Editor's Message
by Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE – NRWA Newsletter Editor
Colleagues,
It’s sweater weather at last—and also conference season!
As the temperatures dip and pumpkin spice finds its way into just about everything, we’re heading into the warm camaraderie of the NRWA’s biggest gathering of the year. |
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In just a few weeks, many of us will gather in Chandler, Arizona, for professional development, new ideas, and numerous connections. I hope you’re as energized as I am.
Inside this issue, you’ll find a celebration of what’s in store at the conference. The agenda is packed with practical strategies you can apply the moment you return home.
Speaking of membership, don’t miss this month’s benefit spotlight on our “Find a Writer” directory. It’s your built-in lead generator and a powerful way to boost visibility. Right after that, you’ll learn how to expand your credibility and reach by contributing to Ask the Experts. Your advice doesn’t just help job seekers; it establishes you as a thought leader among peers and prospects alike.
We’re also proud to showcase the work of one of our own: NRWA member and executive career coach Gina Riley, whose new book Qualified Isn’t Enough introduces her Career Velocity framework. Gina’s story is both inspiring and practical, and you’ll see how the NRWA has shaped her professional journey. You will see below her story that we are looking for your own breaking professional news! Check it out, and let me know if you have anything brag-worthy to share!
Looking for ways to get more involved? President-Elect Nancy Grant makes the case for volunteering with the NRWA. Whether your talents lean toward marketing, membership, conference planning, or professional development, there’s a place for your voice and energy on a committee.
Want to test your skills while earning a top credential in resume writing? One of the NRWA’s newest Nationally Certified Resume Writers (NCRW) shares her insights into the process.
And of course, it wouldn’t be the Watercooler without our Grammar Matters column. This month, Donna Tucker clears up those all-too-common mix-ups with “that,” “which,” and “who.” Simple rules, powerful clarity.
Finally, we close with a timely feature for October: building disability inclusion into your everyday practice. In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we share practical steps you can take to make your coaching, writing, and advising more accessible and inclusive year-round.
So, grab a sweater, pour a warm mug of something seasonal, and dive into this month’s Watercooler. I look forward to seeing many of you soon in Arizona!
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Conference 2025: The Excitement Is Building, and So Is the Value By Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE, NCCSC, Watercooler Editor If you’re attending the conference in just a couple of weeks, I’m looking forward to seeing you! It’s the highlight of the year. Every fall, NRWA members gather to recharge, reimagine, and reconnect. This year, from October 13–16 in Chandler, Arizona, the conference is shaping up to be the kind of event you’ll hear about for months afterward. I’m ready for some valuable professional development. But I’m also bringing my swimsuit! After all, we will be at a resort! The Learning You Can’t Replicate Imagine gaining insider insights directly from a recruiter who teaches you how resumes are actually screened and how to prepare clients for interviews and salary negotiations. That’s what John Gates is delivering in his preconference workshop. Then there’s Jessica Pierce’s keynote on the top trends defining 2026: AI, Gen Z in the workforce, purpose-driven work, and more. If you advise clients on the future of work, you can’t afford to be behind the curve. Across four days, the agenda spans every pressing topic: Using AI, such as ChatGPT and Claude, to boost your services. Scaling your business with digital products. Making LinkedIn an actual revenue driver. Helping students, veterans, and career changers navigate a shifting job market. Guiding clients with disabilities through invisible barriers to visible strengths.
