general laborer cover letter examples

General Laborer Cover Letter Sample & Writing Guide

A well-written and persuasive cover letter is essential when applying for a General Laborer position. It serves as your introduction to the hiring manager and gives you an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive introduction for your General Laborer cover letter, helping you make a strong first impression.

From crafting an attention-grabbing opening statement to addressing the hiring manager, we will guide you through the important steps of creating an impactful cover letter.

By following our expert advice, you will be able to showcase your qualifications effectively and increase your chances of landing the job you desire.

So let’s begin this journey to creating a standout General Laborer cover letter that gets noticed!

General Laborer Cover Letter Sample 1

Robert Silva 856 Maple Street Long Beach, MS 30121 (000) 121-8542 [email protected]

October 7, 2023

Mr. Harold Weber Hiring Manager Copart Inc. 658 Sunshine Road Long Beach, MS 32399

Dear Mr. Weber:

I am writing to apply for the position of General Laborer at your company. With my strong work ethic and hands-on experience in various labor-intensive roles, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of your team.

As a general laborer, I have gained experience in a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to construction, landscaping, and warehouse operations. I am skilled in operating various tools and machinery, and I have developed a keen eye for detail when it comes to ensuring the quality and safety of the work being performed.

One of my greatest strengths is my physical stamina. I am accustomed to working long hours and handling physically demanding tasks. Whether it’s lifting heavy objects, operating heavy machinery, or working in extreme weather conditions, I am always determined to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

In addition to my technical skills, I also possess excellent problem-solving and communication abilities. I am a team player who thrives in a collaborative environment, and I am always willing to go the extra mile to accomplish shared goals. I believe in taking initiative and taking pride in the work I do, no matter how big or small the task may be.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and assist with any projects or tasks that need to be completed. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the General Laborer position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team in an interview.

Robert Silva

Attachment: resume

How to Write a Great Cover Letter for a General Laborer Position?

Writing a General Laborer Cover Letter can be done effectively by following these steps:

• Start with your contact information, including your full name, address, phone number, and email address.
• Next, include the date of writing the letter, followed by the employer’s contact information, including their name, job title, company name, and address.
• Address the hiring manager or recruiter by their name if possible. If you don’t have their name, a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.
• Begin your cover letter with a strong and attention-grabbing opening statement. State the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing.
• Mention any mutual connections or specific reasons why you are interested in working for the company.
• Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that make you a suitable candidate for the General Laborer position.
• Discuss your previous work experience in similar roles and emphasize your ability to handle physical tasks, operate machinery, and work in different environments.
• Showcase your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively as a part of a team.
• If you have any specific accomplishments or achievements related to your previous jobs, mention them to demonstrate your capabilities.
• In the last paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company and mention your availability for an interview.
• Thank the employer for considering your application and express your willingness to provide any additional information or references if required.
• End the letter with a polite and professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your full name.
• Leave a space for your handwritten signature, then type your full name under it.
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General Laborer Cover Letter Examples

A great general laborer cover letter can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific requirements listed in the job description, and highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications. The following general laborer cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

or download as PDF

Cover Letter Example (Text)

(253) 119-0787

[email protected]

Dear Mr. Munsterteiger,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the General Laborer position at Labor Ready. With a solid background working with PeopleReady for the past five years, I have honed my skills in a variety of settings that require not only physical strength and endurance but also a keen attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a team.

Throughout my tenure at PeopleReady, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to meet the demands of a fast-paced work environment. My experience has equipped me with a robust set of skills that I believe align perfectly with the requirements and culture at Labor Ready. I am adept at quickly learning new tasks and procedures, which enables me to adapt to different job sites and projects with ease. Furthermore, I am committed to maintaining a safe work environment and have a track record of following safety protocols diligently.

I pride myself on my reliability and work ethic. I understand that in the labor industry, the ability to show up on time and perform tasks efficiently is paramount. I have always taken this responsibility seriously, ensuring that my output is of the highest quality. My previous supervisors have commended me for my productivity and my proactive approach to problem-solving, and I am eager to bring this same level of commitment and enthusiasm to the team at Labor Ready.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your company and am confident that my experience as a General Laborer will allow me to make a meaningful impact. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasms can be in sync with the mission and needs of Labor Ready.

