April 2025

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

“April showers bring May flowers,” according to an old English proverb.

The NRWA views April as a month of renewed energy. It’s a new season. It feels like a reset. Nature reawakens, energy lifts, and there's a collective push to start something new.

One new thing you can do this year is commit to some aspect of professional development you haven’t taken on. That could be a new writing or coaching certification. 

Or it could be the conference!

We kick off this Watercooler issue with an opportunity to find out why the annual conference (coming in October) is special. Read below for details. We also remind you that you can apply for assistance with the conference fee. You’ve got until June to apply, but it’s not too early to start making plans. 

Next, we bring you a grammar tip. Don’t skip this! It will save you editing time.

After that, we give you the instructions for answering an FAQ about career management. This is a quick way to show how much you know, with potential to reach a wider audience.

Meanwhile, federal employees are probably coming to you for help finding new employment. Adelle Dantzler brings you some great advice about how to help them reposition themselves.

In this issue, we also bring you:

✏️A profile of one of our board members, Arno Markus.

✏️Part II of a report on why DEI remains relevant for organizations.

✏️A reminder that our clients comprise a diverse bunch, including people with autism (and our approaches should honor this diversity).

Enjoy the read!

And as always, let me know if you have an idea for an article. Contact me at ruth@confidentcareersearch.com. 

Professionally Yours,

Your Guide to This Issue

• Get All Your Conference Questions Answered
• Grammar Matters
• Ask The Experts
• Helping our Clients Transition from Federal Roles
  
• Board Member Arno Markus
• Why DEI Still Makes Business Sense and How to Advocate for It
  
• Supporting Neurodivergent Job Seekers
  

Get All Your Conference Questions Answered

Thinking about attending the NRWA conference in October?

This year, we are meeting at the Chandler Golf Resort in the greater Phoenix, AZ, area for Phoenix Rising, October 13–16. 

If you have never been to this signature event, join us for an opportunity to get all your questions answered and find out why we love getting together each year to share our expertise.

Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, the NRWA’s Membership Chair, and Shoni Bell, one of the NRWA’s Directors of Member Support (DOMS) for new business owners, will host this Midway Meetup from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. on April 23. They will share why they have attended multiple NRWA events in the past, the relationships made with other members, and how the conference can spur business growth and new ideas. 

Can’t Afford the Conference?

As an organization dedicated to equity and inclusiveness on every level, the National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA) offers a limited number of need-based, educational, and membership grants. 

The next deadline is June 15.

• 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

• Annual Conference

This Month’s Tip from Donna Tucker:

Hyphens vs. Dashes:

Use hyphens (-) to join words (e.g., well-written book)

Use em dashes (—) to create emphasis or indicate a break in thought (The writer—deep in thought—didn't notice the clock.).

Use en dashes to separate dates (2021–2025). 

Note: No spaces on either side of the hyphen or dash.

Take a Few Minutes Today to Share Your Wisdom

Each month, the NRWA collects intel from its members. 

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 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.

If your response is selected, you will receive a badge to display on your social media!

Here is a sample question and answer:

I am looking for a new job with functions completely different from my previous position. How do I identify transferrable skills from the last job that can help me in my job search?

Answer:

Transferable and soft skills are critical for satisfactory job acquisition. Accurately determine your natural soft skills and adaptability. NRWA-authorized DISC administrators will do this for you. Your soft skills let your writer learn how your natural traits contributed to positive outcomes, which become the accomplishments/quantifiable results showcased for your job search campaign materials.

After you finish reading the Watercooler, hop on over to the ATE page and answer one or more of this month’s questions! 

Helping our Clients Transition from Federal Roles

By Adelle J. Dantzler, Certified Federal Job Search Trainer and Career Coach

Many of our clients are already affected by changes in hiring patterns for federal jobs. 

On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump issued a freeze on filling vacant federal civilian positions and creating new ones, excluding roles tied to the military, national security, and public safety. This is expected to last through at least the end of 2025.

To reduce panic and support clients through this uncertainty, we can help them take a strategic approach to transition into private-sector or other government roles by mapping their unique skills to new opportunities.

First, let’s understand what’s happening. 

Hiring freezes and reductions-in-force (RIFs) are often cost-cutting measures introduced by new administrations. While they’re political, the result is that many federal employees must seek new paths forward.

Map the transition.

An effective way to help those impacted is to map their federal position to identical and similar positions in other industries.

Start by listing federal accomplishments, duties, and tasks. Use job descriptions, evaluations, and announcements. If none are available, look up similar roles on USAJOBS or in the Handbook of Occupational Groups and Families.

You can also use the client’s role description, original announcement for their job, performance evaluations, and any other document that outlines the accomplishments, duties, and tasks of the role. 

Now find a private-sector equivalent.

Use tools like the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, O*Net, the Occupational Information Network Numerical Index, the Career OneStop Occupation Profile, the Career OneStop Skills Matcher, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Profiles, as well as job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.) to find comparable roles. Track keywords and note key differences between federal and private roles. This will help tailor resumes and profiles to pass through ATS systems.

Fill Skill Gaps:
If private roles require additional skills, suggest learning platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and EdX. Volunteering — even virtually — can also provide valuable experience.

Research Salary Ranges:
Help clients set realistic expectations using Glassdoor, Salary.com, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Overview
on Pay and Benefits, CareerOneStop Salary Finder, O*Net, and other sources.

Transitions can be difficult, but they also provide an opportunity for clients to reflect on their value and explore new directions. These steps can help them move forward—whether into new industries or back into federal service down the road.

