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What does a General Laborer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 2 min read

A general laborer is a person who does unskilled manual work.

General Laborer job duties include:

  • Unloading and loading materials
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Digging trenches
  • Mixing concrete
  • Operating machinery
  • Painting
  • Cleaning up debris
  • Landscaping
  • Snow removal

General Laborer Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for general laborers, although some on-the-job training may be necessary. A high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Certification is not required, but some general laborers may choose to become certified in OSHA 10 or 30 hour construction safety. Experience is not required, but it is often helpful.

General Laborer Skills

  • Able to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Able to work well independently or as part of a team
  • Able to lift heavy objects
  • Able to stand for long periods of time
  • Able to work in hot or cold weather conditions
  • Basic math skills
  • Basic reading and writing skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Good organizational skills
  • Physical strength and stamina
  • Safety conscious

Related: Top General Laborer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a General Laborer

There are many ways to become a general laborer. One way is to find a company that is hiring and apply for the position. Another way is to go through a temp agency. There are also many online job boards that list general laborer positions.

To be a successful general laborer, it is important to be physically fit and able to lift heavy objects. It is also important to be able to follow directions and work well with others.

Related: General Laborer Resume Example

Related: General Laborer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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