There’s a perception that professional resume writers can magically get people jobs.

The truth is that the very best resume writers working in partnership with suitably experienced and credentialed clients, do get people jobs. It’s a team effort.

Unfortunately – and it’s heart breaking – every week I get calls and emails from people who want a resume and cover letter for a job that they have no experience, skills, qualifications or referees for.

The conversation goes like this:

Prospective client: Hullo, I want a resume and cover letter for an entry-level administration job in the SA public service.

Writer: What work are you doing now and have you ever worked in administration?

Client: I work in childcare.

Writer: What computer skills do you have?

Client: Not many. I can use email and play electronic games.

Writer: How many years have you been working in Childcare?

Client: About seven.

Writer: Have you ever worked in an office? Do you have any administration qualifications?

Client: I used to clean offices at night. I have a Certificate in Childcare and a police check.

Enough of that…

We don’t take the client on and we don’t take their money.

If you see a job advertised, stand back and read the advertisement critically. Ask yourself: do I have all or most of the skills, experience, qualifications and capabilities they want? Will my referees back me up in the application?

No matter how much you want the job, be objective. If you need more experience, volunteer. If you need more qualifications, go to TAFE or a private training provider.