Counselor Cover Letter Example and Template for 2023

Updated August 25, 2023

Counselors specialize in helping individuals, couples and families overcome obstacles and find the support and resources they require. If you're interested in this role, it's important to read the job description before writing your application documents, such as a resume and cover letter, that review the required skills and credentials. Understanding what to include in these materials can help you make a positive impression on a hiring manager, so consider reviewing resume samples to learn more about the credentials required for this role.

In this article, we describe how to write a counselor resume, include a list of tips to review and provide a cover letter example to guide you. Once you complete your application materials, you can upload a resume file or create your Indeed resume to apply for retail management positions.

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Phoebe Miller
Boise, Idaho
220-555-0167
phoebe.miller@email.com

Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is Phoebe Miller, and I'm an attentive and dedicated professional interested in applying for the Counselor position at MacMillan High School. With an academic background in psychology and a passion for advising young adults, I'm confident I can make a valuable asset to your team. As a graduate of MacMillan High School, I feel connected to the student body and excited about the opportunity to make a positive contribution to my alma mater and community.

I possess over five years of counseling experience and am currently a guidance counselor for a middle school with over 200 students. I assist them with a variety of academic and personal challenges and take pride in providing them with the resources and encouragement they need to grow and thrive. With skills including interpersonal communication and active listening paired with my keen attention to detail, I'm able to understand individuals' unique situations and guide them through challenges and meaningful transitions.

My bachelor's degree in psychology offered me the technical knowledge required for this role, but it was my first year as a guidance counselor that taught me the most about the impact I can have on students' lives. Ever since, I've been committed to developing my skills so I can be a reliable and helpful resource in young adults' lives.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. If you have questions about my candidacy or qualifications, please call me at the information above.

Sincerely,

Phoebe Miller

Download Cover Letter Template With Example

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

How to write a counselor cover letter

Here's a list of steps you can follow to write a cover letter for a position as a counselor:

1. Add a header

At the top of the page, add a header that includes your full name, phone number, email address, the city and state where you live and a link to your professional website, if applicable. Consider writing your name in bold font to make it easier for the hiring manager to notice and remember. Listing these details allows your prospective employer to know how to contact you if they're interested in scheduling an interview and learning more about your experience and qualifications.

2. Introduce yourself and discuss why you're applying

Use the first sentence of your cover letter to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and express your interest in the role. You can use the rest of the paragraph to summarize your credentials and describe why you're the right candidate for the counselor position. The information you include may depend on the type of counselor position you want to apply for, and the experience or academic training an employer requires.

3. Highlight your experience as a counselor

In the second paragraph, discuss your experience as a counselor and major milestones or accomplishments throughout your career. While you may have already listed your work history in your resume, a cover letter can be an opportunity to provide a more in-depth description of the job duties you're familiar with and the value you can bring to an organization. If you're new to this field, you can describe other professional roles you've had and discuss how they contribute to your professional development and growth.

Related: How To Become a Counselor

4. Review your role-related skills and academic training

You can also use a cover letter to list the role-related competencies you possess and highlight your expertise. For example, as a counselor, you may describe your strengths in interpersonal communication and organization or highlight your active listening abilities and keen attention to detail. You can also list any academic degrees you've earned

5. Conclude and invite the reader to follow up

Conclude your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for considering you for the position and adding a call to action that encourages them to follow up with you. For example, you can invite them to contact you if they're interested in discussing your candidacy and credentials further and list your preferred contact methods, such as your email address and phone number. You can add a final statement that reinforces your interest in the position and the value you can bring to the employer.

Tips for writing a counselor cover letter

Review these tips to help you write a counselor cover letter:

Reread the job description. As a counselor, there are a variety of professional environments where you can work, and you may apply for a position as a school counselor, mental health counselor or career counselor. The responsibilities and requirements for these roles can differ, so make sure to reread the job description.
Proofread your final draft. It's important to submit an error-free cover letter, so make sure to proofread your final draft carefully so you can identify and revise any mistakes regarding spelling and grammar. Consider sharing it with a trusted friend or colleague to receive their feedback, and ensure you use a professional tone in your writing.
Include specific achievements. As a counselor, you may have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of others, and your cover letter can be a great opportunity for you to provide a more in-depth discussion of your professional achievements. Listing them in your application documents can help you illustrate your expertise and strengths.