July 2025

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

Colleagues,

As we approach July 4, many of us will take a break from our desks for a well-deserved respite.

But for those of us working in career services, whether as resume writers, coaches, or college career advisors, the holiday can also serve as a moment of deeper reflection.

Freedom, after all, is at the heart of what we do. We help people claim their independence through career transitions, personal branding, and self-discovery. We help students, job seekers, and professionals from all backgrounds build agency. And we hold space for the truth that freedom does not land equally for everyone.

In this issue, we explore how to make this time more intentional. In “Reframing July 4,” I share ideas for using the holiday as an opportunity to connect, program meaningfully, and amplify stories that might otherwise go unheard. It’s not just about honoring the past; it’s about helping our clients and students shape futures that reflect their values.

We also take a close look at what freedom and growth look like within our own profession. Under our Conference header, you’ll find a preview of the 2025 NRWA Conference, Phoenix Rising, October 13–16 in Chandler, AZ. We’ll also be raffling off our biggest prize yet: a free 2026 conference registration, but you’ll need to be there at the closing session to win!

I’m registered and looking forward to seeing you there!

We’re also proud to spotlight our platinum-level sponsor, Purple Circle, and its founder, Davis Nguyen. His story empowers others to scale sustainably and offers inspiration and insight. Davis will be joining us in person to connect, share, and support the work we all do.

Want to support the conference in a creative way? Consider donating a door prize to elevate your brand and energize attendees. Vincent Vitale is happy to coordinate your contribution.

Next, under the ROAR banner, we remind you that the 2025 Resume Writing Competition is open through July 15. New categories, a revised rubric, and feedback for every entry mean this year is more inclusive and rewarding than ever. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, ROAR is your chance to shine. 

Also: Think about the people in our organization who shine at what they contribute to the industry. Consider nominating them for the Industry Hero Award.

Be sure to check out Donna Tucker’s July grammar tip! It could help you strengthen your entry!

Thinking about certification? Under the NCRW section, we’ve gathered insights from credentialed members Cheryl Minnick and Julie Maahs on how the NCRW process deepened their skills, validated their expertise, and opened professional doors. Whether you’re a private writer or part of a college career center, you’ll find their perspectives enlightening and encouraging.

Our Tech Talk column features Nancy Grant, NRWA President-Elect, sharing why Fireflies.ai has become a favorite among career pros. From client intakes to webinar archiving, AI notetakers are revolutionizing how we manage information, and this article provides everything you need to evaluate the right tool for your practice.

Finally, don’t miss our new feature: Trivia! Test your knowledge each month. 

This month’s theme is clear: the freedom to grow, to reflect, to connect, and to take up space with purpose. As you read, I hope you’ll see how every article, speaker, and opportunity in this issue supports not just your professional development, but also your ability to help others pursue freedom in their own careers.

Warmly,

Your Guide to This Issue

• This Year’s Conference Is Packed with Goodies—and You Might Win a Free Registration
  
• Introducing 2025 Conference Sponsor Purple Circle
  
• Win Recognition for Your Work
  
• Do You Know a Career Hero?
  
• Grammar Matters
• The NCRW: A Valuable Way to Boost Your Knowledge and Credibility
  
• Trivia
• The Rise of AI Notetakers:  Why Fireflies.ai Might Be Your New Favorite Tool
  
• Reframing July 4: A Moment of Reflection and Purpose for Career Professionals
  

This Year’s Conference Is Packed with Goodies—and You Might Win a Free Registration

Join us 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.

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.

This year, at the annual NRWA conference, in addition to the usuals (fun merch and raffle prizes), we’re giving away our biggest prize yet: a FREE 2026 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION.

What: Valued at $695, this prize enables one lucky winner to register for next year’s conference free of charge.

Who: Attendees at the conference close* on Thursday, October 16, are eligible. In addition to the drawing, we’ll be recognizing Industry Hero and Vivian Belen Award winners and announcing the location of next year’s conference. 

* Must Be Present to Win

General conference programming kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 13, and wraps up at noon on Thursday, October 16. 

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 Connectors 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. 

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 NRWA at adminmanager@thenrwa.com.

Introducing 2025 Conference Sponsor Purple Circle

When Davis Nguyen was growing up in a single-parent household, food stamps and Goodwill weren’t just resources. They were survival. Raised in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the country, Davis knew the odds. The local school system had been labeled the worst in America. College wasn’t a goal. It was a fantasy.

