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The Watercooler
Articles from the NRWA Newsletter

  • February 01, 2022 3:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    By NRWA Certification Commission Member

    As writers, we love creative language and masterful wordsmithing. But when hiring managers are at their job, scrolling through stacks and stacks of resumes, they’re not looking for a Nicholas Sparks novel. They’re giving each resume a six-second chance to win a second date, and that’s if it even gets past the ATS (applicant tracking software).

    During this initial screening, they care far less about the client’s effervescent personality and far more about their skills, qualifications, and competency to do the job. We must be the best matchmaker between our clients and the job they deserve.

    Use keywords found in the job ad to maximize the resume’s chance of getting through the ATS. It filters out unqualified applicants by scanning for keywords the hiring manager has programmed into the system. If it does not find enough keywords, it rejects the application.

    The ideal keywords include hard skills, soft skills, and certifications the candidate has that are also mentioned in the job description. For example, a construction worker’s resume may include OSHA, NCEES, ACI, and LEED. A software developer’s resume may include C++, Java, Python, and Linux.

    Note: Be sure to use synonyms of the keywords on the resume. A “project manager” can also be a “project administrator.” Those two titles refer to the same job, but we don’t know exactly which word the hiring manager programmed into their ATS. It’s best to cover all of our bases.

    To look for resume keywords, search for job postings similar to the position your client is targeting. Do a cross-analysis to find which words are repeated over multiple postings. Scan the words and phrases in the “qualifications” and “responsibilities” sections, focusing on specific abilities, knowledge, and skills—the more industry-specific, the better.

    For example, here are some keywords for the field of transportation and logistics:

    Look for these:

    Not these:

    Vehicle Maintenance

    Resourceful

    Commercial Driver’s License

    Detail-oriented

    Route Planning

    Dynamic

    Account Retention

    Exuberant

    Keywords are the key (pun intended) to help your client show up as the perfect match for what their target employer is seeking. Sprinkle them organically throughout the resume—no keyword stuffing! Recruiters recognize tricks and do not appreciate attempts to fool the ATS. If the candidate is truly qualified, it should not be difficult to include a smattering of specific keywords when showcasing their credentials.

    It may not feel attractive or creative. It may feel dry and mechanical, but in the potential employer's eyes, it provides clarity and confidence in moving forward with the applicant.

  • February 01, 2022 2:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    By Anne Anderson – NRWA Staff Writer

    When you feel a fresh breeze blowing through the NRWA, it’s probably Sandra Allison stirring things up at a board meeting! Clearly a force of nature, Sandra currently serves on the NRWA Board of Directors as the Partnership Committee Chair.

    Sandra Allison

    Interior designer. Museum director. Tour guide. Tea shop owner. Avid gamer. Chigiri-e artist. Executive resume writer. Board member. SCORE advisor. Chamber of Commerce Legislative Director. Sandra calls her history “quirky,” but it seems pretty dazzling to me. Self-taught and self-made, she has repeatedly transformed little acorns of jobs into mighty oaks of careers. At 19, Sandra began working at JCPenney designing retail displays. This entry-level role developed into a high-end interior design career.

    After starting as a tour guide, Sandra moved into the assistant director role at the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts in Cape May, NJ. She expanded the organization to be one of the largest employers in the area, with 120 employees and a $1.2 million budget.

    Because Sandra joined the workforce before finishing college, she coaches clients that success is attainable despite perceived disadvantages (like not having a degree).

    artwork depicting an orange flower

    Figure 1: Morris flower, a sample of Sandra’s Chigiri-e art, made with layers of paper, creating a watercolor effect.

    Seven years ago, after experiencing post-retirement job hunting rejection, Sandra turned her attention to resume writing, initially to improve her own documents. She came to see how her experience in recruiting and managing employees and advocating for disadvantaged people, combined with her creativity and her lifelong passion for writing came together in writing resumes.

    Her early clients were typically entry- and mid-level professionals, but she drifted toward clients who are at a disadvantage for finding jobs, perhaps because of age, disability, or ethnicity. She tested the waters by working as a resume-writing contractor and then formed her own company. Today, she specializes primarily in executive and corporate board resumes.

