Counselor Resume Example (Free Guide)

Are you looking for a new counseling position? Our Counselor Resume Example article is here to help you craft a resume that will stand out from the rest. We provide you with an in-depth look at the skills and experience you need to highlight in order to get the job you want. We also provide tips on how to write a resume that will get noticed by potential employers. With our help, you can make sure your resume stands out from the crowd and lands you the job.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Counselor do?

A Counselor is a professional who provides guidance, advice, and support to individuals, couples, families, and groups who are working through personal, social, educational, and/or career-related issues. Counselors help individuals identify and build on their strengths, develop strategies for dealing with challenges, and create positive changes in their lives. Counselors also provide information and referrals to other resources and services as needed.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Counselor related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Counselor?

Developing treatment plans for clients
Meeting with clients to discuss their concerns
Monitoring clients’ progress in their treatment
Conducting assessments and providing diagnoses
Providing referrals to community resources
Educating clients and their families about mental health issues
Facilitating group therapy sessions
Documenting client information and progress
Maintaining client confidentiality

Sample Counselor Resume for Inspiration

John Smith
Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, ST 12345
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: john.smith@example.com

Counselor

John Smith is an experienced Counselor with more than 10 years of experience in providing counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. He is a certified professional with a comprehensive understanding of different therapeutic approaches. John has a strong commitment to helping individuals and families find solutions to their problems and is dedicated to providing quality care.

Work Experience

Senior Counselor, XYZ Counseling, Anytown, ST, 2019-Present

Provide individual, couples, and family counseling to clients
Develop treatment plans and provide ongoing assessment of progress
Conduct psychotherapy sessions and provide crisis counseling

Counselor, ABC Counseling, Anytown, ST, 2012-2019

Provided individual, couples, and family counseling services
Developed treatment plans and provided assessment of progress
Facilitated group therapy sessions and provided crisis counseling

Education

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Anytown University, Anytown, ST, 2008
Master of Science in Counseling, Anytown University, Anytown, ST, 2012

Skills

Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
Proficient in use of Microsoft Word and Outlook
Able to work independently and as part of a team

Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor, Anytown, ST, 2012-Present
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Anytown, ST, 2013-Present

Languages

English (Fluent)
Spanish (Proficient)

Resume tips for Counselor

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Counselor resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Counselor - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight your qualifications and experience related to counseling.
Make sure to mention any relevant certifications and licenses that you possess.
Include a list of any professional memberships and affiliations.
Include any relevant volunteer experience and community service projects.
Discuss any special skills or areas of expertise that you have in counseling.

Counselor Resume Summary Examples

A Counselor Resume Summary or Resume Objective is an important part of a resume as it gives an employer an idea of the skills and qualifications of a candidate. It can also be used to highlight a candidate's experience, achievements, and strengths to make them stand out. A good summary or objective can make a lasting impression and help the employer decide if the candidate is the right fit for the job.

For Example:

Recent Master's graduate with experience providing individual therapy to clients from diverse backgrounds.
Licensed professional counselor specializing in substance abuse treatment, communication, and anger management.
Experienced counselor with expertise in counseling adolescents, couples, and families.
Dedicated and compassionate counselor with 5+ years of experience providing support to individuals facing mental health challenges.
Skilled professional counselor with a specialty in trauma-informed care and experience in group therapy.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Counselor Resume

Building a strong experience section for a counselor resume is important because it allows potential employers to understand your qualifications and background. The experience section should include relevant job history, certifications, and any awards or recognitions that you have earned. It should also include any volunteer experience or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills in counseling or related fields. A strong experience section will help to convince employers that you are the best candidate for the job.

For Example:

Provided individual, family and group counseling to youth, adults and seniors in a therapeutic setting.
Conducted assessments, developed treatment plans and provided crisis intervention services.
Developed and facilitated psycho-educational workshops to small and large groups.
Maintained accurate and detailed records of client progress and interventions.
Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive client care.
Participated in regular team meetings to discuss client progress and treatment goals.
Developed and delivered presentations to community groups about mental health services.
Provided case management services, including referrals to other community resources.
Conducted home visits with clients in order to provide support and monitor progress.
Assisted with the coordination of activities and events for the organization.

Counselor resume education example

Counselors typically need a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. Other educational requirements may vary depending on the type of workplace or specialty, as some employers may require a license or certification. To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), most states require a master's degree, two years of supervised experience, and passing a licensing exam.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Counselor resume:

B.S in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2012
M.A in Counseling, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 2014
Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, State of California, 2014
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Practitioner, 2015

Counselor Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to a Counselor resume is important because it allows employers to quickly identify the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise. It also demonstrates the candidate's commitment to their profession and the ability to effectively serve their clients. The skills section of a Counselor resume should include a combination of soft skills and hard skills related to the profession. Soft skills include qualities such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving, while hard skills are more technical, such as mental health assessment techniques, crisis intervention techniques, or counseling techniques. By including a mix of both soft and hard skills, employers can quickly determine if the candidate is a good fit for the position and if they have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide effective counseling.

Soft Skills:

Empathy
Active Listening
Patience
Communication
Flexibility
Problem-solving
Organization
Interpersonal
Conflict Resolution
Stress Management

Hard Skills:

Communication
Interpersonal
Assessment
Diagnosing
Group Therapy
Case Management
Crisis Intervention
Psychotherapy
Research
Report Writing

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Counselor Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Counselor resume

Highlight your education, certifications, and professional experience.
Showcase your counseling knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with clients.
Include any relevant volunteer experience.
Mention any specializations you have.
Highlight any awards or recognition you have received.
Include any relevant computer skills.
Emphasize your ability to work with diverse populations.
Provide an accurate and up-to-date list of references.

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.