But Davis had other plans.

He became the first in his family to attend college, earning full scholarships to both Yale and Harvard. After graduating from Yale, he joined consulting firm Bain & Company, where he advised Fortune 500 leaders on complex business challenges.

He later left Bain to join a career training startup that was working to make high-quality career support accessible to more people. It was there that Davis deepened his understanding of what job seekers need and how to scale impact through coaching and education.

Still, his heart pulled him elsewhere.

What began as a weekend side project helping friends land offers at consulting firms grew into My Consulting Offer, a multimillion-dollar career-coaching and resume-writing company that has now helped thousands break into top firms.

But Davis didn’t stop there.

After years of building his own team of more than 40 coaches, refining systems, and scaling with integrity, Davis saw a gap in the industry. Many resume writers and career coaches were delivering life-changing results but were burning out trying to grow alone.

That insight became the foundation of Purple Circle, a business accelerator built exclusively for career service professionals who want to grow without losing the mission that brought them into this work.

The Mission Behind Purple Circle

Purple Circle helps resume writers and career coaches build businesses that match the quality of their client results. Through proven systems and personal coaching, members learn how to generate consistent leads, enroll more clients, build support teams, and improve client delivery. 

The goal isn’t hustle. It’s freedom with excellence.

To date, Purple Circle has helped more than 30 career professionals grow to $100K and beyond, including several who have scaled past the million-dollar mark while improving client results and working fewer hours.

Why Davis Cares

As Davis puts it: “We help career coaches scale to six, seven, and eight figures without burning out.” Because the truth is, most coaches don’t fail from lack of talent. They burn out trying to be the marketer, salesperson, content creator, admin, and service provider all at once.

That’s the cycle Davis helps his members break.

“I gain something more valuable than income: impact,” he says. “When a coach unlocks sustainable growth, they go on to help thousands of job seekers live better lives. That ripple effect is what drives me.”

Meet Davis at the NRWA Conference

Davis will be attending the 2025 NRWA Conference as a platinum sponsor. If you’re wondering how to get consistent leads, improve your pricing, integrate AI into your delivery, or explore the long-term potential of your business, Davis brings a rare blend of lived experience and strategic insight. If you want to grow your income or impact through your work, connect with Davis.

You can learn more about Purple Circle here: https://joinpurplecircle.com/
Or connect with Davis directly: www.linkedin.com/in/iamdavisnguyen

Win Recognition for Your Work

Do your clients consistently land interviews because of your writing and strategy? Then it's time to enter the 2025 resume-writing competition. 

The deadline is approaching!

The 2025 ROAR (Recognizing Outstanding Achievement in Resumes) resume-writing contest closes July 15.

This year, there are some new and noteworthy changes.

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

Do You Know a Career Hero?

The NRWA wants to honor that person. We are seeking nominations for the 2025 Industry Hero Award.

We want to know who you think deserves this recognition and why. The award will be presented to someone within the career services industry who has contributed significantly to the growth and advancement of the industry.

This month’s tip by Donna Tucker: 

One of the most common punctuation errors is the misuse of the comma, especially when it comes to comma splices. This happens when two complete sentences are joined together with just a comma, instead of separating them properly.

Example of a comma splice:
She finished her draft, she sent it to her editor.

What you should do instead:

• Use a period: She finished her draft. She sent it to her editor.

• Use a semicolon: She finished her draft; she sent it to her editor.

• Use a conjunction: She finished her draft, and she sent it to her editor.

A close cousin to the comma splice is the run-on sentence. This happens when two (or more) independent clauses are joined together with no punctuation or conjunction at all.

Example of a run-on:
She finished her draft she sent it to her editor.

Just like with a comma splice, the fix is to separate the ideas clearly:

• With a period: She finished her draft. She sent it to her editor.

• With a semicolon: She finished her draft; she sent it to her editor.

With a conjunction: She finished her draft, and she sent it to her editor.

The NCRW: A Valuable Way to Boost Your Knowledge and Credibility

Have you been on the fence about becoming a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)? Here are some things to consider. 

The Nationally Certified Resume Writer credential was a cornerstone of the NRWA when it was founded in 1999. Since its inception, the focus of the credential has been to validate resume writers who demonstrate excellence in producing strategic, targeted resumes of high quality and visual appeal.   

