Define Your Direction: The First Step in Resume Writing

Before you sit down to write your resume—before you even think about bullet points or formatting—pause. Ask yourself one simple question:

Why am I writing this in the first place?

It sounds basic, but it’s the single most overlooked step in resume writing. Most people don’t start with intention—they start with urgency. They just graduated. They’ve been laid off. Their partner’s job is moving them across the country. The company they’ve built their career with is restructuring. So, they rush to open a Google doc, throw together a few job titles, and hope for the best.

We’re not going to do that.

The First “R” of Resume Development: Reason

At H2B, we always guide job seekers to begin with what we call the first “R” of resume development: Reason. This is about getting clear on your purpose. Before you craft your professional story, you need to define the destination. Because your resume isn’t just a record of the past—it’s a tool to help you move forward!

Ask yourself, “What am I trying to accomplish with this resume?”

Most people fall into one of three categories:

1. New Employment

You’re entering the workforce for the first time—or re-entering it after a break. Maybe you’re exploring an entirely new industry or career path. Your goal is to establish a strong foundation.

2. Better Employment

You like what you do, but not where (or who) you do it for. You’re seeking the same kind of role, but in a more aligned company, culture, or environment.

3. Elevated Employment

You’ve learned what you needed to at your current level, and now you’re ready to level up. You want to move into a position with more scope, more responsibility, or more alignment with your long-term goals.

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Knowing your reason gives your resume direction. It ensures your message is intentional, not reactive. And it helps hiring managers understand not just what you’ve done—but what you’re ready for next.

When we skip this step, we end up with generic resumes that try to appeal to everyone—and ultimately resonate with no one.

So before you write a single word, sit with it.

Where are you in your career journey?

What does this next chapter look like?

What’s the purpose behind this piece of paper?

Define that first. Then let your resume do the talking!

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Coming up: We’ll look at the second “R” of resume development—Reflection—and why your best resume starts with knowing yourself better.