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Practical guidance on resumes, LinkedIn, job search, career transitions, personal branding, interviews, and more from NRWA career professionals.
Job searching and career management raise a lot of questions, and the answers aren’t always as simple as they seem online. NRWA professionals share practical, experience-based guidance to help you make better decisions about your resume, LinkedIn presence, job search, career transitions, professional brand, and more.
Browse the latest advice below or explore topics relevant to where you are in your career.
Advanced Degrees & Career Planning
QUESTION: Will an advanced degree (I have a bachelor’s) help me move ahead with my career?In some fields, an advanced degree can be beneficial, but not all fields require or value them. Before enrolling, research job postings, talk with people in the role, and compare...
Stable roles and sectors during periods of layoffs and economic volatility?
QUESTION: What are the most stable roles or sectors during periods of frequent layoffs and economic volatility?I need to be clear that no role is completely layoff-proof, but essential-service sectors tend to hold up better. Healthcare, education, utilities, and...
Using AI to Write Your Resume
QUESTION: I want to use AI to write my resume. What's the line between using AI as a helpful tool versus letting it take over?You can use AI to write your resume, but without your careful management of the output, yours will look like all resumes produced by the same...
Creating Resumes with Google Docs
QUESTION: Can I create and send a resume in Google Docs?Across our industry, we do not recommend creating your resume in Google Docs. ATS platforms are optimized for Word‑based documents, and Google’s formatting doesn’t always translate cleanly when converted. This...
Interpreting and Negotiating Salary Ranges in Job Postings
QUESTION: How do I interpret and negotiate salary ranges in postings?Treat the range as a guide. Validate it with sources such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and nonprofit filings to define your target. Real negotiating power comes post-offer— request time, then respond with...
Mitigating Issues with Your Digital Footprint
QUESTION: How do I manage my digital footprint to avoid negative impacts from old social media posts or online controversies?Search yourself before employers do: Google, image search, page-two results, old profiles, stray comments. Remove or privatize what no longer...
Managing Job Search Burnout
QUESTION: How can I manage job search burnout and maintain mental health during prolonged periods of unemployment or underemployment?As much as possible, treat the search like a structured project, not a 24/7 doom loop scrolling job boards and LinkedIn. Set hours,...
Highlighting “Green Skills” for Non-Environmental Roles
QUESTION: How do I highlight “green skills” or my experience with corporate sustainability metrics on a resume for a role that isn't explicitly environmental? Your resume doesn't categorize have to categorize experience. It needs to communicate your value Look at...
Creative Resume Templates
QUESTION: Are creative resume templates appropriate for non-creative roles?I’d avoid creative resume templates. Many use graphics and complex layouts that can cause issues with ATS compatibility. You also need to consider the human reader. Recruiters in fields like...
Skills vs. Degrees: What Are Companies Hiring For?
QUESTION: Are companies hiring based on what you know and can prove (skills), or are they still looking for certain diplomas and university names?It depends on your career stage and industry. Early-career roles often lean more on credentials, while mid-/senior-level...
Job Searching Safely
Job scams are getting more sophisticated, and job seekers are prime targets. Learn the warning signs, how to verify an offer, and what to do if you've been targeted.
Visit the Job Seeker Safety Center
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Do you have questions about writing your resume, your LinkedIn profile, or about the job searching process? Ask us your question and it may be selected as the topic of our next blog post, with answers compiled from the advice of NRWA members.
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This site is provided by NRWA: The Association of Career Strategy & Branding Professionals, a nonprofit professional association serving career professionals in the United States and worldwide.
The NRWA members help job seekers and career professionals clarify their goals, communicate their value, strengthen their professional brands, and navigate an increasingly complex job market. Many specialize in resume writing, while others also provide LinkedIn strategy, career branding, interview preparation, career transition support, and related services.
Whether you need expert help with your resume or broader guidance for your career, NRWA can help you find a professional whose expertise fits your needs.
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