Thank you for considering my application. I hope to have the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Warm regards,

Related Cover Letter Examples

• Landscape Laborer
• Construction Laborer
• Warehouse Laborer
• Yard Laborer
• General Maintenance Technician

General Laborer Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a General Laborer Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

General Laborer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Perry L. Smith (012) 345-6789 [email protected] 1561 NW Some Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

A results-driven General Laborer with two of experience, specializing in landscaping, grounds maintenance, customer service, and residential construction. Adept at interfacing with clients, collaborating with contractors, and ensuring compliance with OSHA safety standards.

Professional Experience

Landscape & Maintenance Crew Member, Palm Beach County Landscape, West Palm Beach, FL August 2018 – Present

• Execute maintenance and construction projects for residential, public, commercial, and industrial properties in collaboration with large teams of contractors and general laborers
• Cut lawns with various sized power mowers and conduct trimming and edging of foliage with shears, pruners, and gas-powered edgers
• Perform landscape grading, apply fertilizers and chemicals, and remove debris using hand tools

Volunteer Groundskeeper, Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation, West Palm Beach, FL January 2018 – Present

• Removed trash and debris from trails at Riverbend Park, shaped plants with hand tools such as cutters and shears, and supported program managers with special events
• Maintained trails and provided support to landscaping staff for various projects
• Landscaping
• Residential Construction
• Client Relations
• Preventative Maintenance
• Power Tool Operation

High School Diploma Palm Beach Lakes High School, West Palm Beach, FL, 2018

Lisa Berman (720) 987-6543 [email protected] 19 Brookhaven Way, Boulder, CO 80300

A dynamic General Laborer with eight years of professional experience performing landscaping projects for residential and commercial properties. A strong history of performing high quality cement finishing and conducting property maintenance with a 92% client satisfaction rate.

Construction General Laborer, Colorado Construction Associates, Boulder, CO May 2016 – Present

• Execute a variety of landscaping projects for clients, including cutting, grouting, and cement finishing for residential and commercial properties valued at up to $1M
• Load and unload construction material and supply deliveries, maintain hand tools, power tools, and equipment, and ensure compliance with OSHA safety regulations

Landscaping General Laborer, CM Staffing Company, Boulder, CO October 2014 – May 2016  

• Mowed lawns, trimmed hedges, and raked leaves and maintained landscapes and gardens, including planting, pruning, removing debris, and other tasks
• Installed concrete stepping-stones and statues and assembled decorative structures, such as gazebos, benches, and canopies

Associate in Applied Science in Construction Management Boulder Community College, Boulder, CO, June 2011 – August 2014 

• OSHA Safety
• Property Maintenance
• Customer Service

Certifications

• Concrete Flatwork Finisher Certification
• Residential Concrete Foundation Technician Certification

Jason Alves (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 567 Second Street, Orlando, FL 12345

A General Laborer with 10+ years of experience supporting commercial and residential projects, including construction, home renovations, and landscaping. Adept at coordinating with diverse teams to execute complex projects on-time and under budget.

General Construction Laborer, HRH Construction, Orlando, FL March 2012 – Present

• Deliver support to project managers and subcontractors for construction and home renovation projects valued at $500K-$1.2M, including digging and leveling to establish building foundations
• Erect scaffolding on buildings up to three stories, load and unload various construction machinery and materials, and perform various labor tasks in compliance with OSHA safety
• Conduct routine and preventative maintenance on machinery, hand tools, and power tools

Landscaping General Laborer, Garden Style, Orlando, FL July 2006 – March 2012

• Performed a range of general landscaping duties, including mowing the lawn, raking leaves, pulling weeds, trimming hedges, and leaf blowing
• Unloaded garden design elements and ensured they were placed in the correct position
• Followed detailed instructions provided by clients and management
• Maintained and used various gardening tools such as lawnmowers, shovels, rakes, and leaf blowers.
• Maintained yards and gardens for commercial and residential clients

High School Diploma Orlando Central High School, Orlando, FL, September 2002 – June 2006

• Commercial Construction
• Power Tools

If you’re seeking a general laborer position, your resume should demonstrate you can handle various physical tasks and assist with various maintenance and construction activities. Writing a resume that shows your qualifications and skills to be a productive crew member can help you get the job. Use the steps and examples below as a starting point.

1. Write a brief summary of your general laborer qualifications

The profile summary should immediately tell a hiring manager what kinds of projects you have experience with, such as construction and landscaping or electrical and plumbing. This is also a place to list any extra skills you have, such as working with customers or providing estimates. Any kind of safety training or OSHA certification is a bonus. Ideally, the profile summary should let the hiring manager tell whether you fit the position and entice them to keep reading.

