective solutions. His strong client collaboration skills and ability to manage large-scale projects make him stand out. Learn how to emphasize remodeling expertise here.
General Contractor And Safety Specialist Resume
Why This Resume Works
Sophia’s resume combines her expertise in safety compliance with her ability to manage large-scale projects. Her success in reducing workplace incidents demonstrates her dedication to safety. Learn how to highlight safety skills here.
Commercial Renovation Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Ryan’s resume highlights his ability to manage commercial renovations and foster client relationships, resulting in repeat business. His expertise in budget management and vendor coordination makes him an asset. Learn how to emphasize client relations here.
Custom Home Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Chris’s resume showcases his entrepreneurial experience as an independent contractor, highlighting his ability to manage custom projects from start to finish. His combination of technical skills and client consultation expertise makes him a standout candidate. Learn how to emphasize self-employment on your resume here.
Carpentry and Drywall Subcontractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Maria’s resume highlights her hands-on expertise in carpentry and drywall work, as well as her ability to build strong relationships with general contractors. Her focus on delivering quality work makes her a reliable subcontractor. Learn how to highlight trade skills on your resume here.
General Construction Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Derek’s resume demonstrates his leadership and project management skills, as well as his ability to manage budgets and maintain safety standards. His success in overseeing high-value projects showcases his reliability. Learn how to tailor your resume for construction management here.
Residential Remodeling Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Olivia’s resume effectively highlights her entrepreneurial experience as a self-employed contractor, showcasing her ability to manage complex projects and maintain client satisfaction. Learn how to showcase entrepreneurship on your resume here.
Contractor And Construction Estimator Resume
Why This Resume Works
Ethan’s resume emphasizes his dual expertise in contracting and cost estimation, showcasing his ability to manage budgets and reduce expenses. His negotiation skills and success in delivering accurate estimates make him a valuable asset. Learn how to highlight cost estimation expertise here.
Commercial and Residential Painting Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Matthew’s resume highlights his ability to manage both residential and commercial projects while focusing on client satisfaction and quality assurance. His leadership skills and technical expertise make him a well-rounded candidate. Learn how to emphasize specialized contractor skills here.
Federal Infrastructure Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Nicole’s resume emphasizes her ability to navigate complex government regulations while delivering high-budget projects. Her success in reducing costs and securing approvals demonstrates her value. Learn how to tailor your resume for government roles here.
General Contractor And Construction Consultant Resume
Why This Resume Works
James’s resume highlights his dual expertise as a contractor and consultant, showcasing his ability to manage projects while providing strategic insights. His focus on efficiency and cost reduction makes him an asset to any team. Learn how to emphasize consulting experience here.
Contractor And Site Manager Resume
Why This Resume Works
Erica’s resume emphasizes her expertise in managing construction sites while maintaining safety and efficiency. Her leadership skills and ability to resolve on-site issues make her a strong candidate. Learn how to highlight site management experience here.
Self-Employed General Contractor Resume
Why This Resume Works
Thomas’s resume highlights his entrepreneurial experience and ability to manage all aspects of construction projects. His focus on client satisfaction and long-term relationships strengthens his candidacy. Learn how to showcase entrepreneurship on your resume here.
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General Contractor Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a General Contractor Resume
1. Summarize your general contractor qualifications in a dynamic profile
The best way to start your resume is with an engaging summarization of your career as a general contractor. Include your job title and years of experience but add a few unique qualifications that make you suitable for the role you’re applying for. Understand what the client wants in a general contractor and align your profile with those requirements.
If you’re a seasoned contractor, emphasize your reliability. Mention your track record of completing projects on time and within budget. Highlight your knowledge of industry regulations and best practices. For entry-level contractors, shift the focus to your skills, commitments, and education. Call out your leadership abilities, dedication to safety protocols, or even relevant degrees and certifications.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
General contractor with over 10 years of excellence overseeing municipal and upscale residential construction projects. Reliably meet or exceed goals for project efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Find creative yet practical solutions to project obstacles and challenges. Versatile communicator. Adept at relaying complicated technical details and instructions to diverse project stakeholders.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
Motivated general contractor with demonstrated success overseeing residential construction projects. Committed to achieving goals for project efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Equally effective in leadership or hands-on ability. Skilled at isolating and solving problems at all project stages.
2. Add your general contractor experience with compelling examples
When writing your job descriptions, show how performing your responsibilities led to real results. Focus on accomplishments rather than a list of job duties. Hiring managers want to see real examples of how your management skills led to the safe and successful completion of construction projects. But don’t just state that you “oversaw construction projects,” though. Spell out the results and success of those projects in terms of your ability to meet budgets, deadlines, and other objectives.
