February 2019

In This Issue


Executive Greeting


Norine Dagliano, NCRW
NRWA Director of Written Communications

Dear Colleagues,

From the time I was in grade school—writing “scary” short stories and circulating them among my classmates to critique–I’ve always enjoyed writing. Weaving words together to tell a story, promote an idea, or simply state an opinion excites me. I may not be the most creative writer or have the richest vocabulary, but what I lack in these areas I make up for with a meticulous attention to detail and somewhat obsessive need to follow the rules.

As the Director of Written Communications for the NRWA,board members and volunteers depend on me to attend to the details and adhere to the rules. I, and my team of proofreaders, are tasked with making sure that every piece of written communication—from a brief Twitter post to a multipage website or manual—is delivered to our members and the public free of errors.

I don’t recall when or why this became a passion of mine,but I can say that the more I do it, the more I enjoy doing it. It’s important to acknowledge that these strengths haven’t come easily. To the contrary, I am constantly challenging myself to learn more and strengthen my skills. Multiple times every day, I am consulting various resources to learn what I don’t know or verify what I think I know.

I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you a list of my favorite go-to resources:

If you'd like more information about any of these resources, call or email me! If you have a favorite resource that is not on this list, please tell us about it on the NRWA's Facebook members-only forum or e-list.

Wishing you a prosperous, grammatically correct, and error-free month

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     2019 Conference — Call For Speakers

Jean Austin, NCRW
NRWA Education Chair and Conference Committee Member

THE CALL FOR SPEAKERS IS OPEN — AND YOU ARE NEEDED!

3 Reasons Why You Should Speak at the 2019 NRWA Conference

WAIT! Don’t scroll down to the next article yet!


You know you secretly (or, perhaps, openly) want to present at the NRWA conference but haven’t quite made the decision to do so. Let me share 3 reasons why you shouldn’t miss this valuable opportunity.

1.      Name Recognition and Credibility within the Resume Writing Industry

NRWA members may have met or know of you, but how much do they really know about your skills and expertise? Think of colleagues as key business partners, and since most of us work alone, fostering and nurturing those alliances is critical. For example, what LinkedIn SME can we turn to in our industry? We can probably answer that immediately because Tom Powner has emerged as an industry leader on that subject. Who has the answers to all things ATS? Pat Criscito comes to mind right away. And when it comes to resume writing, Norine Dagliano is the go-to person. All these individuals have one thing in common: they are regular NRWA speakers. Do your colleagues know what you are really good at? Perhaps you are brilliant at using MS Word, or that you use all social media platforms with ease, or that you’ve used your experience gained in a former profession to build a successful niche business. By sharing your knowledge at the 2019 NRWA conference, you will be stepping into the arena with other industry experts.

2.      Name Recognition and Credibility in the “Real World”

As soon as you have committed to speak, you will have the opportunity to begin your own public relations campaign. By announcing that you will be presenting at a national conference across all social media platforms, on your website, in a press release, in emails to your past and present clients, and in networking events with business alliances, you will gain clients and referrals, interviews, and additional speaking requests. Capture the excitement of the event in your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts during the conference, and post photos on social media of you presenting and share how much you have learned.

3.      Professional Development

As you prepare your presentation, you will gain new insights, update your resources, and increase your knowledge by exploring your chosen topic in more depth. What are current best practices and industry trends? What is on the horizon? As you gather and review information, remember that the material can be repurposed as social media posts, webinars, and teleseminars; reformatted as a guide, checklist, or article; or used as the focal point in an interview. 

Speaking at the NRWA conference is a wonderful opportunity to grow as a professional and to give back to the organization. Whether you’ve attended conferences or webinars, you probably remember speakers who motivated, inspired, encouraged, and offered valuable information. This is your chance to return the favor! Chart your own course for success by reviewing the Call for Speakers and Call for Speakers FAQS at https://www.thenrwa.com/2019CallForSpeakers. 

The deadline for submitting proposals has been extended to February 10, 2019!

Submission link: 2019 NRWA Conference Cruise Speaker Proposal

We look forward to seeing you on the podium in September 2019!

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    Affiliate Highlight

Ashley Watkins, NCRW
NRWA Sponsor/Affiliate Relations Chair

Start expanding your business’s earning potential by helping your clients gain massive exposure on the nation’s top online job boards, while saving 60+ hours of research and data entry.

