June 2025

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

"In summer, the song sings itself."

— William Carlos Williams

Greetings, everyone!

As summer begins and the days get longer, it's a good time to pause and reconnect with our work, our purpose, and our community. June invites reflection, as well as celebration. Pride Month reminds us of the importance of creating space for authenticity in every professional story we help shape.

This month's Watercooler is packed with resources, insights, and inspiration to help you do just that.

We kick off with early bird registration for the 2025 NRWA Conference in Chandler, AZ—our biggest in-person opportunity to learn, network, and reconnect with the heart of our profession. If cost is a concern, remember: NRWA offers grants to help you attend.

While you're planning, consider donating a door prize! It's a great way to show support, boost your visibility, and bring a little fun to the event.

You'll also find:

• An inside look at the newly expanded ROAR resume-writing competition.

• Welcome a new member! Learn about Barbara Kaufmann and her reasons for joining the NRWA.

• This month's Grammar Matters tip (less confusion about "less" and "fewer").

• A fresh Tech Talk feature on Google Keep, a surprisingly powerful tool you might already have.

• And a timely DEI reflection on why Pride Month matters so deeply in our work with clients.

We also have added a monthly trivia question! (Test your skills.)

And don’t overlook the newly launched 2025 edition of Career Tips for Job Search Success—a must-read collection of insights from members like you. You can even contribute to the next one by answering this month's "Ask the Experts" questions.

Let's continue to show up for our clients and for one another.

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

Contact me at ruth@confidentcareersearch.com.

Professionally Yours,

Your Guide to This Issue

• Early Bird Conference Registration Has Begun
  
• Contribute a Conference Door Prize!
  
• Not Sure You Can Afford the Annual Conference?
  
• ROAR 2025! Your Words Get Results.  Now Let Them Win Awards.
  
• Meet New Member Barbara Kaufmann
• Grammar Matters Tip
  
• Career Tips- EBook
• Tech Talk Google Keeper
  
• Why Pride Month Matters in Our Work—Especially Now
  

Early Bird Conference Registration Has Begun

Join us from October 13-16 in Chandler, AZ, for the 2025 NRWA Conference, "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.

Early bird pricing ends June 15.

Sessions this year cover topics such as resume writing in an AI-driven world, streamlined intake processes, and strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting economy.

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 2026 by Career Connector Founder Jessica Pierce

• 14 Presentations Across 3 Days. Topics span the gamut from resume writing and LinkedIn 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 the truth. 

• Catch-Ups. As always, we've built plenty of time in the schedule for networking, connecting, and reconnecting. 

There are a lot of great reasons to attend the conference. Here's one important one: community.

In a profession where so much of the work is done one-on-one, behind screens, over phone calls, or quietly at our desks, it's easy to forget how much we need each other.

The conference is not just about learning the latest in best practices (though you'll do that, too). It's about walking into a room full of people who get it. These are people who know the exact joy of helping a client finally land their dream job, as well as the quiet struggle of chasing invoices or juggling emotional burnout after a tough session.

NRWA Board Member Heather Rothbauer-Wanish told attendees at a recent conference information session that the people are her favorite part of the conference. 

"A lot of us work solo, or maybe we work at a university center or work center, and we might be the only person there that works on resumes or works with job seekers," said Wanish.

Seeing colleagues helps her feel less alone in her work.

Board Member Shoni Bell, her co-presenter, added, "You get to meet the people that you only know by name or their LinkedIn picture, or sometimes on these Zoom calls, if you're in the same webinar or something. But then, reading someone's name tag, you're like, 'Oh my gosh. I know you, but I don't know you. And I've always wanted to know you.'  That's what goes on in my brain when I'm meeting people in person."

At the conference, the community shows up in all kinds of ways:

• The resume writer who shares her pricing model during a hallway conversation because she remembers what it felt like to struggle.

• The new coach who finds a mentor over lunch and walks away with a strategy for launching their business.

• The group breakout, where a challenging client scenario turns into a brainstorming session that leaves everyone with fresh insights.

If you've ever felt isolated in your work…

If you've ever needed a jolt of motivation or a reminder of why you chose this path…

If you want to be part of shaping what's next for our industry…

Join us!

When you grab the early bird rates, you can also save on exclusive access. Here's what you'll want to grab early:

• A seat at our storytellers' networking night.

• Reserved spots in intimate networking chats.

• First access to high-demand AI and process workshops.

Make your plan now. Space is limited, and the best opportunities go fast.

Visit the conference page for complete details.

Contribute a Conference Door Prize!