    Sandra credits LinkedIn for the growth of her business. Resume clients find her there, and she has been recruited by several firms, which helped both expand and focus her own business. In addition to her own clients, she writes for the Azuri Group and Women2Boards, an organization dedicated to increasing the participation of women on corporate boards.

    Sandra joined the NRWA for outreach and learning opportunities. As a board member, she sees many possibilities for the NRWA’s future. She is sensitive to industry trends and wants to ensure that the organization adapts to the demands of digital media. She would like to see the membership double and an increase in volunteer activity. She is in a unique position to impact that goal because the Partnership Committee, in managing affiliate relationships and sponsors, can help grow these revenue sources with more offerings.

    Sandra notes that she is impressed by the NRWA’s education, mentoring, and collaborative spirit. She says, “I am very grateful to the people I've met and worked with at the NRWA, including Lorraine Beaman, Pat Criscito, Nancy Grant, and, especially, Kathi Fuller – who gave me the opportunity to join the board in the first place. I know it takes a team to move forward, and I have learned A LOT from the hardworking volunteers I have had the honor to work with.”

    A Pennsylvania native, Sandra lived and worked in Cape May for many years and is now based in Mechanicsburg, PA. Her husband of 40 years, Greg, is a contractor. They have a son, Tim, and two granddaughters, Claire and Emily, ages 7 and 9. Contact Sandra at Sandra.h82315@gmail.com or find her online at LinkedIn.com/in/sandra-allison-resume-writer.

    Anne Anderson is an HR Manager at Charter Spectrum and a professional resume writer. She has been a member of NRWA since 2013. Contact Anne at alanderson541@gmail.com.

  • February 01, 2022 1:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    By Eustacia A. English –  NRWA DEI Columnist

    Black History Month

    It’s Black History Month, and I’m here to give a brief history lesson on how it all started. Let’s start with five fun facts:

    • Black History Month began as a one-week celebration.
    • Dr. Carter G. Woodson is known as the father of Black history.
    • February was specifically chosen.
    • A week-long celebration turns into a month.
    • Black History Month was created to honor the achievements of Black men and women.

    Now, let’s dig a bit deeper. Black History Month was created to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans, both men, and women. Initially, Black History Month started as Negro History and Literature Week and was created by Harvard University historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. In 1912, Woodson was only the second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard, after W.E.B. DuBois.

    Dr. Woodson wanted to do more to celebrate Black history and bring awareness to anyone who would listen. Ultimately, his goal was to educate because he believed young students were not taught enough about their ancestors' deep heritage and accolades. In 1926, Woodson and his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, were the creators of Negro History and Literature Week.

    I often wondered why February, the shortest month in the year, was chosen. February is the birth month of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and Douglass was an African American abolitionist. Black people celebrated their contributions to African American civil rights. Dr. Woodson chose February to honor their legacy and the achievements and history of Black people.

    Organizations and schools across the country embraced this initiative. However, one week wasn’t enough, and Dr. Woodson sought to raise awareness of Black Americans’ contributions to society in a greater way. In the 1960s, the Black Power and Civil Rights movements were on the rise. Black students across college campuses were becoming more and more aware of the history of Black people. Because of this awareness, the Association for the Study of African American History pushed for change.

    In 1976, on the 50th anniversary of the first Negro History and Literature Week, the Association officially made the shift to Black History Month. The entire nation had come to understand and recognize the importance of Black history in America’s overall story.

    This February, think of ways you can celebrate Black History Month, such as:

    • Support Black-owned businesses.
    • Learn about the history and impact of Black culture.
    • Purchase, read, and share books by Black authors.
    • Volunteer with a Black nonprofit.
    • Watch a documentary on Black history.

    I hope you find this enlightening and informative. Black history is deeply rooted in the structure of our country and should go beyond February. As you continue to educate yourself, I encourage you to share with others. Start a dialogue that will help others understand the importance of the historical contributions of Black people. As always, I wish you all continued peace, love, happiness, and blessings.

    Eustacia English writes the Perspective column, which examines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in resume writing and career strategy. She is a 20-year veteran of HR and talent acquisition and started Resumes on Demand last year. She also writes on DEI for The Black in HR e-zine. She lives with her husband and two children in Cherry Hill, NJ. Find her online at LinkedIn.com/in/ecampbell05.

  • January 04, 2022 4:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    Welcome to our new and renewing members for the month of December 2021!

