Student Support Specialist Resume Guide

Student Support Specialists provide assistance to students in order to help them succeed. They work with students on a variety of topics, such as academic advising, career counseling and financial aid advice. Additionally, they may offer programs designed to promote student engagement and success through mentoring or tutoring services.

You have the perfect blend of education and experience to be a student support specialist. But potential employers need to know about your background, so you must craft an impressive resume in order for them to consider hiring you.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

Student Support Specialist Resume

Table of Contents

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Student Support Specialist Resume Sample

Francisco Mann
Student Support Specialist

[email protected]
557-134-1171
linkedin.com/in/francisco-mann

Summary

Well-rounded student support specialist with 5+ years of experience in student advising and advocacy. Skilled at developing individualized plans for college-bound students to ensure success throughout their academic journey. At XYZ University, successfully helped 100% of the mentees identify an appropriate major and get accepted into a 4-year college or university. Proven track record of providing excellent guidance services that lead to increased student engagement and improved educational outcomes.

Experience

Student Support Specialist, Employer A
Boise, Jan 2018 – Present

  • Confidently provided guidance and support to over 500 students each semester, aiding them in developing essential skills needed for academic success.
  • Facilitated meaningful conversations with students regarding their educational goals and career plans; developed individualized action plans that resulted in a 10% improvement in student performance within 6 months of implementation.
  • Advised students on how best to use available resources such as tutoring services, internships, and mentorships; helped increase the number of graduating seniors by 15%.
  • Participated actively in planning extracurricular activities designed to foster leadership development among high schoolers; improved engagement rates by 30%.
  • Trained new staff on proper methods for providing personalized learning assistance for diverse backgrounds and abilities; guided successful orientation program which reduced onboarding time from 3 weeks to 1 week per employee on average.

Student Support Specialist, Employer B
McAllen, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

  • Presented personalized learning strategies and resources to 40+ students daily, which led to a 15% improvement in individual academic performance.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop comprehensive student support plans for those requiring extra assistance; successfully improved attendance rates by 10%.
  • Expedited resolution of disciplinary issues among groups of students through effective conflict management techniques such as mediation, negotiation and problem-solving dialogues.
  • Meticulously tracked the progress of 500+ cases managed over a 3 year period using data analytics tools; identified patterns that helped improve intervention strategies by 20%.
  • Structured activities for small groups or classes utilizing interactive teaching methods designed to engage different types of learners; increased comprehension levels across all subjects by 5 points on average per semester.

Skills

  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Active Listening
  • Problem-solving
  • Time Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Adaptability
  • Empathy
  • Patience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Certified Student Support Specialist (CSSS)
National Association of Student
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

Your resume summary is your chance to make a great first impression. As a student support specialist, you can use this section to highlight the unique skills and experience that set you apart from other candidates. For example, you could mention how many years of customer service experience you have in the education sector or any special certifications related to student support services. You could also talk about how passionate and dedicated you are when it comes to helping students succeed academically and personally.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Detail-oriented student support specialist with 7+ years of experience in student success initiatives. Highly experienced in developing and implementing programs to help students stay on track academically as well as emotionally. Skilled at working with diverse populations, including English language learners, special needs students, and high-risk youth. At XYZ University achieved a 90% retention rate for incoming freshmen by providing guidance on academic planning and career counseling.

Professional student support specialist with 5+ years of experience providing individualized assistance to students in a variety of academic and social settings. Skilled at creating effective learning plans, facilitating student workshops, monitoring progress reports, and offering personalized guidance for each student’s success. Seeking to join ABC School as the next Student Support Specialist where I can help create an enriching environment for all students.

Energetic student support specialist with 3+ years of experience providing academic and personal guidance to students. Skilled in creating individualized learning plans, conducting assessments, and designing innovative activities for a diverse range of learners. Seeking to join ABC School as the next Student Support Specialist where I can utilize my expertise in student engagement strategies to ensure every student reaches their full potential.

Amicable and dedicated student support specialist with 7+ years of experience providing administrative, academic, and personal assistance to college students. At XYZ University, successfully reduced the drop-out rate by 33% through one-on-one counseling sessions and mentorship activities. Recognized as a reliable source of guidance for students in need; adept at helping them navigate complex processes related to admissions and financial aid.

Seasoned student support specialist with 7+ years of experience providing comprehensive guidance and assistance to diverse student populations. Skilled in developing effective programs, supporting students through a variety of needs, creating learning environments that promote success and growth, and advocating for the best interests of all students. Seeking to bring my expertise to ABC School as its next Student Support Specialist.

