June 2019
Mary Jo King, NCRW, NCOPE
NRWA Immediate Past PresidentDear Colleagues,
Whatever your industry category—business owner, academic, military, or workforce career services—the NRWA offers many ways to differentiate yourself through your professional skills. Our affordable training and certification programs are the gold standard in our industry and include:
- Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)
- Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE)
- Writing Excellence Instructor-Led Program
The type of practice you develop also differentiates you in your marketplace, and our annual conference is the best way to connect with resume writers and learn about the ways other members approach the craft and operate their businesses.
Your path is uniquely your own, but NRWA members are legendary for their collaboration. Answers and fresh ideas are just a click away when you are part of our peer groups, and we are ready and eager to help you create the thriving service model of your dreams!
Back to top
Chart Your Course to the 2019 Conference!
Jean Austin, NCRW, NCOPE
NRWA Education Chair and Conference Committee Member
Interview with Dawn Graham, PhD, LP (Part 1 of 2)
As a Career Director for The MBA Program for Executives at The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania, licensed psychologist, and former executive recruiter, you have worked with many different people at various stages in their careers and in their job search. What do you feel are the top 3 impediments to (a) job search success and (b) career fulfillment?
1. We have a lot more control over our career and job search than most people realize. This is good news because it means we can make some changes that can have a major impact on our success. For example, many professionals don’t put aside sufficient time to proactively plan their careers. So, it’s not until they find themselves in a job search that they begin to consider their options, work on their resumes, and build their networks. This can limit opportunities. If you set aside time to regularly grow your contacts, gain new skills, and keep tabs on the market, you’ll find that great opportunities find their way to you.
2. Another is failing to rebrand. As the market changes, which is happening more rapidly with each passing year, it’s critical for professionals to continuously update their career stories to ensure their strengths align with current needs. This includes refreshing resumes, social media profiles, the people in our circles, and skill sets. To be successful and fulfilled, we can’t be passive. It’s up to us as individuals to remain relevant and visible as market needs shift.
3. Lastly, I’ll put my psychology hat on. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies when it comes to success and fulfillment. We create barriers in our minds or allow factors like money, fatigue, or guilt to keep us stuck in a role that is no longer aligned with our interests or values. There’s no doubt that building a fulfilling career takes work; however, if you’re truly unhappy, it’s worth the effort to put together a plan to change your circumstances. Enlisting the support of a coach can be a worthwhile investment to keep you motivated, on target, and away from common pitfalls.
How can we, as resume writers and career coaches, offer to best meet clients’ needs in a rapidly changing job landscape?
Resume writers offer an amazing gift to clients in the form of confidence. Often, it’s difficult for job seekers to see their own strengths and unique selling points. Coaching brings out their accomplishments, skills, and value in a completely new way. When clients participate in this process, they learn how to see their marketability from an outsider’s perspective, which is empowering and carries through into their networking and interviews. As writers and coaches, we partner in our clients’ successes, so when we teach them to understand and communicate their value, their opportunities expand exponentially.
For more information, check out my book Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success and my recent TEDx Talk on how your next job is just one conversation away.
Stay tuned to read the rest of our interview with Dawn Graham in the NRWA July 2019 Newsletter!
Back to top
Ashley Watkins, NCRW
NRWA Sponsor/Affiliate Relations Chair
Would marketing your product or service to 500 of the finest career service professionals on the planet positively impact your business results? Consider becoming a sponsor for the National Resume Writers' Association 2019 Conference to generate exposure for you and your business. This year, we're cruising to the Bahamas from September 23 to 27, 2019—and we want you to "Sail and Sell" with us during our first conference at sea.
By becoming a sponsor, you can showcase your business to 500 members. Even if you're not planning to attend the conference or have a tight marketing budget, there are several ways to ensure you get more bang for your buck.
Click here to view our sponsorship options and register online today! Packages range from our Admiral Sponsorship, which includes two free conference registrations, to à la carte offerings that let you “chart your own course.”
Not attending the conference this year? You can choose from a suite of virtual offerings starting at $50, including logo placement in communications for our educational programs, conference newsletter, or the Midweek Memo. The deadline to sign up is August 1, 2019.
Contact Ashley Watkins (info@WriteStepResumes.com), the NRWA Sponsor/Affiliate Relations Chair, to learn more about sponsorship packages, vendor benefits, and other affordable options.
Back to top
Ashley Watkins, NCRW
NRWA Sponsor/Affiliate Relations ChairIt's no surprise that 98% of Fortune 500 companies—and a growing number of small to mid-sized businesses—filter resumes through an applicant tracking system (ATS) to secure the best talent. Help your clients avoid the depths of the ATS "Black Hole" and increase their chances of landing 3x more interviews by partnering with Jobscan (current NRWA affiliate and 2018 conference sponsor).
