May 2025

Editor's Message
by Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE – NRWA Newsletter Editor

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

— Mary Oliver, The Summer Day

As spring unfolds, it reminds us that growth isn’t just natural; it’s necessary. It’s the season for planting new ideas, refreshing old goals, and giving ourselves permission to keep reaching higher.

This month’s Watercooler is full of ways to do just that.

In this newsletter issue, we kick things off with some conference information that we will expand on next month. (And stay tuned, because early registration is coming soon! Keep an eye on your email.)

We also remind you that if you are cash-strapped, we can help you afford the NRWA's annual conference. 

Then, keep reading, because we have news about our latest launch: Career Tips for Job Search Success, 2025 Edition, is now available for download! It's packed with practical advice from NRWA members. And guess what? You can contribute to the next edition, too.

Next, meet Shoni Bell, our Director of Member Support for the East Coast, and hear how she’s working to build stronger member connections.

Need a business boost? President Cathy Lanzalaco shares 30 fast ideas to reignite your energy and grow your brand.

We’re also celebrating Courtenay Davis, who earned both her NCRW and NCCSC certifications. She shares her journey and what fueled her success.

Thinking about giving a webinar? Jean Austin and I walk you through how simple—and rewarding—it can be.

Don’t miss this month’s Grammar Matters tip, and a special note on why Mental Health Awareness Month matters in our work with clients, and ourselves.

Enjoy the read!

And as always, if you have an idea for a future article, I'd love to hear it.

Contact me at ruth@confidentcareersearch.com.

Professionally Yours,

Your Guide to This Issue

• We Have the Answers (and more questions)
  
• NRWA Can Help You Afford the Conference
  
• Meet the Board of Directors
• Grow Your Business Header
• NRWA & NCCSC Congratulates
• Want to Host an NRWA Webinar
• Mental Health Awareness Month

The annual NRWA conference is in its final planning stages! 

This year, we are meeting at the Chandler Golf Resort in the greater Phoenix, AZ area for Phoenix Rising, October 13–16. 

Join us for timely sessions on resume writing in an AI world, streamlined intake processes, and strategies to stay ahead in a shifting economy.

Plus, we’re excited to welcome bestselling author John Gates for an exclusive pre-conference event that will set the tone for a powerful experience. Gates is author of the book, Act Your Wage, and is an expert on salary negotiation and hiring strategy. 

Whether you're looking to modernize your practice or recharge your network, mark your calendar!

Can’t afford the conference?

The NRWA offers grant assistance that supports professional development. 

Since 2021, we have offered a limited number of need-based, educational, and membership grants for resume writers and career professionals. The goal is to support NRWA members who may be experiencing difficulties in their businesses due to health, economic, or other challenges.

We are pleased to announce we have awarded grants to three members this year so far. Maybe you can be next!

Grants are awarded quarterly, so if you want to apply, another round is coming up.

The scoring system is weighted to recognize long-term NRWA members who have held leadership roles and have served underrepresented communities with free or low-cost services. Grants are awarded quarterly and are not renewable or transferable. Currently, the NRWA awards grants for: 

Applications are continuously accepted and due four weeks prior to the following deadlines:

Those received late will be considered for funding in the next quarter. 

We never want financial concerns to hold you back from all that the NRWA has to offer: 

Submit your application TODAY! 

We Have the Answers (and more questions)

The NRWA’s most extensive resource, Career Tips for Job Search Success, 2025 edition, is ready for download. 

This is a valuable resource for you and your clients. 

Are you a new resume writer still learning about best practices? Are you a seasoned pro looking for a reliable, no-cost resource to pass along to your clients to help them navigate the complexities of the modern job search?

Do you want to provide your clients access to a compendium of trusted advice?

This book can help you.

Inside, you will find the best advice from leading career experts (our NRWA members!) compiled into an easy-to-navigate format. 

Topics are varied and extensive. Whether you want to learn the best way to present an employment gap on a resume, how to use LinkedIn to expand your professional network, or about implicit bias in hiring practices, you will find some direction in this resource.

