Creating a document that effectively highlights your qualifications and experience as a school counselor is crucial in making a positive first impression in the education sector.

Whether you are an experienced educator seeking new opportunities or a recent graduate, a well-crafted school counselor resume is essential to differentiate yourself in a competitive job market.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating an effective school counselor resume, complete with specific resume samples that showcase unique skills and qualifications relevant to different types of positions in academical settings.

School counselor resume examples

Elementary school counselor resume template

Elementary school counselor resume sample | Plain text

Emily Chen

Los Angeles, CA
Email: emily.chen@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567

Objective

Compassionate and dedicated Elementary School Counselor with over 5 years of experience in supporting students' social and emotional development. Proven ability to implement effective programs that promote positive behaviors and academic success.

Experience

Elementary School Counselor

Sunset Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA, August 2020 – Present

  • Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to address student concerns, including social skills, anxiety, and academic challenges.
  • Develop and implement programs that promote a positive school climate and foster student engagement.
  • Collaborate with teachers and parents to create individualized support plans for students facing challenges.
  • Facilitate workshops on topics such as conflict resolution, self-esteem, and study skills.

School Counseling Intern

Pine Valley School District, Los Angeles, CA, September 2019 – June 2020

  • Assisted the lead counselor in conducting assessments and creating intervention plans for students in need.
  • Organized and led small group sessions focused on developing social skills and coping strategies.
  • Participated in parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and well-being.

Education

Master of Science in School Counseling

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Graduated: May 2020

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

California State University, Los Angeles, CA

Graduated: May 2018

Certifications

Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Certification Date: June 2020

Skills

  • Individual and group counseling
  • Crisis intervention techniques
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Program development and implementation
  • Collaboration with teachers and parents

Why this school counseling resume is effective?

  • The inclusion of specific programs Emily developed emphasizes her proactive approach to student well-being.
  • The use of bullet points and headings makes key information easy to find, enhancing readability.
  • The school counselor resume highlights her progression from an intern to a full-time counselor, showcasing growth and development in the field.
How to format a resume for school counselor?
  • Use an easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Verdana.
  • Stick to black for the main text. Avoid colors unless the design is extremely subtle and professional.
  • Utilize standard margins of 1 inch on all sides for a clean, balanced look.
  • Apply single or 1.15 spacing between lines for readability.
  • Leave a blank line (or about 10-12 pt of space) between sections for clarity.
  • Add bullet points to list responsibilities and accomplishments under each job.
  • If you’re an entry or mid-level counselor, aim to keep your resume to one page.
  • Include action verbs to describe your roles and accomplishments.
  • Refrain from excessive jargon or overly technical terms that may not be familiar to all hiring managers.
  • Minimize acronyms unless they are common (e.g., FERPA, IEP).
  • Tailor your school counselor resume to match the school counselor job description with the help of keywords.
  • Double-check for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammatical errors.

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High school counselor resume example

Michael Rivera

San Diego, CA
Email: michael.rivera@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 987-6543

Resume Summary

Experienced High School Counselor with over 6 years of expertise in academic advising and student support. Adept at guiding students through the college application process and providing counseling on personal and academic challenges.

Experience

High School Counselor

Hilltop High School, San Diego, CA, August 2020 – Present

  • Provide individual counseling to students on academic performance, college readiness, and personal development.
  • Organize college fairs and workshops to educate students on post-secondary options and financial aid opportunities.
  • Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and community resources to support student needs.

Assistant Counselor

Mission Valley High School, San Diego, CA, July 2018 – June 2020

  • Supported lead counselors in delivering academic and emotional support to students.
  • Coordinated school-wide initiatives to promote mental health awareness and resilience.
  • Assisted in crisis management and intervention strategies for students in distress.

