Q:  I heard that sometimes there are unpublished openings, so if I have similar skills to a position that is advertised, I should send my resume anyway in case there are other openings.  Is that true?

A:  No.  That was true many years ago when most advertising was done in a newspaper.  Ads cost money and it was difficult to rotate ads on a daily basis. With the advent of the internet, if you don't have the skills you won't be considered for that position and it is not highly likely that there is another more junior or similar position unless stated in the ad.

Q. Why can't the agency find me a job?

A. Agencies are hired by companies to find people not the other way around.  That is why you should never pay a fee to an employment service in California unless it is licensed by the state. 

Q. I don't have a resume, can't I just come in and fill out an application?

A. The short answer is yes.  A good employment services is not in the business of discriminating against anyone.  There are however some things you should consider,

1. If you have job skills similar to other candidates that have resumes, they may be seen as better prepared candidates
2. When you fill out an application, you need to be as complete and accurate as possible to make yourself as presentable a candidate as possible.  If you do not have a resume with dates and places where you work, you need to have the information in a file so you can fill out an application correctly.  If you have that information, then why not put together a resume to make yourself a better candidate?
3. You may want to call and feel them out to see if they have openings or expect any in the near future before you go in.  While it is against the law for them to not take your application, it might be a better use of your time and gas money to fill out an application at an employment service that has positions that fit your skills.  So use the phone first before you spend time and gas money.