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School Counselor Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

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How To Write a School Counselor Cover Letter

To write a great school counselor cover letter, demonstrate your genuine passion and commitment to helping students grow both academically and on a socio-emotional level. Emphasize your ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, address issues with bullying, and create safe and inclusive school communities. This guide provides examples and expert tips to help you craft a winning cover letter and secure your next interview.

School Counselor Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

School Counselor Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Aliya Jackson School Counselor | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Seattle, WA 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Amy Smith Talent Specialist Jameson Elementary (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Smith:

I’m reaching out about the school counselor position with Jameson Elementary that I found on your website. At Canton Elementary, I provided counseling to aid middle school students in developing coping skills and facilitating empathy building. I can support the growth and development of your students in this position.

Jameson Elementary’s reputation for diversity and inclusion draws me to apply for this opportunity. Throughout my career, I’ve tailored my counseling approach according to the cultural, emotional, and academic needs of my students. I would be an asset to your learning institution based on my previous achievements:

• Delivered counseling services, Individualized Education Plan (IEPs), academic support, and social guidance to a diverse range of students at a private middle school with an emphasis on solution-based counseling
• Communicated with parents, teachers, students, and multi-disciplinary teams to evaluate individual student needs and facilitate emotional and academic growth
• Led workshops to address sensitive topics such as bullying and drug and alcohol abuse

I look forward to telling you more about how I can help facilitate both academic and emotional growth for your students at Jameson Elementary. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Aliya Jackson

Amar Singh School Counselor | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | LinkedIn

Tyrone Jackson Hiring Manager Benjamin Franklin High School (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Jackson:

I would like to apply for the school counselor position with Benjamin Franklin High School. As you can see from my attached resume, I have over eight years of counseling experience at both the high school and middle school level. Over the past five years at Chester High School, I successfully increased graduation rates by over 32%. I can achieve similar results for your learning institution.

Benjamin Franklin High School’s dedication and commitment to helping economically disadvantaged students succeed attract me to apply for this position. As a school counselor, I have a proven track record of resolving issues with bullying and reducing conflicts among student peers. I can have a positive impact on your school community based on previous successes:

• Conducted specialized counseling sessions for at-risk students, provided coping strategies based on individual needs, and identified appropriate resources to help students achieve their potential, which contributed to a 32% increase in graduation rates over five years
• Increased the number of students applying to college programs by 10% after introducing training classes on completing scholarship and college applications
• Spearheaded initiatives to address issues related to in-school and online bullying by leading workshops to raise awareness of trauma and its effects on students

I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights regarding how my experience as a school counselor can help your students excel. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Skyler Thompson School Counselor | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Detroit, MI 12345 | LinkedIn

Pat Gibbons Hiring Manager Belmont High School (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Pat Gibbons:

I’m interested in applying for the school counselor position at Belmont High School that I found on LinkedIn. With over 10 years of experience as a certified behavioral analyst and school counselor, I pride myself on my ability to support at-risk students in overcoming unique challenges and growing. I can provide positive contributions to your school community in this role.

Belmont High School’s reputation for providing quality mental health services to diverse student populations draws me to apply for this opportunity. At Addison High School, I led numerous initiatives to transform school cultures and improve access to resources for disabled and at-risk students. Below, you’ll find a list of my previous career accomplishments:

• Delivered counseling services and guidance, supported social-emotional growth, aided students in achieving both academic and career goals, and developed individualized coping strategies
• Drove the professional development of mental health and teaching staff on trauma-informed practices, strength-based counseling, culture transformation strategies, and unconscious bias
• Provided comprehensive support and external resources to disabled and at-risk students

I look forward to speaking with you further regarding how my experience counseling at-risk students can help further improve graduation rates at Belmont High. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Skyler Thompson

To build an eye-catching school counselor cover letter, focus on the positive impact you’ve had on your students and school communities in the past. Tell your story as a school counselor by exploring the nuances of your career in education. Show your ability to build positive relationships through empathy and understanding. Below, we’ll walk you through each section of your school counselor cover letter:

1. Contact information and salutation

In the header of your school counselor cover letter, list your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. This allows potential employers to easily reach you for interview opportunities . It’s also important to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. This shows you’ve taken the time to research the school before applying, which demonstrates your genuine enthusiasm for the position. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use some variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” as an alternative.