Enhance your brand's presence and engagement by becoming a door prize sponsor. By supporting the NWRA annual conference in this way, you're not only boosting your brand but also contributing to a richer, more engaging industry event. Door prizes can include a product, service, book, gift card, or any other item of value. We will acknowledge each contributor in front of the entire conference, acknowledging your valuable support and enhancing your industry stature.

To learn more or to discuss your sponsorship, please get in touch with Vincent Vitale at  vincentvitale@twc.com.

Not sure you can afford the annual conference?

The NRWA offers grants to help you afford professional development. The next deadline is August 15. 

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

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.

The scoring system is weighted to recognize long-term NRWA members who have held leadership roles, worked with clients who are not asked to pay for services, regularly delivered free speaking presentations or training workshops geared to helping job seekers (especially those in underrepresented communities), and are experiencing significant financial difficulties.

Grants are awarded quarterly and are not renewable or transferable. Currently, the NRWA awards grants for: 

• NRWA membership (one year)

• Annual conference registration

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

• March 15

• June 15

• September 15

• December 15

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: 

• Resume Writing 101 course (FREE for all members) 
• Monthly educational webinars (deeply discounted for members/priced reasonably for nonmembers) 
• Access to our fantastic member forum (where problems are solved and industry best practices/updates are shared) 
• Annual conference experience (Phoenix, AZ: October 13–16, 2025) 
• Certification training (NCRW bootcamp*, NCOPE, career coaching) 
• Member mixers and industry segment specialized programming (business owners, college career services, military, and workforce) 
• Opportunities to contribute to our "Ask the Experts" Q&A and annual ebook 
• And so much more… 

Submit your application TODAY! 

*The next bootcamp starts June 18. Registration closes June 11.

ROAR 2025! Your Words Get Results.  Now Let Them Win Awards.

By Lucie Yeomans

The 2025 ROAR resume-writing competition closes July 15, and this year, we're expanding the playing field to welcome more voices, styles, and perspectives while keeping our core focus on writing.

Do your clients consistently land interviews because of your writing and strategy? Then, it's time to enter the 2025 resume-writing competition. This is the competition for writers who get results.

Here's what's new:

• Categories based on your experience level and expertise.

• ATS-compliant templates now accepted.

• Feedback on all submissions—win or lose.

• Recognition expanded to winners AND finalists.

• Writing is the star—design plays a more minor role.

• No AI-generated content accepted.

Scoring Emphasis: Yes, layout and organization matter—but strong, results-driven writing matters most. If your resumes consistently win your clients interviews, you'll be very competitive. 

Current scoring rubric

• Positioning, strategy, and creativity (15 points) *

• Layout, design/format, and readability by the human reader and the ATS reader (20 points) *

• Keyword optimization for the target (15 points) *

• Technical writing accuracy and grammar (30 points) *

• Value focus with specific accomplishments (20 points) *

*Refer to The NCRW Study Guide for resume-writing concepts and best practices, and The Gregg Reference Manual for grammar/composition rules.

Design Options: You're welcome to incorporate design elements but don't feel they are necessary to win. ROAR is a writing competition, but for the first time, we're allowing ATS-compliant design templates, including those offered by our preferred partner, Distinctive Resumes.

No AI Content: All submissions must include original and personal content; AI-generated materials are not permitted. (Some non-preferred ATS-compliant template businesses use AI-generated content. Sorry, that is not allowed.)

 2025 Categories:

• New Writers (0–4 years)
• Experienced Writers (5+ years)
• College Career Services or Workforce Services
• Federal or Military Transitions (meeting today's needs)
• Submissions: Through July 15 | $40 per entry

Enter here.

Welcome, new NRWA member Barbara Kaufmann.

Barbara owns Innovative Workforce Strategies, focused on adult career and job changers and especially older workers. She is based in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland region.

Why did you decide to become an NRWA member?

I joined in March 2025.I want to help friends and neighbors affected by federal government cuts.

Where are you based, and how long have you been in the field?  

I live in Washington, D.C. I have been part of the workforce development field for more than 25 years, as a practitioner and a policy advocate. I was a workforce development director in Montgomery County, MD, and managed an American job center, part of the publicly run workforce system. I have served on the board of CWI Works, which advocates and provides programs for older workers.

What are you most excited about discovering through your NRWA membership?

I did career coaching and resume assistance early in my career and am excited to renew these skills. I intend to participate in the webinars and am considering attending the upcoming conference. Eventually, I may undertake the certification. 

Are there any NRWA resources or programs you’re especially excited to explore?

The conference looks intriguing.

Tell me a bit about what you like to do when you're not working.

I returned earlier this week form a two-week trip through the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. When I am not traveling, I am exploring the greater Washington, D.C., region and participating in water aerobics or baking for family and friends.

