Question 1

What makes Shortlist Resumes different?

Accepted Answer

Every resume we write is built from scratch around your specific goals and target roles. No template driven content, no AI generated paragraphs, no copy and paste from a previous client.

You work directly with a qualified resume writer trained through the Resume Mastery program and a member of Career Directors International. We bring an Australian focus, real understanding of ATS systems, and specialist experience supporting NDIS participants and career changers.

You also stay in control of your budget. A 50% deposit gets your draft started, and you only pay the balance once you've reviewed the draft and you're happy with the direction.

If you'd rather take the DIY path, our ready-made templates give you a professionally designed starting point at a lower price point.

Question 2

Is this better than using AI or templates?

Accepted Answer

Is this better than using AI or templates?
Honest answer: it depends on what you're trying to achieve and what's at stake.
When AI or a template is fine
If you're applying for a casual role, an entry level position, or something where competition is light, a well written template or a carefully prompted AI tool can do the job. They're cheap, fast, and accessible. That's why we offer professionally designed templates as a separate product, for clients who want a strong starting point but prefer the DIY path.
Where AI and templates fall short
AI tools work from patterns in existing data. They generate content that sounds plausible on the surface, but they miss the strategy, positioning, and personalisation needed to stand out. They overlook the specific achievements, transferable skills, and language that actually move the needle for your target role. They also struggle with career changes, complex work histories, employment gaps, and industry specific positioning.
Templates give you a structure, but they don't tell you what to write inside that structure, how to quantify your achievements, or how to position yourself against other applicants going for the same role.
Both produce documents that look right at a glance but read as generic the moment a recruiter spends more than 10 seconds on them.
What a professional service adds
A professionally written resume is built around strategy first, then words. We dig into your career history, identify the achievements that matter for your target roles, translate them into recruiter friendly language, structure them for ATS scanning, and write the whole thing in a way that sounds like you, not like an algorithm.
You also get something AI and templates can't offer: judgment. Decisions about what to include, what to leave out, how to handle a gap or a sideways move, and how to position you for the specific direction you want your career to go.
When professional writing is worth the investment
You're applying for a senior or specialist role where competition is strong.
You're changing industries or career paths and need a translator for your transferable skills.
You're returning to work after a break and need to position your experience confidently.
You're an NDIS participant working toward employment and want a document that does the heavy lifting for you.
You've been applying with a template or AI resume and not getting interviews.
The short version
AI and templates are tools. A professional resume writer is a strategist with writing skills. Use the right one for the stakes involved.

AI Resume vs Professional Resume

Question 3

How does the process work?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Get in touch
Submit an intake form, send us an email, or book a free 15 minute discovery call. We'll confirm which package suits your situation, your career level, your target roles, and your turnaround needs.
Step 2: Pay your 50% deposit
Once you've chosen your package, you pay a 50% non-refundable deposit. This locks in your start date and confirms your booking. You'll receive an invoice and a payment link by email.
Step 3: Send us the details
You'll complete a detailed intake form covering your work history, achievements, qualifications, and target roles. The more thorough you are here, the stronger your final document will be. We may follow up with a phone call or email to clarify anything we need.
Step 4: We write your draft
Your draft is built from scratch over 3 to 7 business days, depending on the package and complexity. No templates, no recycled content, no AI generated paragraphs.
Step 5: Review your watermarked draft
You receive a watermarked PDF draft for review. You have 14 days to send back feedback, requested changes, or approval. Each package includes a set number of revision rounds within the original scope.
Step 6: Pay the balance
Once you approve the final draft, you pay the remaining 50% balance.
Step 7: Receive your final documents
We send you the final unwatermarked files in both Word and PDF format, ready to use immediately. You also get a short guide on how to use them effectively.
Step 8: 30 day follow up
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Question 4

Will my resume be ATS friendly?

Accepted Answer

Will my resume be ATS friendly?
Yes. Every resume we write is built to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human ever sees it.
What ATS actually is
Most medium and large employers use software to filter applications before they reach a recruiter. The system scans your resume for keywords, role titles, qualifications, and dates, then ranks you against the job criteria. If your resume isn't structured in a way the software can read, it can be filtered out before anyone reviews it. This happens to strong candidates every day.
How we make your resume ATS ready
We use clean, standard section headings that ATS software recognises, such as Professional Experience, Education, and Skills.
We avoid the design elements that break ATS parsing, including tables, text boxes, columns, headers and footers, embedded images, and uncommon fonts.
We mirror keywords and phrases from the types of roles you're targeting, so the software flags you as a strong match.
We deliver your final resume in both Word and PDF format, because some ATS systems read one format better than the other.
We structure dates, job titles, and employers in a consistent format the system can extract cleanly.
Honest note
No resume writer can claim 100% compatibility with every ATS in existence, because some employers use custom or older systems with their own quirks. What we can promise is that your resume will follow current best practice for the major ATS platforms used across Australia,  SEEK, and LinkedIn.
We also coach you on how to tailor keywords for each specific job application, because the strongest ATS match comes from aligning your resume to the wording in the actual job ad.