Senior-Level Profile Example

A general laborer with over 10 years of experience supporting commercial and residential projects, including construction, home renovations, and landscaping. Adept at coordinating with diverse teams to execute complex projects on time and under budget.

Entry-Level Profile Example

A results-driven general laborer with two years of experience specializing in landscaping, grounds maintenance, customer service, and residential construction. Adept at interfacing with clients, collaborating with contractors, and ensuring compliance with OSHA safety standards.

2. Create a powerful list of your general laborer experience

The professional experience section of the resume is where you list your current and previous job duties and responsibilities. But don’t sell yourself short, thinking you have nothing specific or noteworthy to include. While you should list what you did in a position, it’s even better to tie this into how you benefited the organization. For example, maybe you were part of a team with the quickest job completion times or the fewest safety incidents. You can add the kinds of tools and equipment you worked to show a hiring manager you won’t need extensive training to get started.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

General Construction Laborer, HRH Construction, Orlando, FL | March 2012 – present

• Deliver support to project managers and subcontractors for construction and home renovation projects valued at $500,000 to $1.2 million, including digging and leveling to establish building foundations

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Landscape and Maintenance Crew Member, Palm Beach County Landscape, West Palm Beach, FL | August 2018 – present

• Cut lawns with various-sized power mowers and conduct trimming and edging of foliage with shears, pruners, and gas-powered edgers

3. Add general laborer education and certifications

As a rule, resumes should list any formal education and certifications you’ve obtained. It’s okay if your education doesn’t match the job; list the highest level of education you’ve completed. If you went to, or are still in, trade school, list this as well. Other credentials that can help you edge out the competition include taking classes in construction or any trade and certifications, such as safety certifications through OSHA or specific trade certifications.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Associate in Applied Science in Construction Management
• Boulder Community College, Boulder, CO | August 2014
• [Certification Name], [Completion Year]
• Concrete Flatwork Finisher Certification, 2020

4. Outline your most useful general laborer skills and proficiencies

General laborer positions require a lot of physical strength and endurance, which isn’t always easy to show in a resume. Use the list of key skills to show you have the physical capabilities and technical knowledge to handle maintenance and construction projects. You could organize your strengths into categories, such as physical and trade skills, and professional skills, like conflict resolution and team collaboration. Use this list to get started.

How To Pick the Best General Laborer Resume Template

If you love working with your hands, spending an afternoon writing a resume could be the last thing you want to do. Resume templates can make this process much quicker, but picking the right one is important. For a general laborer position, look for a simple, clean template that keeps everything on one page. A functional resume focusing on skills can make it easier to group your qualifications without needing multiple pages if you’ve worked many jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions: General Laborer Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for general laborer resumes -.

As you’re writing the professional experience section, start each new bullet that describes your duties or responsibilities with a strong action verb. These verbs show what you accomplished in a previous position and the value of that job. It can be challenging to develop unique action verbs for every line, so we’ve included a list of common ones that general laborers may use. Make your language as specific as possible, such as “troubleshot” or “repaired” instead of “fixed.”

How do you align your resume with a general laborer job description? -

Overall, the job outlook for construction laborers and helpers looks strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting continued growth on par with most other industries. However, general laborer positions often have high turnover and many applicants for the same role. Ensure you stand out and increase your chances of getting hired by aligning your resume to each job. Use keywords, skills, and qualifications from the job description to build your resume. Research the company to see what projects they generally take on and what they’re looking for in a crew member.

What is the best general laborer resume format? -

Reverse chronology is the ideal format for general laborers. This ensures your most recent and relevant work experience is featured at the top of your resume. Functional resumes, or skill-based resumes, are generally considered outdated by most recruiters. They don’t provide sufficient detail for your construction projects and career achievements. If you’re applying at the entry level, you can highlight your skills and certifications above your work experience. Craft bullet points to show transferable skills from your previous jobs.

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While many general laborer positions won’t require a cover letter, including one with your resume can show a hiring manager you’re willing to go above and beyond what’s needed and help you stand out from other applicants. If you’re not sure how to create a cover letter or what should be included, our guide to writing a cover letter can help.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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General Labourer Cover Letter Example

A General Labourer Cover letter helps the HR manager to analyze your efficiency and experience as compared to other applicants. It is an excellent medium to bring forth your unique skill set in a customized manner. The General Labourer Cover Letter Sample provided below would help you to craft a noteworthy cover letter.