2. Introduction

Lead your school counselor cover letter with a strong opening paragraph that conveys your interest in the position. Provide a specific achievement from your resume or highlight a key qualification the school is looking for. Mention your years of experience as a counselor and emphasize your passion for helping students overcome challenges and achieve their potential.

In the example below, the school counselor showcases their experience working with youths across a wide range of ages and grade levels. Demonstrating how they contributed to such a significant increase in graduation rates sends a clear message to potential employers that they can truly make a difference in student’s lives. Using a similar approach will help you hook the reader and greatly increase your odds of landing the interview.

I would like to apply for the school counselor position at Benjamin Franklin High School. As you can see from my attached resume, I have over eight years of counseling experience at both the high school and middle school levels. Over the past five years at Chester High School, I successfully increased graduation rates by over 32%. I can achieve similar results for your learning institution.

3. Body paragraphs

Continue to feature your most notable achievements and qualifications in the body paragraphs of your school counselor cover letter. Highlight your experience developing IEPs, identifying coping strategies, and facilitating both emotional and academic growth in your students. Also, be sure to mention something specific about the school’s reputation, culture, or mission statement and why this fuels your interest in joining their team.

Benjamin Franklin High School’s dedication and commitment to helping economically disadvantaged students succeed is what draws me to apply for this position. As a school counselor, I have a proven track record of resolving issues with bullying and reducing conflicts among student peers. I can have a positive impact on your school community based on previous successes:

4. School counselor skills and qualifications

Although it’s unnecessary to include a list of skills on your school counselor cover letter, still highlight key terms from the job description using tangible examples from your career. Focus on demonstrating the various strategies and clinical approaches you utilized to support your students. Below, you’ll find a collection of potential keywords you may encounter during the job search process:

5. Closing section

Close out your school counselor cover letter with a call to action inviting the hiring manager to interview you. Use this final opportunity to reiterate how your background in education and counseling can positively impact the school you’re targeting. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.

School Counselor Cover Letter Tips

1. highlight leadership, communication skills, and empathy.

To make a difference in the lives of students, empathize with their unique socio-economic conditions and personal challenges. As you build your cover letter, demonstrate your ability to understand their struggles and support them in developing healthy coping mechanisms. These are defining aspects of what makes an effective school counselor, and potential employers are sure to notice these qualities.

2. Feature your therapeutic approach

Counselors play a vital role in school communities, and hiring managers will be interested in seeing the techniques you employ to reach your students. For example, you might showcase how you utilized strengths-based counseling or cognitive behavioral techniques to help students grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

3. Incorporate clinical and academic data

Although quantifying your achievements as a school counselor can never truly capture the impact you’ve had on your students, it’s important to feature hard numbers and data when possible. For instance, you could draw attention to an increase in graduation rates, college applications, academic performance, or attendance. This shows school administrators that you’ve made a difference in your students’ lives.

School Administrator Cover Letter FAQs

Why should i submit a school administrator cover letter -.

The cover letter carries less weight in some industries but can be incredibly important for professionals within the education field. It allows principals and school administrators to better understand your clinical approach and how you’ve helped your students grow. Submitting a cover letter also helps you convey your values, qualifications, and experience using more personal language than the resume.

How do I make my cover letter stand out? -

One way to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager is by aligning your cover letter with the job description. Demonstrating how your background as a school counselor aligns with the school’s culture and mission can go a long way in differentiating you from other candidates. This also shows you’ve researched the school beforehand and have a genuine interest in joining their team.