Jobscan’s web-based tool enables job seekers to score their professionally written career documents and LinkedIn profiles against any job description. By signing up for Jobscan Coach, NRWA members can provide clients with an instant analysis of how well their resumes are optimized and tailored for a particular job.
Take advantage of a 20% discount on a monthly subscription ($79/month, regularly $99/month) or annual subscription ($799/year, regularly $999/year), which includes access to unlimited resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile scans.
For more information, visit www.jobscan.co/promo/nrwa.
To learn more about becoming a part of the NRWA Affiliate Program, visit The NRWA Affiliate Program page or contact Ashley Watkins, NRWA Sponsor/Affiliate Relations Chair, at info@WriteStepResumes.com.
Back to top
Board of Directors - Call for Nominations
Lorraine Beaman, NCRW
NRWA President-Elect and Ethics ChairIn keeping with this year’s NRWA Conference theme, I would like to invite you to “Come On (the) Board!” Serving on the NRWA Board is an opportunity to give back to the organization, advance our profession, and work with an amazing group of people. No matter what your talent, there is a place on the Board for you.
We are seeking nominations for the following Executive Board positions:
- President-Elect
- Secretary
- Treasurer
We are seeking nominations the following Board of Director positions:
- Director of Industry, Experienced Business Owners (5+ years)
- Director of Industry, New Business Owners (Less than 5 years)
- Director of Industry, Workforce, Military, or Community Career Services
- Director of Industry, College/University Career Services
To find descriptions of these positions and learn more about board responsibilities, visit the NRWA website section on Governance.
Requirements:
- Board of Directors: The minimum qualification of members of the Board of Directors is one year of membership in the NRWA.
- Executive Board: The minimum qualification for nomination and election to the Executive Board is one year of service as a member of the Board of Directors.
To nominate yourself for a position on the 2020 Board, complete and submit the Self-Nomination Form by June 16, 2019.
To nominate another member for a position on the 2020 Board, complete and submit the Nomination Form by June 10, 2019.
If you have questions about any of these positions, please contact our president-elect, Lorraine Beaman at president-elect@thenrwa.com or 530-760-7507.
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.
The second session, which sold out in days, received rave reviews!
“Tom’s expertise is gold. He taught me things about LinkedIn that I had no CLUE on. My clients are going to benefit from my training, and I made up the cost of certification after the first session! The NRWA is lucky to have him.” — Dianne Millsap
“The program provided a thorough understanding of the platform at your fingertips. It will be easy to refer back if I have any questions.” — Rosalinde Rosado
“Tom was a great mentor and coach, I really felt at ease with his learning style and delivery.” — Louise Duffield
Mark your calendar for the next NCOPE program, which is scheduled for July 31 through August 28, 2019. Classes will be held every Wednesday from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm EST.
Visit the NRWA website to review the course outline.
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.
In 2019, we’ve 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 Program is right for you?
Kicking off in April 2019, the most recent session attracted a mix of participants from across the spectrum, from new and experienced business owners to workforce development center staff and HR professionals.
The final 10-week live program of 2019 will run from October 1 through December 3, 2019 with classes meeting every Tuesday evening. 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.
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 recently revamped 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.
Thank you to Jean Austin, Sally McIntosh, and Robbie Heacock for the dramatic transition!
Jean Austin, NCRW, NCOPE
NRWA Education Chair and Conference Committee Member
Upcoming Webinar: The Resume Handshake - Creating Professional Summaries Hiring Managers Will Want to Read
Presented by Tom Powner, CPRW, CEIP, CCM, CDCC, NCOPE
DATE CHANGED: Friday, June 28, 2019 | 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., ET
Most resumes’ professional/executive summaries are yawning statements more powerful than Ambien 10 mg. Summaries are resume “handshakes,” and the wrong one can leave a weak first impression. Everyone who registers for this webinar will receive a free demo DISCstyles Assessment to discover their DISCstyles (a $97 suggested retail value).
In this webinar, you will learn:
- Techniques to quickly create a resume branding statement.
- How to boost soft skill accuracy by adding rich results from a DISCstyles Assessment.
- How to write a summary in a style using your client’s voice.
- How to add visual impact without overpowering the summary.
Eligible for 1 CEU. This one-hour webinar is $19.99 for NRWA members and $39.99 for nonmembers. It will be recorded and distributed to all participants. Click here to register.