Here is this month's grammar tip from Donna Tucker:

LESS and FEWER

"Fewer" is used for countable nouns: things you can count one by one. For example:

• "I wrote fewer resumes" (because you can count resumes).

• "There are fewer clients calling lately" (because you can count clients).

"Less" is used for uncountable nouns: things you measure as a quantity or amount. For example:

• "I need less advice as I learn more about business" (because advice is measured, not counted).

• "There is less time remaining" (because time is measured, not counted).

Interestingly, there is one common exception: When referring to numbers themselves, such as time, money, and distance, "less" is often accepted, even though these things are technically countable. For instance, "less than $50" is commonly used instead of "fewer than $50."

Starting this month, The Watercooler will feature a trivia question!

Enjoy thinking about this one. (The answer is at the bottom of the newsletter.) 

Which future icon of animation was once fired by a newspaper editor because he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas"?

A. Jim Henson  

B. Walt Disney  

C. Chuck Jones  

D. Stan Lee  

We Have the Answers (and more questions)

The NRWA's most comprehensive resource, Career Tips for Job-Search Success, 2025 edition, is now available for download. 

This is a valuable resource for you and your clients. 

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

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

Each month, we provide "Ask the Experts" questions and ask you to provide answers based on your professional experience working in career development. Questions cover every angle of job searching, from resume construction to interviewing, and you will likely find a few that you cannot resist weighing in on. Check out this month's questions.

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 learn about implicit bias in hiring practices, you will find some direction in this resource.

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 field of career development. 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.

If your response is selected, you will receive a badge to display on your social media!

Here is a sample question and answer:

Q: I don't feel comfortable about some of the jobs I have done in the past. Two of my employers were, shall we say, controversial—as were the jobs I had there. What do I put on my resume?

A: You get to choose what you do and do not include in your resume. An employment application is another matter. In most instances, it's advantageous to be ahead of the issues. Tell the story in your own words and share what you learned from the experience. You also need to consider that if you omit information, you may be "found out" down the line. What might this cost you? Is it worth it?

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

Google Keep: The Underrated Tool That Might Be Exactly What You Need

By Nancy Grant, NCOPE, NRWA President-Elect

You've probably scrolled past it—that unassuming yellow icon hiding among your Google apps. Maybe you tapped it once, saw what looked like digital sticky notes, and moved on.

But behind its simple appearance, Google Keep offers a surprisingly smart, flexible way to organize your ideas, tasks, and day-to-day chaos—and it's already built into your digital world.

Whether you're managing client work, juggling board responsibilities, or just trying to keep your grocery list straight, Keep is a minimalist productivity tool that adapts to your workflow without demanding a new one.

What Is Google Keep?

Google Keep is a free, cloud-based note-taking app that syncs across your devices. You can access it on your phone, laptop, or tablet—anywhere you're signed in to your Google account. It integrates smoothly with Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Calendar, making it a natural fit for anyone in the Google ecosystem.

Think of it as your digital Post-it wall, except it's searchable, sortable, and shareable.

Standout Features (You Might've Missed)

• Color-coded notes: Assign colors for quick visual organization (e.g., yellow for personal, blue for work, red for urgent).
• Checklist mode: Turn any note into a to-do list. This is ideal for client workflows, content drafts, or daily habits.
• Smart reminders: Set time-based or location-based nudges that show up in your Google Calendar.
• Multimedia Friendly: Attach voice memos, images, or links; great for capturing ideas on the go.
• Pinning and archiving: Keep priorities visible while tucking less urgent information out of sight.

How People in the Career-Services Industry Are Using It

Google Keep isn't just for grocery lists. Here's how professionals are putting it to work:

• Resume writers: Save reusable phrases, STAR story formulas, and action verbs.
• Career coaches: Jot down session takeaways or to-dos during the call.
• Solopreneurs: Collect blog ideas, track hashtags, and organize content.
• Board members: Share checklists with committee members.
• Busy humans: Plan trips, holiday gifts, or your next presentation.

Tips to Get the Most Out of It

• Use labels to sort by theme or client.
• Drag notes into Google Docs via the Keep sidebar. This is great for building outlines or content.
• Collaborate: Share a note for real-time teamwork or feedback.

5 Quick Uses for Google Keep

• Save client testimonials in real time.
• Keep a running list of blog or webinar ideas.
• Collect punchy phrases or quotes for marketing copy.
• Track personal or professional goals with checklists.
• Devise your next conference packing list or session outline.

Too Simple?
Yes. But that's the point. Google Keep isn't bloated. It doesn't ask for a learning curve. It's intuitive, lightweight, and quietly powerful. 

