Guidance Counselor Resume: Sample & Guide (Entry Level & Senior Jobs)

Are you ready to take the next step in your career as a guidance counselor? Check out our example resume to see what a standout application looks like. Our guidance counselor resume example will show you how to highlight your experience, skills, and education in a way that catches the eye of potential employers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field, our resume example can help you land the job you want.

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.
Why you should use a resume template

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

What does a Guidance Counselor do?

Provide support and guidance to students in academic, social, and personal development
Help students develop decision-making skills and set goals for their future
Assist students in understanding their strengths and weaknesses
Offer counseling and advice on issues such as bullying, peer pressure, and mental health
Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a positive and supportive school environment
Assist students in the college application process and career planning
Provide referrals to outside resources and services when necessary

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

What are some responsibilities of a Guidance Counselor?

Providing academic and career counseling to students
Assisting students with developing and achieving personal and educational goals
Conducting assessments and helping students with self-discovery
Supporting students in managing social and emotional challenges
Collaborating with parents and teachers to enhance student success
Facilitating conflict resolution and problem-solving
Providing resources and referrals for additional support services
Advocating for students' needs and rights
Participating in school-wide initiatives to promote a positive and inclusive environment

Sample Guidance Counselor Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details:
Name: Sarah Smith
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: sarahsmith@email.com

Summary:
Sarah is a dedicated and empathetic guidance counselor with over 5 years of experience working with students in a diverse range of settings. She is passionate about helping students navigate their academic and personal challenges, and is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Work Experience:

Senior High School Counselor, ABC High School (2017-present)
Junior High Counselor, XYZ Middle School (2014-2017)
Internship, Community Counseling Center (2013-2014)

Education:

Master of Education in School Counseling, University of CityName, 2013
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, State University, 2011

Skills:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to provide individual and group counseling
Strong knowledge of academic and career planning
Experience in crisis intervention and conflict resolution
Proficient in using counseling software and online resources

Certifications:

Licensed Professional School Counselor (LPSC)
Certified Career Development Facilitator (CCDF)

Languages:
Fluent in English and Spanish

Resume tips for Guidance 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 Guidance Counselor resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Guidance 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 counseling experience and expertise in your resume, including any specialized training or certifications you may have.
Showcase your ability to develop personalized education and career plans for students, as well as your skills in providing emotional support and guidance.
Include any experience you have in working with diverse student populations, and emphasize your commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity in education.
Demonstrate your proficiency in using assessment tools and resources to help students explore their interests, values, and abilities.
Provide examples of successful interventions you have implemented to address the academic, social, or emotional needs of students, and quantify your impact whenever possible.

Guidance Counselor Resume Summary Examples

A guidance counselor resume summary or resume objective is important as it provides a brief overview of the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experiences. It helps the hiring manager quickly understand the candidate's potential fit for the role and can make their resume stand out among others. By highlighting key achievements and career goals, a summary or objective can showcase the candidate's passion and commitment to supporting students' academic, social, and emotional development.

For Example:

Dedicated guidance counselor with 5 years of experience in providing academic, career, and personal counseling to high school students.
Proven track record of implementing strategies to improve student success and well-being, including conflict resolution and mental health support.
Skilled in conducting assessments, developing individualized education plans, and collaborating with teachers and parents to address student needs.
Strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, promoting a positive and inclusive school environment for all students.
Proficient in utilizing technology and resources to support students in their academic and personal growth.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Guidance Counselor Resume

A strong experience section for a guidance counselor resume is important because it showcases the candidate's relevant work history and skills. It provides key information about the candidate's expertise in counseling, education, and working with students. A well-developed experience section can help potential employers understand the candidate's qualifications and fit for the role, ultimately increasing their chances of securing an interview and landing the job.

For Example:

Provided individual and group counseling to high school students on academic, career, and personal issues.
Assisted students in developing and understanding their strengths, interests, and values to make informed decisions about their future.
Collaborated with teachers and administrators to create and implement student support plans.
Conducted career assessments and exploration activities to help students identify potential career paths.
Facilitated workshops on study skills, time management, and stress management for students.
Advised students on college and vocational school options, including the application and financial aid process.
Participated in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to support students with special needs.
Participated in crisis intervention and provided emotional support to students in need.
Collaborated with community organizations and businesses to provide internship and job opportunities for students.
Maintained accurate and confidential student records and documentation of counseling sessions.

Guidance Counselor resume education example

A guidance counselor typically needs a master's degree in school counseling or a related field. Some states may require a counselor to also have a teaching certification or license. Coursework in areas such as developmental psychology, counseling techniques, and educational assessments is usually necessary. Additionally, counselors may need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours and pass a state licensing exam.

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

Bachelor of Science in Psychology - XYZ University, 2005
Master of Education in School Counseling - ABC University, 2008
License in Professional Counseling - State Board of Education, 2010

Guidance Counselor Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to a guidance counselor resume is important because it demonstrates to potential employers that the candidate possesses the necessary qualifications and abilities to effectively support and guide students. These skills can include communication, empathy, problem-solving, confidentiality, and organizational skills, which are essential for effectively performing the duties of a guidance counselor. Overall, showcasing relevant skills can help a candidate stand out and increase their chances of being hired.

Soft Skills:
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Empathy
Active listening
Communication
Problem-solving
Time management
Teamwork
Interpersonal skills
Flexibility
Conflict resolution
Adaptability

``` Hard Skills:

Academic Advising
Conflict Resolution
Assessment and Testing
Career Counseling
Individual Counseling
Group Counseling
Case Management
College Application
Community Outreach
Mental Health Support

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Guidance 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 Guidance Counselor resume

Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Experience in academic and personal counseling
Ability to develop and implement effective guidance programs
Knowledge of college and career planning
Familiarity with educational and psychological assessments
Strong understanding of student development and behavior
Ability to collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents
Proficiency in using counseling software and technology
Strong understanding of ethical and legal issues in counseling
Commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for students

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.