Executive Greeting 

Norine Dagliano, NCRW
NRWA Director of Written Communications

Dear NRWA Members,

Happy February 2020!

It’s one month into the new year, and I haven’t made any resolutions for 2020 or set any goals. Every January 1st, we’re bombarded with messages from the media and internet about making New Year’s resolutions…and how approximately 60% of us will fail to keep them.

For me, a sure guarantee of sticking to my New Year’s resolution was to resolve not to have one! Feeling that there might be a better approach, I began searching the internet for ideas and stumbled across a blog post that advised having a “focus word” instead—a single word that encapsulates what you need more of, what you want to focus on, or what you need to improve.

Being in a community of logophiles like myself, I thought you might also find this alternative to New Year’s resolutions appealing. The post’s author (only identified as “The Goal Chaser”) says once you have chosen your word of the year, consider it when making decisions—what you want more of and what you want less of in your life, and what would be a game-changer for you.

I invite you to read the entire post (https://thegoalchaser.com/word-of-the-year), review the list of 300+ Word of the Year Ideas, and choose yours. Then, take a few minutes more to click on the embedded link and read the complementary post, “How to Make Your ‘Word of the Year’ Really Stick,” for some really interesting, unique, and fun ways to focus on your word throughout 2020.

I’ve chosen three for this year, each of which hinges on the other: Explore, Embrace, Cultivate.

If you’d like to “play along,” share your word(s) of the year on the NRWA Facebook page and tell us one tool you plan to use to make it stick.

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2020 Conference: Planning Details 

Nancy Grant, NCOPE
NRWA Conference Program Chair

September 13 - 15, 2020 - New Orleans

Start planning for an unforgettable conference experience in The Big Easy. Hosted by the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street, our 2020 event takes us to the heart of NOLA’s vibrant French Quarter.

Our preconference event kicks off Sunday, September 13th at 8:30 a.m., ET, with a hands-on, interactive workshop with award-winning resume writer Marie Plett, who will be walking us through a step by step process to design graphically infused, ATS friendly resumes.

General conference programming will begin Sunday, September 13th at 2:30 p.m., ET, and run through Tuesday, September 15th at 5:00 p.m., ET.

Early bird conference registration will open March 1st and run through May 31st.

In addition to our educational conference programming, we will be hosting a jazz-infused networking event Sunday evening in the courtyard at the Royal Sonesta, and an optional choice of two excursions for Monday evening. Excursion choices include a dinner cruise on the Creole Queen or a two-hour walking tour of the French Quarter’s most infamous and eerie locations with the world-renowned Haunted History Tour company.

If you’d like to book your hotel reservations at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans for the NRWA conference, you may do so now at the group rate of $177 plus applicable taxes. Please visit the NRWA Room Reservation page.

Session speakers and conference programming will be announced April 1st.

We are working hard to plan a valuable and interactive conference experience that will Unmask Strategies for Success. You will not want to miss this one!

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Affiliate Highlight 

Candace Barr
NRWA Sponsor/Affiliate Relations Chair 

Web Pages That Sell has been helping career professionals showcase their unique talents online for more than five years. Rebecca helps clients get more business…consistently. Using the collaboration of a dynamic website, engaging social media, and personalized branding, she creates an online ecosystem that attracts clients and sells products and programs authentically.

An intrinsic educator, Rebecca’s secret sauce is taking the scary out of technology. She teaches clients to use and manage their websites and integrate them with social media and other marketing tools to create a powerful brand image—one they can update as often as needed. As a member of the NRWA, you get free access to her online educational library. Visit www.wptsacademy.com and use the code NRWA.

Click here to schedule your complimentary 30-minute conversation with Rebecca about your website needs.

To learn more about becoming a part of the NRWA Affiliate Program, visit The NRWA Affiliate Program page or contact Candace Barr, NRWA Sponsor/Affiliate Relations Chair, at candace@strategic-resume.com.

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Upcoming Education 

Jean Austin, NCRW, NCOPE
NRWA Education Chair 

Cover Letters That Open Doors
Presented by Georgia Adamson, NCRW, NCOPE, MRW, ACRW, CERM, CPRW, CJSS

Friday, February 21, 2020
12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m., ET

Cover letters deserve more careful attention than they sometimes get. Writers who want to serve their clients well tend to look for ways to make their cover letters deliver maximum impact and value. In this webinar, Georgia will share ideas about an approach that aims to achieve that goal and has delivered encouraging results.

In this webinar, you will learn how to:

  • Engage employer interest and keep their attention.
  • Build a story around your client's value and its importance to employers.
  • Avoid mistakes that result in letters no one wants to read.
Click here to register. 