These are immediately applicable strategies you’ll take home and use the next morning. The People You’ll Never Forget Every single person who’s attending will tell you the same thing: the NRWA conference is where you find your people. I’ve heard these comments and many like them at past conferences: “I can go and ask anybody any question. I don’t feel foolish. I can show up as myself, be welcomed, be educated, and be elevated.” “We’re all friendly competitors. We are all willing to help each other out. It’s a win-win.” In other words, this is the one place where you don’t have to explain what you do for a living. Everyone gets it. And they’re rooting for you. The Experiences You’ll Talk About Later Yes, you’ll leave with new skills and a notebook full of ideas. But you’ll also leave with friendships formed at dinner, insights shared poolside, and maybe even plans to collaborate with someone you’d never have met otherwise. Add in the Arizona sunshine, Sedona and the Grand Canyon just a drive away, and a resort setting that makes it all feel like a retreat, and you’ve got an experience no webinar can touch. And don’t forget attendees at the closing session are eligible to win a free registration for the 2026 conference. You have to be present to win. Bottom Line I’m ready! I look forward to sharing our takeaways, announcing our honorees, and introducing our new board members when I return. But mostly, I’m looking forward to coming home more confident, more skilled, and more connected. |
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Gain Additional Credibility by Sharing Your Expertise One great NRWA member benefit is the opportunity to contribute to our collective knowledge. Each month, we provide “Ask the Experts” questions and ask you to provide answers based on your professional experience working in career development. Each year, we take the selected responses and compile an ebook available for anyone to download. Your name could be one of those highlighted as an Expert Contributor. Questions cover every angle of job searching, from resume construction to interviewing, and you will likely find a few that you cannot resist weighing in on. Check out this month’s questions. When you participate, you're doing more than just lending a hand. You're enhancing your professional profile, sharpening your advisory skills, and establishing yourself as a leader in the field of career development. The questions you answer help you become a better advisor, boost your reputation, and showcase you as an expert in our field. This exposure can lead to new clients and collaborations, helping you shape your professional journey as you help others shape theirs. If your response is selected, you will receive a badge to display on your social media!
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Reading the Label: Gina Riley on Why Qualified Isn’t Enough
By Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE, NCCSC, Watercooler Editor
You can’t read the label when you’re inside the jar. That’s how NRWA member and Executive Career Coach Gina Riley describes the challenge many professionals face when trying to explain their value.
“Even the most accomplished leaders struggle to see themselves clearly,” she says. “They ramble, they call themselves a ‘Swiss Army knife,’ and they undersell what makes them unique.”
Helping clients step outside that jar became the inspiration for Qualified Isn’t Enough, Gina’s new book. It introduces “Career Velocity,” her nine-step framework for discovering, organizing, and communicating value in a way that resonates with hiring leaders.
Career Velocity begins with deep discovery: uncovering a career thread, articulating a unique value proposition, and gathering evidence in what Gina calls a “data vault.” From there, clients translate those insights into tangible tools, such as resumes, LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation, and ultimately, thought leadership.
“It’s about giving people a repeatable system,” Gina explains. “Instead of winging it at every new opportunity, they can return to this process and feel grounded.”
Though the book is geared toward executives, Gina has already seen its relevance for younger professionals. Her sons’ college-aged friends have been working through the opening chapters. Professors are considering it for classroom use. “The sooner people learn to articulate their story, the stronger their trajectory,” she says.
The NRWA Connection
The NRWA has been central to Gina’s journey. Membership, she says, gave her both community and professional development and helped build her confidence.
“As a solopreneur, you can feel isolated. The NRWA changed that for me,” Gina reflects. “It’s a space where people freely share wisdom. I don’t have all the answers, but I know I can reach out to colleagues who’ve been there.”
She points to certifications and conferences as key milestones, including her training to administer the YouMap assessment. At this year’s NRWA conference in Phoenix, Gina will lead an interactive session on unraveling one’s own career thread, providing peers with an opportunity to apply her framework to themselves.
“NRWA members are jar-label readers too,” Gina said. “We help clients see what they can’t. That’s the gift we give.”
Qualified Isn’t Enough is now available and is already sparking new conversations about how to tell career stories with clarity and power.
We want to share your news! Written a book? Penned an article for a publication? Celebrating a business milestone? Let us know! Email: ruth@confidentcareersearch.com.
I will get back to you for more info! |
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Your Voice Matters. Volunteer with the NRWA!
By Nancy Grant, NCOPE, NRWA President-Elect
The NRWA is built on the strength of our members, and we need your voice, ideas, and talents to keep our association strong.
One of the best ways to get involved, expand your network, and make an impact is by joining us behind the scenes.
Our committees are the driving force behind the NRWA.
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Marketing & Communications: Helps shape the NRWA’s voice and visibility for the future. Committee members help craft messaging, promote programs, and build brand recognition across multiple platforms. This work ensures that our members and the industry at large view the NRWA as a trusted and innovative resource.
