May 2019

In This Issue


Executive Greeting


Virginia Franco, NCRW, NCOPE
NRWA President

Is it May already? The year is flying by fast! Thanks to our tireless volunteers dedicating their time and talent to increase member value and elevate our industry’s image, we’ve accomplished quite a bit.

HIGHLIGHTS:

ON THE HORIZON:

While September may seem like a long way off, we’re busy preparing for our first-ever NRWA Conference at Sea, which will take members on a 5-day cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Nassau and Coco Cay, Bahamas.

Book your cabin by July 10 to join us (and bring your family!) in basking in the warm tropical breezes while advancing your professional skills in writing, business building, personal branding, job search strategies, and more.

We look forward to seeing you at sea!

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     Chart Your Course to the 2019 Conference!

Jean Austin, NCRW
NRWA Education Chair and Conference Committee Member


Benefits of Attending the 2019 NRWA Conference, Part 3: Having Fun

In the last two newsletter articles, I shared benefits of attending an NRWA conference, focusing on how it can make a difference in your professional life and in your business. But conference attendees often remember time spent with colleagues and new contacts just as much as they do the conference sessions. This year’s venue, Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, is awash in settings, entertainment, and eateries. If you’re attending the Conference at Sea—or still in the decision-making process—here are only a few exciting details about the ship:

More information is available through the following links:

Mariner Overview

Mariner Ship Details

Mariner Activities and Event Spaces

Mariner Dining Options

Drink Package Details


If you are still asking whether it is truly beneficial to attend the conference, close your eyes for a moment and imagine you are on the main deck of this beautiful ship. Now imagine that colleagues, many of whom you haven’t seen in over a year, are right there to share the experience with you. Next, imagine that you’re about to make a choice of dining areas and the evening’s entertainment, after a day of learning that will make a positive difference in your business. The real question, I think, is not “What are the benefits of attending this year’s NRWA conference?” but rather, “Why wouldn’t you attend this unique conference at sea?”

If you missed Part 1: Investing in Yourself or Part 2: Networking, check out the past issues of the newsletter!

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    Sail and Sell! Sponsor the NRWA 2019 Conference
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. Packages range from our Admiral Sponsorship, which includes two free conference registrations, to à la carte offerings that let you “chart your own course” and 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. 

Contact Ashley Watkins (info@WriteStepResumes.com), the NRWA Sponsor/Affiliate Relations Chair, to learn more about sponsorship packages, vendor benefits, and other affordable options.

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    Affiliate Highlight

Ashley Watkins, NCRW
NRWA Sponsor/Affiliate Relations Chair

Choose HAYWOODSBS to start growing your online presence and gaining new customers. HAYWOOD SBS is a leading mobile marketing company that offers mobile applications and web development to drive sustainable growth for businesses across the U.S. Their mission is to help business owners maintain a competitive advantage while educating and empowering them to revolutionize their services and products with mobile technology.

Al and Tona Haywood have 30+ years of combined experience in web design, mobile app development, help desk support,digital advertising, logistics management, instructional technology, training,and consulting.

Visit them online at www.haywoodsbs.com today!

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

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    Tips from the NCRWs

Sally McIntosh, NCRW
NRWA Certification Chair

“Tips from the NCRWs” is a new column highlighting tips and tricks from the NRWA’s Nationally Certified Resume Writers (NCRWs). This first tip was submitted by Virginia Franco, NCRW.

Are you looking to tighten up your language? Do an"adjective audit" and remove all of them. Adjectives take up much-needed space.

With adjectives: "Led a successful sales campaign that raised 42% in new revenues in barely 18 months."

Without adjectives: "Led sales campaign that raised 42% in revenues in 18 months." 

The first one is redundant. 42% is an indicator of a successful campaign. If it were not successful, it would not be mentioned. Even though “barely” is an adverb, it can also be eliminated. Raising the revenues in barely 18 months implies uncertainty. Was it 17 months, or 18 months, or 20 months?

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     Certification and 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.

There will be only 2 more sessions offered in 2019, in August and November. Watch for the exact dates, which will be announced soon. The first 2 sessions sold out in a few days!

Visit https://www.thenrwa.com/NCOPE 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 https://www.thenrwa.com/NCRW 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!

Exclusive perks for completing the program include a packet of sample resumes and cover letters written by NCRWs, discount pricing on The Essential Microsoft Word Manual for Professional Resume Writers, and more.

The current session filled up fast—don’t miss the next one!

The last 10-week live program of 2019 will start this fall. Stay tuned for exact dates and times, and visit https://www.thenrwa.com/WritingExcellencefor a course outline and registration information.

Visit https://www.thenrwa.com/WritingExcellence 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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Upcoming Education

Jean Austin, NCRW
NRWA Education Chair and Conference Committee Member


Upcoming Webinar: Let’s Talk About the Healthcare, Academic & International CV!

If you’ve ever been approached by a client who needs a curriculum vitae (CV) but decided to refer them because it’s not one of your areas of expertise, consider attending the next webinar on May 17, Let’s Talk About the Healthcare, Academic & International CV!, presented by Matthew Dupee, MBA, MSF, M.Ed., CPRW.

This webinar will cover the CV, when to use the CV vs. a resume, and the major differences between the two. Examples will be shared during the webinar and provided as handouts. In this presentation you will learn:

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.

About the Presenter

Matthew Dupee, MBA, MSF, M.Ed., CPRW is an operations, human resource, and management expert with experience in the healthcare and wellness industries, spanning more than 18 years in executive leadership roles for multispecialty medical groups and fitness start-ups. A current doctoral candidate, he brings the unique perspectives of a seasoned hiring manager, job search coach, and resume writer.

