General manager job description: what you'll do and what to write on your resume
Applying for general manager at a company or business unit? Copy the duties below into your resume, then read what the interview asks.
Duties to write on your resume
Start each line with what you did. Keep the ones you've really done.
Led daily operations of the business and kept every department working toward set targets
Set yearly goals and budgets with owners or directors and tracked results each month
Supervised department heads and team leaders and gave regular feedback on their work
Reviewed sales, cost and profit reports in Excel and fixed problems early
Hired, trained and coached staff, and handled schedules, leave and discipline
Negotiated with suppliers and partners to keep quality up and costs down
Handled escalated customer complaints and fixed the cause so they didn't repeat
Made sure the business followed company policies, safety rules and labor requirements
A resume objective you can adapt
Operations-focused manager with experience leading teams and budgets, looking for a general manager role where I can improve daily processes and help the business grow steadily.
Skills employers ask for
Leading and motivating a team
Reading reports and making decisions from numbers
Planning budgets and controlling costs
Solving problems calmly under pressure
Clear communication in English and Filipino
What the interview asks
Tell me about the biggest team you've managed. Name the team size in words, your role and one result you helped them reach.
How do you decide when two departments need the same resource? Explain how you check priorities, talk to both heads and pick what helps the business most.
What would you do if the business missed its targets for a few months? Say you'd study the reports, find the cause, talk to the team and set a clear plan.
How do you handle a staff member who keeps underperforming? Describe giving clear feedback, offering support and following company steps if nothing changes.
Most posts ask for a bachelor's degree, often in business or a related field, plus several years of management experience.
Prepare a resume that shows results you led, such as growing sales, cutting costs or improving service.
Bring a valid ID, NBI clearance, your SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and TIN numbers, and a medical certificate if asked.
Apply on company career pages, through recruiters or through people you've worked with.
Expect several interview rounds, often with the owner or directors.
What the work is like
You're responsible for the whole business, so the days are busy and full of decisions. The hard part is that problems from every department end up on your desk.
Questions
Can I become a general manager without a degree?
Sometimes, especially in small businesses. Most larger companies still prefer a degree plus proven results leading teams.
What should I study to become a general manager?
Business administration, management or operations courses are common. Many people also move up from supervisor or department head roles.
Is general manager a full-time job?
Almost always. The role covers the whole business, so employers hire for full-time, and hours can run long.
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