About the presenter:Tom Powner, CPRW, CEIP, CCM, CDCC, NCOPE
A career-changer himself and proof “it can be done,” Tom Powner resigned from a 25-year career in business development, operations, and sales leadership to create Career Thinker Inc. He is motivated by years of viewing thousands of poorly crafted resumes and interviewing more than 1,000 unprepared applicants. His goal is to make a difference by providing people with career services, coaching, technology, inspiration, and confidence to motivate them to take action and advance their careers. He helps a broad range of clients, but his sweet spot is preparing future executives to connect to their next role.
Sneak Peek: Mark your calendar for Kiersten Troutman’s July 19 webinar, “Your Business ‘Storefront’: Expanding Your Brand Through Google My Business.” You’ll be seeing complete webinar information shortly!
2019 Learning on Demand: 2019 webinars are available via the NRWA Education page and many offer CEU credit. Be sure to check out past recordings as well!
Ask a Colleague: Working on a finance resume? Contact a writer with experience in that field through the NRWA’s Ask a Colleague resource. If you would like to be included on that list of experts, please let us know!
Thank you all so much for your interest in the NRWA’s valuable educational programs and for your attendance and active participation.
Membership Benefits: Questions and Keywords
Sara Timm
NRWA Membership Chair
You know how important keywords are for resumes. Without them, you decrease the chances of your client’s resume showing up in a recruiter’s search. It is equally important to ask the right questions to gather the information you need to develop a compelling resume that accurately represents the candidate.
In support of our members, the NRWA has compiled a useful list of keywords and questions that will help you to build credibility with clients, cut research time in half, and serve a broader base of clients.
Over 20 professions—including engineering, finance, and retail management—are represented with focused lists of:
- Keywords for inclusion in resumes
- Questions to use when interviewing clients
- Links that provide information specific to each profession
These tools can help you clearly convey a client’s backgrounds, skills, and capacities, as well as the educational and work experiences that led them to where they are today.
Brought to you by industry leaders generously sharing their expertise to help simplify the resume writing process, you can find this invaluable contribution on the Writing Resources page in the members-only section of the NRWA website.
Industry Hero Award - Call for Nominations
Mary Jo King, NCRW, NCOPE
NRWA Immediate Past PresidentThose of us who have been in career services for a while know how far our industry has come, and we know those among us who have been most influential in promoting positive change. The NRWA created the annual Industry Hero Award in 2015 to recognize these leading-edge contributors for the growth and advancement they have brought to our profession.
Now we want to know who you think deserves this recognition. Please email a description of why your nominee deserves the award and what impact the individual’s work has had on the industry to MJ@alliancewritingservice.com by August 16, 2019. The award will be presented in September at the NRWA Conference at Sea.
Volunteer of the Month - Melanie Denny
Paul Bennett
NRWA Director of Industry: New Business Owners (Eastern Region)
We are pleased to announce Melanie Denny as June's Volunteer of the Month! In her current role as Directory of Industry for New Business Owners (Western Region), Melanie’s entrepreneurial spirit and networking talents guide new business owners eager to build a consistent flow of clients in a valuable and authentic way.
Holding an MBA in Entrepreneurship, Melanie has inspired many resume writers, career coaches,and industry professionals to overcome fear and self-doubt and run a successful business. She enjoys mentoring new industry professionals to maximize their self-marketing tools, shift their mindset to build confidence, and gain more exposure through personal branding.
She is the president of Resume-Evolution, a premier resume writing service, and founder of MelanieDenny.com, a career-empowerment coaching practice where she empowers brilliant professional women feeling stuck in their careers to land higher-paying positions.
Tell me a little bit about you. What is the name of your business? What types of clients do you typically work with?
I started my resume business, Resume-Evolution, in 2009. I had been revamping resumes for all of my friends for zero dollars, and when one guy told me that I was good enough to charge for it, I entertained the notion of starting this as a business.
Almost a decade later, Resume-Evolution has broadened its offerings to include resumes, LinkedIn profiles, LinkedIn training, and job search coaching to mid-level professionals who are ready to move into higher leadership roles.
I’ve also expanded into career empowerment coaching where I focus on professional women who struggle to move up the corporate ladder, and I recently launched melthementor.com for new resume writers who are eager to build a thriving business.
How did you first get involved with the NRWA?
Funnily enough, I didn’t join right away, and it wasn’t until around 2016 that I officially became a member (although I had been an avid “listserv lurker.”) Wendi Weiner’s raving about the conferences was a driving force for me to attend one, and she was right! The 2017 conference in Chicago was amazing, and I rubbed shoulders with some industry giants that I had admired from afar for years! The relationships,partnerships, friendships, and camaraderie I got from those three days of face-to-face interaction was invaluable.
My volunteering with the NRWA began when I joined the Public Image Committee,which I had always wanted to be a part of. Now, I run the “Ask the Experts”program and support other initiatives that influence our public reputation, and it’s rewarding for me to support our industry in this way.