Adelle J. Dantzler has successfully helped thousands of federal, state, local government, and private-industry job seekers over the past 20 years through conference presentations, practical workshops, career consulting, interview coaching, and collaborative resume-writing services. Having advanced from a GS3 to a GS15 through nine roles in 11 federal agencies during a period of 35 years.

Find out more about this topic by listening on-demand to Adelle’s March 21, 2025, webinar Applying for Federal Jobs During a Federal Hiring Freeze: Exempt Federal Opportunities.

Board Member

Arno Markus is an NRWA Director of Member Support (DOM) for Experienced Business Owners. He supports members whose businesses are based on the U.S. West Coast

How long have you been in the career industry?

I have been actively involved in the career services industry for over 20 years, with a specialized focus on executive resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and career strategy for C-suite and senior leaders. My company, iCareerSolutions, has given me deep insight into the evolving needs of both career professionals and their clients.

What drew you to involvement with the NRWA?

My journey began as part of my commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards in our industry. As a certified resume writer and someone who's earned recognition through TORI awards, I've seen firsthand how our organization supports excellence in resume writing.

Why did you decide to run for a board position?

I am passionate about elevating the resume writing profession and helping shape its future. With my background in international executive recruitment and my experience working with diverse clients across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, I bring a global perspective to our industry's challenges and opportunities.

What are your goals as a board member?

This year, my goals center around strengthening our professional development offerings and expanding our reach to serve more resume writers who work with executive-level clients. I'm particularly interested in developing programs that help our members adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of AI and personal branding in career services.

What I value most about NRWA membership is the collaborative spirit among professionals who are dedicated to excellence in resume writing. The opportunity to contribute to an organization that sets industry standards while providing valuable resources to its members is truly rewarding.

Why DEI Still Makes Business Sense and How to Advocate for It

By Joan Blumenthal, NCOPE

This is part II of this report. You can find the first part in the March 2025 Watercooler.

Despite legal challenges and shifting corporate strategies, DEI remains a smart business decision. Companies that maintain strong DEI practices aren’t just doing it for optics — they do it because it works.

At a recent DEI panel discussion on Jan. 31 at the Union League Club of Chicago, industry experts broke down the business case for diversity and how career professionals can support job seekers in navigating these changes.

Presenters were Ken Barrett, former Chief Diversity Officer at General Motors, and attorneys Susan H. Rider and Billy Dexter. 

Here are their main points:

Organizations with diverse workforces consistently outperform those without. 

The panelists highlighted key benefits, such as:

• Increased Innovation & Creativity – Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and new ideas.
• Stronger Financial Performance – Companies that prioritize DEI have seen measurable gains. General Motors, for example, has invested over $100 billion in supplier diversity since 1968.
• Better Market Reach – Companies with diverse teams connect better with a broader customer base.
• For career professionals, this means helping job seekers understand why DEI matters for business success and how to assess whether a company truly values diversity.

Access Is Everything: The Role of Opportunity in DEI

One of the most powerful themes of the panel discussion was the importance of access to opportunity. The speakers shared personal stories demonstrating how long-term commitment to DEI creates real change:

Probationary college admissions and special student programs have opened doors for underrepresented individuals. The Department of Defense’s long-standing DEI efforts show that sustained investment leads to real progress.

For career professionals, this highlights the importance of advocating for:

• Skills-based hiring that looks beyond traditional degrees.
• Internships and mentorship programs that create pathways for diverse candidates.
• Leadership development programs to help underrepresented professionals advance their careers.

How Career Professionals Can Advocate for DEI in Hiring

As DEI policies shift, career professionals play a vital role in ensuring fair hiring practices. Here’s how to take action:

• Encourage job seekers to research a company’s DEI track record.
• Promote networking opportunities in diverse professional groups.
• Help clients recognize inclusive hiring practices, such as blind resume reviews and structured interviews.
• Educate employers on the long-term benefits of investing in DEI.

While the conversation around DEI is evolving, the core message remains the same: Diversity and inclusion drive success. Companies that recognize this will continue to lead the way.

Want to stay engaged in the latest DEI conversations? Join the discussion on the NRWA forums on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Supporting Neurodivergent Job Seekers
By Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE, NCCSC, Watercooler Editor

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and it’s a great time for those of us in career services to pause and consider how we’re showing up for neurodivergent clients, especially those on the autism spectrum.

Whether you're a coach, resume writer, or college advisor, there are meaningful ways to deepen your understanding and expand your impact.

Start by listening and learning.

If you’re new to this space, begin with resources that center on acceptance, not just awareness. Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant and NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman are excellent starting points. You’ll also learn a lot by finding and following neurodivergent professionals on LinkedIn and social media who share their lived experiences with candor and clarity, for instance, Alex McGuinness. 

NRWA member Kyle Elliott is also a voice in this space.

Revisit the language and materials you use.

It’s easy to slip into deficit-based language (“poor social skills” or “difficulty with change”). Instead, try strength-based descriptions like “precise communicator” or “thrives in structured environments.” Make sure your resume templates, prep tools, and coaching guides work for a range of learning styles and communication preferences.

Use your platform to spread insight.
Share articles, interviews, or short videos from neurodivergent voices this month. If you’re part of a team, consider hosting a short workshop or inviting a guest speaker. Even a few thoughtful LinkedIn posts can spark important conversations.

Collaborate with organizations focused on inclusion.

Whether you’re based at a college, in private practice, or working inside an employer, you can build bridges with local disability services, workforce centers, and companies that prioritize inclusive hiring. Advocate for approaches like skills-based assessments and interview flexibility.

And above all, personalize your support.
Autistic clients may need something different: help with decoding vague interview questions, understanding workplace norms, or managing sensory stressors. Ask, don’t assume. Meet them where they are. The most powerful thing we can offer is a safe, validating space where people feel seen and supported.

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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