School Counselor Resume

A step-by-step guide to writing a School Counselor resume with a free template included.

By Toni Ross, Jan 26, 2021

Toni Ross is the Senior Editor of Betterteam. Her interests include developing resources that help build and grow value-oriented, connected teams, both personal and professional.

School counselors help create optimal learning environments by working alongside teachers to provide academic, emotional, and personal support to students. Requirements may differ by state and school, so ensure that you have the requisite training hours, licenses, and qualifications before applying for school counselor positions.

School Counselor Resume Free Template

Download this school counselor resume template in Microsoft Word format.

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School Counselor Resume Example:

[Your Name]

[Current job title, if applicable]

[Street Address]

[City]

[Zip Code]

[Contact number] | [Professional email address]

[Website/blog link] | [Link to educational YouTube channel]

Summary:

[Briefly discuss the experience, skills, and key qualities that make you a great school counselor. If this is your first school counseling position, briefly mention the other types of counseling you have done and how your experience relates to this new role.]

Achievements/Highlights:

[List any achievements/awards you’ve received or notable projects/initiatives you’ve worked on as a school counselor/counselor.]

Experience:

(If this is your first school counselor position, list other counseling experience, social work, or related volunteer positions here. The experience section should be an indication of the hours worked.)

[Company Name / Job Title, Month 20XX - Present, Location]
[Briefly describe key duties and contributions. Mention any programs you designed, conferences you participated in, or events you helped organize. Experience administering and interpreting personality and behavioral assessments, etc., should also be mentioned here.]

[Company Name / Job Title, Month 20XX - Month 20XX, Location]
[Briefly describe key duties and contributions. Mention any programs you designed, conferences you participated in, or events you helped organize. Experience administering and interpreting personality and behavioral assessments, etc., should also be mentioned here.]

Education:

[School or institution | Location, Month 20XX - Month 20XX]
[Degree name / majors]

[School 2 | Location, Month 20XX - Month 20XX]
[Degree name / majors]

Licenses & Certifications:

[Name of certificate / license, Institution, 20XX]

Skills:

[Bulleted list of key skills relevant to counseling. List 5–10 skills, including both soft and hard skills. Be sure to include software and tools you’re familiar with, as well as counseling methods and assessments you’re well-versed in.]

How to Write a School Counselor Resume:

$0.00 USD

2 Hours

A step-by-step guide to writing the perfect school counselor resume.

Add your contact information.

1.1

Start with your personal details.

At the top of your resume, in pride of place, write your name, contact number, address, and professional email.

1.2

Add website or channel links.

If you've got a school counseling website, a related blog, or a YouTube channel where you share resources for students, parents, and teachers, include those links as this is sure to leave an impression on potential employers.

Write a summary.

2.1

Focus on your professional achievements.

In 2–3 lines, explain how you'll change the lives of the children you counsel.

2.2

Highlight the plans you have for the school.

Do your homework on the school and briefly outline any projects, plans, or events you could integrate into their existing counseling program.

Discuss your experience.

3.1

List your recent counceling positions.

Whether voluntary or paid, include your three top or most recent positions related to counseling. Those with extensive school counseling experience should easily be able to fill this out.

3.2

Include internships or part-time jobs.

New graduates with limited experience may include internships or part-time jobs as teaching or counseling assistants, crisis hotline operators, and even customer service agents.

Add your qualifications.

4.1

Discuss your educational background.

A Master's degree in school counseling and guidance is typically required when applying for school counselor posts, but requirements vary by state. A Ph.D. in counseling or a Master's in clinical psychology might make you more attractive to schools with at-risk students.

4.2

List any licenses and certifications.

School counselors require different licenses and certifications depending on the type of school they're working in and its location. State-specific information can be found on the American School Counselor Association website.

Add your skill set.

5.1

Only list relevant skills.

Some coveted skills schools look for in counselors are active listening, evaluation, and communication skills. You may have learned thousands of skills in your career, but list only those that will help you as a counselor in a school environment.

5.2

List additional software and system skills.

If you know how to use software like TherapyNotes and eINSIGHT, say so. Always be prepared to answer questions related to your skills in an interview.

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FAQs:

What should I put on my school counselor resume?

Contact information.
Summary.
Experience.
Education.
Licenses & certifications.
Skills.

What skills are school counselors expected to have?

Excellent communication, active listening, and evaluation skills.
Superb critical thinking, analytical, and leadership skills.
Patience and compassion.
The ability to connect with students and staff from diverse backgrounds.

What is the role of a school counselor?

A school counselor fulfills an important supportive role in a school environment by providing advice and guidance to students on personal, academic, and social issues.

What is the difference between a guidance counselor and a school counselor?

A guidance counselor focuses exclusively on academics and college preparation, but a school counselor covers a whole spectrum of topics including academics, emotional development, behavioral problems, and personal goals.

Is it hard to get a job as a school counselor?

It can be challenging to get a post as a school counselor in today's job market, but you're halfway there if you've obtained your Master's degree. Being willing to fill related or voluntary positions in alternative settings like rehab clinics or crisis centers can make you stand out from the competition. Advanced qualifications also help.