Emphasize your ability to collaborate when listing your career achievements. As a leader working with clients and subcontractors, teamwork is a crucial aspect of your skill set and one not to overlook.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
General Contractor/Construction Manager, ABC Construction Consulting, Inc., Nashville, TN | April 2018 – present
- Manage on-time delivery of complex projects for this upscale residential construction firm
- Coordinate with other project workers, including engineers, architects, and electricians
- Vet, hire, and oversee subcontractors to ensure consistent attainment of standards for work quality and efficiency
- Maintain utmost job site safety and legal compliance
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
General Contractor, ABC Construction Consulting, Inc., San Diego, CA | June 2021 – present
- Hired to manage on-time, cost-effective delivery of residential construction projects
- Collaborate with other project specialists and workers, including engineers, architects, and stonemasons
- Supervise contractors, ensuring adherence to work quality and efficiency standards
- Monitor job sites for high levels of safety and legal compliance
- Provide regular updates to the main office on the progress of each project
3. Outline your education and general contractor-related certifications
Whether you have a high school diploma or a four-year degree, start by listing your highest level of education. Some states require general contractors to be licensed, while others only need you to register as a business. Whatever the case, include any necessary licensing information that proves you’re legally allowed to operate as a general contractor in your area.
Certifications are another great way to show your competence. For example, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications would be helpful in establishing your dedication to safety and sustainability.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Month and Year]
Example
- Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA | June 2017
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- General Contractor License, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, 2021
- OSHA 30-hour Construction Industry Training, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, 2020
4. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to general contractors
For an effective general contractor resume, include a “Key Skills” section that gives the hiring manager a view of your broad expertise. This section also helps to optimize your resume for application tracking systems (ATS). Incorporate keywords from the job description into your skills list, profile, and professional experience section to make it through this resume filtering software. The list below will get you familiar with the terms and phrases you may come across:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Budgeting and cost accounting | Building codes |
| Complex problem-solving | Construction management |
| Construction sequencing | Contract negotiations |
| Materials procurement | OSHA safety |
| Project estimating | Project management |
| Regulatory compliance | Residential construction and remodeling |
| Staff hiring | Stakeholder relations |
| Strategic planning | Structural modification |
| Subcontractor management | Team leadership |
| Technical drawings | Work planning and scheduling |
5. Share your past projects
Provide greater insight into your past success by including a link to an online portfolio or listing details on your resume in a dedicated section. Clients and hiring managers will appreciate a closer look at your track record when they can see photos, budgets, and completion timelines. Choose some of your most notable projects that represent the variety of results you can provide to potential employers.
For each project in your portfolio, provide the project name, location, size (square footage or dimensions), scope (e.g., new construction, renovation, remodel), budget, and duration. These specifics give the reader a clear picture of your ability to handle projects at different scales and complexities.
How To Pick the Best General Contractor Resume Template
When selecting your template, consider it the foundation and framing for your resume content. Just like a building needs the proper structural support to stand, your resume needs a solid framework to be received well. Opt for simple templates that are well-organized and highlight your skills and accomplishments. Don’t worry much about including graphics or choosing the right color scheme. Clients are most interested in what you offer, not how stylish or appealing your resume looks.
Frequently Asked Questions: General Contractor Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for general contractor resumes?-
Using action verbs on your resume is an easy way to streamline your descriptions and help readers visualize your accomplishments. If you run out of words to describe your past work or your writing sounds redundant, we’ve got you covered. Check out the list of action verbs below and consider using them in the professional experience section of your general contractor resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Aligned |
| Allocated | Coordinated |
| Created | Decreased |
| Delegated | Eliminated |
| Expedited | Generated |
| Improved | Increased |
| Initiated | Introduced |
| Led | Organized |
| Oversaw | Raised |
| Resolved | Sequenced |
How do you align your resume with a general contractor job description?-
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for construction laborers will continue to grow between 2022 and 2032. Over the next decade, property owners will need general contractors to manage construction workers and oversee their projects to completion.
Although this growth will provide good opportunities for general contractors to meet demands, you’ll need a customized resume to land your desired jobs. Aligning your resume with the job description will only increase your chances of getting selected for an interview. You must speak to the employer’s needs to be considered for the job.
For example, if a construction company is seeking a general contractor with expertise in large-scale commercial builds, you would emphasize your experience in managing complex commercial projects, coordinating subcontractors, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
What is the best general contractor resume format?-
Using the chronological resume is one of the easiest ways to highlight your most recent and relevant work experience. You draw attention to your continuous, progressive career trajectory in construction. On the other hand, the combination format lets you emphasize your skills, certifications, and accomplishments first. These items are listed before your professional experience section, highlighting your knowledge and technical ability.
How long should I make my general contractor resume?-
A one-page general contractor resume is the best option for most candidates, as it ensures clarity and brevity. If you have significant achievements or over 10 years of experience, extending to two pages is fine—but only if the content is tailored and directly supports your application. Focus on impactful accomplishments and key skills that relate to the job.
Include your most recent 10 to 15 years of work experience. Older roles should only appear if they provide unique insights or align closely with the job requirements. Keeping your resume concise and relevant will maximize its impact.
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Construct a compelling cover letter to increase the chances of landing your next big project. To make the greatest impact, you must customize your cover letter for the client or organization you’re applying to. See our comprehensive cover letter guide to learn how. If you’re looking for more examples in related occupations, read our project manager and construction worker cover letter guides.