    Feel free to introduce (or reintroduce) yourself via our members-only networking forums: the Member Forum on our website, Facebook group, and LinkedIn group.

    You can find colleagues in your area by searching here.

    NEW MEMBERS

    • Dawn Bahan in Atascocita, Texas
    • Suzie Bridges - The Resume Rockstar in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    • Claire Davis - Traction Resume in Spokane, Washington
    • Shabrina Dew - Thee Happenings LLC in Killeen, Texas
    • Clarissa Dobbins - City of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona
    • Tracy Engstrom in Galesburg, Illinois
    • Christina Gaitan - Captivate Resumes, LLC in Old Bridge, New Jersey
    • Susan Gitell - Pima Medical Institute in Phoenix, Arizona
    • Kathleen McGrorty - NewView in Irvine, California
    • Joe Mullins - Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia
    • Olukemi Okafor - Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia
    • Gaynor O'Neil - Resume Writing Com Au in Auckland, New Zealand
    • Wanda Pemberton - Be Savvy at Work in Wake Forest, North Carolina
    • Kristen Schmidt - Wordschmidt Consulting LLC in Worthington, Ohio
    • Monica Semnacher - Principia College in Elsah, Illinois
    • Stephanie Sullivan - Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas
    • Michelle Taepakdee in Coral Springs, Florida
    • Nathalie Thompson - 5 fold consulting in Aldie, Virginia
    • Dirk Welch - Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas
    • Demetria Williams - Iron Sharpens Iron, LLC in Wahiawa, Hawaii

    RENEWING MEMBERS
    • Carol Adams - Ideal Resumes, LLC in Lafayette, Louisiana
    • Amy Adler - Five Strengths Career Transition Experts in Salt Lake City, Utah
    • Dahlia Ashford - Ashford Career Consulting Company in Winchester, Virginia
    • Marian Bernard - The Regency Group in Aurora, Ontario, Canada
    • Bridget (Weide) Brooks - Résumé Writers Digest in Omaha, Nebraska
    • Freddie Cheek - Cheek & Associates in Amherst, New York
    • Tammy Chisholm - Premier Professional Resumes in Mechanicsville, Virginia
    • Karen D'Anna - Write On Resume Services in Metamora, Michigan
    • Adelle Dantzler - Dantzler Solutions LLC in Washington, D.C.
    • Arnie Fertig - Jobhuntercoach in Melrose, Massachusetts
    • Gary Foster in Highlands Ranch, Colorado
    • Virginia Franco - Virginia Franco Resumes in Matthews, North Carolina
    • Kalindi Garvin - Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
    • Crystal Johnson - Johnson Consulting Services LLC in McLean, Virginia
    • Mary Jo King - Alliance Résumé & Writing Service in Racine, Wisconsin
    • Gail Martin - Dream Chaser Resumes in Riverside, California
    • Robin McArthur - Resume Advisers, LLC in Omaha, Nebraska
    • Tammeca Riley in Mitchellville, Maryland
    • Cheretta Robson in Bronx, New York
    • Kristen Schmidt - Wordschmidt Consulting LLC in Worthington, Ohio
    • Carrie Silver-Stock - Principia College in Elsah, Illinois
    • Laura Smith-Proulx - An Expert Resume in Arvada, Colorado
    • Mary Ann Victor in Shelby Township, Michigan
    • Angela Watts - MyPro Resumes in Eagle, Idaho
    • Wendi Weiner, Esq. - The Writing Guru in Miami, Florida
    • Michelle Wright - Wright Writing Services, LLC in Charlotte, North Carolina
  • January 04, 2022 3:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    By Sally McIntosh, NCRW, NCOPE

    These examples of proofreading errors were found on the internet, primarily in news articles. Back when there were only newspapers, it was unusual to find a writing error. Now, one wonders if anyone proofreads articles before publication online. Some errors will jump out at you, and others are a little harder to find. I did not make up any of these.

    1. Are you a finance leader looking to take an international company to the next level while making an impact on patience lives?
    2. Biden says hell "work like hell" to pass infrastructure, social spending bills.
    3. Who was the first professional are & B band?
    4. To advertise here, call f presentative in Classified for more information.
    5. Britney Spears thanks fans for freeing her from dads control.
    6. Bennett is flattered by visibly doesn't know what Cooper is talking about.
    7. Whos really behind those Costco Kirkland items?
    8. Investigators also seized other prop guns and ammunition that were being for the film starring Baldwin.