Because the NRWA is the only nonprofit association serving resume writers, our operating expenses aren’t dependent on fees charged for certification. We’ve developed a customized, scored exam with an explicit rubric, ensuring no subjective grading. 

Another differentiator is that to maintain their certification, NCRWs must earn 15 CEUs every three years to remain current in this ever-changing industry.

Over the years, the certifying commission has gained the reputation of being “strict” and the NCRW “difficult” to attain. However, this is not the case. Yes, we expect resume writers who hold the NCRW to be at the top of their game. However, if a writer follows the advice provided in the NCRW preparation guide and produces a well-written resume and cover letter that are error-free, chances are good they will attain the NCRW.

Here is what two of the credential holders, Cheryl Minnick and Julie Maahs, have to say about the process:

“The NCRW is the most trusted and authoritative model of all resume-writing certifications,” said Cheryl. “It stands out as a highly respected and valued credential among its peers due to its rigorous standards and broad industry recognition. The writing excellence bootn camp—which helps you prepare and includes a sample review process—contributes to the certification process being the most comprehensive in the industry. 

“Earning the NCRW propelled my career by providing credibility and trust, skills validation, competitive advantage, and ongoing education on industry trends and tools. It allowed me to expand my professional network, qualify for more complex writing projects, enhance my earning potential, and helped me stand out as a top-tier professional in the career services field.”

Julie worked for seven years in university career services before she obtained the credential. She began with the boot camp. 

“Going into the program, I knew that I needed to learn more about writing summaries and headlines,” she said. “However, I was shocked at the nuances of resume writing that had never been on my radar before. An NCRW knows how to make a big impact with just a few words, making the best use of space.  An NCRW also applies best practices for formatting, and each of those little changes adds up to a significant impact.

“After getting my NCRW, I would occasionally have students come see me who had their resumes written by ‘professional resume writers.’ They felt like something was still off. By then, I knew that the missing element was a resume strategy. That strategic approach to communicating a client’s skills, accomplishments, and experiences to a particular role or field sets NCRWs apart.”

Maahs is working on earning a coaching certification. “Being an NCRW helps me position myself as a job-search expert, distinguishing me from other instructors who do not have that resume expertise,” she said.

She has also used her expertise to enhance our own career advising college students.

“I used what I learned from becoming an NCRW to create a career-preparation curriculum at two different university career centers,” she said. “And since I started implementing NRWA best practices at my current career center, our resume and cover letter appointments per year have doubled. I think that students appreciate receiving cutting-edge information. The certification also helps me appear as a greater authority on resumes to faculty on campus, which increases our office’s collaboration with them.”

It could be your turn next! Find out more about the NCRW certification process here.

Each month we will feature a trivia question to test your knowledge! The answer is at the bottom of the newsletter.

Which talk show host was once told she was “unfit for television news” early in her career?

A. Ellen DeGeneres  

B. Barbara Walters  

C. Oprah Winfrey  

The Rise of AI Notetakers:  Why Fireflies.ai Might Be Your New Favorite Tool

By Nancy Grant, NCOPE, NRWA President-Elect

AI notetakers are having a moment. From Zoom meetings to MS Teams calls, it seems like every virtual room now has a silent, diligent participant capturing every word.

As busy professionals juggling back-to-back meetings, client sessions, webinars, and strategy calls, we’re expected to absorb a lot. Enter the era of the AI assistant. Apps such as Otter, Sembly, Fathom, Fireflies, and Read have exploded onto the productivity scene. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one?

What AI Notetakers Do

AI notetakers are digital assistants that join your virtual meetings to record, transcribe, and organize the conversation. They capture key points, identify speakers, and create searchable summaries—allowing you to stay present without missing critical details. AI notetakers are not just about convenience anymore. They are tools that free up mental space to focus on what matters.

What to Look for When Comparing Tools and Choosing One 

Accuracy and speaker labeling: Can it tell who said what?

• Meeting integration: Does it work with your calendar and platforms, such as Zoom or Teams?

• Searchability: Can you easily find past conversations?

• Summarization: Does it extract action items, decisions, and next steps?

• Privacy controls: Can you manage how and when meetings are recorded?

• Ease of use: Is the interface intuitive and clutter-free?