This one-hour webinar is $19.99 for NRWA members and $39.99 for nonmembers. It will be recorded and distributed to all participants. Eligible for 1 CEU.

About Georgia Adamson

Georgia Adamson, NCRW, NCOPE, CERM, and owner of A Successful Career, has been creating resumes and cover letters since the Dark Ages. At least, that’s how it sometimes feels to her! As a former English teacher, Georgia has always focused on producing quality work. Since founding her resume-writing business in 1993, she has partnered with a diverse range of clients—now mostly senior managers and executives. However, her goal hasn’t changed: to make sure clients’ career-marketing tools compellingly present them to potential employers.

Sneak Peek:

Mark your calendars for Freddie Cheek’s March 20 webinar, during which she will discuss strategies for writing effective cover letters and resumes. Looking forward, we have webinars on working with new grads, writing headlines and summaries, and more!

Have you missed a webinar or heard about a terrific one from a colleague? Many past webinars are still available to you at https://thenrwa.com/On-Demand-Webinars/.

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Certification News and Training Programs

Annette Richmond 
NRWA Director of Member Relations: 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.

The next NCOPE program starts on April 2 and runs through April 20 with live 90-minute sessions every Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET.

Watch the NRWA site for more details and registration information

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 2020 the year you become an NCRW!

Visit the NRWA website for more details

Writing Excellence Certification Preparation 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.

Last year we added even more valuable benefits to the program—more educational resources, greater professional opportunities, and a clear path to help you advance your career!

Wondering if the Writing Excellence Certification Preparation Program is right for you?

The answer is yes!

Each session attracts a variety of participants, from new and experienced business owners to workforce development center staff to HR professionals.

The next 9-week live program will run from February 12 through April 8 and meets every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., ET.

Visit the NRWA site for more information and to register.

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 Certification Preparation Program in 2015 and continues to refine, enhance, and update the coursework to keep up with emerging industry trends.

Sales Mastery Course: The NRWA’s Sales Mastery is a powerful interactive program providing modern sales techniques that will help new writers and established career professionals overcome common objections and close more sales.

Developed and taught by Ellen Steverson, professionally trained salesperson, the Sales Mastery course will help you generate more sales with techniques that match your own voice and personal style.

Due to the success of the first program, the Sales Mastery Course will be back this year! The next 6-week live program will run from March 10 through April 14, 2020 and meets every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., ET.

Visit the NRWA site for more information and registration.

Professional Development and Training

The NRWA's dedication to professional development is one of the biggest benefits of membership. In addition to live educational webinars, a library of webinars and teleseminars is available online 24/7. Visit the Webinars & Teleseminars page to learn how to write faster and more effectively, create and market webinars, grow and protect your business from liability, and more.

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NRWA Champion of the Month - Wendi Weiner 

Paul Bennett
NRWA Conference Committee and Marketing Committee Member 

Wendi Weiner

This month, I’m excited that we’re honoring an “NRWA Champion of the Month” (rather than a “Volunteer of the Month”) because although she isn’t currently serving in an official volunteer role, the honoree has contributed immensely to the NRWA.

Wendi Weiner, an attorney-turned-entrepreneur, has recently done significant legal work on our industry’s behalf and is a valuable member of our Facebook group.

Tell us a bit about yourself, your business, and the type of clients you typically work with.

After twelve years practicing law (both in firms and as in-house counsel) and seven years teaching college writing courses, I focused on resume writing full-time. Today, I’m passionate about writing and helping others craft powerful personal brands that tell their career stories.

I serve attorneys and top-tier (e.g., C-suite) finance, business, marketing, IT, and sales executives–typically earning between $300K and upwards of $3M–who seek new leadership roles or want to boost and leverage their online presence and thought leadership. I also write content and consult on web/social media content strategy for publications like Inc. Magazine, law firms, and other businesses. One of my coolest projects last year was writing LinkedIn profiles for Microsoft employees.

With six writing and coaching credentials (including NCOPE and NCRW), I’m committed to expanding my knowledge and expertise. Moreover, I’ve been featured in roughly 75 media outlets and have received more than 10 industry honors and awards as a writer, content strategist, and personal branding expert.

How did you first learn about the NRWA? In other words, what brought you to the organization?

I learned about the NRWA through a local resume writer and was surprised (probably like many other writers) to discover an entire industry that trains writers, certifies them, and promotes their skills. During the first few years of my business, the NRWA provided me with an enormous amount of training and mentoring.

You’ve been very active on the NRWA Board in the past. What prompted you to serve on the Board?