Accomplished student support specialist with 5+ years of experience in college student services. At XYZ University, improved the retention rate by 10% and developed new programs to increase access to resources for first-generation students. Awarded “Employee of the Year” in 2018 for dedication and outstanding performance. Passionate about helping all students reach their highest potential through holistic guidance and support.

Dependable student support specialist with 5+ years of experience providing guidance and assistance to students from diverse backgrounds. Successfully created a program that aimed at improving student engagement in the classroom, resulting in an overall increase in academic performance by 15%. Highly motivated to join ABC School as their next Student Support Specialist where I can utilize my skillset for improved outcomes.

Enthusiastic student support specialist with 3+ years of experience providing educational guidance to college students. Seeking to bring my skills in program coordination, student counseling, and conflict resolution to ABC College’s Student Support Services team. At XYZ University, obtained a 100% satisfaction rating from the 40-student cohort that I served as an academic advisor for during 2019-2020 school year.

2. Experience / Employment

In the experience/employment/work history section, you should list your previous roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.

Stick to bullet points when providing details about what you did and the results achieved. Doing so makes it easier for readers to quickly digest the information. When writing each point, make sure to include quantifiable data that shows how successful your efforts were.

For example, instead of saying “Provided student support,” you could say, “Successfully provided one-on-one guidance and mentorship services to 40+ students over two semesters; 95% of those students reported improved academic performance.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

  • Assisted
  • Advised
  • Monitored
  • Facilitated
  • Coordinated
  • Trained
  • Counseled
  • Resolved
  • Investigated
  • Collaborated
  • Interpreted
  • Documented
  • Implemented
  • Evaluated
  • Supported

Other general verbs you can use are:

  • Achieved
  • Assessed
  • Compiled
  • Demonstrated
  • Developed
  • Expedited
  • Formulated
  • Improved
  • Introduced
  • Mentored
  • Optimized
  • Participated
  • Prepared
  • Presented
  • Reduced
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revised
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Structured
  • Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

  • Assisted a student population of over 1,200 by providing guidance on academic and personal matters; successfully helped 150+ students achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher in their studies within one year.
  • Spearheaded the implementation of an innovative mentorship program for at-risk students that resulted in 20% fewer disciplinary cases and improved overall engagement levels among participants.
  • Prepared detailed reports related to classroom behavior, student performance data and other pertinent information regarding individual students’ progress; provided timely feedback to teachers throughout the school year regarding updates/changes needed with specific pupils’ learning plans.
  • Assessed each student’s unique needs through regular meetings with parents & guardians, as well as weekly check-ins with administration staff members; implemented tailored strategies based on assessments which resulted in 30+ more graduates annually compared to previous years’.
  • Diligently monitored all behavioral incidents occurring inside classrooms while developing positive relationships with both faculty members and troubled youths alike; reduced suspensions by 15%.
  • Independently provided student support services to over 500 families, addressing academic and social-emotional challenges with a high degree of professionalism.
  • Coordinated between students, teachers, counselors and administrators to ensure that all educational goals were met; successfully improved attendance rate by 10%.
  • Evaluated individual cases in order to assess the need for additional interventions or adjustments within existing programs; reduced disciplinary incidents by 15% during the school year.
  • Resolved conflicts between students through mediation tactics while providing guidance on how they can manage disagreements more effectively; increased positive behavior referrals among participating students by 25%.
  • Streamlined communication processes across multiple departments utilizing online platforms such as Slack & Zoom which resulted in an average time savings of 2 hours per week for staff members involved in case management activities.
  • Revised student support policies and procedures, resulting in an 11% increase in student satisfaction ratings.
  • Substantially reduced response time to student inquiries by creating a comprehensive database of frequently asked questions and answers; lowered average resolution time by 8 hours per case.
  • Investigated reported academic issues such as cheating, plagiarism or misconduct among students with over 100 cases resolved successfully within the last 12 months.
  • Monitored attendance records for 545 students at two campuses, alerting appropriate staff when absences exceeded thresholds set by school policy; raised overall attendance rate from 75% to 81%.
  • Utilized data analytics tools to identify potential learning difficulties among struggling students which were addressed through targeted intervention programs leading to improved grades for 92% of them during the year-long period monitored.
  • Developed student support plans to meet individual needs, resulting in a 15% improvement in students’ academic performance within 6 months.
  • Optimized the school’s student mentoring program by introducing new resources and strategies; helped 25+ students develop better study habits and improved their grades overall.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills when liaising with parents, teachers and administration staff regarding student progress; successfully resolved several issues concerning behavioral or learning difficulties among participants of the mentorship program.
  • Documented over 200 cases of interactions with various stakeholders involved in providing effective educational services to students across all age groups; created detailed reports on each case for review by senior leadership team members as needed.
  • Competently identified areas where additional help was required, provided guidance & advice during challenging situations while adhering to confidentiality protocols at all times.
  • Represented the Student Services department in delivering orientation presentations to over 250 incoming students, providing guidance on campus resources and student life.
  • Reorganized the filing system of student records and documents by developing a new categorization system that saved 10 hours per week for administrative staff.
  • Consistently monitored academic progress of 500+ assigned students; identified at-risk cases early and offered tailored tutoring support leading to an 8% increase in overall GPA scores during one semester period.
  • Formulated effective plans for engaging with parents & guardians through organizing monthly parent meetings which resulted in increased communication between home & school environments by 30%.
  • Mentored 20 first-year college freshmen throughout their transition period, helping them adjust to university life by providing emotional support and assisting with any issues that arose along the way.
  • Implemented student support initiatives that resulted in improved student engagement and satisfaction levels by 24%.
  • Achieved a 25% reduction in student complaints through the development of efficient processes and procedures.
  • Reduced overall tutoring costs to students by $1,000 per semester via effective budget management strategies.
  • Supported over 200 students with academic counseling services each month; identified potential problems before they became major issues for 70% of them.
  • Thoroughly reviewed all student records on an ongoing basis to ensure accuracy and completeness; updated 500+ records within 1 week during peak registration periods.
  • Interpreted and applied educational policies to provide tailored support services for 300+ students, ensuring they had access to the resources and assistance needed.
  • Introduced new initiatives such as student ambassador programs and academic counseling sessions which increased overall student engagement by 25%.
  • Compiled comprehensive reports on student metrics, analyzed trends in attendance rates, course grades and other indicators of success; identified areas needing improvement among 20% of the students interviewed.
  • Counseled at-risk students one-on-one or in small groups with a focus on mentoring and motivating them towards better performance; saw marked improvements in test scores for 75% of these cases within 6 months each year.
  • Successfully coordinated special events such as career fairs, parent/teacher meetings & fundraising drives that raised over $30K for school projects annually.