    How do we become better proofreaders? Following are some modified tips from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Writing Center:

    • Try reading backwards, a sentence at a time. This will help you focus on the sentences, rather than getting caught up in the content of your paper.
    • Place a ruler under each line as you read it. This will give your eyes a manageable amount of text to read.
    • Know your own typical mistakes. Before you proofread, look over documents you have written in the past. Make a list of the errors you make repeatedly.
    • Try to take a break between writing and proofreading. Set the paper aside for the night—or even for 20 minutes.
    • Proofread once aloud. This will slow you down and you will hear the difference between what you meant to write and what you actually wrote.
    • Ask someone else to read over your document and help you find sentences that aren't clear, places where you're being wordy, and grammatical errors.
    • Use the spell-checker on your computer, but use it carefully, and also do your own spell-checking. Computer spell-checkers often make errors – they might suggest a word that isn't what you want at all, and they don't know the difference between there, their, and they're, for example. (Note: Even Grammarly is not always correct.)
    • Get help. If you're not sure if you need that comma or whether to use "affect" or "effect," look it up in a writing handbook or ask for help.

    Remember that editing isn't just about errors. You want to polish your sentences at this point, making them smooth, interesting, and clear. Watch for very long sentences, since they may be less clear than shorter, more direct sentences. Pay attention to the rhythm of your writing; try to use sentences of varying lengths and patterns. Look for unnecessary phrases, repetition, and awkward spots.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    Sally McIntoshSally McIntosh was an original member of NRWA and volunteered as a Certification Commission grader before serving as Chair for 16 years. For more than 30 years, she has operated Advantage Resumes in St. Louis, MO. Find her online at LinkedIn.com/in/reswritersally.

  • January 04, 2022 2:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    By Anne Anderson – NRWA Staff Writer

    The recent introduction of the NRWA’s new branding makes this the perfect time to introduce you to Kristen Schmidt, NRWA’s 2022 Marketing Committee Chair. Kristen brings to her role invaluable marketing and public relations experience and a passion for hiring and mentoring employees and developing careers. She earned a bachelor of science in journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is pursuing a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion at The Ohio State University. She also holds a certificate in culinary arts from the Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute.

    Kristen SchmidtKristen is an editor, writer, and branding consultant who operates her own business, Wordschmidt Consulting LLC. She works with a wide variety of clients, some in higher education, arts, and construction. She has an affinity for communicators and creatives, and especially loves working with young professionals and people in the hospitality industry.

    Kristen has enjoyed a successful journalism career. Before opening her business, she was associate editor at Ohio State Alumni Magazine and editor of Columbus Monthly magazine. She co-founded Six One Fork, an online magazine (currently on hiatus) devoted to the Columbus food and wine scene. In making the decision to find a new direction, she grappled with the issues facing many of our clients: How do changes and trends in her industry affect her career; what are her personal values and goals; where does she want to focus her efforts and skills?

    When her professional direction became clear, joining the NRWA was a natural step to meet more industry professionals, learn new skills, and gain credentials. She responded to a request to assist the public image committee and now has been tapped for the board position. Kristen attended the 2021 conference and was extremely impressed with the speaker quality and the online platform’s superior functionality. She appreciates the exceptionally welcoming and supportive nature of the organization.

    Kristen notes that we’re living through a once-in-a-generation change in the workforce, a realignment of how people balance life and work. People have been in jobs and industries for years, thinking they have nothing to offer other industries. NRWA members have the power to help them open up their thinking and find new work that is consistent with their values.

    In her role as marketing chair, Kristen is eager to build on the work that has begun with the NRWA’s logo change and rebranding, aiming to expand the organization’s reach and reputation. She is focused on understanding what our audiences need and how the various marketing channels can best speak to different people. She is thinking about translating these into powerful collateral and communication materials that deliver a consistent image and message—from writing to video to social media. In addition, she hopes to help build workflow and process structures that will strengthen marketing continuity and sustainability over time.

    Kristen is based in Columbus, Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Bear, a professor of political science at Ohio State, and their 5-year-old daughter, Molly. They own a historic mid-century home that “is a lot of work.” You can contact Kristen at kristen@wordschmidt.co or www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmargaretschmidt/.

