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.
I’ve heard of an ATS resume, an infographic resume, a targeted resume, and a networking resume – what’s the difference? Do I need all of them to apply for jobs?
QUESTION: I’ve heard of an ATS resume, an infographic resume, a targeted resume, and a networking resume – what’s the difference? Do I need all of them to apply for jobs? One resume is enough, provided it is targeted to the job you want, formatted simply for...
In designing and formatting my resume: Are there rules for margin size, for fonts and font size? Can I use lines, text boxes, and/or columns?
QUESTION: In designing and formatting my resume: Are there rules for margin size, for fonts and font size? Can I use lines, text boxes, and/or columns?Margins should be equal, .5"-1" all around. Stick with mainstream fonts (not Times Roman); size depends on font; for...
Should job seekers turn on LinkedIn’s creator mode? What are the benefits?
QUESTION: Should job seekers turn on LinkedIn’s creator mode? What are the benefits?Yes! On LinkedIn, content drives engagement and engagement drives visibility to people like hiring managers and recruiters. Creator mode makes it easy for job seekers to feature the...
What’s the best way to find the right recruiter to help me in my job search?
QUESTION: What’s the best way to find the right recruiter to help me in my job search?There are different types of recruiters: corporate (internal), agency (external), retained (executive search). Corporate folks are focused on filling open roles. Agency and retained...
I just read some advice to “weave your personality into your resume.” How would I do that?
QUESTION: I just read some advice to “weave your personality into your resume.” How would I do that?Think of the soft skills you bring to the table. What words would a previous manager, colleague or client use to describe you? Extract information from performance...
Now that we have 220 characters for LinkedIn headlines, how should we best use this space?
QUESTION: Now that we have 220 characters for LinkedIn headlines, how should we best use this space?I always recommend quality over quantity. Focus on conveying your value add succinctly in a way that shows who you are and what you bring to the table. Example: “HUMAN...
In applying for a leadership role, I’ve been asked in interviews how I would contribute to their diversity initiatives if I get the job. I don’t have any specific experience working on diversity initiatives. How do I answer this question?
QUESTION: In applying for a leadership role, I’ve been asked in interviews how I would contribute to their diversity initiatives if I get the job. I don't have any specific experience working on diversity initiatives. How do I answer this question?To respond...
Continuing education on a resume: Is it important? If so, how do I list it?
QUESTION: Continuing education on a resume: Is it important? If so, how do I list it?Absolutely -- if it is relevant to your desired (or current) role or industry! And, how much detail to include depends on your professional level and the relevance of courses or...
When I try to describe all the tasks I performed at my previous jobs, my resume is 4 pages long. What do I do?
QUESTION: When I try to describe all the tasks I performed at my previous jobs, my resume is 4 pages long. What do I do? It's a common misconception that you need to list all your past job tasks. Instead, focus on the accomplishments that you achieved while performing...
I’ve noticed we have skill quizzes available on LinkedIn. What good are they to my job search?
QUESTION: I’ve noticed we have skill quizzes available on LinkedIn. What good are they to my job search? Employers are cautious about hiring candidates who have not mastered the technical skills required for the position. Submitting the skill quizzes on LinkedIn will...
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.
What a Professional Resume Writer Can Do for You
Whether you are a new college graduate, career changer, career professional, or executive, or you have a challenging career path – you want to stand out from the competition by showcasing your unique skills, accomplishments, and value. We partner with job seekers and professionals like you to provide cutting-edge resources and strategies for your job search and career needs.