Should I use artificial intelligence to write my cover letter? -

While it may be appropriate to use ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence (AI) tools to construct a first draft, never allow these programs to write your entire cover letter. Communicating unique aspects of who you are as a school counselor and your passion for improving the lives of your students is the core value of the document, and an AI program cannot convey this the way you can.

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Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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School Counselor Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Impress potential employers with a stunning school counselor cover letter ! Don't know how? No worries! We understand that even professional counselors need a bit of counseling sometimes. That's why we've prepared this guide, packed with the best cover letter tips, examples, and templates.

Keep reading to learn all about:

• Formatting your cover letter header & headline
• Personalizing the greeting & content of your cover letter
• Writing an eye-catching school counselor cover letter introduction
• Showcasing your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments
• Ending your school counselor cover letter with a strong closing statement
• Accessing top resources for job-seeking school counselors

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. Format your school counselor cover letter header & headline correctly

To begin your school counselor cover letter , the first step is to create a well-formatted header and a compelling headline.

A cover letter header will include all the necessary information about the applicant and the employer they are applying to. Following the header, the cover letter headline helps to initially grab the employer’s attention and convince them to continue reading.

Below are more in-depth explanations and examples of how to craft a header and headline for a school counselor cover letter:

Formatting the Header

The header of your cover letter can be formatted in a few different ways but should always contain:

• Your name and professional title
• Your contact information
• The name of the employer & department you are applying to

For a school counselor, the employer's name will be the school you are applying to. As for your contact information, make sure you use a professional email address and a phone number with a professional voicemail message, as both of these help to create a positive impression.

Here is an example of a well-formatted school counselor header

Jack Smith , School Counselor (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/jack-smith

To: Hamilton County Middle School, Administrative Department 1234 Address St., Chattanooga, TN 37405

Writing the headline

The headline of your school counselor cover letter helps to attract an employer’s attention initially by introducing the main points covered within the letter. It should be equal parts compelling and honest, providing an accurate preview of the information within the letter.

You should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise when writing your headline.

Here is an example of an effective school counselor headline, followed by a breakdown of its core components

My 3-Step Approach to Empathetic School Counseling & How It Can Benefit Your Students

Trigger Word/Number : 3-Step Approach Keyword: School Counseling Adjective/Verb: Empathetic, Benefit Promise: Your Students – this detail indicates that you will relate your skills and professional approach directly to the needs of the specific employer and their students.

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2. personalize the greeting & content of your school counselor cover letter.

When writing a cover letter to submit to a specific school, it is crucial to personalize and tailor the information for the position. This personalization shows you have researched the school beforehand and know exactly who you are talking to and what the school’s needs are.

The most important detail to personalize is the cover letter greeting . A personalized greeting will address a specific person, such as the school’s principal or head counselor.

In terms of personalizing the rest of the letter’s content, do some research on the school, its district, and the general demographics of its students beforehand. This will help you to highlight how your skills can meet the exact needs of a school’s students, as well as show a high level of commitment and compassion.

Here are 3 examples of personalized greetings

• Dear Mr. John Doe,

To Mr. John Doe & the Administrative Team,

• To Mr. John Doe, Hamilton Middle School Principal,

3. Write an eye-catching school counselor cover letter introduction

With your greeting in place, the next step is to write an eye-catching introductory statement . This statement should be between one to three sentences in length.

A strong introduction on a school counselor’s cover letter often includes:

• A brief overview of your professional history and goals
• A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this school
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible) – including a mutual acquaintance provides the employer with an immediate professional reference and helps you to establish credibility

Here is an example of a compelling introduction on a school counselor’s cover letter

I am a School Counselor with over 5 years of experience working with underprivileged students. As the former counselor for Hamilton County Elementary School, I worked directly with many of the students now entering your middle school for the first time and understand the struggles they face. I am very passionate about achieving a high student success rate, as Jane Miller, the principal at my former school, can attest to.

