The NRWA (not to be confused with the National Rural Water Association), stands for the National Resume Writers’ Association.

The National Resume Writers’ Association is a nonprofit trade association for professional resume writers.

Their purpose as stated on their website:

To increase the visibility of the industry, encourage ethical practices, promote excellence, and raise industry standards through peer marketing and training.

About the National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA)

The National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA) began in 1996 and was founded by Vivian Belen.

This association was originally not a nonprofit.

It wasn’t until 1997 that they decided to go national and create a nonprofit professional trade association for resume writers.

Today, the National Resume Writers’ Association still values the same principles, is still a member-driven organization, and is still a resource for resume writers as well as consumers looking for professional resume writers.

NRWA: Membership

The National Resume Writers’ Association helps enable resume writers to expand their knowledge and grow in their professional career.

Here are some benefits of becoming an NRWA member:

  • Monthly webinars on resume writing and business building
  • Writing resources for interviewing clients and more
  • Advice on starting a resume writing business
  • Monthly electronic newsletter
  • Discounted annual conference tickets
  • Access to member directory for networking purposes
  • Access to other resume writers willing to share tips
  • Discounted resume writing certifications
  • Receive a listing of your company in the member directory
  • Access to using the NRWA logo on your website
  • And more …

For a full list of membership benefits, check out the membership page here.

NRWA: Certifications

The NRWA offers two certifications for resume writers.

1. NCRW: Nationally Certified Resume Writer

In order to become an NCRW, one must first undergo a two-step exam.

First, each applicant must prove their expertise in the resume-writing industry by presenting evidence of continued learning and development.

Second, applicants submit their best resume and cover letter samples for approval.

Once both of these criteria are met, the applicant must partake in a timed proofreading exam of a resume that is full of errors.

Next, applicants will be provided a candidate profile and asked to write a resume and cover letter based solely on the information provided.

If all goes well, the applicant will receive their NCRW certification.

Learn more about NCRW Certifications here.

2. NCOPE: Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert

In order to become an NCOPE, one must first undergo a rigorous five-week training program and pass the exam.

The training is aimed to help develop expertise in crafting branded, engaging, and value-based LinkedIn profiles.

In addition, you will learn to display LinkedIn recruiter proficiency.

Lastly, to pass the exam you will be required to show an understanding of best practices involved in finding, building, and nurturing online networks.

Learn more about NCOPE Certifications here.

NRWA: Member Directory

The National Resume Writers’ Association provides an excellent directory of all the professional resume writers and nationally certified resume writers.

With more than 500 resume writers to search through, with filters by state, service offerings, and specialties, you are sure to find a great resume writer.

Take a look at the NRWA writer directory.

NRWA: National Resume Writers’ Association Conference

Every year, the National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA) hosts a conference for its members.

The 2020 and 2021 conferences were held virtually because of COVID-19. The 2022 conference is scheduled for September 18th – 20th in New Orleans.

In 2019, the NRWA Conference mixed things up by hosting the event on a cruise for the first time in NRWA history.

The 2019 NRWA Conference Cruise was September 23-27.

The NRWA Conference Cruise took a five-day cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida with ports of call in beautiful Nassau and CocoCay, Bahamas.

What to expect on the cruise:

  • Expert-led presentations
  • Workshops
  • Networking sessions

Conference Registration Costs: $499-$599 for members. $744 for non-members.

Cruise Cabin Costs: $395-$565

For more information on the 2022 event, check out the NRWA 2022 Conference page.

NRWA: Leadership Team

The National Resume Writers’ Association’s current leadership team consists of 17 key individuals.

Many of these leaders offer resume writing services and are some of the very best in their industry.

Kathi Fuller is worthy of noting. She is the president of the NRWA and also one of the top LinkedIn profile writers in the industry.

Sara Timm – President

Kathi Fuller – Immediate Past President

Robert Rosales – President-Elect, Ethics Chair

Donna Tucker – Secretary

Kathy Zeshemberg – Certification Chair

Kristen Schmidt – Marketing Chair

Annette Richmond – Membership Chair

Norine Dagliano – Written Communications Chair

Nancy Grant – Conference Chair

Angelia Knight – Director of Member Support: College Career Centers

Rosalinde Rosado – Director of Member Support: Military and Workforce Career Centers

Thomas Powner – Director of Member Support: Experienced Business Owners (Eastern Region)

Dawn Rasmussen – Director of Member Support: Experienced Business Owners (Western Region)

Paul Bennett – Director of Member Support: New Business Owners (Western Region)

Grant Cooper – Director of Member Support: New Business Owners (Eastern Region)

Adam Zajac – Treasurer

Jean Austin – Education Chair

You can find the whole list of NRWA leaders along with pictures and bios here.

NRWA: Past Presidents

Kathi Fuller (2021 – 2022)

Lorraine Beaman (2020 – 2021)

Virginia Franco (2019 – 2020)

Mary Jo King (2018 – 2019)

Michelle Dumas (2017 – 2018)

Steven Bouchard (2016 – 2017)

Shauna Bryce (2015 – 2016)

Bob Janitz (2014 – 2015)

Marie Zimenoff (2012 – 2013)

Charlotte Weeks (2010 – 2011)

Robyn Feldberg (2008 – 2009)

Kathy Sweeney (2006 – 2007)

Kevin Morris (2005 – 2006)

Linda Matias (2003 – 2005)

Greg Bridgeman (2001 – 2003)

Pat Kendall (1999 – 2001)

Marty Weitzman (1996 – 1999)