Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: Measurable accomplishments like guiding over 150 students annually and boosting success rates by 25% highlight the applicant’s significant impact in educational guidance.
- Showcases career progression: Progressing from student support specialist to college counselor, the applicant’s career path reflects a steady increase in responsibility, showcasing dedication to advancing student advising expertise.
- Uses action-oriented language: Using action verbs like guided, improved, and coordinated showcases a proactive approach to educational leadership.
More College Counselor Resume Examples
Explore more college counselor resume examples to discover how to spotlight your advising skills, student engagement experience, and supportive approach. These education resume samples will guide you in creating a resume tailored for educational institutions.
Entry-Level College Counselor
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: The education section, featuring a master’s degree in counseling, highlights the applicant’s academic foundation and expertise in the field.
- Effective use of keywords: Strategically incorporating role-relevant keywords like “academic planning” and “career counseling” helps the resume navigate applicant tracking systems (ATS) and stand out to hiring managers.
- Shows digital literacy: Experience organizing educational events and using data analysis tools shows the applicant’s computer skills and readiness for modern workplaces.
Mid-Level College Counselor
Why this resume works
- Demonstrates language abilities: By listing Spanish, French, and German language skills, the applicant strengthens their ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds in educational settings.
- Points to measurable outcomes: Citing a 15% boost in college admission rates showcases a knack for translating strategic advising into tangible success for students.
- Displays technical expertise: Highlighting certifications like Certified Educational Planner and College Admissions Specialist emphasizes the applicant’s specialized knowledge important for effective student guidance.
Experienced College Counselor
Why this resume works
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: By pioneering a mentorship program and leading state-level training partnerships, the applicant’s achievements reflect senior-level performance with significant business impact.
- Focuses on work history: The applicant’s career journey is effectively emphasized through a chronological resume format, showcasing extensive experience in academic advising roles.
- Sections are well-organized: Strategic use of headings and bullet points makes the resume easy to scan, guiding hiring managers through well-organized sections like skills and accomplishments.
College Counselor Resume Template (Text Version)
Lucy Liu
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(555)555-5555
Lucy.Liu@example.com
Professional Summary
Dynamic College Counselor with 9 years of experience in student advising, career planning, and educational guidance. Proven track record of enhancing student success rates and implementing effective academic programs.
Work History
College Counselor
Aspire Educational Services – Minneapolis, MN
June 2021 – July 2025
- Guided 150+ students yearly on college paths
- Improved student success rates by 25%
- Coordinated 10+ college fairs annually
Academic Advisor
Northwest Academy – Minneapolis, MN
September 2016 – May 2021
- Advised 200 students on academic goals
- Increased retention by 15% in two years
- Led workshops for academic excellence
Student Support Specialist
Westlake High School – Minneapolis, MN
July 2014 – August 2016
- Supported 300+ students annually
- Raised student satisfaction by 20%
- Organized career exploration events
Skills
- Career Counseling
- Academic Advising
- Student Engagement
- Communication Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Public Speaking
- Workshop Facilitation
- Data Analysis
Education
Master of Education Counseling
University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon
June 2014
Bachelor’s Degree Psychology
Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon
June 2012
Certifications
- Certified College Counselor – National Board for Certified Counselors
- Academic Advising Certificate – National Academic Advising Association
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Intermediate (B1)
- German – Beginner (A1)
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your College Counselor Resume
Explore our tips on how to write a resume for a college counselor position and discover how to highlight your passion for student support, guidance expertise, and knack for fostering academic success.
Highlight relevant certifications and training
Earning relevant certifications can help college counselors better support students and demonstrate a strong commitment to ongoing professional development. Specialized training enables counselors to understand diverse student needs, apply new techniques, and stay current with evolving education trends.
With the right certifications, college counselors can offer more effective guidance throughout a student’s academic journey. Here are a few examples of certifications for your resume:
- State Teaching License (K-12)
- National Board Certification (NBPTS)
- TESOL/TEFL Certification
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
- Google Certified Educator
Including a certifications section on your resume—ideally placed after education or skills—helps you showcase your qualifications. These credentials not only enhance counseling expertise but also foster trust among students and parents. Ultimately, they play a key role in supporting student success.
Example of a certifications & training section
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Issued by: National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Issued 2021
College Admission Counseling Certificate
Issued by: University of California, Los Angeles Extension
Completed 2020
Mental Health First Aid Certification
Issued by: National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Expires 2024
Career Development Facilitator Training
Issued by: National Career Development Association (NCDA)
Completed 2019
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
Issued by: Harvard Graduate School of Education Online
Completed 2023
Need ideas for your resume? See our professional resume examples to help you create a standout document.
List your most relevant skills
For college counselors, a strong combination of technical and soft skills is essential. On the technical side, this might include proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, student information systems, online scheduling platforms, and databases. These tools help streamline administrative tasks and support efficient student tracking.
Equally important are soft skills such as communication, empathy, active listening, and problem-solving. These interpersonal strengths allow counselors to build trust, understand student needs, and provide effective guidance throughout their academic journey.
To showcase your qualifications, consider adding a dedicated skills section to your resume. List both technical proficiencies and personal attributes—for example, include software tools alongside qualities like adaptability or collaboration.
You can also reinforce these skills in your work experience section. For instance, describe how you used a student management system to monitor academic progress or how your communication skills helped resolve a conflict or support a student in crisis.
By blending technical expertise with strong interpersonal abilities, you demonstrate that you’re well-equipped to handle the multifaceted responsibilities of a college counselor.
