School Counselor resume example & writing guide

What is a school counselor’s job?

School counselors provide emotional and mental health services to students in elementary and high school. They may also help students prepare for college and assist them in accessing social services. Common tasks for school counselors include providing academic guidance, career counseling, educational planning, and social support. In some situations, they might also conduct crisis interventions and lead group counseling sections. A school counselor can assist in all aspects of a student’s academic, social, and personal development.  

Why use this school counselor resume example?

Whether you’re writing your first resume or you’re an experienced counselor, it might seem a little overwhelming. After all, a lot rides on this one simple document. If that sounds like you, never fear! In this example, you’ll see a clean, uncluttered document without a lot of fancy formatting. The focus should be on your career, and a basic format like this allows a hiring manager to quickly scan the document to find what they’re looking for.

Additionally, you’ll see it’s not too long. No need to include every single task you’ve ever done. Instead, focus on what’s most relevant. Think about what a hiring manager finds important, aligning your experience with the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job posting. You’ll see in this example that there is more content for the most recent role. Hiring managers are often most interested in what you’ve completed recently. 

How to write a great school counselor resume

Writing a great resume for a counseling position doesn’t have to be hard! You’ll want to display the crucial role you play in the educational system, outlining the wide range of services you provide. Here are a few tips that you can use to create a top-notch resume in no time:

1. Start your resume with a statement that summarizes your best qualities and most notable achievements. Try to convey your empathy and care for the students you serve. Begin with a paragraph that conveys your most important, relevant qualifications. Follow this with a snapshot of your key skills. Remember to pull keywords from the job posting you’re interested in. It’s best if you revise this section for each job you apply to. 

2. When you write your professional experience section, start with your most recent job. This ensures that your most relevant work experience is the most visible. Include your day-to-day responsibilities in a brief paragraph. Follow this paragraph with a list of your bulleted achievements. This ensures your accomplishments stand out to the hiring manager. Achievements can be anything from starting a new career planning program to coaching a debate team.

3. As a counselor, your education and credentials are paramount. When writing your resume, be sure to include these details in a prominent place, preferably towards the top. However, if you have several years of experience, it’s also fine to place it near the end. Just make sure it’s easy to find and includes all relevant credentials. Be sure to include any special certifications or on-the-job training you may have.  

Which skills are relevant for a school counselor resume?

School counselors need a unique skill set to help the students in their care. Including a separate skills section on your resume is a great way to show off your competencies and get more attention. Here are some key skills that you can include when you create your resume:

• Crisis intervention

• Educational Planning

• Group counseling

• Parent and teacher collaboration

• Reporting and documentation

• Career counseling 

• College preparation and planning

• Academic guidance

• Personal and social support