  • January 04, 2022 1:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    By Eustacia A. English –  NRWA DEI Columnist

    Wow! Just like that, 2022 is here. I hope you all had an amazing holiday and were able to do what you love. I use the holiday season to connect with family, have Christmas fun with my husband and kids, and reflect on the previous year and prepare for the new year.

    Martin Luther King, Jr. MemorialDuring my reflection time, I write in my new planner and prepare for what lies ahead. There’s something about a new year that has always excited me since I was a child. As a child, it was all about staying up late and watching Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve and seeing the big shiny ball drop in New York City. Growing older, I would fall asleep before midnight and wake up the next day feeling renewed.

    I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions and rather focus on goal setting. I get this from my father. As a child and then young adult, my father always had a family meeting on the second Sunday of the new year. A meeting of the minds to talk about our family goals. We discussed a savings plan, school, summer vacations, and any topic my brother and I wanted to add to the discussion.

    As an adult with my own family, I do the same with a twist. I write in my planner and create my vision board that visually depicts my goals for the new year. Each year, one goal on my vision board includes how I can serve and inspire others in a meaningful way, just like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King once said, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”

    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael King, Jr. on January 15, 1929. Dr. King was a Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement. Dr. King believed in liberty and justice for all, peace and service. In 1963, during the March on Washington, Dr. King delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech. This speech is known for being one of the most famous speeches to date and truly affected change in the United States. One year after his speech, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, followed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law, marking the most significant advances in civil rights legislation.

    Each year, I reread the “I Have a Dream” speech to remind myself how far we have come and that we still have work to do as a nation, as police brutality and racial injustice are still alive. Dr. King had dreams of equality and a belief that “somehow this situation can and will be changed.” Each year, I honor Dr. King and look to make a positive change in the lives of others through volunteering. He once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

    On Monday, January 17, 2022, communities across the country will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Day of Service (MLK Day), signed into law as a federal holiday in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan. MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year and marks the birthday of the civil rights leader and nonviolent activist. The day is dedicated to encouraging Americans to participate in community service.

    As we embark on this new year, I want you to think about what you can do this year to help others. Here are a few things to get you started: volunteering at a food pantry, making hygiene kits for the homeless, partnering with organizations that support battered women and men, remembering our veterans, and free of charge resumes/coaching sessions for those transitioning to the civilian workforce.

    If you are local to the South Jersey/Philadelphia area, MLK365 is a great organization to partner with. If you are at a loss for ideas, Google is your friend. Keep in mind that serving others does not always have to be physical, monetary, or take time away from your daily routine. Sharing information and access to resources with friends and family could also go a long way. Knowledge is power, and you never know how you could potentially help someone.

    In 2022, let us remember to focus on small things we can do in a great way and create moments that matter for others. Wishing you all continued peace, love, happiness, and blessings in 2022.

    Editor’s Note: Looking to make an impact with your writing skills? CatchaFire.org is a website that constantly seeks excellent writers for professional bio writing, donation letters, and web content. This is a great launching point for newer writers to gain valuable experience in executive-level business writing.

    Eustacia English writes the Perspective column, which examines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in resume writing and career strategy. She is a 20-year veteran of HR and talent acquisition and started Resumes on Demand last year. She also writes on DEI for The Black in HR e-zine. She lives with her new husband and two children in Cherry Hill, NJ. Find her online at LinkedIn.com/in/ecampbell05.

  • December 07, 2021 5:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    Welcome to our new and renewing members for the month of November 2021!

    Feel free to introduce (or reintroduce) yourself via our members-only networking forums: the Member Forum on our website, Facebook group, and LinkedIn group.

    You can find colleagues in your area by searching here.

