The Résumé and the Cover Letter are the two critical selling mediums by which candidates represent themselves to potential employees. A résumé is a professional introduction meant to encourage a one-on-one interview situation; an opportunity for communication that can lead to a job offer. It is a rare candidate who is hired by his or her résumé alone. It is just as rare to be offered an interview without one.

A résumé is often the first line of contact. It establishes a first impression of a potential job candidate's skills, background and hiring value. If written well, this impression can be a positive one, offering the reader a sense of the candidate's "fit" for the position and company being targeted. If written really well, it may convince the reader that the job candidate is the person most ideally suited for the job. When coupled with an effective cover letter, the resume can be a very strong marketing tool.

Preparing a résumé may be seen as a nuisance, but having a well-constructed, well-designed résumé is an important part of your job search.

A great résumé does what all good marketing pieces do: it sells the "consumer" (the potential employer or hiring manager) on the "product" (you). This workshop aims to prepare and enable the candidate to tailor a great résumé and accompanying cover letter.