And guess what? You can be in the book, too!

Each month, the NRWA collects intel from its members. 

We provide “Ask the Experts” questions and ask you to supply answers based on your professional experience working in career development. 

Each year, we take the selected responses, and they appear in the book rewrite. You also receive a badge to display on your social media or website.

Your name could be one of those highlighted as an expert contributor. 

When you participate, you're doing more than just lending a hand. You're enhancing your professional profile, sharpening your advisory skills, and establishing yourself as a leader in the career development community. The questions you answer help you become a better advisor, boost your reputation, and showcase you as an expert in our field. This exposure can lead to new clients and collaborations, helping you shape your professional journey as you help others shape theirs.

Check out this month’s questions and submit an answer or two!

Board Member

Shoni Bell serves the NRWA as a Director of Member Support (DOM) for members located on the East Coast.

How long have you served on the board? What is your specific board role?

It’s my first time on the NRWA board. As a director of member support, I am tasked with gaining and retaining members, holding networking events, and attending board meetings. I’m here to support members in any way I can. 

Why did you decide to run for the board?

I had a great onboarding experience when I became a member in 2019. The NRWA was monumental in helping me build my business. I really wanted to give back and be that support for new members. 

How long have you been in the career services industry? What's your focus? 

It was a long and winding road to get here! Beginning in 2016, I held a few jobs where career services were a part of the role. That’s where I started getting the itch. I created Summit Resume Service as a side hustle in 2019 and went full-time in May 2020. I primarily work with mid-level professionals in most industries (excluding tech), writing resumes and LinkedIn profiles and conducting LinkedIn coaching. 

What are your goals as a board member? 

So many! I want to make sure that our members are aware of all the resources, tools, and opportunities that the NRWA provides. I would love to see more engagement in webinars, mixers, and especially the conference. 

I’m here to learn, too. As a first-time board member, I want to gain as much knowledge as I can. I’m surrounded by amazing board members who truly want the best for the NRWA and its members. I don’t take this opportunity for granted. 

What is your favorite aspect of NRWA membership and involvement? 

Honestly, the people. This organization is amazing when it comes to sharing information and knowledge. I just love being around other writers, coaches, and business owners who just get it.

Feeling the Slowdown? Here’s How to Reignite Your Business Results

By Cathy Lanzalaco, NCOPE, NRWA President

It’s been a tough year for some of us. Whether it’s the economy, federal layoffs, AI disruption, or hiring slowdowns, many in the career services industry have felt the shift.

But let me remind you: This isn’t your first challenge, and it won’t be your last. You've weathered hiring freezes, market dips, and hesitant job seekers before. This moment is no different. How you respond now shapes your business future.

Instead of panicking, let’s pivot.

Here are 30 practical ways to energize your business—starting today.

10 Quick Cash Boosts 

• Offer discounted LinkedIn updates or resume refreshes to past clients.
• Bundle services into job-search packages at a limited-time rate.
• Upsell current clients with coaching or add-ons.
• Follow up with old leads.
• Run a flash sale to create urgency.
• Promote a referral bonus to past clients.
• Sell gift cards as holiday or transition gifts.
• Host a free workshop for networking groups.
• Reconnect with recruiters who need strong resumes.
• Sell a low-cost template, guide, or mini course.

10 Ways to Refresh Your Business 

• Ask for referrals; your past clients are your sales team.
• Request LinkedIn recommendations or testimonials.
• Re-evaluate your pricing (in other word, raise your rates).
• Invest in your brand (website, marketing, or training).
• Know your numbers: conversion rates, revenue streams, ROI.
• Strengthen partnerships with coaches, HR, or recruiters.
• Experiment with new marketing: short videos, webinars, DMs.
• Work with a business coach to uncover hidden potential.
• Host a free challenge or live session to build visibility.
• Update your service offerings to match current job-seeker needs.