Education

Master of Arts in School Counseling

San Diego State University, CA

Graduated: May 2018

Bachelor of Science in Sociology

University of California, San Diego, CA

Graduated: May 2016

Certifications

California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Certification Date: June 2021

Skills

  • Academic advising and planning
  • Proficient in helping students choose appropriate courses
  • Capable of addressing issues such as bullying
  • Knowledgeable about adolescent mental health
  • Skilled in identifying students in crisis

Strengths of this counseling resume:

  • Michael’s responsibilities include quantifiable achievements, such as organizing college fairs, which demonstrate his contributions to the school community.
  • The skills listed on this school counselor resume are tailored to the high school environment, showcasing his specific expertise and relevance to potential employers.
  • The use of strong action verbs emphasizes candidate's active role in school programs, giving the impression of a hands-on, engaged professional.
What is the difference between school counselor resume objective and summary?
AspectResume ObjectiveResume Summary
PurposeStates the candidate’s career goals and the role they are seeking.Provides a snapshot of the applicant's background.
Length1–2 sentences, short and direct.2–3 sentences, offering more depth.
ToneFuture-orientedPresent/past-oriented
Best forEntry-level candidates or those changing careers.Experienced professionals.
ExampleLooking for a position as a School Mental Health Counselor where I can contribute to improving students’ emotional and psychological well-being through targeted interventions and therapeutic support.Highly trained School Counselor with 9+ years of experience in providing short- and long-term crisis intervention for students dealing with trauma, family issues, and behavioral challenges. Expert in coordinating with external mental health resources and implementing school-wide crisis management protocols.

College school counselor resume template

College school counselor resume sample | Plain text

Laura White

New York, NY
Email: laura.white@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 345-6789

Resume Summary

Dedicated College Counselor with over 11 years of experience in providing academic advising and career counseling to diverse student populations. Skilled in developing workshops to enhance student engagement and success.

Experience

College Counselor

Greenwich Community College, New York, NY, January 2019 – Present

  • Provide one-on-one career counseling to students, assisting with resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
  • Collaborate with academic departments to support students in selecting courses that align with career goals.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of job market trends and educational opportunities for students.

Academic Advisor

Brooklyn College, New York, NY, August 2013 – December 2018

  • Guided students in academic planning and course selection to ensure timely graduation.
  • Conducted workshops on academic success strategies and study skills.
  • Assisted students with financial aid applications and scholarship searches.

Education

Master of Education in Counseling

Columbia University, New York, NY

Graduated: May 2016

Bachelor of Arts in Education

New York University, NY

Graduated: May 2013

Certifications

National Certified Counselor

National Board for Certified Counselors

Certification Date: January 2022

Skills

  • Trained in identifying signs of emotional distress
  • Familiar with university policies, FERPA regulations
  • Knowledge of financial aid processes
  • Strong organizational and planning skills
  • Skilled in guiding students through career exploration

Why this counselor resume is good?

  • Laura's experience in creating workshops highlights her initiative and ability to enhance student engagement, making her a valuable asset to any educational institution.
  • The inclusion of her NCC certification adds credibility and demonstrates her commitment to professional development.
  • Her skills reflect her focus on career counseling, ensuring relevance to the positions she is applying for.
What skills to put on a school counseling resume?
  • Hard skills are technical, job-specific abilities that are often learned through education, training, or experience. They are measurable and can be tested or demonstrated.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes that determine how well a person can work with others or handle challenges in the workplace.

Counselor resume hard skills:

  • Academic advising
  • College application guidance
  • Crisis intervention
  • Career counseling
  • Student assessment and evaluation
  • Mental health support techniques
  • IEP (Individualized Education Program) development
  • Conflict resolution strategies
  • Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., PowerSchool)
  • Knowledge of counseling theories and practices
  • Group counseling facilitation
  • Report writing and documentation
  • Behavioral management strategies
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Legal and ethical counseling standards

Counselor resume soft skills:

  • Communication skills
  • Empathy
  • Active listening
  • Problem-solving
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Patience
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict resolution
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Time management
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Critical thinking
  • Relationship building
  • Decision-making skills

Special education school counselor resume example

David Kim

Houston, TX
Email: david.kim@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 654-3210

Resume Summary

Compassionate Special Education Counselor with over 7 years of experience advocating for students with disabilities. Expertise in developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and implementing support services to promote academic and social success.

Experience

Special Education Counselor

Clear Lake High School, Houston, TX, August 2020 – Present

  • Develop and oversee individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
  • Provide counseling support to students and families regarding available resources and services.
  • Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and outside agencies to facilitate student access to educational opportunities.
  • Conduct assessments and evaluations to track student progress and adjust IEPs as necessary.

School Counselor

Sunnydale Middle School, Houston, TX, July 2017 – May 2020

  • Delivered counseling services to students, addressing academic, social, and emotional concerns.
  • Worked with special education staff to support students with individualized plans.
  • Facilitated small group counseling sessions focusing on social skills and conflict resolution.