A General Labourer is responsible for undertaking various support tasks in warehouses, factories, and construction sites. The job description entails assisting the crew members by delivering the needed materials, and equipment needed to complete the project. The duties vary depending on the work setting and the level of specialization. However, certain common work duties include – assisting specialized workers including electricians and plumbers; and completing dangerous tasks like handling chemicals or removing lead from buildings.

• Cover Letters
• Construction

What to Include in a General Labourer Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

• Cleaning up worksites from obsolete and hazardous material.
• Assisting welders, carpenters , painters , and other tradespeople on-site.
• Handling and transporting materials, and equipment.
• Using power tools and machinery when needed.
• Putting warning signs for vehicles and passers-by.
• Helping with setting up and transferring temporary structures.
• Reporting issues with unsafe conditions.

Education & Skills

General labourer skills:.

• The ability to meet the physical demands of the job such as standing and working for long hours, lifting heavy loads, and so on.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Familiarity with power tools and machinery.
• Strong communication and multitasking skills.
• The ability to adhere to safety protocols.
• Flexibility and being available to work outdoors.
• Stamina and resilience.

General Labourer Education Requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Relevant training or work experience.
• Critical general labor skills.

General Labourer Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Hiring Manager,

With my letter and my attached resume, I would like to express my strong interest to join as a General Labourer that has recently opened at your ***. My skills and experience put me to good use at this company, and I would be an outstanding worker and benefit your organization at the same time.

Throughout my career, I have gained immense hands-on experience and knowledge working in massive construction sites, industry fields, and factories. Below is a brief summarization of the highlights from the resume –

• Repairing, maintaining, renovating, and demolishing commercial and residential buildings, without giving up on deadlines and costs.
• Excelled in heavy labor tasks, at *** by undertaking several capacities, and serving for more than 5 years.
• The ability to work effectively, by collaboratively with engineers and contractors, and a strong commitment to punctuality and work ethic.
• Working as a General Labourer with *** ever since, and learning much more about the business.
• My other skills include the ability to grasp things quickly, the commitment to arrive on time, without losing out on the quality of work.

To stand ahead in this competitive market, I am aware that strong work ethics is mandatory, and for this reason, I know that I would be a great asset to your company and that I would be a major contributing member of the team at ***. I look forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Your Cover letter for the role of a General Labourer should focus on your physical abilities to lift and move heavy products, materials, and equipment. Also, mention your general laborer skills, such as the capability to follow instructions, physical stamina, and meticulous attention to detail. Need a matching resume, have a look at our readymade General Labourer Resume samples .

Customize General Labourer Cover Letter

Get hired faster with our free cover letter template designed to land you the perfect position.

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5 General Laborer Resume Examples Built to Work in 2024

General Laborer Resume

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• Write Your General Laborer Resume

You help uphold the foundation of countless building projects—and sometimes you lay the concrete down, too! Your skills with power tools, codes and regulations, and heavy machinery enable you to get the job done, and done well.

But how do you use all your job skills , work experiences , and relevant personal traits to create a cover letter and build a jaw-dropping resume that will get you the job you crave?

Don’t worry; we’ve done this before. After years of helping laborers like you, we’ve developed five general laborer resume examples to help you pave the way to your success!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• An effective general laborer resume should not only provide your expertise in using a variety of tools but also how your safety efforts helped minimize potential accidents.

Skilled Laborer Resume

• When you pick the right skills to highlight for example achieving an impressive first-time-right installation rate, you can impress the recruiter despite having less direct experience.

Concrete Laborer Resume

• When you demonstrate your vigilant skills such as reducing unforeseen breakdowns, you give the recruiter an idea of your supervising abilities.

Farm Laborer Resume

• Rogers leveraging weather data from AcuRite sensors to mitigate a risk that could have cost Sagura Farms $4,132 in yield losses makes for an excellent inspiration here. And as if that wasn’t enough, he also mentions using data from Decagon sensors to up water conservation by 11% at Shamrock Farms. Now, wouldn’t a side-column list of those agricultural software you’re well-versed in look peachy?

Asphalt Laborer Resume

• The last thing you expect potential employers to look at when reviewing your asphalt laborer resume are typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrases. And yet, they could be the key factors determining whether you receive that long-awaited email or call.
• Double-check your piece for grammatical mistakes that could torpedo your chances. Take it as making your masterpiece as spotless as a freshly laid asphalt road. A second pair of eyes could be handy, so why not rope in a friend to identify errors you might have missed?

