There are people who take photos on their phone, and there are photographers. There are people who write everyday, and there are writers. There are people who have referred folks to jobs, hired people, played matchmaker, and there are recruiters.

There are certainly many people who can and have bridged the gap from being a novice at something to a respected professional. But until you’ve been the latter, don’t assume you know what it entails.

I’ve been a writer. Actually got paid for it. But I would never assume to be a writer now.

When the economy is good I see a lot of people jump on the recruiting and career guidance bandwagon. You might think, “Companies are hiring, I could help with that!” Great, but if you do….you’re a novice, don’t represent yourself as a professional. You have to earn that distinction.