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Membership: Our members are the heart of the NRWA. This team focuses on strengthening member engagement and retention while welcoming new professionals into our community. By supporting our engagement strategies, you’ll directly influence how the NRWA fosters connection, belonging, and professional growth.
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Conference & Sponsorship: The annual conference is a cornerstone of the NRWA experience. Volunteers on this committee help design relevant programming, select meaningful educational topics, and create networking opportunities that members truly value. This team also contributes to building sponsor relationships that sustain our mission. Serving here is your chance to shape a signature event that energizes our community and maintains the NRWA’s future initiatives.
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Professional Development: Excellence is what sets NRWA members apart. This committee curates webinars, training, and certification pathways that anticipate industry trends and the needs of its members. Volunteers help ensure our professional development offerings are not just relevant for today but also equip career professionals for the challenges of tomorrow.
Whether you have a little time to give or a lot, there’s a place for you. Committees meet every month and are a fantastic way to:
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Build stronger connections with peers.
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Develop leadership and collaboration skills.
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Contribute directly to shaping the future of the NRWA.
 Interested in volunteering? Email us at adminmanager@thenrwa.org with the subject line “Volunteer Interest” to let us know where your skills and interests align. We’ll connect you to a committee leader to learn more. Openings for our 2026 committees are limited, so reach out right away!
Together, we will continue to elevate the NRWA and the career services industry! |
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Congratulations to Marcy Traxler, one of our new Nationally Certified Resume Writers (NCRW)!
Marcy’s business is A+ Writer. Here is what she had to say about the process: Tell us a little about yourself. I launched A+ Writer in 2025, after 10 years of writing resumes for Talent, Inc., to empower job seekers through strategic, high-impact career documents. In addition to running my own business, I now work with Impact Group, a company that provides relocation, coaching, and resume writing services for displaced workers. My target market includes professionals navigating career pivots, layoffs, and relocations. Why did you decide to pursue an NCRW certification? I pursued the NCRW to challenge myself and elevate the quality of my work. I’ve always believed in continuous learning, and the NCRW represents the gold standard in resume writing. It was important to me to validate my skills through a rigorous, respected credential and to align myself with a community of professionals who are equally committed to excellence.
How did you prepare? How long did it take you?
I began the journey in June 2025, approaching it with the same dedication I give to my clients. I studied NRWA resources, participated in webinars, and sought feedback from mentors. The process took two months, and I’m proud to say I passed on the first try. It was both challenging and rewarding, and absolutely worth the effort.
How do you plan to use your NCRW? The certification has already enhanced my credibility with clients, employers, and partners. I plan to use it to expand my business, offer more specialized services, and continue mentoring clients through career transitions. It’s also opened doors for collaboration and speaking opportunities that I’m excited to explore!
What are your thoughts about the certification process? I found the NCRW certification process to be both rigorous and rewarding. It’s not just a test of writing ability. It’s a comprehensive evaluation of your understanding of resume strategy, grammar, formatting, and client-centered communication. The feedback I received throughout the process was constructive and detailed, helping me refine my approach and elevate my standards. It’s clear that the NRWA is deeply committed to maintaining the integrity of the credential, and that made earning it all the more meaningful. The process pushed me to grow, and I emerged from it with a stronger skill set and a deeper appreciation for the craft of resume writing.
What are your recommendations for colleagues who want to pursue the NCRW certification or those who may be hesitant?
