Counselor Resumes Formats with Examples

Counseling is a better career option if you have the qualities to assist people in dealing with the problems they are experiencing. There are several disciplines you may specialize in this occupation such as marriage and family counseling, rehabilitation counseling, substance abuse counseling, guidance and career counseling, nutrition counseling, and mental health counseling. For all these disciplines, you need to obtain a master's degree first and then apply for a license. A one-year internship in the respective field is also essential to start your career. Once you have the necessary license and experience to start counseling, write a resume to help the employers understand you properly.

Tips to write a counselor resume:

• A resume for a counseling position must have the potential to drive home some advantages. This is possible if it displays your skills, qualifications and experiences impressively. Since counseling is all about helping others, your enthusiasm and eagerness to do so must reflect through the resume. In this regard, the job objective section is the best tool to highlight your key strengths and the position you are looking for. A one-sentence job objective is enough to communicate your strongest skills and intentions. For example, “To obtain a rehabilitation counseling position in a reputed organization and offer physical, mental and emotional support to disabled individuals in leading a dignified life.”
• Your counseling skills must be detailed under skills section. These skills should not be directly mentioned in the experience section. Hence, research what the applied job position requires. If you are applying for a marriage and family counseling job, include your ability in assisting people to develop and maintain healthy relationships within a family life. Include your expertise in dealing with domestic violence and marital problems as well.
• Create your experience section by listing your past employment in reverse chronological order. If you are lacking in experience, highlight your internship experience. You may also include any volunteering experience you gained during your degree program. Mention who you have worked for, under what job title, and the period. Under each employment, include at least five to six major responsibilities handled. Pick those key words from the job description and include in the sentence to describe your duties. Just mention those things that are needed in the job and what you did in your previous ones.
• List your degrees under the education section. Start with the latest one. For most of the counseling position, a master's degree is a must. So, include it first and then the bachelor's. The type of degree you hold must be clear. For example, “Master's Degree in Psychology,” followed by the university name, city and state, and year of passing.
• Create a section for license and certifications. Know the licensing requirements as each state has its own criteria. Include the license name, the state where you received it, and the date of you obtained it.
• Another section that can offer leverage to your counseling resume is “Professional Memberships or Affiliations.” If you are a member of some organization or have been awarded for your exemplary work in the field of education, or substance abuse, list them clearly.
• Last one that is a must in your resume is the 'Reference' section. While writing it, see that you include minimum two names with the job title, organization name they are working for, email address and contact numbers.

Once you have completed drafting the resume, proofread it for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Better if you get it read by your friend and relatives and correct the errors.

List of counselor resume examples: