Counselor resume example
What makes this resume great
This resume is a great example for a Counselor because it highlights relevant education, progressive work experience in both clinical and school settings, and a strong set of counseling-specific skills. The candidate demonstrates a clear career trajectory and commitment to the field. The skills listed are directly aligned with the core competencies required for counseling roles. The resume also shows a balance of individual and group counseling experience, as well as crisis intervention expertise. The inclusion of metrics and achievements would further strengthen the impact.
Resume summary examples for Counselor
Example #1
Strong Summary
Compassionate and results-driven Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of experience providing individual and group counseling in clinical and educational settings. Skilled in crisis intervention, mental health assessment, and treatment planning, with a proven track record of supporting diverse populations to achieve positive outcomes.
Weak Summary
I am a counselor with experience in different places. I help people and am good at listening.
Example #2
Strong Summary
Dedicated mental health professional with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and a strong background in case management, conflict resolution, and confidentiality. Adept at developing tailored treatment plans and fostering supportive environments for clients.
Weak Summary
I have a degree in psychology and have worked as a counselor. I can help people with their problems.
Example #3
Strong Summary
Experienced School and Licensed Professional Counselor with expertise in crisis intervention, group facilitation, and mental health assessment. Committed to empowering individuals and groups to overcome challenges and reach their goals.
Weak Summary
I have worked in schools and clinics as a counselor. I like helping people and working with groups.
Resume achievement examples for Counselor
Example #1
Strong Achievement
Provided individual and group counseling to over 200 clients annually, resulting in a 30% improvement in client-reported well-being scores at Sunrise Mental Health Center.
Weak Achievement
Provided counseling to clients at Sunrise Mental Health Center.
Example #2
Strong Achievement
Developed and implemented a crisis intervention protocol at Lincoln High School, reducing student crisis incidents by 25% within one academic year.
Weak Achievement
Helped students in crisis at Lincoln High School.
Example #3
Strong Achievement
Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments and created personalized treatment plans for 50+ clients during internship, leading to improved client engagement and satisfaction.
Weak Achievement
Assisted with mental health assessments and treatment plans during internship.
Essential skills for a Counselor
- Individual Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Mental Health Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Case Management
- Active Listening
- Empathy
- Conflict Resolution
- Confidentiality
Resume best practices
Tailor Your Resume for a Counselor
Customize your resume for the specific position you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the most relevant experience.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Ideally, your resume should be one page (two if you have extensive experience). Focus on achievements and essential information and avoid fluff.
Use a Clean, Professional Format
Stick to a simple layout with consistent font, spacing, and section headings. Use bullet points for readability. Avoid overly decorative fonts or colors.
Start with a Strong Summary
Write a compelling summary or objective at the top that briefly outlines your background, key skills, and what you bring to being a Counselor.
Emphasize Achievements Over Duties
Use bullet points to describe what you accomplished as a Counselor, not just what you were responsible for. Include measurable results when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 25% in six months").
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Improved," "Streamlined," to convey impact and ownership.
Highlight Skills and Tools
Create a dedicated skills section that includes technical tools, software, or soft skills relevant to being a Counselor (e.g., Excel, Python, CRM systems, leadership, communication).
Include Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any relevant certifications or ongoing courses. Mention GPA if it’s strong (generally above 3.5) and you're early in your career.
Proofread Carefully
Avoid spelling or grammatical errors since they can be deal-breakers. Ask someone else to review your resume or use tools like Grammarly.