 10 Bold Moves to Level Up 

• Launch a premium, high-ticket service with a white-glove approach.
• Create a paid membership community for recurring income.
• Build passive income with self-paced courses or digital tools.
• Host an in-person resume clinic or networking event.
• Write a career guide or ebook to grow authority and reach.
• Offer services to companies: outplacement, executive branding, training.
• Embrace AI to scale (cover letter tools, resume templates, etc.).
• Book speaking gigs, podcast interviews, or guest articles.
• Form strategic partnerships with coaches, schools, or consultants.
• Commit to daily content creation; show up, stay visible.

Get Out of Your Head—and Into Action

• Don’t over-plan yourself into inaction.
• Stop waiting until you feel “ready”; take the leap.
• One imperfect action today beats perfect delays tomorrow.
• Break big goals into small, doable steps.
• Build confidence through doing, not preparing.
• Get real feedback fast. Refine as you go.
• Set a deadline. Stick to it.
• Most of all: trust yourself. You’ve got the expertise. You’ve done this before.

You don’t need to be perfect. You need to move.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.

The NRWA congratulates Courtenay Davis, who recently earned her Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) and Nationally Certified Career Strategy Coach (NCCSC) certifications. 

What led you to pursue the NCRW and NCCSC certifications?

After years of resume writing and joining NRWA in 2016, I launched my own career coaching business. I knew I needed three things to succeed: stronger writing skills, deeper resume expertise, and a solid framework for coaching clients. The NCRW gave me the writing foundation and resume excellence I needed. The NCCSC equipped me with proven coaching methods. These certifications reflect my commitment to high-quality, client-centered work, and they demonstrate that I stay current, credible, and invested in continuous improvement.

What doubts did you have before enrolling? 

Like many, I weighed the cost and wondered if I truly needed certifications. But I realized I couldn’t serve my clients at the level I aspired to without leveling up my skills. Choosing growth and mastery over hesitation gave me the confidence to support clients through complex transitions with more clarity and impact.

What were the programs like? What did you gain from them?

Both programs were structured, challenging, and rewarding—perfect for someone who values rigor and growth.

NCRW: Weekly online sessions with group critique and individual assignments sharpened my writing and resume strategy.NCCSC: Interactive coaching labs, case studies, and breakouts built my confidence and deepened my coaching toolkit.

I not only gained skills but also expanded my network with peers who are just as committed to excellence.

What advice would you give others considering one or both?

Be clear on your “why.” These programs require a real investment of time, energy, and focus, but they deliver. If you’re serious about your craft and want to stand out while building confidence and credibility, go for it.

Want to Host an NRWA Webinar?

By Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE, NCCSC, Watercooler Editor

With Jean Austin, NCRW, NCOPE, Professional Development Chair

Have you ever signed up for one of the NRWA’s digital webinars and thought, “That was great! I wonder if I could do that.”

Well, you can.

The career landscape changes constantly, and you can help your colleagues keep up by offering your insights on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices that can help them serve their clients and grow their businesses.

Hosting a webinar is also a great way to raise your professional visibility. It goes beyond merely sharing information; it’s a chance to broaden your professional reach, connect with fellow career professionals, and position yourself as an expert in your field. Here are some compelling reasons to consider taking the plunge into the webinar arena:

Promote Your Brand: If you provide services such as resume writing, coaching, or training, a webinar can effectively showcase your knowledge to potential clients and partners.

Denise Bitler presented her first NRWA webinar in 2023. The subject was salary negotiation. She presented another one, this time on crafting networking bios for clients, in 2024. Both are available for on-demand purchase on the NRWA’s website.

“Having benefited from others’ expertise, I felt it was important to contribute my own knowledge to help fellow professionals enhance their services and grow their careers,” said Denise. “Creating and presenting webinars has positioned me as a thought leader in the career services industry, significantly expanding my network and reputation as a subject-matter expert. 

“This increased visibility has directly led to speaking invitations not only from career service organizations but also from companies and organizations outside the industry altogether, establishing me as a sought-after conference speaker and educational resource far beyond my original professional sphere.”

Getting Started

If you’re excited about exploring webinar opportunities, your first step is to contact Jean Austin at mjeanaustin@talentspresented.com.