Select a resume format that highlights your achievements in student guidance, program development, and counseling techniques.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary on a resume serves as an introduction to hiring managers, offering them a quick glimpse of who you are and what you bring to the table. When crafting your resume, you’ll need to decide between writing a summary or an objective.
A professional summary is a three to four sentence statement that highlights your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s best for experienced applicants because it showcases your professional identity and the value you offer. A professional summary emphasizes what you’ve accomplished in your career.
On the other hand, a resume objective is a statement about your career goals. It’s ideal for entry-level job seekers, those changing careers, or individuals with employment gaps. While summaries focus on past achievements, objectives highlight what you aim to contribute in the future.
Now let’s look at examples of both summaries and objectives tailored for different industries and experience levels to help you create one that aligns with your background.
College counselor resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in education, aspiring college counselor passionate about guiding students through academic and career planning. Gained foundational skills in student advising and support through internships and volunteer work at local high schools. Holds certification in peer counseling and familiar with college application processes.
Mid-career
College counselor with over six years of experience working within diverse educational settings. Expertise in providing personalized guidance to students on college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and career paths. Proven track record of increasing student matriculation rates through strategic counseling programs and workshops. Strong interpersonal skills foster productive relationships with students, parents, and educational stakeholders.
Experienced
Seasoned college counselor with 15+ years leading counseling departments at prestigious institutions. Specialized in developing comprehensive counseling strategies that align with institutional goals to improve student success metrics. Recognized for implementing data-driven initiatives that improved graduation rates by 20%. Skilled leader known for mentoring junior counselors, fostering professional development, and driving continuous improvement.
College counselor resume objective examples
Recent graduate
Driven and empathetic recent college counseling graduate seeking an opportunity to support students in navigating the admissions process and achieving their academic goals. Excited to bring knowledge of educational pathways and interpersonal skills to foster student success in a collaborative environment.
Career changer
Passionate professional transitioning into college counseling, with experience in mentoring and guiding individuals through decision-making processes. Looking to apply strong communication abilities and a deep understanding of personal development strategies to help students identify opportunities for growth and higher education success.
Entry-level applicant
Dedicated individual with a background in providing guidance and support, eager to establish a career as a college counselor. Interested in contributing organizational skills and enthusiasm for helping students discover pathways that align with their aspirations while building meaningful connections within the academic community.
You can use our Resume Builder for easy-to-use templates and helpful tips, perfect for showcasing your skills and experiences.
Showcase your accomplishments and publications
Listing your publications, conference presentations, and research accomplishments can make your resume stand out when applying for a college counselor role. This section highlights your expertise in education and guidance, showing that you’ve shared valuable insights with the field.
By including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference papers in a structured format, you present yourself as knowledgeable and engaged with current trends and strategies in counseling. Use a professional style guide like APA or MLA to list these works clearly, including citation details such as the journal name, volume, issue, and year.
Including major awards, grants, and fellowships further boosts your credibility. These achievements highlight your commitment to advancing research or improving counseling practices. It also shows that others appreciate the value of your work.
If you have an online research profile on platforms like Google Scholar or ORCID, include links so potential employers can easily find more of your work. This approach not only showcases your accomplishments but also builds trust by providing evidence of your contributions to the college counseling community.
Example of publications section
Publications
- “Supporting First-Generation College Students: Strategies for Success”
Journal of College Counseling, Vol. 28, Issue 3, 2024
Explored practical methods for guiding first-generation students through the college application and transition process. - “Using Technology to Enhance College Readiness Counseling”
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Blog, March 2023
Discussed the integration of digital tools to improve engagement and tracking in college planning. - “The Role of Empathy in Academic Advising”
School Counselor Magazine, October 2022
Highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in student advising and counseling outcomes.
Choose a straightforward resume template that’s easy to read. Stick to clean headings and fonts, avoiding elaborate designs to keep the spotlight on your skills and experience.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my college counselor resume?
Yes, adding a cover letter to your college counselor resume is a smart way to set yourself apart from other applicants.
It gives you the chance to show your excitement for helping students with their academic and career journeys and spotlight your skills in advising and counseling.
For example, if the college you’re applying to offers specialized programs or initiatives, you can highlight any related experience or passion for those areas.
Consider using tools like a Cover Letter Generator to customize your cover letter effectively while showcasing your unique qualifications and personal touch.
Additionally, browsing through cover letter examples can inspire how to structure yours and emphasize the aspects that align with the job requirements.
How long should a college counselor’s resume be?
For a college counselor, aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience. This keeps the focus on your most relevant skills and achievements, such as student advising, college admissions knowledge, and counseling certifications.
If you have extensive experience or numerous qualifications directly related to college counseling, extending to a two-page resume is acceptable. Just make sure every detail included adds value and highlights your expertise in guiding students through their educational journey.
To explore more about how long a resume should be at different career stages, check out our detailed guide on determining the ideal length for your specific situation.
How do you write a college counselor resume with no experience?
Writing a college counselor resume with no experience can be tricky, but you should focus on your education and skills, as well as any activities that showcase your potential. Here are a few tips on writing a resume with no experience to help you get started:
- Highlight your educational background: Begin by listing your degree in counseling or related fields, including the university name, graduation date, and any honors or notable coursework. This establishes your foundational knowledge for the position.
- Include relevant volunteer work or internships: If you’ve volunteered at educational organizations or completed internships related to counseling or advising students, detail these experiences. Describe the skills developed and how they relate to the duties of a college counselor.
- Showcase transferable skills: Highlight skills such as communication, problem-solving, empathy, and organizational abilities. These are important for effective counseling and can be gained through various experiences like mentoring programs or team projects during school.
Consider adding sections for professional associations you belong to or workshops you’ve attended related to college counseling. These can further demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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