I thrive on giving back to the industry that has given so much to me, and I believe we need regulation that will elevate our industry’s profile. People are often shocked to learn that you can get certified in resume writing, and I want to promote the importance of our training and certifications.

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

Your benefit from an organization is what you make of it. You can join just for the label, but the real value comes from participating (e.g., attending webinars, trainings, and the annual conference, plus getting certified). Having proudly attended every conference since 2014, I strongly encourage getting active with the NRWA! My involvement has greatly enhanced my business and strengthened my industry presence, and it has fostered an incredible sense of community and collaboration.

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

Running two marathons (NYC and Chicago) fortified my resolve to leave my law practice, and I’m obsessed with my Peloton bike and my shih tzu, Riley, who’s almost 15 years old.

We’re lucky to have you in the NRWA, Wendi. Congratulations on being featured in this column!

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Share your expertise. Job seekers have questions. You have answers. Questions are awaiting your answers right now! Go to our

New and Renewing Members 

Welcome to our new and renewing members for the month of January 2020!  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.

  • Marcia Baker - MOS Career Services in Waldorf, Maryland
  • Douglas Barnes - Résumé-Success in Miami Shores, Florida
  • Stephanie Beaudoin - Ascent Resumes & Career Counselling in Seattle, Washington
  • Teri Bickmore in Midland, Michigan
  • Katherine Bouglai - Blossom Career in Seattle, Washington
  • Janet Burrowes in Silver Spring, Maryland
  • Camille Carboneau Roberts - CC Career Services in Idaho Falls, Idaho
  • Michele Carey - Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York
  • Terrence Carter - Carter Innovations LLC in Huntsville, Alabama
  • Tanya DAngelo in San Diego, California
  • Samantha D'Angelo in Ramsey, New Jersey
  • Melanie L. Denny in Kissimmee, Florida
  • Heather Dery in Macomb, Michigan
  • Whitney Dominiack in South Bend, Indiana
  • Gayle Draper - Intentional Careers and Human Resources in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
  • Dayna Feist - Gatehouse Business Services in Asheville, North Carolina
  • Jillian Ford in Atlanta, Georgia
  • Gary Foster in Highlands Ranch, Colorado
  • Ros Geuss - Fulfilling Futures, LLC in Rhinebeck, New York
  • Sharon Gibson in Fairfax, Virginia
  • Jerard Holton in Edmond, Oklahoma
  • Scot Hulshizer - The Career Expert in Boca Raton, Florida
  • Bob Janitz - Bob Janitz Resume Writing and Career Services in Euless, Texas
  • Anne Kern - ReachHire Resume Service in Voorhees, New Jersey
  • Milton Kiang - Channel Resume in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  • Jeanne Knight - Career and Job Search Coach in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts
  • Myriam-Rose Kohn - JEDA Enterprises in Baltimore, Maryland
  • Louise Kursmark - Best Impression Career Services, Inc. in Plymouth, Massachusetts
  • Joyce Lee in Waldorf, Maryland
  • Greg Marano - The Syracuse Pen in Liverpool, New York
  • Orinthia Marks in Oakville, Ontario, Canada
  • Edwina Martindale in Azle, Texas
  • Robin McArthur - Resume Advisers, LLC in Omaha, Nebraska
  • Jan Melnik - Absolute Advantage in Sarasota, Florida
  • LaSandra Morris-Moore in Providence Village, Texas
  • Mary Ann Nnalue in Houston, Texas
  • Jonathan Nugent - All★Star Career Services in Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Tasha Penwell - Hocking College in Vinton, Ohio
  • Annette Piecora in New York, New York
  • Michelle Riklan - Riklan Resources in Freehold, New Jersey
  • Heather Rothbauer-Wanish - Feather Communications in Colfax, Wisconsin
  • Emily Salazar - St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas
  • Anne Marie Segal - Segal Coaching LLC in Stamford, Connecticut
  • Scott Singer - Insider Career Strategies in Hallandale, Florida
  • Nancy Spivey - Ready Set Resumes in Atlanta, Georgia
  • John Swet - EagleSalesResumes.com, Inc. in New York, New York
  • Jaimi Taylor in Centreville, Virginia
  • Amanda Taylor in Missoula, Montana
  • Donna Tucker - CareerPRO Resume Center in Phoenix, Arizona
  • Jessica Visek in Media, Pennsylvania
  • Bridget Weide Brooks - Résumé Writers Digest in Omaha, Nebraska
  • Wendi Weiner, Esq. - The Writing Guru in Miami, Florida
    Find colleagues in your area by searching here.

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