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4. Showcasse your best school counselor skills, qualifications, and accomplishments

Next up is writing the body paragraphs for your school counselor cover letter. A strong cover letter will contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs, using bullet points and concise sentences to help break up and organize the information into key points.

As your write these body paragraphs, you should aim to answer the following questions:

• What excites you about working at this school?
• What do you hope to learn from working at this school?
• What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
• What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?

Here are 7 examples of skills to describe and include in a school counselor cover letter include

• Empathetic communication
• Crisis management
• Student performance assessment
• Active listening
• Student advocacy
• Maintaining student records
• Organization & time management

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a school counselor cover letter

As the School Counselor for Hamilton County Elementary School, I assisted in parent-teacher mediation, as well as provided support for students falling behind in their core classes. My high level of success in these areas helped me to earn the 2022 School Counselor of the Year award.

5. End your school counselor cover letter with an effective closing statement

To finish off your school counselor cover letter strong, end with a thoughtful closing statement that includes:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
• A formal sign-off

Here is an example of a well-written closing statement from a school counselor cover letter

With my extensive background working within your school district, I am excited to continue working with your students and helping them to achieve their utmost potential. I am eager to discuss this opportunity further and will reach out regarding my application one week if I have not heard back. The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890, any weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With Appreciation,

[Applicant Name]

  Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.

6. Top resources for job-seeking school counselors

If you've made it this far, well done! You’re now more than well equipped to write yourself a counselor cover letter to accompany your resume . All that's left is to find suitable job postings and put theory into practice! If you're not sure where to start looking for work opportunities, we've got you covered! 

• Industry-specific job boards: Websites such as HigherEdJobs , TopSchoolJobs , or SchoolSpring list job postings exclusively in your field of choice.
• Indeed: Even though Indeed is a general job search engine, using filters for the education industry can help you locate school counselor positions in various settings.
• LinkedIn : Because of its broad network, you can use LinkedIn to search for jobs, connect with potential employers, and learn more about different schools and districts.
• Professional associations: Associations such as the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and the International School Counselor Association (ISCA) aren't just a great source of the latest industry news, networking opportunities, and publications, but also a place where you can find job offers. 
• Certifications: Additional certificates on your resume can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. So, search through websites such as the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) or the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to see if any catches your attention. 
• Courses: If you want to continue learning, you can also take advantage of the many educational online platforms like Coursera , Udemy , or edX and find a course that best suits your needs. 

Looking for the right position can sometimes take months. But a persuasive cover letter and a standout resume can significantly increase your chances at landing the job of your dreams. So make yours engaging and memorable!

School Counselor Cover Letter FAQ

What can i do to stand out from the competition.

You can personalize your cover letter by mentioning any unique initiatives you’ve led or contributed to, such as developing an innovative bullying prevention program or enhancing college readiness among students. Also, you can emphasize any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your work.

What are common mistakes to avoid in a school counselor's cover letter?

Common mistakes include a lack of customization to the specific job, typos and grammatical errors. Also don't repeat the content of your resume in your cover letter. You should mention your best qualifications and achievement, but the cover letter is mainly supposed to show your enthusiasm and motivation for the job.

How can I effectively use keywords in my cover letter?

Review the job posting and identify important keywords and phrases, such as “ student counseling, ” “ conflict resolution ,” or “ career guidance .” Incorporate these terms naturally into your cover letter to align with the employer's requirements. This will ensure that your cover letter makes it through the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

What’s the best way to format a school counselor cover letter?

Always use a professional format with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that detail your suitability for the role, and a strong closing statement. Your cover letter shouldn’t be longer than one page . Also, pay attention to the layout of your text - it must breathe, so be mindful about white space.

How do I demonstrate that I’m a good fit for the school’s culture?

Ultimately, this comes down to how well you did your research. Search for the school’s mission, values, and recent initiatives, then reflect on how your own values and experiences align with them. And also mention specific reasons why you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute to their community.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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