Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: Quantifies accomplishments by citing specific metrics, such as increasing student retention rates by 10% and boosting attendance by 8%, demonstrating the job seeker’s tangible impact.
- Showcases career progression: Clear trajectory from youth counselor to school counselor showcases career progression, highlighting increased responsibilities and a greater scope of influence over time.
- Highlights industry-specific skills: Industry-specific skills like crisis intervention and behavior management are effectively highlighted, underscoring the job seeker’s expertise in addressing critical issues within educational environments.
More School Counselor Resume Examples
Our school counselor resume examples demonstrate how to showcase your empathy, guidance skills, and experience in supporting students. Use these education resume samples to craft a resume that highlights your strengths and positions you as a key advocate for student success.
Entry-Level School Counselor
Why this resume works
- Features education section: The education section clearly highlights academic achievements with degrees in school counseling and psychology, emphasizing the job seeker’s strong foundation relevant to their early career.
- Touches on accomplishments: Accomplishments like implementing a peer mentoring initiative highlight exceptional performance and contributions, reinforcing the job seeker’s impact in their roles.
- Includes relevant skills: Showcases relevant skills, such as student counseling, career counseling, and conflict resolution, in a clear and organized skills section.
Mid-Level School Counselor
Why this resume works
- Hones in on real impact: Effectively highlights tangible impact, such as boosting student retention by 15% and implementing programs that improved GPA scores by 10%.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Language skills in English, Spanish, and French support cross-cultural communication, enhancing the ability to counsel a diverse student population.
- Displays technical expertise: Showcases technical expertise with certifications in school counseling and mental health first aid, vital for providing comprehensive support to students.
Experienced School Counselor
Why this resume works
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: The resume highlights impressive accomplishments, such as increasing student engagement by 15% and improving grades by 10%, showcasing a strong impact in each role.
- Focuses on work history: The chronological resume format emphasizes extensive work history, illustrating career progression from academic advisor to school counselor, perfect for showcasing long-term experience.
- Sections are well-organized: Clear headers and bullet points organize information effectively, making it easy to scan the job seeker’s responsibilities, achievements, and qualifications quickly.
School Counselor Resume Template (Text Version)
David Garcia
Silverlake, WA 98293
(555)555-5555
David.Garcia@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced School Counselor with over 9 years of expertise in student support, academic advising, and behavior management. Proven track record of increasing student retention and engagement rates. Skilled in crisis intervention and program development.
Work History
School Counselor
Guiding Star High School – Silverlake, WA
January 2022 – March 2025
- Implemented behavior plans for 150+ students annually
- Increased student retention rates by 10%
- Organized career workshops reaching over 300 students
Student Services Advisor
Liberty Junior High – Tacoma, WA
January 2017 – December 2021
- Counseled 200+ students on academic plans
- Boosted attendance rates by 8%
- Designed 10 new student support programs
Youth Counselor
Bright Futures Academy – Seattle, WA
January 2016 – December 2016
- Provided emotional support to 50+ youth daily
- Reduced disciplinary incidents by 15%
- Led after-school mentoring for 40 students
Languages
- English – Beginner (A1)
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Intermediate (B1)
Skills
- Individual Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Academic Advising
- Crisis Intervention
- Program Development
- Student Assessment
- Behavior Management
- Conflict Resolution
Certifications
- Certified School Counselor – National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
- Youth Mental Health First Aid – Youth Mental Health Association
Education
Master of Education School Counseling
University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, California
June 2016
Bachelor of Arts Psychology
California State University, Fullerton Fullerton, California
June 2014
Popular Skills for a School Counselor Resume
Creating a comprehensive skills section on your resume is essential for highlighting the soft skills and hard skills necessary for success as a school counselor. Emphasizing competencies such as empathy, active listening, and counseling techniques can showcase your ability to support students effectively.
Below are a few of the top soft skills frequently listed on school counselor resumes.
| Soft Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
|---|---|
| Solutions-focused | 37.50% |
| Parent-teacher collaboration | 27.78% |
| Maintaining confidentiality | 24.14% |
| Group counseling | 20.00% |
| Conflict resolution | 18.75% |
Here are a few examples of hard skills frequently included on school counselor resumes.
| Hard Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
|---|---|
| Student advocacy | 44.83% |
| Mediation and crisis intervention | 37.93% |
| Suicide prevention | 32.14% |
| Crisis intervention | 28.57% |
| Individual counseling | 27.59% |
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your School Counselor Resume
Discover our expert tips on how to write a resume tailored for school counselors and learn how to highlight your unique skills in supporting students’ academic, emotional, and social development.
