February 2025

Editor's Message
by Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE – NRWA Newsletter Editor

Welcome to February, the month of love. We at the National Resume Writers Association (NRWA) love our members! We want to provide you with access to trends and techniques that will elevate the value you bring to your clients and raise standards in the career-services industry.

In this month’s newsletter you will read about some of our ongoing enterprises:

• Our career coaching certification just got a new, inspiring name! Read more and consider registering for the program.   

• Speaking of certifications, the popular NCOPE program is starting again shortly. Read below to find out how you can become a Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert and help your clients (and yourself) optimize the tools on LinkedIn. 

• Meanwhile, once again, we offer you the opportunity to get your name into our Ask the Experts book. This is where you get to answer FAQs about a variety of topics related to the job search. Selected responses become part of a downloadable e-book that anyone can access. Your name could be there for posterity! 

• While you’re at it, think about presenting! We are accepting proposals for conference presentations. Find out below how to submit yours.

• If you are wondering how you will afford the conference, consider applying for grant assistance. Details are below. 

• Wondering who runs the NRWA? Meet one of our new board members! Learn more about how she contributes to the strength of the NRWA. Maybe you will be inspired to run for a spot!

• And finally, don’t forget that we are now celebrating Black History Month. This year’s theme focuses on the struggles of Black labor movements. Read more about how to get involved. This is an important facet of American history and should be shared.

Enjoy! And as always, let me know what you would like to see in the newsletter. You can reach me at ruth@confidentcareersearch.com.

Your Guide to This Issue

• New Name, Even Stronger Program!
• You Are an Expert. Share Your Knowledge.
• Help Clients Get More Offers: Become a LinkedIn Expert
• NRWA Members Can Get a Boost to Afford the Conference
• Meet the NRWA Board of Director | Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, PhD.
• Share Your Expertise at the 2025 NRWA Conference
• Black History Month 2025: The Labor Movement

New Name, Even Stronger Program!

By Brenda Mariah, NCRW, NCOPE, NRWA Past President

The NRWA has renamed its new credential that certifies program graduates with expertise in career coaching. 

The credential is now called the Nationally Certified Career Strategy Coach (NCCSC).

We seized this opportunity to apply an even more compelling name that reflects the rigor of the program outcomes. Please be on the lookout for new marketing and imagery that reflects the same high standards with a new, powerful name. 

The NCCSC program, unveiled at the NRWA’s 2024 conference, covers coaching frameworks and methodologies and gives candidates practice with coaching fundamentals.

The inaugural cohort recently completed the eight-week curriculum featuring the tools and methodology through instruction and practicum that will equip them to build and expand their businesses on this foundational service tier.

The program instructor is Chelsea Jay. Chelsea is a career and leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience. She is also a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW), Online Profile Expert (NCOPE), and LinkedIn Learning instructor. She presents frequently at industry conferences on topics related to confidence and mindset.

Here is what two participants have said about the program:

“I am much more confident that I can assist people and that I have valuable advice and experience to offer them wherever they are in their career journey: self-awareness, goals, skills, presentation on resume and online, and interview preparedness/elevator pitches.”

“I now understand the value of true coaching. I have tools, experience, and now confidence because of this course and certification.”

Stay tuned for registration. The next session begins April 1.

Brenda Mariah owns Push Career Management, based in Phoenix, AZ. She served as the NRWA president in 2024.

You Are an Expert. Share Your Knowledge.

Each month, the NRWA provides its members a unique opportunity to let the world know that they are experts in their field. It’s called “Ask the Experts,” and it leads to a yearly compilation of wisdom that is available for anyone to download.

Your name could be 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 contributing more than just assistance. You're enhancing your professional profile, sharpening your advisory skills, and establishing yourself as a leader in the career-development community. 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.

Here is a sample question and answer:

What should I include in my cover letter? 

Start with an engaging introduction about what compelled you to apply for that specific position. If you’ve been referred from a notable colleague, mention that right away to grab their attention. Then address how you are uniquely qualified, including your relevant education, experience, or previous successes doing the specific tasks listed in the job description. Close with a call to action. 

