Get Expert Career Advice
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.
The first thing the recruiter asked me was, “What salary are you looking for?” — even before he had explained the job. What’s the best way to respond to not take myself out of the running nor selling myself short?
QUESTION: The first thing the recruiter asked me was, “What salary are you looking for?” — even before he had explained the job. What’s the best way to respond to not take myself out of the running nor selling myself short?Try and postpone giving a hard number until...
I lied on my resume to get my current job (I said I had a degree which I do not). I’m up for promotion and they want to see an updated resume. Should I leave it as is or tell the truth now?
QUESTION: I lied on my resume to get my current job (I said I had a degree which I do not). I’m up for promotion and they want to see an updated resume. Should I leave it as is or tell the truth now? I recommend telling the truth and preparing for the consequences....
How much should I disclose about an old DUI (more than twenty years) to a prospective employer?
QUESTION: How much should I disclose about an old DUI (more than twenty years) to a prospective employer?For any offense, don't try to talk your way out of it by blaming someone or something else. Instead, if someone inquires about it, tell them what you've learned...
My company will be downsizing soon, and I know I’m going to get cut. HR says they’ll hire an outplacement firm to help us find a new job. Should I take advantage of this?
QUESTION: My company will be downsizing soon, and I know I’m going to get cut. HR says they’ll hire an outplacement firm to help us find a new job. Should I take advantage of this?All outplacement firms are not created equal, and the deals companies negotiate with...
I’ve heard I should take notes during my interview. How do I do that while still paying attention and making eye contact?
QUESTION: I've heard I should take notes during my interview. How do I do that while still paying attention and making eye contact?Keep in mind that your focus is to ensure that you have a positive interview experience! Therefore, during the interview, jot down a few...
Which LinkedIn privacy settings are important for me to consider when job hunting?
QUESTION: Which LinkedIn privacy settings are important for me to consider when job hunting?1) Turn OFF ‘Share profile updates with your network’ to prevent your connections from getting notified of profile changes;2) Turn ON ‘Signal your interest to recruiters at...
Is it true I probably don’t need a Summary section? Is it duplicating my achievements from the Experience and thus wasting space?
QUESTION: Is it true I probably don’t need a Summary section? Is it duplicating my achievements from the Experience and thus wasting space?Not true! A personally branded Summary section will make a strong first impression on a recruiter or hiring manager reading your...
I’ve been told to refine my elevator pitch. What should it include and how will I use it in my job search?
QUESTION: I’ve been told to refine my elevator pitch. What should it include and how will I use it in my job search?The elevator pitch is for networking, used in response to questions like, "What do you do?" Instead of giving your job title and employer, offer a value...
As a transgender person, how much LGBTQ community involvement and volunteer work is appropriate for a resume and LI profile? Should I disclose in the cover letter?
QUESTION: As a transgender person, how much LGBTQ community involvement and volunteer work is appropriate for a resume and LI profile? Should I disclose in the cover letter?If your job target lies within the LGBTQ community, your career documents can freely...
How do I follow up with hiring managers? Should I resend my resume? Write another letter of interest? Make a phone call? I don’t want to seem like a pest.
QUESTION: How do I follow up with hiring managers? Should I resend my resume? Write another letter of interest? Make a phone call? I don’t want to seem like a pest.During the interview, ask about the hiring process timeline so that you can determine the appropriate...
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
Ask a Question
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.
Trusted Resume Writers. Career Strategy Expertise.
Find a Resume Writer or Career Expert
Looking for help with your resume, LinkedIn profile, career branding, job-search strategy, or next career move? You are in the right place.
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.
.