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Adjust Your General Laborer Resume According to the Job Description

No two laborer’s jobs are quite the same, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the job description . See what you’re actually applying for. Does the job emphasize the operation of heavy machinery? Or are you more likely to be working with power tools and chemical compounds?

Whatever the “heart” of the job is, make sure you reflect it in your resume! Don’t pitch the wrong skills to the wrong job ad. Instead, write down various job skills and work experiences that you can switch out for various jobs.

Need some ideas?

15 popular general laborer skills

• Concrete Brushes
• Concrete Saws
• Claw Hammer
• Cordless Drill
• Welding Torch
• Wire Stripper
• Pipe Wrench
• Concrete Vibrator
• Code Compliance
• Circular Saws
• Accurate Measurements

Your general laborer work experience bullet points

Now, as valuable as that job description is, you want to go beyond it instead of just repeating parts of it back to the recruiter. Leverage your experiences in the laborer setting, whether they involve working for a company or excelling at trade school.

Use metrics to substantiate your statements of how successful you’ve been, too! Tell the reader what you did, why, and how it made an impact (in numbers). Quantifiable data gives your credibility a huge boost.

Write your resume with active verbs and language, too. Show that you care about the job and that you show up to each concrete pour or stud installation with your best foot forward.

• Budget savings in dollars indicate your finesse and efficiency with project materials
• Positive employee scores show that you’ve worked well with teammates and supervisors
• Improved customer return percentages show that your work is just plain good
• Reduced turnover rates thanks to your strategic thinking show strong coordination skills

See what we’re talking about?

• Supervised the regular maintenance of the concrete pump, resulting in a 37% decrease in unforeseen equipment breakdowns
• Operated the walk-behind power trowels, contributing to the successful completion of 51+ large-scale projects with efficiency that reduced time-to-completion by an average of 3 days
• Customized around 277+ fabrication projects, leveraging router skills to craft intricate designs which boosted client satisfaction rates by 58%
• Adhered to safety regulations by making proper use of hard hats and other safety equipment, maintaining a zero-accident record
• Carefully measured materials for renovation projects, facilitating accurate installations and reducing material waste by an average of 19%

9 active verbs to start your general laborer work experience bullet points

• Facilitated
• Streamlined

3 Tips for Writing a General Laborer Resume if You Don’t Have Much Experience

• If your experience section feels a bit “thin,” you can always reference notable projects you worked on. These could be internships, school projects, or even volunteer labor. Experience doesn’t have to be paid to gain you some sweet skills!
• A resume objective , or objective statement , provides a concise overview of why you want the job and how you’re qualified for it. Reference the job description here to drop super relevant qualifications like “concrete pouring” or “circular saws.” Choose thoughtfully so you don’t repeat these traits later in your resume!
• If you earned some recognition in school for a really high GPA, or you were top of the class in a workshop that fits with your resume, add that in! You can place it next to your education unless you racked up a handful of achievements that warrant their own section.

3 Tips for Writing a General Laborer Resume if You Already Have Some Experience

• Now that you already have some experience under that tool belt, make sure you’re showing recruiters your highest points. Stick with just three or four laborer jobs for your experience section, and pick only the most impressive points for each one.
• Honestly, reverse-chronological formatting is always pretty great! Use this layout to put your best achievements at the top. This makes your greatness more eye-catching and reinforces a trend of learning and growth throughout your professional history.
• You probably don’t need to list academic achievements on your resume anymore. They’ll just be taking up valuable space that would be better used to show off your experiences and complex skills!

Regurgitating the job requirements word-for-word is a big “Nope!” but you do want to use some of the exact skills they list to get past that ATS. Work them into your experiences and skills list organically so that they look good for recruiters after that!

If you lack experience, a resume objective can help outline your career goals and level of promise as a worker. If you’re already experienced, a resume summary could help you give a quick overview of the highlights. Sometimes, if you have enough other qualifying information, you’ll need neither!

While all three of our resume templates will work well for you, you’ll ultimately want to select the one that puts your most impressive creds front and center! If your skills or extra achievements really shine, you might want to use a side column. If your experiences are the most eye-catching, let them take center stage.

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General Laborer resume examples & templates

Salary and job outlook for general laborers

What is the job outlook for general laborers, resume header, what if i have no experience.

If you’re a general laborer, don’t make the mistake of thinking you don’t need a resume. A resume is a critical document for anyone seeking a job, and laborers are no exception. But you’re in the right place for help with the heavy lifting that might be encountered preparing your general laborer resume.