Include your topic idea and why you think it aligns with current industry discussions. If your idea is approved, you will be asked to complete a simple form that outlines your presentation, so the NRWA can publicize it.

Selecting a Topic: What’s Trending?

The most effective webinar topics resonate with the current interests and needs of career professionals. To stay updated on trending subjects, pay attention to discussions happening in forums, LinkedIn groups, podcasts, blogs, and industry articles. While some topics have lasting relevance, others might be popular for only a brief period.

If you find that a trending topic loses steam before your scheduled webinar, don’t fret. Exploring a specific angle of that subject can still lead to an engaging session.

Some common areas of interest:

The Logistics: Length & Format

Webinars are intended to be both engaging and informative, typically featuring 45 minutes of content followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. However, if your audience is particularly engaged and enthusiastic, it’s perfectly acceptable to extend your session.

Do You Need to Be an NRWA Member?

Not at all! While many presenters are members of organizations such as the NRWA, these opportunities are also open to knowledgeable experts outside of such organizations. If you have valuable insights to share, we encourage you to get involved.

 What Makes a Great Speaker?

You don’t need to be a well-known figure; what matters most is having expertise in your chosen topic. Many successful webinar presenters are deeply passionate about their subjects and have conducted thorough research, making their presentations both insightful and captivating. If you’re enthusiastic about an area of career development and eager to share what you’ve learned, you could be an excellent candidate to lead a webinar.

Ready to Dive In?

If you have a topic idea and want to explore the possibility of presenting a webinar, don’t hesitate to reach out and start the conversation. The process is straightforward, and hosting a webinar is an enriching way to share your expertise, connect with peers, and contribute to the dynamic career industry landscape.

Whether your goal is to enhance your professional brand, build connections, or impart knowledge, leading a webinar presents an invaluable opportunity—so why not take that exciting step? 

This Month’s Grammar Tip from Donna Tucker:

Capitalization

Capitalize a job title that comes immediately before the person's name or is used as part of their name when addressing them, as in President Cathy Lanzalaco.

If the job title comes after the person's name, or is used instead of the person's name, then it is generally not capitalized, as in Cathy Lanzalaco, president of the NRWA.

Mental Health Awareness Month: Walking Beside Our Clients

By Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE, NCCSC, Watercooler Editor

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It serves as a time to consider a concern close to the work we all perform as resume writers, career coaches, and career services professionals.

We each work daily with clients who struggle with transition, setbacks, uncertainty, and sometimes deep self-doubt. Career choices are not usually about getting a job. They involve issues of identity, security, belonging, and hope. This means we might be accompanying clients in some of the most vulnerable times in their lives, although we may not realize it.

This is why Mental Health Awareness Month is important to us. It serves as a reminder that we may not be therapists, but that we are respected guides. To be effective and ethical in our profession, we need to know how career stress and mental health overlap and how to support them without crossing boundaries of practice.

Ways You Can Participate:

• Educate Yourself: Learn the warning signs of burnout, anxiety, and depression, particularly ways in which they might manifest when job searching or in career transition.

• Refine Your Referral Network: Establish or enhance a list of respected mental health specialists so that when your clients need further assistance, you can confidently make referrals.

• Establish Healthy Boundaries: Be aware when discussions start to cross into the realm of mental health and be prepared to redirect clients back into career-centered conversations.

• Take Care of Yourself: Caring for others may be gratifying and taxing at the same time. Use the month of April as a reminder to take special care of yourself and obtain support if it's needed.

• Promote Awareness: Post about it, involve it in conversations, or just remind your clients and coworkers that a person's health includes mental health and that it's okay to seek assistance.

In a world based on empowerment, compassion, and hope, it's not a nicety to focus on mental health; it must be done.

This May, we will reaffirm our dedication to creating not just stronger career and resume-building strategies but also healthier and more enduring lives.

Professional Development 

The NRWA offers live and on-demand webinars, a self-paced Resume Writing 101 course, teleseminars, and more opportunities for learning throughout the year.

Certification Programs 

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