    NEW MEMBERS

    • Davida Billingsley - Proliphic Career Services, LLC in Grovetown, Georgia
    • Carolina Borges in Howell, New Jersey
    • Theresa Fine - Randstad RiseSmart in La Mesa, California
    • Kamee Gilmore - Paradigm Solutions | PRCS Canada in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
    • Ashley Green in Winchester, Indiana
    • Christina McBride in Columbia, Missouri
    • Catherine McKaskey in Indian Land, South Carolina
    • Machelle Pace in N Little Rock, Arkansas
    • Katey Redmond - The Amiable Red Pen in Anchorage, Alaska
    • Troy Reed - Document Prep in Los Angeles, California
    • Celine Robichaud - Randstad RiseSmart in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
    • Erin Rosener - Randstad RiseSmart in Chattanooga, Tennessee
    • Anne Shoemaker in Greensboro, North Carolina
    • Tammy Wyllie in Kings Mountain, North Carolina


    RENEWING MEMBERS

    • Rachel (Vander Pol) Raymond - RVP Career Services in Santee, California
    • Grace Beck - Nimble Careers in Park Ridge, Illinois
    • Arnie Boldt - Arnold-Smith Associates in Rochester, New York
    • Casie Dingwell - Opening Doors Resume & Writing Services in Inwood, West Virginia
    • Gayle Draper - Intentional Careers and Human Resources in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
    • Emma Geiser in Reno, Nevada
    • Jeanne Hanks - Visual-Career-Guides, LLC in Dublin, Ohio
    • Fanchon Henneberger in Dallas, Texas
    • Kim Isaacs - Advanced Career Systems in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
    • Caroline M. Jagot - A Better Resume in Tallahassee, Florida
    • Melissa Kunitzer - University of Hawaii Maui College in Kahului, Hawaii
    • Edward Lawrence - Getstarted LLC in Natick, Massachusetts
    • Ferrell Marshall - Spotlight Coaching in Pasadena, California
    • Sally McIntosh - Advantage Resumes LLC of St. Louis in St. Louis, Missouri
    • William Mitchell - The Resume Clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana
    • Becky Neff - Zoetic Resume & Writing Services in Three Rivers, Michigan
    • Bonnie Negron - Bonnie Career Services, Inc. in Iselin, New Jersey
    • Greg Palmer in Winterville, North Carolina
    • Lisa Rangel - Chameleon Resumes in Rutherford, New Jersey
    • Shanica Roberts - Next Chapter Career Services LLC in Richland, Washington
    • Nikki Ryberg - Ryberg Group, LLC in Oregon, Wisconsin
    • Lisa Tascione in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
    • Jill Walser - I got the job! in Bellevue, Washington
  • December 07, 2021 4:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    By Kathy Keshemberg, NCRW, NCOPE - NCRW Certification Chair

    digital bookAre you interested in gaining more confidence in your resume writing abilities? Could a differentiator between your services and the competition increase sales? Would you like to be recognized within our industry as one of the best?

    If you answered yes to any or all these questions, earning your NCRW should be on your goal list for 2022.

    Get a Free Prep Workshop

    Not sure where to start? Sara Timm & I presented a session at the NRWA conference in September and shared many tips and advice. You can listen to the recording here—for free!

    Get the Evaluation Sheets – Free!

    And, as a bonus, I included the actual documents the graders use to evaluate your sample and score your exam. If you review each section of these forms and study the corresponding sections of the NCRW Study Guide, you will greatly enhance your success in the NCRW process.

    Your NCRW Graders Are Here to Help

    Now, I’m not saying everyone is ready to be an NCRW, and probably at least half of the samples we see are deemed not ready on the first try. However, the bonus of starting the process is that you receive targeted advice on how to improve your writing. Your grader completes one to three pages of notes, calling out specific mistakes in strategy, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and much more. Plus, you have the opportunity to request a 15-minute consult with your grader to ask specific questions.

    Listen to the recorded webinar for complete instructions and advice on passing the sample submission step.

    Review “First Try Ready” Samples

    One thing I forgot to mention during the conference session was our newly updated sample page. These samples are actual submissions deemed ready prior to the writer passing the NCRW exam on their first try. To be transparent, we did make the changes suggested by the grader before we posted these samples. No one has ever submitted a “perfect” sample!

    I suggest reviewing the samples to get an idea of the type of candidate you should use for your sample. I see many submissions deemed “not ready” because the subject was a new college grad or career changer. Our graders can’t gauge your writing skills and strategy knowledge with these types of candidates.

    Questions About the Process?

    I challenge everyone to place earning their NCRW on the top of their 2022 goal list. It’s a challenging but rewarding venture. And the graders and I are here to help you along the way. Reach out to me at certchair@thenrwa.org if you have questions.