3. Skills

Two organizations that have advertised for a position with the same title may be searching for individuals whose skills are quite different. For instance, one might be looking for someone with experience in customer service and the other seeking an individual who is knowledgeable about student financial aid.

It’s essential to tailor your resume skills section to each job you apply for, as many employers use applicant tracking systems that scan resumes for certain keywords before passing them on to a human. Therefore, it’s important not only to list relevant skills here but also discuss some of the most pertinent ones in more detail elsewhere on your resume (for example, within the summary or experience sections).

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

  • Active Listening
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Data Analysis
  • Empathy
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Organizational Skills
  • Patience
  • Problem-solving
  • Time Management

4. Education

Mentioning an education section on your resume depends on how far along you are in your career. If you just graduated and have no prior work experience, include the education section below your resume objective. However, if you have significant professional experience to showcase, omitting the education section is perfectly valid.

If including an education section is necessary for this role, try to list courses or subjects that relate directly to student support specialist roles such as psychology or counseling studies.

Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in a given field. They show potential employers that you have been tested by an accredited organization, which can give them more confidence in your abilities.

Including certifications on your resume is especially important if the job description mentions specific skills or qualifications required for the role. This will help you stand out from other applicants and prove that you are qualified for the position.

Certified Student Support Specialist (CSSS)
National Association of Student
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Francisco Mann, this would be Francisco-Mann-resume.pdf or Francisco-Mann-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is a great way to show recruiters that you are the right fit for their organization. It is an opportunity to add personality and explain why your skills, qualifications, experience and knowledge make you perfect for the job.

Cover letters usually consist of 2-4 paragraphs. They should be separate from your resume as they provide more detail about who you are and what makes you suitable for the role in question. Although cover letters aren’t always necessary when applying for jobs, it’s highly recommended that one is included with every application as it can help set yourself apart from other candidates vying for the same position.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Precious,

I am writing to apply for the Student Support Specialist position at XYZ University. With experience working in student services and a passion for helping others, I am confident I would be a valuable asset to your team.

In my current role as a Student Services Coordinator at ABC College, I provide support to students throughout their college journey. From Orientation to Graduation, I advise students on academic and career paths, connect them with resources on campus, and help them navigate any challenges they may face along the way. In addition to one-on-one advising, I also develop and deliver presentations on topics such as time management and stress reduction. My ability to build relationships with students and help them reach their goals makes me an ideal candidate for this position.

At XYZ University, I would be excited to use my skills and experience to contribute to the success of your students. Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Francisco

Student Support Specialist Resume Templates

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