Did I ever tell you the story about the time an unemployed resume writer who wanted me to write her resume for a job as a resume writer?

I said, “Sure, for 15 per cent of your first year’s pay.”

Oddly, I never heard from her again.

In America, top resume writers will charge around one per cent of a person’s first year’s income. They get people in the executive interview hot seat for the big bucks.

I prefer to work more in partnership with the client, but every now and then I’ll go top shelf.

I write mainly for Adelaide people and I pick up a few clients from Sydney every week or two.

I started Republic because I like using my writing skills and experience to get people short-listed for work. How important is a job?

One client, a man in his 30’s with a wife and two young kids, was down to his last $500, when he scored a job with my help. I could hear the relief in his voice – and the pride.

My work is very niche, devising propaganda and persuasion techniques; using content, structure and formatting, to get the client on top of the must interview pile.

I also give interview tips for short-listed clients. These are confidential and go straight to the heart and head of an employer or recruiter.

I’m an early riser. Even before I open my email at 7.00am, I’ve written 500 words of a short story, checked the local and international news (an old habit) and written the blog. Then I go for a swim.

Republic mainly focuses on resumes and cover letters but I also write speeches and assist businesses with marketing and advertising copy. I sometimes help migrants write letters, like a scribe in ancient Persia or medieval times.

I write short stories too. Some have been published. Some of the stories are silly, cruel, funny, sad and absurd. I write about life.

I used to work in PR, Advertising, as a journalist and then as a Senior Media Adviser. Goodbye to all that. I must have learnt something over the years.

I’ve learnt that one never stops learning to be a better writer.