The next time an idea strikes, don't reach for a scrap of paper or open yet another app. Just tap the little yellow icon and get it down before it disappears.

Why Pride Month Matters in Our Work—Especially Now

By Ruth Sternberg, Watercooler Editor

Pride Month is here, and for those of us who guide careers, craft resumes, and coach clients through some of their most vulnerable professional moments, it's more than a celebration. 

It's a reminder: Inclusion isn't a side note to our work; it's the work itself.

This year, perhaps more than ever, it's vital that we mark Pride Month not just with rainbow graphics but with the real intention behind how we support LGBTQ+ clients and colleagues. As resume writers, career coaches, and college advisors, we hold significant influence in shaping how people present themselves in the world and how the world perceives them. That includes helping LGBTQ+ individuals claim space, articulate value, and navigate workplaces that are, unfortunately, not always as safe or affirming as they should be.

The Professional Stakes Are Still High

Despite progress in legal protections and public awareness, LGBTQ+ individuals—especially transgender and nonbinary people—continue to face disproportionate challenges in hiring, career advancement, and workplace inclusion. Studies show that more than 40% of LGBTQ+ workers in the U.S. have experienced job discrimination at some point in their lives. Many still feel the need to mask or modify their identities at work, particularly in industries or regions with more conservative cultures.

And for LGBTQ+ job seekers, even basic decisions, such as whether to include a volunteer role with a Pride group or list their pronouns, can feel like risky territory.

That's why our role in this profession is so essential. We aren't just helping someone polish a resume; we're helping them feel safe to be themselves while pursuing meaningful work. That's powerful.

Showing Up With Purpose: 5 Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Clients (and Allies)

Here are five ways we can intentionally support LGBTQ+ clients—and model allyship—in our work this Pride Month and beyond:

1. Normalize Pronouns and Inclusive Language

Adding your own pronouns in email signatures or LinkedIn profiles helps signal safety and awareness. When you invite clients to share theirs, do so in a low-pressure, optional way. Avoid assuming gender based on name or appearance. Using inclusive phrases such as "partner" instead of "husband/wife" in casual conversation can make a subtle but significant difference.

• Resource: Guide to Gender Identity Terms 

2. Affirm Experiences of Discrimination without Minimizing

Clients may express fear or hesitation about coming out at work or listing identity-affirming affiliations on a resume. Listen actively. Let them know their concerns are valid. You don't need to fix the problem. You need to create space for honesty and help them weigh options without judgment.

Ask: "Would you like help exploring how to position that in a way that feels authentic and safe for you?" Let them lead.

• Resource: Out & Equal LGBTQ Workplace Resources

3. Review Resources with an Equity Lens

Revisit your go-to employer lists, professional organizations, and networking groups. Do they include LGBTQ+-inclusive workplaces and affinity groups? Consider building a list of LGBTQ-friendly employers or career fairs.

• Resource: Out & Equal Workplace Summit

• Resource: Campus Pride LGBTQ Career Resources

4. Be Transparent about Your Values

Whether you're in a career center or coaching practice or are an independent resume writer, your values matter. Make your commitment to inclusion visible on your website, materials, or intake forms. Even a short statement like, "We affirm LGBTQ+ identities and are committed to inclusive career support" can offer the reassurance someone needs to feel safe working with you.

• Resource: Human Rights Campaign – Creating LGBTQ-Inclusive Workplaces

5. Keep Learning, Especially about Trans and Nonbinary Experiences

Many of us were never trained on how to support clients navigating transitions (whether related to gender identity or otherwise) in professional settings. Read up on current best practices, legal protections, and name-change processes.

• Resource: Transgender Training Institute

• Resource: GLADD Media Reference Guide

If a client asks for help crafting a resume that reflects a new name or navigating job gaps related to identity, be ready to say, "I'm here to help, and I'll make sure we do this right together."

Pride Is Professional

Pride Month is more than a parade or a flag. It's about visibility, safety, and the freedom to live and work with authenticity. That's directly tied to our mission as career professionals.

When we help LGBTQ+ clients find their voice, tell their story, or land that job offer without compromising who they are, we are not just doing our jobs. We are participating in change.

So yes, hang the rainbow sign. But also have the hard conversations. Review your intake forms. Bring a lens of inclusion to every resume edit, interview prep, and career strategy session. That's how we honor Pride, not only in June but all year long.

Let's continue to show up, listen deeply, and help every client feel proud of who they are and where they're headed.

Trivia Answer:

Answer: B: Walt Disney  

Fun Fact: Disney was rejected more than 300 times before finally securing financing for Disneyland.

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 

The National Résumé Writers' Association, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at http://thenrwa.org/