General Laborer Resume Examples & Templates for 2025

Discover our general laborer resume examples to learn how to showcase your skills and experience. Find tips on formatting and highlighting key abilities for diverse roles.

By Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW, Career Advice Writer Last Updated: May 12, 2025

More Laborer Resume Examples

Explore our general laborer resume examples to learn how to effectively showcase your physical skills, reliability, and relevant experience. Use these samples to craft a construction resume that stands out to employers.

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General Laborer Resume Template (Text Version)

Chris Brown

Tacoma, WA 98409
(555)555-5555
Chris.Brown@example.com

Skills

  • Time management
  • Safety protocols
  • Heavy machinery operation
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina
  • Team collaboration
  • Quality assurance

Languages

  • Spanish – Beginner (A1)
  • French – Intermediate (B1)
  • German – Beginner (A1)

Professional Summary

Dedicated General Laborer with 8 years of extensive experience in improving efficiency and safety in industrial environments. Skilled in machinery operation, time management, and quality assurance. Proven track record in enhancing team performance and reducing operational costs.

Work History

General Laborer
Atlas Manufacturing Co. – Tacoma, WA
June 2021 – May 2025

  • Increased production by 15% through process improvement
  • Maintained equipment, reducing downtime by 25%
  • Assisted in training 10 new team members

Warehouse Associate
Pioneer Supply Chain Solutions – Tacoma, WA
May 2017 – May 2021

  • Handled inventory worth 0K monthly
  • Improved order fulfillment accuracy by 30%
  • Managed stock, ensuring a 98% efficiency rate

Construction Laborer
ProBuild Constructions – Tacoma, WA
May 2013 – April 2017

  • Completed projects ahead of schedule 20% of the time
  • Assisted in reducing material waste by 10%
  • Operated heavy machinery, improving jobsite safety

Certifications

  • Forklift Operator Certification – National Safety Council
  • OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety – Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree Industrial Engineering
State University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
May 2013

High School Diploma General Education
Springfield Central High School Springfield, Illinois
May 2009

Advice for Writing Your General Laborer Resume

Dive into our advice on how to make a resume for a general laborer position and discover new ways to highlight your hands-on skills, work ethic, and versatility. Uncover tailored tips that will help you stand out and land the job you’re aiming for!

5 Tips For Creating A Great Construction Laborer Resume Scaled

Highlight relevant technical skills

For a general laborer, technical skills are crucial as they highlight your efficiency in handling job-specific tasks.

To effectively present these abilities, either create a special Technical Skills section or integrate them into your work experience bullet points. Concentrate on practical skills relevant to the role, such as equipment operation, tool handling, or knowledge of safety protocols.

When listing technical skills, use precise terms that employers will readily recognize. Commonly valued skills for general laborers include forklift operation, basic mechanical repair, power tool usage, heavy lifting techniques, and familiarity with construction materials.

If you possess certifications like OSHA training or first aid/CPR, include them too — they emphasize your preparedness and professionalism. Finally, customize your list according to the job description to reflect what employers prioritize most for their team.

Example of a technical skills section

  • Power Tools Operation (Drills, Saws, Grinders)
  • Forklift Operation and Certification
  • Basic Carpentry and Masonry Skills
  • Welding Techniques (MIG, TIG, Arc)
  • OSHA Safety Standards Compliance
  • Blueprint Reading and Interpretation
  • Material Handling Equipment Usage
  • Concrete Mixing and Pouring
  • Preventive Maintenance Procedures

Quantify your accomplishments

Quantifying your accomplishments on a resume makes it more impressive than just listing duties. For a general laborer, it’s not enough to say you worked hard; showing results is key.

In the Work Experience section, start with your job title, employer name, location, and employment dates. Then focus on achievements by turning duties into measurable outcomes. Instead of saying “helped with construction,” say “assisted in building 50 homes within 6 months.”

Using action verbs and metrics in the Work Experience section creates a results-driven resume that stands out. Words like completed, improved, and reduced paired with numbers show what you achieved as a general laborer. Did you cut costs or increase efficiency? Maybe you reduced waste by 30%. These figures help hiring managers quickly see your skills and impact.

This practical approach lets employers see how well you performed in previous roles and what value you can bring to theirs.

5 general laborer work history bullet points

  • Operated heavy machinery to assist with construction projects, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency.
  • Assisted in loading and unloading materials, ensuring timely delivery and reducing project delays by 15%.
  • Performed routine maintenance on equipment, extending machine lifespan by 10% and minimizing downtime.
  • Followed safety protocols meticulously, contributing to a zero-accident record over 12 months.
  • Collaborated with team members to complete tasks ahead of schedule, enhancing overall productivity by 25%.