Founded in 2001, the ResumeRabbit job-posting service makes it easy for your clients to instantly post their professionally written resumes on up to 65 of the best career websites and job boards.

As part of our partnership, ResumeRabbit offers NRWA members:

Visit https://www.resumerabbit.com/partnerships to learn more today!

Click here to learn more about becoming an NRWA affiliate or reach out to Ashley Watkins, Sponsor/Affiliate Relations Chair, at info@WriteStepResumes.com.

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     Certification Corner

Sally McIntosh, NCRW
NRWA Certification Chair

This monthly column provides information about NRWA certification procedures and training programs. For more information, contact Sally McIntosh, Certification Chair, at CertChair@thenrwa.com.

Recommended Books for the NCRW Certification

There is an ever-changing list of books for professional resume writers, and many of these books can help you meet the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements for both new and renewing NCRWs! To earn up to 2 CEUs per book, read a book related to resume writing and/or career development and submit a one-page summary explaining:

Note that books must have been published in the last 5 years to qualify for CEUs. Submit your completed summary to certchair@thenrwa.com.

Access our current list of recommended books on the NRWA website at https://thenrwa.com/recommendedbooks.

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NRWA Certification & Training Programs

Annette Richmond 

NRWA Director of Industry: Experienced Business Owners

Certification Programs

The NRWA offers two powerful certification programs to give you the tools you need to stay abreast of trends and best practices in writing resumes and LinkedIn profiles.

NCOPE Certification

The Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) program is designed to help you understand best practices, craft powerful LinkedIn profiles, and expertly navigate LinkedIn's back end.

Developed and taught by Tom Powner, this interactive program will help you unleash the power of LinkedIn and give your clients a competitive edge. Upon successful completion of the program attendees earn the NCOPE Certification. Visit the NRWA website for more details and a course outline.

Launched in December 2018, the first course sold out within 3 days. Stay tuned for details on the next live program!

NCRW Certification

The Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) program is recognized as the premier resume writing certification. Becoming an NCRW means that you have achieved the highest standards of excellence in resume writing.

Your NCRW designation will help you attract higher-caliber clients, raise fees for your services, build your brand, and grow your business. Make 2019 the year you become an NCRW!

Visit the NRWA website for more details.

Writing Excellence Instructor-led Program

The NRWA's comprehensive Writing Excellence program has helped resume writers across the industry polish their writing skills, prepare for career-advancing industry certifications, and charge higher rates for their services.

Developed and taught by Norine Dagliano, the course has received rave reviews:

“Norine is great! The content is essential and relevant, her presentation style and methods for participation are very effective. Glad I took the class.”

“As a resume writer with 25 years’ experience, I attended to keep abreast of current best practices. Norine clearly transmits these in every lesson. I am looking forward to finally getting certified.”

“Norine is great and pushes me to really think - to go beyond what I already know and that is just what I wanted.”

In 2019, we’re adding even more valuable benefits to the program—more educational resources, greater professional opportunities, and a clear path to help you advance your career!

The next 10-week live program will be held on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., ET from April 11 to June 20, 2019. Visit the NRWA website for a course outline and registration information.

About the Instructor:

For more than 30 years, job seekers and professionals in career transition have relied on Norine Dagliano for expert advice, practical insight, inspiration, and support to help them get paid what they deserve doing work that they love. An NCRW and valued member of the NRWA, Norine developed the Writing Excellence Program in 2015 and continues to refine, enhance, and update the coursework to keep up with emerging industry trends.

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Education Report

Jean Austin, NCRW
NRWA Education Chair

We have an exciting two-part webinar in February: HOW TO ROCK YOUR WRITING AND YOUR BUSINESS IN 2019!

Part 1: Write Faster, Increase Productivity, and Diversify Your Client Portfolio

Friday, February 8, 2019, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., ET

Part 2: Discover Essential Steps to Sales Growth and Business Longevity

Friday, February 22, 2019, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., ET

Both presentations in “How to Rock Your Writing and Your Business in 2019!” will focus on no-nonsense tips, techniques, and strategies that anyone can implement to reach writing and revenue goals and will highlight methods that work! Each is a stand-alone webinar, so you can take one or both.

Knowledge you will gain:

Part 1:

Part 2:


Visit the NRWA website for more information and to register.