While many of these tools hit some of the marks, one that currently stands out for many services providers is Fireflies.ai. 

Fireflies isn’t just a transcription tool. It’s a smart, searchable workspace for your meetings. You invite it to your calls (or synchronize your calendar), and it listens quietly in the background.

After the meeting, it will deliver:

• A full transcript with speaker labels

• A concise summary of the discussion

• Auto-tagged action items and decisions

• Sentiment analysis and conversation analytics

Think of it as a meeting memory you can rewind, search, and share. You can even search by topic, asking questions such as, “What did we say about deadlines?” It will find the relevant section in seconds.

Why Career Professionals Love It

• Resume writers use it during client intake calls so they can focus on the conversation rather than taking notes.

• Coaches use it to review tone, clarity, and client goals, and send summaries after sessions.

• Educators and webinar hosts archive transcripts for future reference and content creation.

What About Cost and Security?

Fireflies.ai offers a generous free tier for individuals, with unlimited transcription from your own meetings and recordings. Premium plans add team collaboration, analytics, CRM integrations, and data control tools.

It’s also GDPR-compliant and enables users to control what gets saved, shared, or deleted. That said, always let your meeting participants know you’re recording, especially if clients are involved.

Final Thoughts

AI notetakers aren’t just a passing trend. They’re reshaping how we work. In a time where information overload is the norm, AI notetakers help us stay focused, present, and productive. If you’re ready to show up to meetings fully present and leave with clear next steps (without typing a word), Fireflies is worth a look.

Reframing July 4: A Moment of Reflection and

Purpose for Career Professionals

By Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE, NCCSC, Watercooler Editor

For many workplaces, July 4 arrives quietly. Offices close. Social feeds fill with fireworks and good wishes. Then we move on. But for those of us working in career services, whether in higher education, private coaching, or resume writing, it can be more than a day off. It can be an invitation to pause, connect, and deepen the meaning behind the work we do.

The truth is, Independence Day doesn’t land the same way for everyone. Some clients and students feel a strong sense of pride and belonging. Others experience disconnection or even discomfort, as they are reminded of the freedoms they or their communities still fight to access. In our roles guiding people through identity, opportunity, and professional growth, we are uniquely positioned to hold space for this complexity.

Consider starting with inclusive language.
Rather than defaulting to “Happy Fourth,” you might share a message that invites reflection. For example: “As we step back for the holiday, we’re thinking about the many ways independence and freedom show up in people’s lives, including through their careers.” A small gesture like this can make a client or student feel seen, and it signals that your practice or office is thinking beyond the surface.

Make room for programming that connects freedom with agency.
Independence isn’t just historical. It’s personal. Hosting a workshop on salary negotiation, launching a series on purpose-driven careers, or sharing tips on building a personal brand are all ways to help individuals take ownership of their career paths. You don’t need a patriotic theme to tie these topics to the concept of empowerment. Just remind clients that building a career aligned with their values is a form of freedom in itself.

Lift up stories that broaden the narrative.
Independence Day often gets wrapped in a tidy, celebratory frame. But history is never that simple. This is an opportunity to share stories that challenge, expand, and enrich the holiday. Share a client’s journey from generational poverty to career fulfillment. Feature a veteran’s perspective on service and inclusion. Celebrate an immigrant entrepreneur’s first business launch or a young professional working to reform their industry. These stories don’t diminish the holiday. They deepen it.

Spotlight work that drives change.
Careers in social justice, journalism, public policy, education, and nonprofit leadership are natural fits for a holiday centered on freedom. Highlight roles and pathways where people fight for equity, protect rights, and advocate for others. For clients and students looking for meaning in their work, this kind of exposure can open up whole new worlds.

Keep showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
We are aware that the climate surrounding DEI is shifting. Some organizations are stepping back; others are rebranding. However, the mission that many of us share, to help people understand who they are and how they want to navigate the world, remains unchanged. This includes making space for difficult conversations, diverse perspectives, and evolving definitions of independence.

July 4 can be more than a marker on the calendar. It can be a reminder to ask: What kind of freedom are we still working toward? And how can we help the people we serve pursue it with clarity, purpose, and dignity?

Trivia Answer:

Trivia Answer:

Answer: C – Oprah Winfrey  

Fun Fact: Oprah was demoted from her news anchor position in Baltimore but bounced back spectacularly.

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/