Step 1: Sample Résumé and Cover Letter Review 

The Certification Commission recommends that you read The NCRW Study Guide thoroughly before writing and submitting your sample résumé and cover letter for grading. Too many certification candidates fail the writing segment on their first attempt – many because they disregard basic grammar rules and “strategy” concepts that are outlined in The NCRW Study Guide (available only to members as an aid for studying to take the NCRW Exam).

Résumés that meet the grading criteria are:

• Exceptionally well-written – Demonstrating the writer’s command of the English language (e.g., effective word usage, active verbs, appropriate keywords). Certification graders expect that sentence structure will have “integrity” and that writers will strategically present relevant data and exclude/edit nonrelevant data.

• Marketing-oriented– Demonstrating the writer’s ability to effectively “sell” the candidate by presenting qualifying information in the best light (based on candidate’s objectives), and effectively meeting employer’s expectations by focusing on skills and accomplishments that meet the employer’s requirements.

• Thoughtfully executed – Demonstrating the writer’s above-average skill in document preparation, word processing and formatting. Consistency is an important part of the grading criteria.

• Technically correct – Demonstrating the writer’s skills in proofreading, attention to detail and accuracy in writing mechanics, punctuation, grammar, spelling, and syntax.

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