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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.
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...
The Best Action Verbs for Your Resume
QUESTION: What are the best action verbs to use in my resume?Use strong, achievement-oriented action verbs such as led, developed, implemented, optimized, spearheaded, designed, streamlined, generated, coordinated, and achieved. Avoid passive phrases like "responsible...
Staying Visible on LinkedIn
QUESTION: How much “activity” on LinkedIn is required to stay visible?LinkedIn's algorithm weighs dwell time over likes. Commenting on others' posts with real insight often boosts your visibility more than publishing your own content. When you do post, engagement in...
Freelance, Gig, and Project-Based Work on Your Resume
QUESTION: When developing my resume, should I include freelance, gig, or project-based work, and what’s the best way to present this experience so it appears credible and valuable to employers?Yes, if it demonstrates a specialized skill relevant to the role you are...
Remote, Hybrid, and In-Office Work Trends in 2026
QUESTION: How are companies approaching remote, hybrid, and in-office work in 2026, and what factors—like industry or job role—are influencing whether flexible work is still widely available?It’s a mixed bag. Many companies that were fully remote are shifting to...
Four-Year Degree or Faster Path?
QUESTION: Is it still worth investing time and money in a four-year degree, or do faster, more focused programs carry equal (or even more) weight?Many employers are prioritizing skills over pedigree, especially in tech and AI-driven roles. Focused programs and...
Rejected for the Role, Not by the Company: What to Do Next
QUESTION: After interviewing for a role at ABC company and not being chosen, how can I build on that experience to position myself for other opportunities within the company that match my skills?Ask yourself, “Where did my background align, and where did I need more?”...
Emojis on LinkedIn: Professional or Problem?
QUESTION: How do I know if an AI is screening my resume—and what can I do to pass?Emojis and creative formatting can improve flow, highlight key points, and convey personality. However, they may be more appropriate in some contexts than others. Consider your industry,...
Beating the AI Resume Screen
QUESTION: How do I know if an AI is screening my resume—and what can I do to pass?In today’s tech-forward job market, it’s best to assume AI is involved. When crafting your resume, focus specifically on the requirements of the target role. Tailor your document by...
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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