Highlight relevant certifications and training
Certifications and specialized training are vital for a school counselor as they showcase expertise and dedication to the role. These credentials ensure that the counselor is equipped to address students’ academic, emotional, and social needs effectively. Specialized training also enhances skills in areas like child development, educational leadership, or specific teaching methods.
When adding a certifications section on your resume, place it after the education section or skills sections for optimal visibility. List any relevant certifications you hold, for example:
- State School Counselor Certification/Licensure
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Mental Health First Aid
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) Certification
- Trauma-Informed Care Certification
Organize this section by listing each certification’s name, the granting institution, and the date received. Highlighting these credentials will demonstrate to potential employers that you are qualified and committed to your role as a school counselor.
Example of a certifications & training section
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Issued by: American Counseling Association
Issued 2023
School Counseling Certification
Issued by: National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Expires 2026
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Issued by: National Council for Behavioral Health
Completed 2021
Trauma-Informed Care Training
Issued by: Trauma Informed Care Network
Completed 2022
Crisis Intervention Specialist Certificate
Issued by: American Crisis Prevention & Management Association (ACPMA)
Expires 2024
Need help with your resume? Explore our professional resume examples to find great ideas and make yours stand out.
List your most relevant skills
As a school counselor, it’s important to have both technical skills and soft skills. Technical skills include proficiency in software like Microsoft Office and Google Suite and counseling-specific programs like Naviance or Infinite Campus.
These tools help manage student records, track academic progress, and schedule meetings efficiently. Artistic abilities such as creative problem-solving can also be valuable for developing engaging programs and activities that support students’ emotional and social growth.
Strong communication helps build trust with students, parents, and staff. Empathy allows you to understand and address the needs of each student effectively. Organizational skills ensure you can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, from individual counseling sessions to group workshops.
List your skills in a dedicated skills section on your resume. This makes it easy for employers to see what you bring. Also, weave these skills into your work experience bullet points for greater impact. For example, mention using specific software during counseling sessions or highlight moments where your empathy made a difference in a student’s life.
Using the correct keywords from the job ad can make your resume get through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and noticed by hiring managers.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is an essential part of a resume, particularly for a school counselor. It provides a brief snapshot of your skills and experience, making a positive first impression on potential employers. This section showcases seasoned professionals’ career achievements and expertise.
A resume objective that emphasizes goals and enthusiasm for the position is more suitable for those with limited work experience. Use action verbs to highlight your impact in previous roles. Mention key skills such as counseling, student support, and crisis intervention.
Present your thoughts clearly for easy readability. Highlight any significant accomplishments or contributions that demonstrate your capability to excel as a school counselor. This strategy helps potential employers see you as a valuable addition to their team from the outset.
School counselor resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate with a master’s degree in school counseling, certified by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Experienced in providing individual and group counseling during practicum, with a focus on academic guidance and emotional support. Proficient in developing student success plans and collaborating with educators to foster a supportive learning environment.
Mid-career
Dedicated school counselor with over 5 years of experience supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development in middle and high school settings. Proven track record of implementing effective counseling programs, facilitating conflict resolution, and conducting career readiness workshops. Recognized for strong advocacy skills and building positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.
Experienced
Seasoned school counselor with more than 15 years of experience in K-12 education. Expertise in crisis intervention, special education advocacy, and comprehensive college preparation programs. Demonstrated leadership in coordinating district-wide mental health initiatives and training new counselors. Committed to fostering an inclusive school climate that promotes student well-being and academic achievement.
School counselor resume objective examples
Recent graduate
Recent graduate with a master’s in school counseling, eager to begin a career as a school counselor. Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with a solid understanding of student development and counseling techniques. Dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes the academic and personal growth of all students.
Career changer
Passionate education professional transitioning into school counseling, bringing over five years of experience in classroom teaching and student mentoring. Equipped with strong listening abilities and crisis intervention skills, ready to support students’ emotional well-being and academic success. Committed to collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to create comprehensive support plans for diverse student needs.