Help Clients Get More Offers: Become a LinkedIn Expert

You can help your clients field offers instead of chasing opportunities. 

When you become certified to train them as a Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE), you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how recruiters use LinkedIn to scrutinize candidate profiles and help your clients navigate the complexities of networking and career marketing/branding. 

In today’s competitive job market, resume writing alone isn’t always enough to get your clients hired quickly. To truly set them up for success, career professionals must offer comprehensive job search solutions that increase visibility, enhance confidence, and streamline the hiring process. 

By bundling high-value services — such as LinkedIn optimization, career coaching, and interview prep — you not only improve client outcomes but also increase revenue by upselling premium packages.

With NCOPE certification, you will:

• Gain industry-recognized credentials that distinguish you from the competition.

• Master cutting-edge techniques for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, online presence, and resumes.

• Expand your professional network by connecting with a community of like-minded experts.

• Empower your clients with profiles that get noticed, open doors, and land interviews.

Join our spring 2025 session starting February 13! We only have a few seats left! Visit us here to secure your spot.

NRWA Members Can Get a Boost to Afford the Conference

The NRWA supports all resume writers and career-industry professionals. When you join the NRWA, you receive access to many valuable training and educational opportunities.

Perhaps the biggest one is our annual conference, being held in October 2025, in Phoenix, AZ.

We recognize that attending this event—and becoming an NRWA member—requires resources. As an organization dedicated to equity and inclusiveness on every level, we offer a limited number of need-based grants. 

Grants are awarded quarterly and are not renewable or transferable. Applications must be completed and submitted at least four weeks before the deadline for that quarter. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered for the next quarter. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Grant requests are accepted for:

• Membership Fees

• The Annual Conference

• APPLY HERE

Quarterly Award Dates:

• March 15 (apply by 2/15)

• June 15 (apply by 5/15)

Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, PhD, is serving during 2025 as the NRWA’s Membership Chair. 

How long have you served on the board? 

This is my second term on the board. Last year, I served as a director of member support (DOM), and this year I am serving as the membership chair. 

Tell me about your specific board role. 

As the membership chair, I am tasked with retaining current members and growing new membership. My focus is ensuring that our existing members feel that they are receiving value from the NRWA and are gaining professional connections. I’m excited to work with the DOMSs this year and look forward to holding events that engage and build rapport among members. 

Why did you decide to run for the board? 

I’ve been interested in board positions because I believe in the mission behind the NRWA and have met some wonderful friends and colleagues through the online events and the annual conference. I want to ensure that members feel the camaraderie within the organization and can use our resources to build their professional skills and businesses (if applicable). My hope is that everyone within the career-services industry — including resume writers, career coaches, college officials, and workforce development professionals — feels welcome here.

How long have you been in the career-services industry? What's your focus

I’ve been in the career-services industry since 2008 and mainly focus on writing resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. My ideal client is someone aged 40+, in middle management, who hasn’t needed a resume for 15 or 20 years. I enjoy working with these individuals because they are not tech savvy, are not confident, and aren’t sure where to begin. There is nothing more satisfying than giving someone the confidence they need to be successful in their job search.

What are your goals for this year as a board member? 

For 2025, I want to ensure that current members feel involved and are gaining value from their membership. Additionally, I would love to grow the organization this year, ensuring all career-services professionals feel welcome within the NRWA. 

What is your favorite aspect of NRWA membership and involvement?

I’ve truly enjoyed my time as a member of the NRWA and as a board member. By far, my favorite part of the organization is the people I have met throughout the years. Everyone is accepting of each other, collaborative, and helpful, specifically when there are questions about client challenges, industry trends, and specific projects. 

Share Your Expertise at the 2025 NRWA Conference

The National Resume Writers’ Association is accepting proposals for its 2025 conference focusing on best practices and trends in the resume-writing industry.

The conference will be held Oct. 13–16 at the Crowne Plaza Resort, Phoenix – Chandler Golf Resort.

