Resume Writing Tips for General Manager Human Resources & Administration

Introduction

In the world of Human Resources and Administration, the General Manager position is pivotal, requiring the candidate to demonstrate leadership, strategic planning, and operational effectiveness. A strong resume acts as your first impression, showcasing not only your qualifications but also how you’ve made a measurable impact in previous roles. With hiring managers often inundated with resumes, presenting a focused, results-driven document can make the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary acts as the elevator pitch of your professional story. It should capture your most compelling qualifications, leadership style, and areas of expertise pertinent to Human Resources and Administration. Keep it succinct yet impactful, providing a snapshot of your strategic vision and operational management capabilities.

Example: Accomplished General Manager with over 12 years of experience leading HR and administrative functions for Fortune 500 companies, specializing in organizational development, workforce optimization, and compliance management. Proven ability to drive operational efficiency through innovative policies, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative leadership.

2. Key Skills

Listing key skills relevant to your role ensures both ATS-compatibility and a clear signal to recruiters about your core competencies. Focus on a balance of hard and soft skills that align with General Manager responsibilities in HR and Administration.

• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Organizational Development
• Talent Acquisition & Retention
• Employee Relations & Engagement
• Compliance & Labor Law
• Performance Management
• Change Management
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• HRIS & Workforce Analytics
• Leadership & Team Building

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

While outlining your experience, emphasize achievements over generic responsibilities. Achievements showcase your ability to deliver tangible results and add value to the organization, helping differentiate you from other candidates.

Example bullet points should quantify your impact, such as:

Reduced employee turnover by 18% year-over-year through strategic engagement initiatives and leadership development programs.

4. Tailor to Job

Every job description is different. Tailoring your resume means highlighting the skills, tools, and accomplishments most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the posting, mirror their language, and address the specific challenges or goals mentioned.

5. Tools

• Workday Human Capital Management (HCM)
• SAP SuccessFactors
• Oracle PeopleSoft
• BambooHR
• ADP Workforce Now
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Tableau for HR Analytics
• Slack & Microsoft Teams
• Taleo Applicant Tracking System
• Google Workspace

6. Metrics

• Employee turnover rate reduction (e.g., Reduced turnover by 15%)
• Cost savings achieved through policy implementation (e.g., Saved $250K annually)
• Time-to-hire improvements (e.g., Decreased by 20% through streamlined recruitment)
• Training program success rate (e.g., 95% employee completion)
• Employee engagement score improvements (e.g., Improved engagement by 12 points)

7. Education

• MBA in Human Resources Management or Business Administration
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR Certified Professional Certification
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related fields
• Relevant continuing education such as leadership workshops, labor law updates

8. Format

• Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent font size (11-12 pt)
• Keep to two pages max, focusing on the last 10-15 years of experience
• Include ample white space and avoid dense paragraphs for readability
• Apply ATS-friendly formatting: standard fonts like Arial, Word doc or PDF format

9. Concise

Be concise but informative. Avoid filler words and jargon. Every bullet point should have a purpose, either showcasing a skill or quantifying an impact. Hiring managers appreciate clarity and efficiency.

10. Bonus

• Add a professional LinkedIn profile link or portfolio if applicable
• Incorporate soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and conflict resolution tied to demonstrated outcomes

Examples

• “Implemented a company-wide talent acquisition strategy that reduced time-to-hire by 22%, resulting in faster project staffing and a 10% increase in operational productivity.”
• “Led transformation initiatives that improved employee engagement scores from 68% to 80% within 12 months through targeted training and leadership coaching.”

Conclusion

A well-crafted resume for a General Manager in Human Resources & Administration should be a strategic manifesto that highlights your leadership abilities, data-driven decision-making, and your capacity to drive organizational success. Emphasizing impact through metrics, showcasing advanced skills and certified education, and tailoring your message to the job description will make your resume compelling and ATS-friendly. Remember, your resume is your personal brand narrative — crafted thoughtfully, it opens doors to your next leadership opportunity.