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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.
My last job was mundane (that’s why I left). I have no accomplishments. What do I put on my resume?
QUESTION: My last job was mundane (that’s why I left). I have no accomplishments. What do I put on myresume?This is where you need to take time to reflect and brainstorm. You may not think you have any accomplishments because day-to-day work becomes routine. Spend...
Do I need to worry about applicant tracking software if I am just networking for my job search?
QUESTION: Do I need to worry about applicant tracking software if I am just networking for my job search?Yes - you should still make sure your resume is designed to be compatible with applicant tracking software even if you are "just networking" because eventually you...
I see all these resume templates with pictures. Should my picture be on my resume?
QUESTION: I see all these resume templates with pictures. Should my picture be on my resume?No. Not for jobs in the US unless you would be hired for your appearance (model, TV anchor, actor) -- your accomplishments, skills, education, and certifications should speak...
What kind of contact information goes into the header? Should I include a fax? Both cell and landline phone? LinkedIn address? Physical address? This is so confusing.
QUESTION: What kind of contact information goes into the header? Should I include a fax? Both cell and landline phone? LinkedIn address? Physical address? This is so confusing.Including a fax number could date you and put you at risk of experiencing ageism which...
I know that numbers are so important to credibility on a resume, but I have had no access to my sales group’s numbers. What should I do?
QUESTION: I know that numbers are so important to credibility on a resume, but I have had no access to my sales group’s numbers. What should Ido?You may include your best "guesstimate" of metrics if you're comfortable doing so and you can support your claims in...
I have a Ph.D. but the jobs I’m applying to do not require this education level. Should I leave it off the resume? Will that be lying?
QUESTION: I have a Ph.D. but the jobs I’m applying to do not require this education level. Should I leave it off the resume? Will that be lying?If you are including an Education section and have listed other degrees, certifications, or licenses, you should not remove...
How do I submit a cover letter now that we don’t mail them anymore? And how long should it be?
QUESTION: How do I submit a cover letter now that we don’t mail them anymore? And how long should it be?There ARE situations for mailing. If responding to an ad, follow its guidelines. Use a clear short subject line. Title your attachment properly. Save so the...
I left my previous company 2 months after getting promoted. How do I present that on my resume?
QUESTION: I left my previous company 2 months after getting promoted. How do I present that on my resume? There were no additional accomplishments during that time. So how can I highlight the promotion without giving any negative impression on my early departure?You...
I am looking for a new job with functions completely different from my previous position. How do I identify transferrable skills from the last job that can help me in my job search?
QUESTION: I am looking for a new job with functions completely different from my previous position. How do I identify transferrable skills from the last job that can help me in my job search?Transferrable and soft skills are critical for satisfactory job acquisition....
How long should a job search take? I once heard that I should expect a month for every $10,000 in salary. Is this still true?
QUESTION: How long should a job search take? I once heard that I should expect a month for every $10,000 in salary. Is this still true?Will it take someone targeting a $200K salary 20 months to find a job? The length comes down to 1) your efforts, 2) efficiency and...
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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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