5 General Manager Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

When envisioning the general manager's responsibilities, you can ask yourself, is there anything these people don’t do? From strategic planning and budget management to team leadership and customer relations, a GM encounters an array of challenges daily.

Research shows that managers spend 54% of their time on administrative tasks, 30% on solving problems and collaborating, 10% on strategy and innovation, and only 7% on developing people and engaging with stakeholders​.

This role demands versatility and adaptability, spanning the corporate hierarchy and requiring a unique blend of skills to navigate different levels effectively. As a GM, you're involved in day-to-day operations, staying current on numerous fronts while avoiding micromanagement to maintain team morale.

Our general manager resume guide will help you craft an application that captivates recruiters and shows your multifaceted expertise.

These related guide and cover letter examples are also worth checking out:

• Administrative general manager Resume Example
• Branch Manager Resume Example
• Business Manager Resume Example
• Director of Operations Resume Example
• International Sales Manager Resume Example
• Retail general manager Resume Example
• Regional Operations Manager Resume Example
• General manager Cover Letter Example

general manager resume sample

Take this example general manager resume and tailor it to your own needs. It only takes minutes with the Enhancv resume builder.

How to format a general manager resume

Follow these tips for an impeccable resume layout:

• Resume format: For most general managers, a reverse-chronological resume is preferred, as it clearly displays your unique career history progressively backward. It shows a clear career progression in a format widely recognized by employers. The reverse-chronological is best for those with a solid, linear career path and those wanting to emphasize their latest roles and achievements prominently.
• Resume design: Choose a professional resume template to impress recruiters at a glance. Ensure 1” margins on each side and select a sleek, easy-to-read font like Lato, Rubik, or Arial. Use elegant colors like dark blue, gray, or green to emphasize your strengths without appearing unprofessional.Aim for a 1-page resume to respect recruiters' time, prioritizing relevant information over listing every project.
• Header, contact info, & photo: A neat header at the top of your resume should contain essential contact information, like your name, phone number, e-mail address, and job title. Consider adding your LinkedIn profile for a quick overview of your path. You could also opt for a resume headline: a great way to set the tone of your resume. As for photos, check the requirements of the specific job you’re after. Generally, don’t include it as it might cause unconscious bias.
• File formatting: Choose a format that’ll keep your unique design in place. A PDF is perfect for that task, and it passes ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) with flying colors! Name your file in a way that won’t confuse hiring managers. Include your first and last name, and the word “resume.” Like so: FirstName_LastName_Resume.
• Top sections: Your general manager resume should contain these sections: executive summary, work experience, skills, and education. We’ll discuss them in more detail below.

Got a resume already? Test it against our free ATS checker!

Let's begin by highlighting your core strength: your experience.

How to write your general manager resume experience

The general manager role is so versatile, that the tasks you’re required to perform can vary a lot. Navigating the optimal approach for your general manager resume can be challenging. Here are some tips on formatting your GM resume:

• Reverse chronological order: List your work experience starting with the most recent position and work backward. This format highlights your most recent and relevant experience first.
• Clear job titles and company names: Bold or capitalize job titles and company names to make them stand out. Include the location and dates of employment for each role.
• Concise and relevant bullet points: Use bullet points to list your key responsibilities, achievements, and contributions in each role. Focus on quantifiable results and specific examples of how you added value to the company.
• Highlight leadership and management skills: Emphasize your leadership, strategic planning, and operational management skills. Include specific examples of team leadership, project management, and business growth initiatives.
• Use action verbs and keywords: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs (e.g., led, managed, developed, implemented). Include industry-specific keywords that can be found in the job description to ensure your resume passes through ATS and catches the eye of recruiters.

As you examine the job description for your target general manager role, pay attention to two primary aspects: industry and processes. These two areas are unique to the job and will guide you in framing your experience section. If you’re applying for a general manager position in a specific industry (hospitality, retail aviation, etc.) and have experience in this industry, emphasize it.

Let’s take a look at a real-life restaurant general manager job description.

Now let’s see a well-written experience sample tailored to that ad:

Why this section works:

• Demonstrates leadership and management skills: The section highlights the candidate's ability to lead a large team and manage various aspects of restaurant operations, aligning with the job's emphasis on overseeing all management and hourly team members.
• Proven track record in meeting financial goals: The description and bullet points emphasize the candidate's success in achieving sales and profit targets, showcasing their financial acumen and results-driven approach.
• Tailored to job requirements: The experience section is specifically tailored to the job requirements and responsibilities, such as ensuring collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house operations, mentoring managers, and managing operating systems. This customization demonstrates the candidate's direct alignment with the role.

Let’s move on to the skills section of your resume.

General manager skills

Your skills section is like a power bank that charges the company you work for with impact. The most effective way to show your skills is to present them in the context of your previous job activities and accomplishments.