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Member News

Sara Timm
NRWA Membership Chair

There are many ways for you to maximize your membership investment with the NRWA. You may already know about some benefits, like our annual conference, which offers the best business networking opportunities for resume writing professionals. This year, we’re hosting our first-ever conference at sea with expert-led presentations, workshops, and networking sessions. Other benefits, like opportunities to publish on our Ask the Experts site, may be new to you.

To make the most of your NRWA membership, take advantage of some or all of these benefits:

ð  CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING: The NRWA offers the Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) programs, as well as industry-leading training courses such as the 10-week instructor-led Writing Excellence course and self-paced Resume 101 training modules.

ð  WEBINARS: Monthly webinars are hosted by experts in the industry, many of whom are NRWA members who have faced the same challenges as you. Plus, your NRWA membership gives you access to dozens of past webinars and teleseminars at free or discounted rates.

ð  PUBLISHING: Our Ask the Experts site gives you the chance to share your subject matter expertise with job seekers while elevating your social media presence.

ð  SUPPORT CALLS: Quarterly membership calls are hosted to discuss challenges and share best practices among New and Experienced Business Owners, as well as College/University, Military, and Workforce Career Center Professionals.

ð  PRIVATE FORUMS: The NRWA members-only Yahoo elist, Facebook, and LinkedIn groups give you the opportunity to problem-solve, vent, and even get a good laugh!

Aimed at advancing the NRWA’s mission to increase industry visibility, encourage ethical practices, promote excellence, and raise industry standards, these are just some of the ways in which the NRWA can support you.

And there’s more—much more! Access the NRWA Members Portal to learn about additional benefits.

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Volunteer of the Month - Catharine Craig

Robert Rosales

NRWA Marketing Chair


We are pleased to announce Catharine Craig as February’s Volunteer of the Month. Catharine currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Director of Industry for College/University Career Services professionals.

Catharine has been in career development for 10 years and recently left the university environment to begin subcontracting full-time while embracing her role as a mom.

Catharine has worked with clients in all stages of their careers and offers a rare perspective that combines career-center and private-sector career services. She feels that her greatest strength has always been the ability to discover beauty in clarity and connection. As with most traits that first emerge in childhood, this is something she has grown more fully into as an adult. It allows her to hear past what her clients say they do to understand how they do it and why.

Catharine is an Academy Certified Resume Writer and has had the pleasure and privilege of serving as a subcontractor to multiple TORI-nominated resume writers. Catharine says, “My favorite way to learn is by doing!”

Tell me a little bit about you. What is the name of your business? What types of clients do you typically work with?

I am currently a full-time subcontractor for ReFresh Your Step, a career advisory firm based in Atlanta, GA. I work mostly with executive clients but still enjoy helping young professionals in diverse industries.

How did you first get involved with the NRWA?

I was hired by Graceland University as a Career Coordinator to teach courses about career development and assist students in the resume process. I realized there was no training for this kind of work, and I needed help! I found the NRWA on my own and have been a huge fan ever since.

What prompted you to get involved as a Director of Industry?

I was asked. I do have a heart for service but being asked directly is what really motivated me to consider the added responsibility.

What do you wish others knew about the benefits of getting involved with the NRWA?

The network is just incredible. I've gotten every single educational and writing opportunity because of people that were connected in some way to the NRWA.

What might someone be surprised to know about you? OR What do you do when you aren’t working or volunteering?

When I'm not working on writing, I'm working with my husband on a business we've recently launched together. "Perfectly Age-Appropriate" is built around the idea that there is beautiful perfection in the developmental milestones of children. When our youngest boy turned two, we realized that our parental peace and sanity required a new way of seeing things. We've embraced a more collaborative partnership with nature in our parenting approach and are developing resources and products to help other parents do the same.

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NCOPE Inaugural Class

Congratulations to those who have received their Nationally Certified Online Platform Expert (NCOPE) designation from the inaugural class. Welcome NCOPES! Please join us in congratulating"

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New and Renewing Members

Welcome to our new and renewing members for the month of January 2019!  Feel free to introduce (or reintroduce) yourself on our Facebook page or the elist. 

Be sure to take this opportunity to network via our LinkedIn Group with other members of The NRWA and nonmembers who are career professionals.

Find colleagues in your area by searching here.

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