Education

Master of Education in Special Education

University of Houston, TX

Graduated: May 2014

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Graduated: May 2012

Certifications

Certified School Counselor

Texas State Board for Educator Certification

Certification Date: June 2014

Professional Development

  • Special Education Law and Advocacy Training

National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), Completed June 2023

  • Trauma-Informed Counseling for Students with Disabilities

The Trauma-Informed School Counselor Institute, Completed February 2022

Publications

"Enhancing Emotional Well-Being in Students with Disabilities through Counseling Interventions"

Journal of Special Education Counseling, September 2022

  • Explored evidence-based counseling techniques to improve mental health outcomes for students with disabilities.
  • Discussed approaches to integrating emotional support within IEPs to create a holistic support system for students.

Skills

  • Individualized education plan (IEP) development
  • Strong advocacy and support skills
  • Knowledge of special education law and regulations
  • Crisis intervention and conflict resolution
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Why this resume for school counselor is compelling?

  • Incorporating both certifications and ongoing development demonstrates David’s commitment to staying current in his field.
  • The inclusion of a published article adds credibility and demonstrates thought leadership.
  • All skills are presented clearly, making it easy for recruiters to quickly see candidate’s qualifications.
How to organize education on a counseling resume?

Start with your most recent degree or highest level of education and work backward. This allows potential employers to see your most advanced qualifications first.

Include key information:

  • Degree title (e.g., "Master of Arts in School Counseling").
  • Institution name (e.g., "University of California, Los Angeles").
  • Location of the school (city, state).
  • Graduation date (e.g., "Graduated: May 2022").

Optional details:

  • If you're a recent graduate or want to emphasize relevant experience, list a few courses.
  • If you graduated with honors or received academic awards, add them (e.g., "Magna Cum Laude" or "Dean’s List").
  • If you conducted research relevant to counseling, mention it briefly (e.g., "Thesis on Adolescent Anxiety and School Counseling Interventions").

Career counselor resume template

Career counselor resume sample | Plain text

Jennifer Smith

Chicago, IL
Email: jennifer.smith@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 321-0987

Resume Summary

Proactive Counselor with 2 years of experience in guiding students and professionals in career planning and job placement. Skilled in resume writing, interviewing techniques, and job market research.

Experience

Career Counselor

Chicago Community College, IL, February 2023 – Present

  • Provide career counseling services to students, assisting with job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.
  • Conduct workshops on job readiness skills, networking, and personal branding.
  • Collaborate with local businesses and organizations to facilitate job placement opportunities for students.
  • Maintain resources on job market trends and career opportunities for various fields.

Career Services Assistant

Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, August 2022 – January 2023

  • Supported career counselors in providing services to students, including resume critiques and mock interviews.
  • Assisted in organizing career fairs and employer networking events.
  • Maintained the career resource library and updated job postings.

Education

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

University of Illinois at Chicago, IL

Graduated: May 2024

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

University of Illinois at Chicago, IL

Graduated: May 2022

Certifications

Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP)

National Career Development Association

Certification Date: March 2023

Skills

  • Job search strategies and career planning
  • Resume writing and interview coaching
  • Networking and personal branding
  • Workshop facilitation and public speaking
  • Knowledge of labor market trends

Strong sides of this resume:

  • Even with two years of experience, Jennifer's background directly relates to the role of a career counselor.
  • The school counselor resume strikes a balance between experience, education, and certifications.
  • Skills like resume writing, interview coaching, networking, and labor market knowledge show she can offer comprehensive career services.
How to list experience on a resume for counselor?
  • Arrange your work history in reverse chronological order.
  • Place your title first, followed by the organization's name, the city and state, and the dates you worked there.
  • Emphasize how your work impacted students, clients, or the organization. Show how you made a difference.
  • Use numbers or metrics to give your achievements more weight.

Conclusion

Crafting a tailored school counselor resume requires a thoughtful approach, focusing on relevant experience, education, and skills that align with the position you are seeking.

Each resume example provided illustrates how to effectively present qualifications in a clear and concise format, ensuring you stand out in the competitive field of school counseling.

By following these guidelines and customizing your resume to reflect your unique strengths, you can significantly increase your chances of landing your desired role in education.

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