Question 5

Do I need to have a resume already?

Accepted Answer

Do I need to have a resume already?
No. You can start with us whether you have an existing resume, an outdated one, a half finished draft, or nothing at all.
If you don't have a resume
That's completely fine. Our intake form walks you through every section step by step, asking about your work history, education, achievements, skills, and goals. You don't need to know how to structure a resume, what to include, or how to word your experience. That's our job. You just supply the raw information and we build it from scratch.
This is the most common starting point for school leavers, students entering the workforce, NDIS participants working toward employment, and people returning to work after time away.
If you have a resume already
Send it through with your intake form. We'll use it as a reference point to understand your background and identify any gaps, but we don't simply edit or polish your existing document. Every resume we deliver is rebuilt from the ground up so the strategy, positioning, and structure are working for your current goals, not for whatever the document was originally written for.
If you only have a LinkedIn profile
That also works. Share the link in your intake form and we'll pull the relevant details from there to get started.
The bottom line
You don't need to have anything ready before you book. You just need to be willing to share your story. We'll handle the rest.

Question 6

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

How long does it take?
Standard turnaround is 3 to 7 business days from the day you submit your completed intake form and pay your deposit.
What affects the timeline
The package you choose. A student or entry level resume typically turns around faster than an executive or career change resume, which requires more research and strategic positioning.
How quickly you respond. The clock starts when we receive your fully completed intake form. If we need to chase you for missing details, that adds to the timeline.
Revision rounds. After your draft is delivered, you have up to 14 days to review and request changes. Faster feedback means a faster final delivery.
The complexity of your background. Career changers, senior professionals with 20+ years of history, and clients with international experience usually need an extra day or two.
Typical timelines by package
Student and entry level resumes: 3 to 4 business days for the first draft
Mid career resume: 4 to 5 business days
Senior or executive resume: 5 to 7 business days
Career change or specialist positioning: up to 7 business days
LinkedIn profile optimisation: 2 to 3 business days
Cover letter: 1 to 2 business days when ordered alongside a resume
Need it faster?
Rush service is available for an additional fee where capacity allows. Rush turnaround is typically 48 hours from receipt of your completed intake form. Contact us before booking to confirm rush availability for your specific dates.
Final delivery timing
The 3 to 7 business days covers the first draft only. After your draft is delivered, allow another 2 to 5 business days for revisions, your balance payment to clear, and final files to be issued.
From booking to final files in hand, most clients receive their completed package within 7 to 14 calendar days.

Question 7

What will I receive?

Accepted Answer

What will I receive?
Every client receives a complete, professionally written package, delivered to your inbox once your final payment has cleared.
Format and accessibility
All documents are delivered in standard accessible formats. If you require an alternative format such as large print, plain text, or a screen reader friendly version, let us know during intake and we'll provide it at no additional cost.
How you receive your files
Final files are sent to the email address you provided during intake, with download links that remain active for 30 days. We recommend saving copies to your own cloud storage or device immediately on receipt.

Question 8

Why do you limit the number of clients?

Accepted Answer

Why do you limit the number of clients?
Because resume writing done well takes time, and rushing it produces a weaker result.
We cap our active projects / clients per week. That cap exists for one reason: every client we take on deserves the same depth of research, strategic thinking, and careful writing as every other client. We don't take on more work than we can do properly.
What that means for you
You work directly with the writer, not a faceless team or a junior outsourcing through the back end.
You get faster turnaround on questions and revisions, because there isn't a queue of 50 other clients ahead of you.
Your draft is written in one focused sitting, not stitched together over fragmented hours between rushed projects.
We have time to dig into your background, ask the right follow up questions, and write content that reads like you.
What it doesn't mean
It doesn't mean a long wait to get started. If our weekly cap is full, we book you into the next available slot. Most clients are in and out within 7 to 14 calendar days from booking to final file.

Question 9

What are your resume writing fees?

Accepted Answer

Our fixed packages range from $149 to $479, depending on the service you need. You pay a 50% deposit to get started, then the final 50% after you approve your watermarked draft. There are no hidden fees, and any extra work is quoted upfront. If you’re not sure which package suits you, send us your current resume and the role you’re targeting, and we’ll guide you.

Question 10

Can I see samples of your previous work?

Accepted Answer

We treat every client's resume as confidential, so we don't publish full resumes online or share them with prospective clients.

What we can offer:
Redacted sample resumes on request, with all identifying client information removed, so you can see our writing style and document structure.
Client testimonials and reviews from past clients who have given permission to be quoted.
Our resume template designs, which show the visual style and formatting standards we apply to every document.
If you'd like to see a redacted sample relevant to your industry or career level, email us at info@shortlistresumes.com.au and we'll send what we have available.