Presenting at the conference is a great way to showcase your expertise and your business and generate interest in your services among potential partners and clients. 

Our theme this year is the phoenix rising. Many of you are likely familiar with the myth of the phoenix

 — a powerful symbol of hope, life, and better things to come, born from the knowledge and experience of difficult times and challenging circumstances. The phoenix rises from the ashes stronger and more resilient, and just as we professionals face our own trials and test solutions that push us to adapt and grow, we want to inspire our members to rise to the challenge and emerge with renewed strength and sharpened expertise. 

Benefits of Presenting:

• Enhance your visibility and reputation in the resume-writing industry.

• Help build the NRWA’s signature reputation of excellence in resume writing, education, and awareness.

• Gain a greater appreciation of your own expertise as you prepare your presentation.

• Receive complimentary virtual conference registration for all days, including admission to the vendor exposition, educational programs, and social events.

• Access to exclusive vendor pricing and sponsorship opportunities.

The deadline for speaking proposals is March 9 at midnight, Eastern Standard Time. Check out the guidelines and apply here.

Black History Month 2025: The Labor Movement

February is Black History Month, and this year, the theme "African Americans and Labor" invites us to dive deep into the rich and varied history of how labor has influenced the lives of Black individuals throughout the ages.

From the harsh realities of enslaved agricultural work to the vibrant world of entrepreneurship, this theme encourages us to appreciate the vital role African American labor has played not just in the U.S., but also in Africa and across the African diaspora.

This year is particularly special as it marks a century since the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids was established by the trailblazing labor organizer A. Philip Randolph. This was the first Black union to earn a charter from the American Federation of Labor, representing a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for economic and social justice.

This year's theme acknowledges history while inviting action for the future. By focusing on education and advocacy, and building community, career-services professionals can empower their clients while highlighting the lasting influence of Black labor worldwide.

Key Themes to Explore

This year's focus encourages us to investigate:

• The Agricultural Labor of Enslaved Africans: Acknowledging how foundational the work of enslaved people was in building the U.S. economy.

• Vocational Training Debates: Looking at the discussions among Black educators about finding the right balance between vocational training and broader educational opportunities.

• Self-Help and Entrepreneurship: Celebrating the ingenuity and perseverance of Black communities in creating businesses and forming networks.

• Organized Labor Movements: Showcasing unions and labor activism as vital tools in the fight against inequality and for justice.

How We Can Participate

• Amplify Black Professionals’ Voices and Histories: Host panel discussions or workshops featuring Black professionals and entrepreneurs sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes. Partner with historians or local museums to highlight the history of Black labor movements and their relevance to today's workforce.

• Create Opportunities for Mentorship and Networking: Organize mentorship programs that connect Black job seekers with established professionals in their fields. Host industry-specific networking events to foster connections and provide access to new opportunities.

• Build Awareness of Black-Owned Businesses and Resources: Develop and share directories of Black-owned businesses, career resources, and funding opportunities that clients can support or use. Highlight grants, scholarships, and professional development programs designed for Black professionals.

• Facilitate Skills and Career Development: Offer workshops on resume writing, personal branding, and LinkedIn optimization tailored to address barriers Black professionals often face in the job market. Provide mock interviews and coaching sessions with a focus on industries where Black professionals are underrepresented.

• Foster Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy: Partner with organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion to host sessions on building equitable workplaces. Educate clients about their rights in the workplace and how to advocate for themselves when facing discrimination.

• Showcase Resilience and Innovation: Share case studies of Black professionals and entrepreneurs who have navigated systemic challenges to achieve success. Celebrate lesser-known innovators and trailblazers in fields such as technology, medicine, and the arts to inspire clients.

By focusing on these concrete actions, career-services professionals can go beyond surface-level celebrations and make a real contribution to advancing equity and opportunity for Black professionals in the workforce.

Professional Development 

The NRWA offers live and on-demand webinars, a self-paced Resume Writing 101 course, teleseminars, and more opportunities for learning throughout the year.

Certification Programs 

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