Resume.io is a global provider of tools designed to significantly lighten anyone’s job search workload. That includes more than 350 occupation-specific resume examples and corresponding writing guides.

The guide you’re reading now will explore how a general laborer should prepare a resume, step by step. Backed by wording you can adapt from a general laborer resume example, we’ll cover the following points:

What do general laborers do?

• How to build write a general laborer resume, starting with the correct framework and most suitable format,
• Nailing each resume section for maximum impact: summary, work history, education and skills for general laborers
• Finishing details: professional resume layout and design tips

Whatever the boss tells them to! As the name implies, general laborers are not classified by specialty, but are more like generalists in the labor market. 

General laborers build the homes we live in, the buildings we work in and the roads we drive on — for starters. They do landscaping, farm and field work; they pour cement and pavement; they operate power tools and heavy machinery. They are sometimes described as “unskilled,” but if you think they lack skills, have you ever seen a heart surgeon operate a forklift?

General laborers are blue-collar workers who may be employed in any number of fields, including construction, agriculture, gardening, maintenance and many others. 

As the name also implies, general laborers labor , getting their hands dirty, using their backs, doing physical work. They usually work in outdoor environments more than air-conditioned offices, wearing boots more often than high heels, and work shirts more than suits. 

General laborers are often, but certainly not always, younger entry-level workers who are just starting out. However, many laborers develop specialties that are essential to getting any job done. And if you don’t believe that, feel free to grab a shovel and dig your own swimming pool. 

Need more ideas and inspiration to build your resume? See our other related resume samples listed here below.

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General laborers work in so many fields that it’s difficult to define the occupation, but there are various estimates of their pay ranges and job outlook.

How much do general laborers make?

The following averages are provided by Payscale.com , a leading aggregator of job salary info

JOB DESCRIPTION HOURLY PAY

• Laborer $16.10
• Construction laborer $17.16
• Construction worker $17.22
• Public works laborer $16.33
• Unskilled worker $15.18
• Canadian laborer C$18.03
• Canadian construction worker C$20.62
• UK construction worker £11.23

For comparison, the federal minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 an hour. In Washington, D.C., it’s $16.10 an hour; in the state of Washington, it’s $15.74 (for large employers), and all other state minimum wages are lower than that. So average wages for general laborers are generally above the minimum wage in almost all of the United States.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the best resource for statistics on job outlook, meaning the projected growth or decline in any occupation in future years. While the BLS doesn’t specifically track “general laborers,” its projections for related fields appear below.

While the BLS job outlook for all occupations predicts 5% growth between 2021 and 2031, these are projected rates for growth or decline in U.S. labor-related occupations:

• Construction laborers and helper s 4%
• Hand laborers and material movers 6%
• General maintenance and repair workers 5%
• Agricultural workers 1%
• Masonry workers -2%
• Grounds maintenance workers 5%

How to write a general laborer resume

A general laborer resume should be a one-page document that lays out the work experience, education/training and specialized skills that make you good at what you do. When building a general labor resume, it’s important to highlight your skills, the projects or companies you’ve worked for and your overall work attitude. Your new employer is likely looking for a solid and dependable employee, so make sure your resume conveys exactly that impression.

This the appropriate structure for a general laborer resume, with the following components in this order:

• Summary/profile
• Employment history

The all-important ATS test

Many larger employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) — electronic gatekeepers that filter resumes according to the keywords they contain.

Employers use this software by inputting key job qualifications into the system — critical keywords — so that incoming online job applications can be screened to see if they incorporate the same keywords.

For example, suppose Walmart is seeking a warehouse worker to unload trucks at its warehouse and replenish the shelves of its … wait for it … warehouse. Then take a wild guess what word it might include among the crucial keywords in its applicant tracking system.

Now let’s say Walmart receives 500 resumes applying for this position. The hiring manager, not willing or able to read them all, feeds them into the ATS first. If your resume never includes the word “warehouse,” then the computer ’bots that automatically filter all these resumes could reasonably conclude that you have no warehouse experience — or that you didn’t even read the job listing. The ATS is likely to reject your resume before a human being ever looks at it, while greenlighting resumes that do contain the all-important word “warehouse” for human review.

This is why it’s important to tailor your resume to each potential employer. Even if you have zero warehouse experience, you could convey in your resume that you’re a fit, fast, highly organized worker well-suited to a shipping and receiving role in a retailer warehouse. Suddenly you will pass this crucial keyword test , and your resume will rise to the top of the pile.