Question 11

Do you work with NDIS participants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Supporting NDIS participants into meaningful employment is one of our specialist areas.
Shortlist Resumes is a non-registered NDIS provider working with self managed and plan managed participants. Services are delivered under Capacity Building, Finding and Keeping a Job.

How it works:
You or your Support Coordinator confirm the service aligns with your NDIS plan and funding category.
We complete the intake process with you at a pace that suits you, with extra time allowed for video or phone consultations if preferred.

Invoices are issued in line with the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
Plan managed participants provide their plan manager's contact details for direct invoicing.
If you're a Support Coordinator inquiring on behalf of a participant, you're welcome to contact us directly to discuss the participant's needs.

Question 12

Are you qualified to write my resume?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Resume writing is a skill, and we've invested in the training that backs it up.
Shortlist Resumes is led by a qualified resume writer trained through the Resume Mastery program, a comprehensive professional development course covering modern resume strategy, ATS optimisation, achievement based writing, and senior level positioning.

We're also a member of Career Directors International, a global professional association for career industry practitioners, which keeps us connected to current best practice and ongoing professional development.

Combined with practical experience writing resumes across a wide range of industries, career levels, and client situations including NDIS participants, career changers, and people returning to work, you're working with someone who treats this as a craft, not a side hustle.

Question 13

Do you offer rush turnaround?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when capacity allows.
Rush service delivers your first draft within 48 hours of receiving your completed intake form and deposit payment. Rush turnaround attracts an additional fee, quoted to you before booking.

Rush isn't always available, especially during peak hiring seasons or when our weekly client cap is full. Contact us before booking to confirm rush availability for your specific dates at info@shortlistresumes.com.au

If rush isn't available for your timeline, we'll let you know upfront so you can plan accordingly.

Question 14

Is my personal information kept private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We take your privacy seriously.
Everything you share with us during the intake process and the writing process, including your work history, qualifications, personal circumstances, and any sensitive information, is kept confidential and used only to deliver the service you've commissioned.

We don't sell, rent, or share your data with third parties. We don't publish your resume publicly. We don't quote you in marketing without your written permission.

Your information is stored on secure, encrypted cloud systems, and access is limited to the writer working on your project.
Full detail on what we collect, how we use it, how long we keep it, and your rights under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles is set out in our Privacy Policy.

Question 15

What information will I need to provide for my resume?

Accepted Answer

We make this part as easy as possible.
After you book, you'll receive a link to our intake form. The form walks you through every section step by step. You don't need to know how to structure a resume or what to include. The form asks the right questions and you answer in your own words.

Information we typically ask for:
Your contact details, including your preferred email address and phone number.

A list of your past roles, including job titles, employers, dates of employment, and main responsibilities.

Achievements and outcomes from each role, including any numbers, percentages, awards, or measurable results you can share.

Your education, qualifications, certifications, and professional memberships.

Your target roles, industries, and career goals.
Any specific job ads or position descriptions you're applying for.

Supporting documents such as your existing resume, LinkedIn profile, or any reference letters, performance reviews, or position descriptions that might be useful.

We may follow up with a phone call or email if we need to clarify anything. The more detail you provide upfront, the stronger your final resume will be.

Question 16

Can you also write my cover letter?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can add a cover letter to your resume order, or book it on its own. We’ll tailor it to your target role, highlight your strongest selling points, and write it in a clear, professional tone that feels like you. If you’re not sure what you need, send us your resume and the role you’re aiming for, and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Question 17

Can you help with selection criteria responses?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We can write or refine selection criteria responses for Australian jobs, including government and other roles that require detailed application answers. We focus on clear, well-structured responses that address each criterion properly and present your experience in the strongest possible way.

Question 18

Can you help if I’m changing careers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Career change resumes are a great fit for our service. We focus on transferable skills, relevant achievements, and a clear story that shows why you’re a strong match for your new direction, even if your background is in a different industry.

Question 19

Can you help students or graduates who don’t have much experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, definitely. Student resumes are one of our core services. We know how to present study, placements, volunteer work, casual jobs, achievements, and transferable skills in a way that looks polished and job-ready, even if you’re just starting out.

Question 20

How many revisions are included?

Accepted Answer

Every resume package includes two rounds of revisions. That gives you the chance to refine the draft after you’ve reviewed it and make sure it feels right for the role you’re targeting. If you need additional changes outside the original scope, we’ll always discuss that with you first.

Question 21

Do you write LinkedIn profiles as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can help with LinkedIn profiles as part of your job search documents. If you’d like LinkedIn support, let us know when you get in touch and we’ll recommend the right package based on what you need.

Question 22

How do I know which package is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Send us your current resume, if you have one, plus a quick note about the role or roles you’re targeting. We’ll review it and reply within 1 to 2 business days with the package we recommend and a quote. If you’re not sure where to start, that’s completely fine — we’ll guide you.

Professional Resume Writing Services in Australia

You Asked. We Answered.