What prompted you to get involved as a Director of Industry (DOI)?
When I was nominated for the DOI New Business Owners board position, it was a no-brainer. I’m passionate about supporting new writers because they’re the future of our industry.Those who have come before us have opened the door for us to thrive in this industry,and it’s up to us to carry on the same level of excellence in supporting and equipping job seekers in this ever-evolving job market.
What better way to make that happen than to take on a role like this? I get to nurture and support new business owners so they can excel and be a noble representation of our prestigious organization. Count me in all day!
What do you wish others knew about the benefits of getting involved with the NRWA?
I wish others understood the power of collaboration that occurs in this organization.Everyone is so helpful and supportive. Whatever your struggle or question, someone can and is willing to answer it. Our industry tends to be lonely and isolating,so joining a community of colleagues that “get it” can really help.
Additionally,the website has so many hidden treasures: contract templates, resume samples, webinars and teleseminars on almost any topic you can think of, a plethora of resume writing resources, business resources, and so much more. The Facebook group is amazing too; it’s like having industry experts in your back pocket who do what you do, and the knowledge sharing that happens there is phenomenal. I encourage people to not just join and lurk (like I did) but to maximize their membership by tapping into everything offered to them.
What might someone be surprised to know about you? OR What do you do when you aren’t working or volunteering?
You may not know that I hate shoes. I like how they look, but my feet are meant to be free. In fact, when I worked in corporate,I got in trouble a few times for going into my VP’s office barefoot.
When I’m not working or volunteering, I’m juggling my new family of 5 (I have a set of 1-year old twins plus a 6-year-old that I homeschool) and enjoying newlywed life in between.
NRWA Certification Commission
This month, we are excited to announce our two newest Nationally Certified Resume Writers (NCRWs): Paul Felshaw and Holly Genser.
Paul Felshaw works at Deseret Industries (DI), a job-training facility much like Goodwill. Individuals come to DI to gain job skills. Not only do clients work at the thrift store, but they also have the opportunity to take classes to earn a vocational certificate such as CNA, CDL, Food Handler's Permit, A+ certification, and more. Paul’s job is to help these clients prepare to find their dream job, and he spends the majority of his time helping them write their resumes. He is highly respected by his colleagues and is known as the go-to guy for resume development.
Holly Genser provides resume and career transition services through HollyGenser.com.
Congratulations, Paul and Holly!
Welcome to our new and renewing members for the month of March 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.
- Joanne Aughey - Joanne's Resumes in Hamburg, New Jersey
- Natalie Barry in Fremont, Indiana
- Bonita Borum-Sandy - Department of Veterans Affairs in El Cajon, California
- Lisa Bricker in Pasadena, California
- Diana Buarque in Alpine, California
- Michele Calderigi - HR Source in Santa Monica, California
- Nikkeya Carter in Delaware, Ohio
- Tami Christian - Resume Creations in East Peoria, Illinois
- Toni Clark in Chatham, Illinois
- Laura Fontenot - Masterwork Resumes in Frisco, Texas
- Judy Friedler - CareerPro International in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Holly Genser in Lake Worth, Florida
- Carly Gibbons in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
- Nancy Goldenberg in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Susan Gushlaw - Resume-Max in Schenectady, New York
- Cheryl Harland - Resumes By Design in The Woodlands, Texas
- Terri Heggemeyer - Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska
- Lisa Keigley - ARG Recruiting/Five Star Staffing and Recruiting LLC in New Carlisle, Indiana
- Angelia Knight in Mississippi State, Mississippi
- Travis Koehler - Travis Koehler Writing LLC. in Hermitage, Tennessee
- Lorraine Lyman - Savvy Success Unlimited in Oakland, California
- Lee McClelland in Ypsilanti, Michigan
- Sue Montgomery - Resume Plus in Dayton, Ohio
- Jeffery Neal - The Pacific Triangle Group, Inc. in Knoxville, Tennessee
- Kim Nowlin - Nowlin Resume Service in San Angelo, Texas
- Judith Pratt in Overland Park, Kansas
- Dylan Raymond - Civiliansideresumes.com in Manvel, Texas
- Carla Reeves in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Michelle Robin - Brand Your Career in Buffalo Grove, Illinois
- Alexis Scott in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Karen Silins - A+ Career & Resume, LLC in Kansas City, Missouri
- Kelly Stewart in Apex, North Carolina
- Mindy Thomas - Thomas Career Consulting in Media, Pennsylvania
- Nikki Townsend in Elk Grove, California
- Lindsey Wyngaard in Menasha, Wisconsin
Find colleagues in your area by searching here.
Forest Hill, MD 21050
.png "Jobscan")