Which ones to choose, though? We already mentioned the general manager responsibilities can vary widely. Your best bet is to target the desired job posting by analyzing it for the most valued skills and specific keywords.

Choose industry-specific hard skills, and describe them in a separate section. These measurable skills, often backed by certifications, provide the technical expertise crucial for a general manager to deal with various business aspects effectively. Underlining them makes your qualifications transparent and valuable to future employers.

Take your pick from our list:

Soft skills are vital for general managers, enabling effective leadership, fostering a positive work culture, and ensuring smooth communication. While hard skills provide technical know-how, soft skills help apply this knowledge to motivate and guide teams toward success. Both are necessary for a well-rounded general manager. When describing your soft skills, it’s essential to offer context to enable recruiters understand your abilities accurately.

Here’s a list of the best soft skills to consider:

Now that we’ve seen how your robust skill set has been honed through years of hands-on experience, let's move on to the educational foundation that has equipped you with the tools to excel in leadership roles.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Educational requirements for general manager roles can vary, but a bachelor's degree is typically required. The fields preferred are usually related to the position such as engineering or business. An MBA can also offer a significant advantage in numerous industries.

Let’s see what a well-written education section looks like. We’ve tailored it to the job posting above.

This education section’s impressive:

• Relevant degree and institution: The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UCLA is highly relevant to the general manager role, providing a solid foundation in business principles applicable to restaurant management.
• Inclusion of GPA: Displaying a GPA of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale highlights outstanding academic achievements and competence in the field, which can be appealing to employers looking for candidates with a strong educational background.
• Relevant coursework: Listing relevant coursework such as Financial Management and Operations Management directly aligns with the job requirements, demonstrating that the candidate has studied subjects that are crucial for managing restaurant operations.

Certifications can provide a competitive edge, particularly in sectors where specialized knowledge is essential. Depending on your experience and industry, consider pursuing certifications in product management, HR, and similar areas.

Additional relevant certifications for general managers include those in project management, business analysis, and leadership development.

 Here’s our list of best certifications for the role:

Now let’s move on to an essential part of your resume: your resume profile.

How to write your general manager resume summary

A compelling resume summary is essential for a general manager, serving as the initial touchpoint for recruiters and potential employers. It should immediately communicate your fit for the role by emphasizing relevant experience, key achievements, and the unique value you bring. A well-crafted summary can significantly distinguish you from other candidates in this pivotal role.

Here are some points to consider that highlight career achievements and core competencies in management.

Now let’s see a good resume summary for a general manager.

Here’s why it’s good:

• Emphasizes key achievements: Clearly mentions quantifiable results like increasing revenue by 30% and reducing costs by 20%, which demonstrates the candidate's impact.
• Showcases relevant experience: Displays over 15 years of experience in leading teams and managing operations, underscoring the candidate's extensive background.
• Highlights core competencies: Focuses on essential skills such as strategic planning, team leadership, and resource management, aligning with the general manager role requirements.

Now that you’ve crafted a compelling summary that demonstrates your key qualifications and achievements, think of any additional sections that’ll make your application one of a kind!

Additional sections for a general manager resume

Take a look at the top six additional sections we picked for a general manager. These provide a deeper insight into your capabilities and experiences, demonstrating why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.

• Achievements and awards: Showing recognitions and awards emphasizes your success and the impact of your contributions in previous roles.
• Professional affiliations: Including memberships in relevant industry associations demonstrates your commitment to staying informed and connected within your field.
• Volunteer experience: Showcasing your involvement in community service or volunteer work proves your dedication to social responsibility and leadership outside of the workplace.
• Projects: Highlighting specific projects you’ve led or contributed to provides concrete examples of your problem-solving and project management abilities.
• Languages: Listing languages you speak fluently can set you apart, especially in companies with a global presence or diverse clientele.
• Hobbies and interests: Including your hobbies and interests can provide a well-rounded view of your personality and demonstrate attributes that might be relevant to the role. Then again, not every hobby must have marketable value. Sometimes we do things because they bring us joy, and that’s enough. For one thing, this can even make us more concentrated and dedicated to what we do.

Key takeaways

Think of your resume as the blueprint for a remarkable structure – your career. As a general manager, you’re the mastermind who designs, plans, and oversees the construction of success. Every line on your resume should be meticulously crafted, showcasing your ability to turn vision into reality and ideas into actionable plans.

Here’s how to do that:

• Choose a reverse-chronological resume format to present a captivating career overview.
• Choose an easy-to-read and follow resume layout.
• A little color on your resume can go a long way to enhance your strengths.
• Keep a clear, presentable header, and name your file correctly to win over recruiters.
• Customize your experience section to show you’re as versatile as general managers need to be.
• Quantifiable impact always captures attention, especially for results-oriented professions such as general management.
• Illustrate your soft, or people skills, to give hiring managers insight into who you are.
• Consider additional sections to show your personality.