General Contractor resume example & writing guide

If you’re looking for a new job as a general contractor, creating an impressive resume will be a key component of your job search success.

From overseeing residential homes to commercial office buildings, general contractor roles require a diverse skill set to drive project progression while managing large budgets and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local building codes.

If you need help crafting a resume that captures your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications, we’re here for you.

In this article, we cover: 

• What a general contractor resume should include

• How to structure the summary, work history, and education sections

• Adding relevant skills to your general contractor resume

• Choosing the right resume template for a general contractor

What should your general contractor resume include?

As a general contractor, your resume should highlight your experience managing construction projects, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring successful project completion. Employers are seeking candidates who can demonstrate their ability to lead all aspects of construction projects, from planning and budgeting to execution and delivery.

Because general contractors oversee construction projects from start to finish, the contractor resume needs to communicate not only their ability to hire and lead a team of subcontractors, but also their experience in working with municipalities to obtain permits, partnering with vendors to purchase materials, and communicating project updates to clients.

Be sure to include the following sections in your general contractor resume:

• Contact information

• Professional summary

• Key areas of expertise

• Employment history

• Education and certifications 

How to craft the professional summary 

The professional summary is your chance to make a strong impression and grab the attention of hiring officials. Use this section to introduce the most relevant and compelling aspects of your qualifications. Done well, this sets the tone for the rest of the resume, uniquely positions you for the roles you are targeting and builds intrigue for the reader to want to keep reading.

Start with a powerful opening that highlights your experience and expertise in the construction industry. In no more than five lines, briefly outline your key accomplishments and the types of projects you have successfully managed. You can also take this opportunity to mention any technology tools in which you have proficiency. 

Following the summary paragraph, dedicate a few lines to list key skills and areas of expertise. This is a great way to incorporate keywords that speak to your abilities. Consider both hard skills like scheduling and inspections as well as soft skills like leadership and client relations. 

How should you describe your work experience as a general contractor?

When describing your work experience, list your past roles in reverse chronological order. This is important as recruiters tend to place more emphasis on your most recent roles. Be sure to include your job title, company name, dates of tenure, and the location.

Provide a concise description of your job function, also called a scope paragraph, quantifying where possible. Be specific and highlight the most relevant aspects of your job. For instance, tell us the size of your team, the amount of your budget, and the size of the construction project.

Directly following your scope paragraph, use bullets to highlight your achievements and the impact you've had on past projects. Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your success, such as the number of projects completed, or the percentage of projects completed on time and within budget.

Here’s an example of a strong accomplishment bullet for a general contractor:

• Delivered homes under budget by up to 3% while effectively managing up to 5 homes at any given time. 

Include an education and certifications section 

In the education section of your general contractor resume, highlight any relevant degrees or certifications you've obtained, such as a degree in construction management or a certification from the Construction Management Association of America.

In most states, an industry standard is to obtain your general contractor license, so be sure to include that as well. You may also want to list any relevant trainings or courses you have completed such as OSHA construction safety or asbestos awareness trainings. This will help emphasize your expertise and qualifications for the job. 

Which key skills are relevant for a general contractor resume?

Remember, employers are looking for candidates who can not only manage construction projects but also work effectively with clients, subcontractors, and other stakeholders. So, when listing your key skills, include a mix of technical skills, such as knowledge of construction methods and materials, as well as soft skills, such as leadership and communication. 

In addition to the key skills section, be sure to sprinkle keywords throughout the resume to show employers that you have practical on the job application of those skills. The right skills will also boost your ATS performance and position you as a strong candidate.

Here’s a list of key skills you could include in your general contractor resume: 

• Budgeting

• Construction management

• Procurement

• Vendor sourcing

• Project management

• Negotiation 

Although most general contractors perform similar tasks, various companies use different verbiage to describe the job. So, be sure to tailor your resume according to the specific job description to maximize your chances.

How to select the most impactful general contractor resume template

When writing your general contractor resume, choose a clean, professional resume template that is easy to read and navigate. This approach helps the reader easily grasp your career journey and see how you fit into the role. A well-designed resume will help you stand out from the competition and make a positive impression on recruiters. 

Explore our vast selection of resume options tailored to your specific needs through our resume builder. Gain inspiration from our extensive collection of 500+ resume examples. 

Copyable general contractor resume example

Key takeaways

1. Highlight your experience in managing construction projects and coordinating with subcontractors.

2. Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your success and accomplishments.

3. Include relevant education and certifications to emphasize your expertise.

4. Infuse the right keywords throughout the resume to pass the ATS and position yourself as a strong contender.

5. Pick a clean, easy-to-read layout to ensure the reader can see how you fit into the role.