When it’s time to go on a job search, start with a well-written resume that you can use to market your education, skills, talents, and experience. The resume will help you get the attention of the employer by calling attention to what makes you the best candidate for the position.
Take note: When writing a substance abuse counselor resume, it’s imperative to mention your compassion and desire to help others of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Make sure you include your education, certifications, knowledge of drug types, and clinical experiences as they relate to the job. Put this information into an organized format so the employer can see your qualifications at a glance without having to hunt for it.
Take a look at our substance abuse counselor resume templates and use them as a model for writing your own.
Substance Abuse Counselor Resume Questions
One purpose of a resume is to market you to prospective employers. This involves putting the spotlight on your most relevant qualifications. You can do this with a well-crafted professional summary. This is a three-line paragraph that has replaced the objective statement.
The first sentence states your current position title and experience. The second line showcases your skill set and major accomplishments. Then it closes with other intangible attributes you have. The blurb is an excellent way to explain the value you can bring to the table. Refer to the substance abuse counselor resume sample for inspiration on how to write this section.
Bulleted lists capture the reader’s eye. This is why they are good for spotlighting your skill set, job history, and successes. When you use a bulleted list, don’t overdo it. Adding too many can overwhelm the reader to the point that he or she loses interest your resume. To avoid this problem, career advisors recommend six bullet points per job listing.
In most cases, the education content appears at the end of the document. The standard format is to list degrees in reverse chronological order. If an applicant earned a master’s and bachelor’s degree, then list the master’s first. State your field of study like the applicant did in the substance abuse counselor resume sample. Include each school’s name and location. If it has been three years or more since you graduated college or grad school, don’t list your GPA. Instead, you can mention honors such as magna cum laude.
Recruiters expect to see a work history that’s relevant to the job you are applying for. They should be able to view position titles, company names and locations, and dates of employment at a glance. To keep this section concise, focus on the last 15 years of your workforce experience. At the start of each sentence, use power verbs, such as “interview,” “counsel,” “teach,” “review,” and “wrote.” If you are not sure how much information to include, try our resume builder. It is an easy-to-use resource that helps you complete sections with no writing needed.
Soft skills play a central role in your day-to-day tasks. Whether it is active listening, problem-solving, or compassion, bring your best qualities to the forefront. You can do this by placing them in key areas on your document. Like our substance abuse counselor resume sample, you can reference your attributes in the professional summary, skills, and job experience sections.
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