Choosing the best resume format for a general laborer

The chronological resume format is recommended for general laborers who have mainly worked for companies in employee positions. For the same reason, it’s the best resume format for about nine out of 10 job seekers in all occupations. It’s the most straightforward way to highlight your work experience with each employer, in order from most recent to earliest dates. 

The functional resume format emphasizes transferable skills rather than employers, while the hybrid (combination) resume format features both chronological and functional elements. One of these options might work well for self-employed general laborers looking for contract work. They are sometimes suitable for newcomers to the workforce lacking experience, or those making a career switch.

Now, let's take a closer look at each resume section and how general laborers can optimize the impact.

The header is an attractively designed section at the top of a resume that contains your name, occupation, address, phone number and email. 

The most prominent words on the resume page should be the applicant’s name. In a resume you are selling yourself, and you want the hiring manager to remember you, so make sure your name appears first and stands out from everything else. 

Add a line that includes your occupation — “General Laborer” in this example. You may prefer to use a job title that reflects your specialization in the field, or one that matches the job you are seeking. 

Your resume header should also display an address, phone and email. The obvious reason for this is so that employers can contact you if interested. But the placement of these details also provides an eye-pleasing element that simply makes the page look more inviting to read. 

The header is one of the most important components of the resume because it comes first and sets the visual tone for the rest of the page. It can also be one of the most challenging parts to design, which is where a resume template can save you a lot of time and uncertainty. We’ll have more to say about that later on.

Now let’s talk about the four other elements you need on your resume page.

General laborer resume summary example

Sometimes called a profile and sometimes called a summary or personal statement , this resume section provides a concise synopsis of your occupation, specializations, and directly relevant experience and training that makes you good at what you do.

Notice from our general laborer resume example that you don’t need to say “I am a…” — or even to use complete sentences. But in describing yourself and your skills, you do need to use compelling, interesting language — never flabby or vague. 

Most important, your resume summary should speak directly to the employer’s hiring needs and demonstrate your understanding of what’s expected. Carefully scrutinize the advertised job requirements to ensure your familiarity.

The summary is the best opportunity you have in a resume to describe yourself in your own words, so make the most of it. You don’t want to sound arrogant or presumptuous, but you do need to blow your own horn a bit. Remember that when you’re seeking a job, if you don’t make a good case for your candidacy, nobody else will. 

Here is an example of a general laborer summary you can modify to suit your situation:

Hardworking and reliable General Laborer with over a decade of residential and commercial construction experience. Skilled in performing the gamut of building tasks from site excavation to  landscaping stages, with exemplary safety record operating heavy machinery. Exceptional work ethic, physical stamina, and time management abilities supported team records for meeting or beating work deadlines.

Employment history sample

Your resume's employment history section must highlight the relevant work experience that convinces a potential employer that you have the chops to do the job you’re seeking. 

List the past jobs you’ve held in reverse chronological order (last job first), along with the dates and employer (company or project).

Below each employer or project heading, use bullet points to showcase key job highlights. Use strong action verbs to describe specific accomplishments. Avoid saying “Was responsible for ... ” and instead report what you actually did in each job. Quantify the beneficial outcome by using facts and figures wherever possible.

Here is an example of a general laborer work history resume section:

General Laborer at Woodward & Sons, Salisbury July 2018 - February 2023

• Provided a variety of physical labor services to ensure job completion, helping improve team deadline completion rates by 15%.
• Transported equipment and work materials, safely and efficiently unloading to provide ease of access in orderly job sites.
• Maintained, operated, and repaired trucks, heavy machinery, and power tools needed to perform all work tasks.
• Assisted and oversaw other crew members in safely  discarding hazardous materials.
• Carefully followed instructions to ensure accuracy, while utilizing strong mathematical and problem-solving skills.
• Communicated closely with project supervisors, promptly reporting issues needing attention and following up as needed.

General Laborer at Mohawk Lumber Company, Mohawk August 2012 - May 2018

• Maintained clean and safe workplaces.
• Exemplary  team strengths working collaboratively and independently.
• Reported to site managers and followed all safety protocols, while referring to blueprints and complying precisely to job instructions.

You may fear that you can’t get a job without general laborer work experience, and that you can’t get experience without a job. But remember that every worker in every field starts out with no experience. If it were impossible to get any job without a job history, nobody in the world would have a job.