    -----------------------------------------------------

    Kathy began volunteering with the NRWA as a member of the initial board of directors and continued contributing in various capacities, culminating with accepting the role of Certification Chair in January 2021. For three-plus decades, she has operated A Career Advantage in Appleton, WI. Find her online at LinkedIn.com/in/kathykeshemberg.


  • December 07, 2021 3:00 AM | Administrative Manager

    By Eustacia A. English –  NRWA DEI Columnist

    It's the most wonderful time of the year. At least it is for me! I’m in an extremely happy mood from November to January and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Since I was a child, I have always loved Thanksgiving because of all the food. Who knew back then, I was a foodie at heart. I learned early on the meaning of giving thanks, being grateful for all you have, and why my household celebrated Thanksgiving.

    Christmas was my second favorite holiday. As kids, my brother and I were allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve. Growing up and going to Catholic school, I learned early on that Christmas was not about Santa Claus, the North Pole, and toys as I once thought.

    As I progressed in my career, celebrating holidays at work became hard. I didn’t know what to say to my colleagues. If I said, “Happy Holidays,” was I declaring war on Christmas? If I said, “Merry Christmas,” was I disrespecting my Muslim colleagues? Should we call the party a Christmas party, holiday party, or office party? I learned the safe bet is to call it a seasonal celebration and mention the various holidays celebrated during the season. In the diverse world that we live in, I don’t want to leave anyone out.

    In light of my column’s focus – celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion, I thought it would be fun and relevant to bring awareness to the various holidays celebrated from late November through January.

    • November 27 – December 24:  Advent, a Christian season of celebration leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ.  
    • November 28 – December 6: Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp.
    • November 28 – January 6: Nativity Fast, a period of abstinence and penance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus Christ.  
    • December 8: Bodhi Day, the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment.
    • December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a religious holiday in Mexico commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531.
    • December 16 – 24: Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration in Mexico commemorating Mary and Joseph's trials during their journey to Bethlehem.
    • December 21: Yule Winter Solstice, a celebration by Pagans and Wiccans focusing on rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings.
    • December 25: Christmas Day, the day that many Christians associate with the birth of Jesus Christ.
    • December 26: Boxing Day, a secular holiday celebrated in the U.K., Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Africa.
    • December 26 – January 1: Kwanzaa, an African American holiday started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate universal African-American heritage.
    • December 26: Feast of the Holy Family, a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus Christ, his mother, and his foster father, St. Joseph as a family. The primary purpose of this feast is to present the Holy Family as a model for Christian families.
    • December 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents, a Christian feast in remembrance of the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great in his attempt to kill the infant, Jesus Christ.
    • December 31: New Year’s Eve/Watch Night, a day for Christians to review the year that has passed, make confessions, and then prepare for the year ahead by praying and resolving.
    • January 1:  New Year’s Day, the first day of the year according to the modern Gregorian calendar, is celebrated in most Western countries.
    • January 1:  Feast Day of St. Basil, a holiday observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church, commemorating the death of Saint Basil the Great.
    • January 6:  Epiphany or Día de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day), a holiday observed by Eastern and Western Christians that recognizes the three wise men's visit to the baby Jesus twelve days after his birth.
    • January 6: Christmas, recognized on this day by Armenian Orthodox Christians, who celebrate the birth of Jesus on Epiphany.
    • January 7: Christmas, recognized on this day by Eastern Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Christmas thirteen days later than other Christian churches.

    I hope that you find this helpful as you celebrate this season. Keep in mind that we should not assume everyone celebrates the same, nor should we assume that everyone celebrates holidays at all. As for me, ‘tis the season to be jolly, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. With all that has happened with the pandemic, I am looking forward to food, desserts, more desserts, singing my favorite Christmas carols, and making memories with family and friends. Whether you celebrate or not, I wish you all peace, love, happiness, and many blessings as we go into the new year.

    Eustacia English is a new volunteer for the NRWA and writes the Perspective column, which examines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in resume writing and career strategy. She is a 20-year veteran of HR and talent acquisition and started Resumes on Demand last year. She also writes on DEI for The Black in HR e-zine. She lives with her new husband and two children in Cherry Hill, NJ. Find her online at LinkedIn.com/in/ecampbell05.


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