Resume Writing Tips for General Manager

Introduction

In the role of a general manager, your resume acts as a direct reflection of your expertise in leading teams, driving growth, and managing complex operations. Hiring managers seek candidates who demonstrate measurable achievements, a broad skill set, and the ability to think analytically while inspiring others. Given the seniority of this position, a generic or poorly formatted resume can quickly be overlooked—especially as many companies rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter submissions. This guide provides detailed, actionable resume writing tips tailored specifically for general managers to help you create a compelling and ATS-optimized resume that truly captures your leadership prowess and business impact.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch. For a general manager, it should encapsulate your years of leadership experience, industry expertise, and key competencies in succinct, powerful language. Avoid vague statements; instead, highlight your core strengths and value propositions right at the top.

Example: “Dynamic General Manager with 12+ years of experience spearheading operational excellence and revenue growth in the manufacturing sector. Proven track record of driving 30%+ annual sales growth and streamlining processes to reduce costs by 15%, leveraging data-driven strategies and cross-functional leadership.”

2. Key Skills

General managers require a versatile set of skills combining leadership, strategic planning, and technical knowledge. Be sure to include a well-rounded list of skills that ATS and hiring managers look for. Emphasize both hard and soft skills.

• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Financial Management & Budgeting
• Operations Management
• Team Leadership & Development
• Change Management
• Data Analysis & Business Intelligence
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Project Management
• Risk Management

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Many general manager resumes fall into the trap of listing generic job responsibilities rather than concrete achievements. Achievements demonstrate your real impact and distinguish you from other candidates. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to develop concise, result-driven bullet points. Quantify wherever possible.

Example Achievement: “Led a cross-functional team of 50 employees to implement a new ERP system, resulting in a 20% reduction in inventory holding costs and a 35% improvement in order fulfillment speed within six months.”

4. Tailor to Job

One-size-fits-all resumes rarely perform well. Carefully analyze each job description, noting keywords and critical qualifications. Tailor your summary, skills, and experience bullet points to mirror these terms while maintaining authenticity. This not only beats ATS filters but also reassures recruiters that you meet their specific needs.

5. Tools

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)
• Customer Relationship Management (Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
• Project Management Software (Asana, Trello, MS Project)
• Data Visualization Tools (Tableau, Power BI)
• Financial Software (QuickBooks, Hyperion)
• Google Analytics
• Collaboration Tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Supply Chain Management Software (JDA, Manhattan Associates)
• Business Intelligence Platforms (QlikView, Domo)

6. Metrics

• Revenue growth percentages (e.g., increased revenue by 25% YoY)
• Cost savings achieved (e.g., reduced operational expenses by $500K annually)
• Team growth and retention rates (e.g., improved employee retention by 15%)
• Efficiency improvements (e.g., shortened production cycle time by 20%)
• Customer satisfaction scores or Net Promoter Score (NPS) improvements

7. Education

• List your highest relevant degree first (e.g., MBA, BS in Business Administration)
• Include any industry-relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma Green Belt)

8. Format

• Use clear section headings and consistent fonts (e.g., Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman, 10-12 pt)
• Maintain clean bullet points with sufficient white space for readability

9. Concise

The ideal general manager resume is two pages max. Be concise and avoid redundant language. Prioritize recent and relevant experience and trim older, less pertinent details. Employers appreciate a resume that can deliver key information quickly and clearly.

10. Bonus

• Incorporate keywords naturally throughout the resume for ATS optimization
• Use action verbs like “spearheaded,” “optimized,” “transformed,” and “led” to convey leadership and initiative

Examples

• “Spearheaded a product launch that generated $3M in revenue in the first quarter, surpassing sales goals by 40%.”
• “Implemented a company-wide cost control program cutting overhead expenses by 12% without compromising quality.”

Conclusion

For general managers, a resume is more than just a list of past jobs — it’s a strategic document that must clearly convey your leadership impact, business acumen, and analytical capabilities. By focusing on quantifiable achievements, aligning your skills with job requirements, and presenting your experience in a clean, concise format, you significantly increase your chances of catching the attention of recruiters and ATS systems alike. Remember, the ultimate goal is to demonstrate how you deliver results and inspire teams, making you the indispensable leader organizations want to hire.