General laborers with no experience actually have a big advantage over many fields, because it’s an occupation where experience is often not required. If you’re young, eager to work, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, there’s a job for you out there.

If you have absolutely no paid experience performing any kind of labor, you may have to get a bit creative in preparing your resume. Did you ever mow a lawn? Help paint a house? Unpaid or volunteer labor is still labor. 

For those with no experience, it’s often prudent to list your education first (see below), highlighting any special achievements (like an impressive GPA) or academic awards. It’s also important to write a resume summary that speaks to your passions, aspirations and eagerness to go to work.

General laborer resume education example

General laborers do not need college degrees, but you should never  underestimate the value of completing the education section of your resume. It can be important for a few reasons:

• You can list certificates and training courses. Anything that qualifies you for even a remotely formal document may be fine,
• It shows that you’ve already put effort into something and have a work ethic. This is vital when you have little or no work experience.
• It enhances your professional image if you have any ambition for a future promotion in the work crew or project.

Reading, writing and math skills are often needed in general laborer jobs. If you have a high school degree or the equivalent, that is absolutely relevant. You may be competing with laborers who have never finished high school, or who speak little or no English. Competency in the basic skills imparted by any level of formal education will make you more attractive to employers. 

You may also have special training in blue-collar skills that are essential to doing your job — for example, a trade school welding class. 

Here is an example of a general laborer resume education section:

Engineering Science A.S., Herkimer County Community College, Herkimer January 2020 - Present

CV skills section  example

The skills section of your general laborer resume may be one of the most influential in the entire document. It should include a good mix of hard skills and  soft skills to showcase what you can do and how well you’ll be doing it. So make sure to put some thought into your choice of skills, based on the job you’re applying for. Employers will pay close attention.

Back to the idea that general laborers are “unskilled” — that’s often pure baloney. If you can drive a nail with five blows, how many librarians can do that?  Physical strength and stamina, speed and accuracy, experience with power tools or heavy machinery, expertise in landscaping, paving, plumbing or carpentry — all speak to the specialized talents that will make hiring managers take a closer look at you.

Brainstorm a list of all the things you’re good at doing, even if you don’t think these skills are noteworthy because they come as second nature to you. Write down everything you can think of, even if the list becomes way too long. Then go back, take a close look at your list, trim it down to your most marketable skills, and find the best ways to describe them. Chances are, you’ll come up with an excellent list of skills that will interest employers. Keep this “master list” on hand to customize each time you apply for a different job. Again, the posted job requirements will help you cherry-pick the most relevant ones.

Since yours is largely a hands-on occupation, this section will tend to emphasize hard skills. that But don't overlook some of the soft skills that reflect your personal attributes and work habits. 

Avoid clichés like “self-starter” or “team player,” which might sound good but basically say nothing. Use original language to highlight skills that will be different from what’s on everyone else’s resume.

Here’s an example of a resume skills section for a general laborer:

• Adaptability
• Forklift Operator
• Ability to Multitask
• Communication Skills
• Knowledge of Power Tools and Hand Tools

Resume layout, design and formatting

Your general laborer resume needs to look as good as it reads, so you need to put some thought into its layout, design and formatting. That's not to say it should be overloaded with fancy visual elements to make it look  “pretty.” You want readers to focus on you and your qualifications, so avoid unnecessary visual distractions.

Resume.io offers resume templates divided into four design categories:  simple, creative, professional and modern. You can’t really go wrong with any of these, but don’t underestimate the impact of a simple style, which is recommended for physical and technical fields, as well as positions in transport, logistics, maintenance and repair.

You don’t need a resume format that’s overloaded with fancy visual elements or too “pretty.” You want your resume to focus on you and your qualifications, so try to avoid unnecessary visual distractions.

Trust your instincts in finding the right look and feel for your resume. When you find one you like, all you have to do is click on it, and the easy-to-use builder tool will guide you through the steps to making it your own. 

Key takeaways

• General laborers are an essential part of our economy, earning a living wage and looking forward to healthy projected job growth.
• A general labor resume should be confined to one page, with a well-designed header that sets the overall visual tone.
• Your resume needs a well-written summary, work history, education section and skills section.
• Your resume should be customized for each job you seek, addressing the crucial qualifications mentioned in the job listing to avoid rejection by the electronic ATS filter.
• General laborers should choose a resume layout and design that looks simple and attractive without detracting from the content.

Best of luck in finding the job that’s right for you!

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates