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The Only National Nonprofit Organization for Professional Résumé Writers

Looking for support and collaboration for your career services business?

Are you seeking professional development in career services?

Searching for a résumé writer or career services professional?

The mission of the National Résumé Writers’ Association, a nonprofit trade association for career services professionals, is to increase the visibility of the industry, encourage ethical practices, promote excellence, and raise industry standards through peer marketing and training.

A Message from NRWA President Cathy Lanzalaco: Big Changes are Coming to the NRWA

Dear NRWA Members,

We are thrilled to share that the NRWA is stepping confidently into a new era of leadership, clarity, and collaboration. Recently, your Board of Directors voted to approve a series of forward-focused changes that will take effect in January 2026.

Read More

Why the Change?

The career services industry is evolving rapidly, driven by new technology, shifting market trends, and changing expectations from clients and employers. As we assessed our organization, we recognized that our current structure wasn’t designed to respond as quickly or effectively as today’s environment demands.

To meet this moment and prepare for the next, we made the bold, intentional decision to strengthen our foundation. These changes will position the NRWA to be more agile, more strategic, and better equipped to deliver greater value to our members and lead our profession forward.

What’s Changing?

Beginning in 2026, the NRWA will adopt a restructured board model that:

  • Redefines the Executive Board with extended terms for key leadership roles to provide greater continuity and vision. (Two-year terms for President, President-Elect, and Secretary.)
  • Streamlines our governance model with clearly defined roles, accountability, and increased efficiency. (Right-sizes the board from 19 members to 5.)
  • Introduces a newly formed Leadership Council, empowering appointed Chairs to guide strategy and collaborate more effectively with one another and with their committees, while gaining leadership training, mentorship, and support to elevate their executive presence.
  • Strengthens our strategic partnership with Celtic, the NRWA’s association management company, focused on operational excellence, continuity, and long-term sustainability.

What This Means For You

These changes are not just procedural, they are transformational. As we roll them out, you’ll experience clearer pathways for volunteering, more meaningful opportunities to step into leadership, and new ways to contribute to the NRWA’s direction.

This also means a greater return on the investment in your membership. With a leaner, more nimble structure in place, the NRWA will be positioned to more quickly anticipate and identify career services and overall market shifts, respond faster to member needs, and deliver a wider spectrum of solutions that ensure you remain competitive, credible, and connected.

You’ll see faster innovation, expanded learning resources, and an organization that’s not only more agile, but more aligned with what matters to you.

We’re also creating more ways to elevate your voice, increase your visibility, and create access to opportunities that support your long-term success.

If your goal of membership is to strengthen your craft, grow your business, develop your leadership brand, make a bigger impact in your work, or shape the future of the industry, this new structure is designed to support you every step of the way.

Whether you're a long-time member or new to the NRWA community, there has never been a better time to belong, get involved, and help shape what’s next. We are actively building something sustainable, strategic, and member-focused, and we’re glad to be building it with you.

Looking Ahead

We’ll be sharing more updates in the coming weeks, including detailed role descriptions, volunteer opportunities, and how these changes will impact upcoming elections and committee structures. We invite you to join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter.

Together, we’re shaping a stronger, smarter, and more Future Focused NRWA.

Warm regards,

Cathy Lanzalaco
President, National Résumé Writers' Association

On behalf of the NRWA Board of Directors


Training and Certification

The NRWA strives to provide top quality, relevant learning opportunities for career professionals who wish to perfect their resume writing and other career marketing skills. We offer training options for everyone, beginner to seasoned professionals.

LEARN MORE:

GET CERTIFIED NCRW


Calendar of Events

The NRWA strives to provide on-demand, relevant learning opportunities for career professionals including webinars and convenient training. Maintain your skills, build your credibility, and stay on top of the industry’s dynamic trends. Learn about our upcoming events.

Upcoming events

    • April 07, 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • September 04, 2025
    • 11:59 PM
    Register


    It’s recertification time!  As you are aware, your Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) credential is due for renewal by May 30, 2025.

    Our NCOPE instructor, Tom Powner, has prepared two webinar recordings to review LinkedIn’s best practices and updated content, enhancing your LinkedIn knowledge and ensuring you stay current on platform changes. Here is an outline of the process: 

    1. Register and pay the $129 renewal fee.

    2. You will receive a confirmation email with links to two webinars (each 60-90 minutes in length) and two 15-question quizzes.

    3. Watch the webinars and take the quizzes.  

    4. That’s it!

    Once you have completed these steps, we will send an NCOPE certificate with your new recertification date of May 15, 2025. Additionally, you are authorized to use the NCOPE logo for an additional year.

    Don’t forget about our monthly Office Hours, a valuable benefit of holding the NCOPE credential. During these calls, Tom will answer any questions you have about LinkedIn. Can’t make it to the call live? No problem. Submit your questions to Tom, and he’ll answer them during the recorded call that you can listen to at your convenience.

    We hope you’ve benefitted from your NCOPE training over the last year and will take these steps to maintain your certification. Every year, an increasing number of professionals rely on virtual and online platforms, thereby enhancing the value of LinkedIn and the NCOPE credential.

    Please contact us at adminmanager@thenrwa.org with any questions.



    • September 19, 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Webinar
    Register

    Beyond the Resume: Integrating Assessments for Client Insight and Success


    Presented by: ​Lisa Hebert

    September 19, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET 

    Unlock a new level of impact as a resume writer or career coach with our webinar, "Beyond The Resume: Integrating Assessments For Client Insights & Success." Join Lisa M. Hebert of LMH Advisors as she reveals how leading career assessments can illuminate client strengths, sharpen branding, and drive successful career transitions. You'll discover the landscape of proven tools like Strong Interest Inventory, DISC, MBTI, COPS, and more, along with practical, budget-friendly approaches for every client and situation. Whether you serve students, mid-career professionals, executives, or career returners, this session provides actionable strategies to deepen your practice, justify premium pricing, and deliver measurable results. Leave feeling confident in your ability to integrate assessment insights at every stage of your client engagements from initial discovery to resume development and beyond.

    In this webinar you will learn about:

    • Assessment Essentials: Learn the key types of career assessments (Interests, Personality, Skills/Aptitude), when to use them, and which tools are best suited for different client scenarios.
    • Implementation Strategies: Gain practical guidance on certification requirements, cost structures, and creative ways to package assessment-informed services for added client value and business growth.
    • Resume Impact: Discover proven methods to translate assessment insights into powerful, authentic personal branding and help clients stand out in resumes, interviews, and the job market overall.

    Lisa M. Hebert is a Career Transition Specialist and the founder of LMH Advisors. Her credentials include certifications in career transition coaching, resume writing, digital branding, and interview preparation. Lisa is an authorized DISC Administrator and Behavioral Consultant, as well as a Strong Interest Inventory Administrator. She has been an active member of the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA) and the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARW/CC) since 2015. Lisa’s expertise is rooted in real-world experience, having hired and mentored hundreds across the corporate sector, supported business students and veterans as a career advisor at Washington University in St. Louis, and coached high-achieving transitioning military through The Honor Foundation’s elite transition program. Prior to launching LMH Advisors, Lisa held senior strategy roles at Accenture where she led major transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 clients and directed professional services in the retail tech startup world.

    This one-hour webinar is $19.99 for members and $39.99 for nonmembers and does not qualify for 1 CEU. It will be recorded and distributed to everyone who registered, whether attended live or not.




    • October 08, 2025
    • November 12, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • Webinar
    Register

    Congratulations!  Based on your sample submission, we feel you are an excellent candidate to join our Boot Camp and we welcome you aboard.

    This class will begin on October 8, 2025, with the final class on November 12, 2025. Classes will meet via Zoom from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., ET.

    By submitting this registration, you agree to:

    • Attend each class live (instructor has discretion to excuse absences in the event of unforeseen circumstances).
    • Submit completed homework no later than 9:00 a.m., ET on the day of class.
    • Have your homework shared on a slide with the class.
    • Be recorded during class on audio and video (recordings will only be shared with the instructor and members of your class).

    In return, we promise to provide the instruction, mentoring, one-on-one support, and guidance necessary to prepare you for the NCRW exam. 

    Any questions about Writing Excellence Boot Camp can be directed to certchair@thenrwa.org


    Interested in this training, but feel like you can't afford the cost right now? If you apply for and pay with PayPal Credit, you have six months to pay for the program, interest-free. Email adminmanager@thenrwa.org before you register for details on payment with PayPal Credit.

    • October 13, 2025
    • October 16, 2025
    • Chandler, AZ
    Register


    Just as the phoenix rises from the ashes stronger and more resilient, we resume writing professionals face challenges that push us to adapt and grow. 

    Please join us at this year’s conference, aptly titled “Phoenix Rising,” where our in-depth workshops, featured presentations, in-person networking, and programming are sure to inspire attendees to emerge with renewed strength and sharpened expertise.

    Don’t miss out on the magic at this year’s exclusive, in-person event.

    A Few Highlights

    • Pre-Conference Workshop. Behind the Recruiter’s Desk: Insider Insights to Help Resume Writers Deliver More Value to their Clients,  by Corporate Recruiting Strategist John Gates
    • Keynote Kickoff. The Future of Work – Top Trends for 2025 by Career Connector Jessica Pierce
    • 14 Presentations across 3 Days. Topics span the gamut from resume and LinkedIn writing best practices to tactics for business building, process improvement, and revenue growth. 
    • First-Time Attendees. Please join us for Day One breakfast at the President’s Table on Tuesday.
    • Career Stories Unplugged. A chance to share and hear “you can’t make this stuff up” stories from career pros who’ve lived the doubts, facepalms, and breakthroughs. Tuesday night. No filters. Just truth. 
    • Catch Ups. As always, we’ve built plenty of time in the schedule for networking,  connecting, and reconnecting. 

    Plan your travel accordingly! You will not want to miss anything!

    Registration includes a full conference program worth 10 NCRW CEs for attendees.

    Members must log in to access membership pricing. 

    *** CANCELLATION POLICY ***

    Through July 15, 2025: Cancellations will be refunded at 100%.

    July 16 - August 15, 2025: Cancellations will be refunded at 50%.

    After August 15, 2025: No refunds will be given.


    • November 06, 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Online Classroom
    • 25
    Register


    NCOPE (Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert) Certification

    November/December

    Unleashing the Power of LinkedIn

    to Brand and Boost Job Seeker Success

    Two-hour sessions will take place on

    Thursday, November 6, 2025 - December 11, 2025

    (No class on November 27, 2025)

    A Groundbreaking Certification

    As the only nonprofit dedicated to supporting resume writers and career professionals, the NRWA is delighted to announce the launch of this powerful certification program designed to help you help job seekers by unleashing the power of LinkedIn.

    Certification Includes

    • 5 weekly, live, two-hour sessions conducted via GotoWebinar.
    • OR - Attend at your convenience! Within 24-hours following live sessions, recordings will be provided (active for 3 months)
    • Handouts for each session, resource pages, copy of all presentation slides and homework sheets
    • An NCOPE Certification logo for you to proudly display on your website and personal business marketing collateral.
    • Three CEU credits.
    • Weekly NCOPE Open Office Hours – Open Forum Zoom Call – To review or ask questions on anything LinkedIn, screen sharing, group collaboration. The office hours will be held the following Wednesday after each class from 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m, ET. 

    • Once you earn your NCOPE, you can join the monthly NCOPE open office hours held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m., ET. You may also join our NCOPE-only LinkedIn group.

    Member Rate: $750 | Nonmember Rate: $925*

    Pricing includes all handouts, homework,
    and a multiple-choice certification quiz.

    Given the speed with which LinkedIn practices evolve, certification is valid for one year. The annual recertification fee is $129. To recertify, you will be required to watch two 90-minute webinars and pass two corresponding quizzes with a combined score of 80%. 

    *Nonmember rate includes one-year membership with the NRWA.

    Participants who receive a score of >80% on the end-of-course multiple-choice exam will earn certification.

    Educational materials are the exclusive property of the NRWA. Participants may not copy, share, or distribute educational materials.

    By participating in this training program, you are agreeing to let the instructor/facilitator call you by name during the presentation when addressing questions or sharing information. You also understand that sessions will be recorded and may be made available to other NRWA members/nonmembers, during and after the program is completed, for further review.

    Should you wish to remain anonymous, please request this in writing to AdminManager@TheNRWA.org when you register for the course/webinar.

    NRWA Payment and Refund Policy

    Payment must be received in full prior to the course start date. Registration with online payment is preferred, but Individuals may register online and mail a check to NRWA’s administrative office.

    An individual’s placement in a course is not finalized until payment is received in full. Refunds will not be issued for coursework, training, or certification once initiated. Registration fees will be refunded up to two weeks prior to the first class at 100%, less a $75 termination charge. No refunds will be provided within two weeks of the class start date. Refund requests must be made in writing to adminmanager@thenrwa.org.


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