Write a powerful professional summary

A professional summary offers a snapshot of your skills and experiences to create a strong first impression. Summaries are particularly well suited for seasoned candidates who have accomplishments they’d like to emphasize.

For those with limited experience or just starting out, a resume objective is more appropriate. This section focuses on your career goals and aspirations within the general laborer position, highlighting transferable skills and enthusiasm.

Whether crafting a professional summary or resume objective, include specific abilities like physical stamina, attention to detail, and teamwork. If you can clearly organize these points, you are more likely to grab an employer’s attention.

General laborer resume summary examples

Entry-level
Motivated and detail-oriented recent high school graduate with a strong foundation in general labor skills including basic carpentry, painting, and maintenance tasks. Completed OSHA 10-hour safety certification and eager to apply hands-on skills in a dynamic work environment. Known for reliability, quick learning ability, and a strong work ethic.

Mid-career
Skilled general laborer with over 7 years of experience specializing in construction and warehouse operations. Proficient in operating forklifts, power tools, and heavy machinery, with a consistent track record of maintaining safety standards. Recognized for efficiency and teamwork abilities that enhance project productivity.

Experienced
Highly experienced general laborer with 15+ years in industrial manufacturing environments. Demonstrates leadership through supervision of teams on large-scale projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards. Expert in troubleshooting equipment issues and implementing process improvements that reduce downtime by 20%.

General laborer resume objective examples

Recent graduate
Diligent and hardworking recent high school graduate eager to start a career as a general laborer. Seeking an opportunity to apply physical stamina and strong work ethic in supporting construction and maintenance projects, while gaining valuable industry experience.

Career changer
Detail-oriented former retail associate transitioning into the role of general laborer. Bringing excellent organizational skills and customer service experience, with a desire to contribute effectively to team-based labor tasks and learn new skills in a practical work environment.

Specialized training
Enthusiastic individual with forklift certification looking to leverage logistical expertise as a general laborer. Committed to ensuring efficient material handling and site safety, while assisting in various labor-intensive tasks within a fast-paced industrial setting.

Showcase your credentials

Listing certifications on your resume is crucial for a general laborer role. These credentials show your skills and readiness to handle specific tasks safely and efficiently.

When adding a Certifications section, list each certification clearly with the name of the credential, issuing organization, and date obtained or expiration date (if applicable). Organize them in reverse chronological order so the most recent ones appear first.

By showcasing these credentials prominently, you demonstrate your commitment to professional development and adherence to industry standards. It sets you apart from other candidates by proving that you’ve invested time and effort into learning important skills necessary for the job.

Example of a certifications section

Forklift Operator Certification
Issued by: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Issued 2022

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Certification
Issued by: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Expires 2025

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
Issued by: American Red Cross
Issued 2023

Certified Rigger and Signal Person
Issued by: National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)
Expires 2024

Construction Site Safety Technician (CSST)
Issued by: National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Issued 2021

FAQ

Do I need to include a cover letter with my general laborer resume?

While a cover letter isn’t always required for a general laborer role, it can be advantageous to include one with your resume. A general laborer cover letter allows you to demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate and express your enthusiasm for the job.

Feel free to use a Cover Letter Generator to craft a more personalized letter or find inspiration in cover letter examples.

How long should a general laborer’s resume be?

A general laborer’s resume should be concise, with a single page being the optimal resume length. Prioritize listing skills, certifications, and relevant experience that match the labor roles you’re targeting.

Keep your work descriptions clear and to the point — employers seek quick assurance of your qualifications. If you have more than 10 years of experience, a two-page resume might be necessary.

How do you write a general laborer resume with no experience?

To craft a resume with no experience as a general laborer, emphasize your potential by showcasing relevant traits like physical stamina, teamwork, and reliability — qualities vital for labor-intensive roles.

Highlight your educational background, even if unrelated to the job, as it reflects dedication and an ability to learn. Include any safety training or equipment handling courses you’ve completed to demonstrate preparedness.

Finally, volunteer work or extracurricular activities can help you showcase your transferable skills. For instance, participating in community service projects signals initiative and a strong work ethic, while team sports underscore your ability to collaborate effectively. Even personal projects like home repairs or landscaping can further illustrate problem-solving abilities and hands-on experience.

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