What does a General Labor do?
Published 4 min read
A general labor is a worker who is not skilled in any particular trade or occupation and is therefore employed to do unskilled manual work.
General Labor job duties include:
- Performing general labor tasks as assigned
- Assisting with construction projects
- Cleaning and preparing work areas
- Loading and unloading materials
- Operating machinery and equipment
- Performing maintenance and repairs
- Digging trenches or holes
- Landscaping and groundskeeping
- Painting and minor carpentry
General Labor Job Requirements
Most general labor jobs do not require any formal education or certification, although some may prefer or require a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience is typically not required for entry-level general labor positions, although some employers may prefer candidates with previous experience in a related field. General labor jobs typically involve manual labor tasks such as loading and unloading materials, cleaning, and maintenance.
General Labor Skills
- Punctuality
- Dependability
- Physical Strength
- Agility
- Endurance
- Manual Dexterity
- Good Balance
- Coordination
- Near Vision
- Willingness to Learn
- Safety Conscious
Related: Top General Labor Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a General Labor
Working as a general laborer is a great way to get your foot in the door of many different industries. As a general laborer, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks that are necessary for the completion of projects. While the job may not be glamorous, it is an important one and can lead to other opportunities down the road. If you are interested in becoming a general laborer, here are a few things you need to know.
First, you will need to have a strong work ethic. General laborers are often required to perform manual labor tasks that can be physically demanding. You will need to be able to work long hours in sometimes difficult conditions. If you are not someone who is willing to put in the hard work, then this job is not for you.
Second, you must be able to follow directions. As a general laborer, you will likely be working under the supervision of another individual or team. It is important that you are able to take direction and complete tasks as instructed. If you have trouble following directions, this job is not likely to be a good fit for you.
Third, you should have some basic skills in math and reading. While you may not need to be an expert in these subjects, being able to understand and follow instructions that involve numbers and text will be helpful. If you struggle with these types of tasks, again, this job may not be right for you.
Fourth, it is helpful if you have your own transportation. Many general labor jobs require employees to travel to different worksites. Having your own car or truck will make it easier to get to where you need to go and will also give you the flexibility to take on jobs that are further away from home.
If after reading all of this you still think working as a general laborer is something you’d like to do, then the next step is finding an employer who is hiring. Check out job postings online or stop by local businesses that may be hiring temporary or seasonal workers. Once you find a position that interests you, apply and hope for the best!
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