2019 Learning on Demand

2019 webinars are available via the NRWA Education page and many offer CEU credit. (Be sure to also check out past recordings!) Are cover letters one of your least favorite things to write? Tom Powner’s Generating Cover Letter Income by Adding the Human Touch to Ignite an Interview  is an excellent resource. If you are trying to write faster and increase efficiency, Holly Genser’s Microsoft Word tips in Essential Microsoft Word® Shortcuts and Timesavers for Professional Resume could be a great help to you.

Thank you all so much for your interest in the NRWA’s valuable educational programs and for your attendance and active participation.

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Membership Benefits: NCRW Study Guide

Sara Timm
NRWA Membership Chair

Are you ready to pursue your Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) designation, the industry’s most challenging certification? Then you will find the NCRW Study Guide essential to your success!

This comprehensive manual will have you well-prepared for this rigorous two-part exam, guiding you in strategy development, business writing, grammar and punctuation, and proofreading for professional resumes and cover letters. It contains all the information you’ll need to deliver visually appealing, high-quality career marketing documents that land your clients interviews.

The latest NRWA member to earn NCRW certification shared, “The study guide was very helpful…there were some details that were essential for the exam. I used it to upgrade my Step 1 samples and during the exam to check my work.”

Free access to the NCRW Study Guide, found here, is just another of the many benefits you receive for joining the National Résumé Writers' Association (NRWA).

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Introducing the New NCOPEs

Sally McIntosh, NCRW
NRWA Certification Chair

Congratulations to those who received their Nationally Certified Online Platform Expert (NCOPE) designation! Please join us in congratulating:

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ROAR Contest Announcement

Mary Jo King, NCRW, NCOPE
NRWA Immediate Past President


Resume Writers, Get Ready to ROAR!

The time is nigh for our NRWA annual resume writing competition, Recognizing Outstanding Achievement in Resumes—the ROAR Awards! This members-only opportunity to enhance your credibility and grow your business does precisely that, according to testimony from previous ROAR winners*.

Prove that your resumes rank among the BEST of the BEST and win 1) a free, one-year NRWA membership renewal, 2) formal recognition at our 2019 Conference at Sea, and 3) promotional exposure via the NRWA website, newsletter, social media, national press release, and more!

It couldn’t be easier to participate. Choose your best resume in any industry category, prepare your document according to published guidelines and judging criteria, and submit your entries for only $20 each. That’s it! Categories for 2019 include:

Don’t miss this opportunity to raise your visibility among peers and prospects. Search your files for your finest work and ROAR! All entries must be submitted by midnight, July 19, 2019.

*Testimonials from 2018 ROAR Winners

“…My client base has more than doubled, I moved into larger office space, have begun offering training classes, am consistently invited for speaking engagements, and have brought several writers onto my team to meet the needs of my ever-growing client base. Winning the ROAR award changed everything for me immediately!"

Cathleen Lanzalaco, Inspire Careers

"…A marvelous triumph for my business. The reputation and visibility the awards generated for my brand significantly benefited my bottom line. The best part was accepting them at the conference after meeting all of my favorite resume writers in person. It was truly a highlight of my career, and a great honor."

Marie Plett, Aspirations Career Services

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Volunteer of the Month - Michelle Swanson, NCRW, NCOPE

Paul Bennett
NRWA Director of Industry: New Business Owners (Eastern Region)



We are pleased to announce Michelle Swanson as May’s Volunteer of the Month. Michelle currently serves as Newsletter Editor on the NRWA Marketing Team.

Michelle has been a resume writer for 14 years and works with senior leaders across the globe through MichelleSwanson.com. She feels her “superpower” is her ability to cut through the clutter, distill information into its crucial pieces, and communicate a message in a way that supports decision-making.

In her early career as a Chinese cryptologic linguist and intelligence analyst with the U.S. Air Force, she intercepted and processed raw intelligence and wrote reports for the highest levels of government. Today, as an executive resume writer, she uses those same skills as she evaluates her clients’ backgrounds, uncovers the key information, and crafts career stories to communicate their professional value.

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

Through MichelleSwanson.com, I work with senior leaders across all industries and geographies. While many of my clients are traditional job seekers, I particularly enjoy working with executives who are at a crossroads and need to rebrand their career documents for a significant transition, including their first Board of Directors position or a new business venture.

How did you first get involved with the NRWA?

In 2005, I worked for an outplacement company and Sally McIntosh (with Advantage Resumes of St. Louis) organized a monthly luncheon for local resume writers. Anyone who knows Sally knows that she is a big believer in the power of the NRWA, and her enthusiasm is contagious! When I started my own company, I immediately joined the NRWA and began working toward my NCRW. I’ve been attending the annual conferences and taking advantage of the association’s other benefits ever since!

What prompted you to get involved with putting together the NRWA’s newsletter?

I have been a member of the NRWA for 12 years, and I’ve been volunteering in some capacity for nearly that entire time. I was a Grader for the NCRW Certification Commission for many years, and I also served a two-year term as the NCRW Certification Chair and one-year term as Region Representative (the precursor of the Director of Industry). Last fall, when I was asked to help with the NRWA Newsletter, I said yes! I love organizing information, tracking deadlines, and creating systems and processes, so this role is a great fit.

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

While the NRWA may be known for its educational programming, I think the greatest benefit is access to the membership. The level of support and camaraderie that NRWA members offer each other is truly exceptional.

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, I’m planning my next vacation! I love to travel and have already booked trips this year to California, Florida, Arkansas, Utah, and Hawaii. More trips are in the works, and I’m counting the days until my kids are old enough to handle the long flights required for international travel.

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New and Renewing Members

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.

Find colleagues in your area by searching here.

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