Specialized training
Enthusiastic entry-level school counselor with specialized training in social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies and adolescent mental health. Seeking an opportunity to apply my knowledge in designing effective counseling programs that address both academic challenges and personal development. Passionate about helping students navigate their educational journey while building resilience and self-confidence.
Need help creating a standout resume? Use our Resume Builder to easily craft a professional-looking resume that highlights your skills and experience.
Showcase your accomplishments and publications
Showcasing publications, conference presentations, and research achievements on your resume can significantly boost your profile as a school counselor by highlighting your active involvement in the field.
This indicates that you contribute new insights and remain informed about current trends, showcasing your dedication to professional development and your capacity to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Create a publications section where you systematically list peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference papers. Follow a professional style guide such as APA or MLA for citation details, including the journal name, volume, issue, and year.
Emphasize any major awards, grants, or fellowships that bolster your research credibility. If relevant, provide links to online research profiles like Google Scholar or ResearchGate to further highlight your work.
For instance:
- Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2022). The impact of counseling on student well-being. Journal of School Psychology, 50(3), 123-145.
- Presented “Effective Counseling Techniques” at the National School Counseling Conference (2021).
This method allows potential employers to easily recognize your contributions and expertise in school counseling.
Example of publications section
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
- Doe, J., & Smith, A. (2022). Enhancing student resilience through school counseling programs. Journal of School Counseling, 50(4), 245-260.
- Johnson, L., & Doe, J. (2021). The role of school counselors in addressing adolescent mental health issues. Journal of Adolescent Health, 58(3), 330-342.
Books
- Doe, J. (2019). Comprehensive approaches to student wellness: Best practices for school counselors. New York, NY: Educational Press.
Conference Papers
- Doe, J., & Lee, M. (2020). Strategies for effective crisis intervention in schools. Paper presented at the American School Counselor Association Annual Conference, Seattle, WA.
Opt for a straightforward resume template with distinct sections and legible fonts. Steer clear of excessive colors or elaborate designs to maintain a professional look that highlights your abilities.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my school counselor resume?
Including a cover letter with your school counselor resume can enhance your application by giving you the opportunity to explain why you’re passionate about counseling and how your skills match the school’s needs.
Use this space to highlight experiences such as helping students overcome academic challenges or providing social-emotional support that may not be detailed in your resume. You can use our Cover Letter Generator for personalized content suggestions.
A cover letter also lets you show your understanding of the school’s culture and mission. Whether the school emphasizes inclusive education or has a strong mental health program, discussing how your background aligns with these priorities can demonstrate genuine interest.
Explore our cover letter examples for inspiration on making your application stand out to hiring committees looking for dedicated candidates.
How long should a school counselor’s resume be?
A school counselor’s resume should ideally span one to two pages. If you are just starting out, aim for a concise resume length that highlights your education, relevant internships, and volunteer work.
More experienced counselors can benefit from a two-page resume to detail extensive experience, specialized training, and significant accomplishments.
It is essential to emphasize recent roles demonstrating your ability to support students and collaborate with teachers and parents, ensuring your qualifications are clear without overwhelming the reader.
How do you write a school counselor resume with no experience?
If you’re beginning your career as a school counselor and have no professional experience, don’t worry — you can still create a strong resume. Here are some tips:
- Emphasize your education by starting with your degree in counseling or a related field. Include the institution’s name, graduation date, and any honors or relevant coursework.
- Include internships and practicums to detail any hands-on experience gained during your studies. Mention specific tasks like individual counseling sessions, group counseling facilitation, or developing academic plans.
- Highlight volunteer work if you’ve volunteered in roles involving children or teens, such as mentoring or tutoring. Focus on skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
- Showcase transferable skills by listing soft skills crucial for school counselors — like active listening, problem-solving, and crisis intervention. Also, mention any technical skills, such as familiarity with student information systems or data analysis tools.
- If you’re a member of associations like the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), add this to show your commitment to professional development.
Tailor your resume to each job application by focusing on what makes you uniquely qualified despite limited formal experience. See how to write a resume with no experience for additional guidance.
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School Counselor
Toni is a Career Expert and Certified Professional Resume Writer who has been providing career advice to professionals for over 16 years. Her areas of expertise include interview prep, salary negotiation, resume writing and career change coaching.
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