Do not let fear hold you back. The process is rigorous, but also incredibly enriching. You’ll grow as a writer, deepen your understanding of career strategy, and gain access to a supportive network of professionals. My advice: treat it as an investment in yourself and your craft. You will not regret it. Interested in earning your NCRW certification? Check out the details! |
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Grammar Matters
This Month’s Grammar Tip, by Donna Tucker: Mastering “That,” “Which,” and “Who”: Quick Fixes for Common Grammar Mix-Ups Even seasoned writers trip over “that,” “which,” and “who”—but using them right makes your writing clearer and more professional. “That” and “which” both introduce clauses that describe nouns, but they’re used differently. Use “that” for essential information—clauses you can’t remove without changing the sentence’s meaning. · The car that is red is mine. Use “which” for extra information that could be left out and set it off with commas. · The car, which is red, is mine.” When talking about people, use “who,” not “that.” · The student who studies hard will succeed. “That” is generally for things or groups, not individuals. · The team that wins will advance. |
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Build Disability Inclusion into Everyday Practice, Starting This Month
By Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE, NCCSC, Watercooler Editor
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a perfect time for us, as career advisors, resume writers, and coaches, to review and refine our practices to ensure that disabled job seekers receive truly inclusive support. Below are concrete ways to mark the month and, more importantly, embed disability inclusion into your work year-round.
1) Start with accessibility basics (your materials, your sessions, your events)
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Make documents and sites accessible. Use clear headings, descriptive links, sufficient color contrast, alt text for images, and export-accessible PDFs. If you host content or intake forms online, ensure alignment with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) so that clients using screen readers or keyboard navigation can participate seamlessly.
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Run accessible meetings, virtual or in person. Offer live captions, ASL upon request, share slides in advance, and describe visuals aloud. Establish a simple accommodations request line in every invite. (PEAT provides checklists and language you can copy-paste.)
2) Normalize conversations about accommodations and disclosure
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Know the law and translate it for clients. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (Title I), qualified applicants can request reasonable accommodations in hiring and on the job. Help clients script when and how to ask, what to document, and how to respond if a request is denied. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) overview is the best starting point in plain English.
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Offer accommodation “menus.” Many clients don’t realize what’s possible (e.g., alternate interview formats, extra time for assessments, assistive tech). Use the Job Accommodation Network’s examples by disability or limitation to brainstorm tailored options together.
3) Build stronger employer partnerships around inclusion
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Bring employers to the table. Host an NDEAM briefing or roundtable on the business case, accommodation myths, and inclusive hiring touchpoints (e.g., job ads, assessments, interviews). The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability’s (EARN) toolkits make it easy to curate a one-hour agenda.
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Coach recruiters on accessible tech. Many barriers are in e-recruiting systems (e.g., inaccessible forms, tests, or video platforms). Share PEAT’s “Buy IT” procurement guide and TechCheck so that partners can evaluate and improve their technology stack.
4) Expand clients’ pathways to work
5) Audit your language and imagery
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Ask, don’t assume. Some people prefer person-first (“person with a disability”) and others identity-first (“disabled person”). Confirm preferred terms, avoid euphemisms, and retire pity language (“suffers from”). The NCDJ style guide is a reliable, nuanced reference.
6) Tune up your practice for neurodiverse and mental-health needs
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Flex your process. Offer alternatives to timed tests, allow note-taking or agendas in advance, and break coaching into shorter sessions if attention or processing pace is an issue. Back up recommendations with JAN’s accommodation ideas so clients (and employers) see practical options.
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Add an employer track. Share EARN’s mental-health and neurodiversity resources with HR partners; it positions you as a solutions-oriented bridge.
Use NDEAM as your catalyst, but keep going. When your materials, processes, and partnerships are accessible by design, you expand opportunity for disabled clients and deliver better outcomes for every job seeker you serve. |
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Check Out These Upcoming Trainings!
It’s hard to believe the year is more than half over! It’s a great time to check your professional development goals and your training budget and take advantage of the NRWA’s learning opportunities before the end of 2025.
Here are several coming up:
Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)
Demonstrate your writing, strategy, and formatting expertise through a comprehensive certification process.
Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE)
Craft powerful LinkedIn profiles and learn how to leverage AI, recruiting tools, and online networking. Register here.
Next course dates: Nov. 6 – Dec. 18, 2025 | Thursdays | 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET – Registration Opening Soon
Nationally Certified Career Strategy Coach (NCCSC)
Gain real coaching experience and learn to guide clients through career transitions with confidence. Register for the next cohort, which runs:
Next cohort: Oct. 28 – Dec. 16, 2025 | Tuesdays | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET |
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The NRWA offers live and on-demand webinars, a self-paced Resume Writing 101 course, teleseminars, and more opportunities for learning throughout the year. |
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