rules for a professional biography

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Ian doesn't take his bio too seriously but uses every character to highlight everything about him.

He includes his skills as a marketer and podcast host, who he is outside work as a dad, and what he can help you do. His smiles also give the bio a sense of humor and realness.

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How To Write a Professional Bio To Stand Out

To many, writing your own professional biography can feel awkward and uncomfortable. Which information should make the cut? How should it be presented? And where’s the fine line between showcasing your personal and professional accomplishments versus flat-out bragging?

The good news is, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you decide how to write a professional bio with finesse. In this article, we’ll give you some inspiration, including best practices and examples.

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What is a professional bio? 

A professional bio is a short overview of your professional skills, accomplishments, and experience. Once you move past the general definition, you’ll see that there are many ways to write, present, and publish one. 

For example, you’ll find them in third person (he, she, they) or in first person (I). You’ll find them on personal websites and company websites. You’ll find professional bios that are several paragraphs long, or just a few sentences. You’ll find them printed in books and magazines, nestled into sidebars on a webpage, and brandished across dedicated pages. 

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It’s not an exaggeration to say that you have a whole world of options for your own professional bio.

Components of a professional bio

Start with your name in your bio, followed by your primary roles and accomplishments. Adapt it to your specific career and audience. Here are the key elements to include in a professional bio: 

Name . The foundational starting point.

Predominant roles or titles . Highlight key positions you’ve held.

Current position. Describe where you are now and your core responsibilities.

Employment history . A brief backtrack through your career milestones.

Recognized achievements . List any awards or notable publications.

Skills. Point out what you bring to the table.

Education . Mention your academic achievements and degrees.

Personal insights . Share a bit about your hobbies , family, and where you reside.

Professional bio vs. résumé: What’s the difference? 

A professional bio has many of the same elements as a résumé, but the two differ in terms of style and formatting. A professional bio provides a brief, story-like overview of your major work achievements. Meanwhile, a résumé lays out a detailed map of your entire work path, usually split into sections with bullet points.

How to write a professional bio 

While every bio will be different, there are some ground rules to follow to help make sure you’re covering the main bases.

1. Know your goals 

Before you write a bio, it’s helpful to know where it is going to be published or placed, who’s going to be reading it, and what you want them to walk away thinking after they’ve read it. When you know these details, you’ll have more direction in terms of the bio length, the types of points you want to hit, and the best tone and style to write with.

For example, when it comes to first person versus third person, there are certain places where each is more appropriate. Your company website may be better with third person, while something like a personal website bio may require a first person POV.

Similarly, something like a company website will likely be more suited for a formal, professional tone. On the other hand, a personal bio can be a place to build a personal brand , showing more personality and using a casual and colloquial tone.

2. List out your high points 

Now it’s time for the brainstorming. In this phase, you’ll write down anything and everything that might be relevant or helpful for a bio. This can include things like:

• Professional accomplishments
• Professional skills
• Any awards, recognitions, or accolades
• Current and previous job titles
• Leadership roles
• Personal details that showcase your skills, experience, and passions
• Personal interests like hobbies 

You can treat this as a “master list” of sorts—keep it handy so you can reference it every time you need to write a professional bio. That way, you can come back to it and keep using it for inspiration instead of starting from scratch.

3. Write the first draft

Once you’ve got a juicy list of potential content to include, it’s time to put it all into one cohesive piece. There’s no single right way to determine the flow and order of your key points. 

Generally speaking, you might start with your current work and activities, as well as “front-loading” your most impressive accomplishments and achievements. If you’ve won any awards or gotten special recognition, don’t be shy to brag about yourself.

After listing the most relevant and impressive details, move through to your general skills, experience, and background. Then you can finish off with personal details.

If you’re not particularly keen on writing it yourself, consider hiring an experienced writer to do it for you. You can send them resources like your résumé or CV, the list from step 2, and any bios you’d like them to model.

4. Ask for feedback

Send your draft to some trusted peers or mentors to see what comments they might have to offer. You might also consider hiring a professional, like a career coach or freelance writer to help give feedback. 

5. Proof and revise

After drafting your professional bio, it's wise to set it aside for a short interval, whether that's half an hour or overnight. This pause lets you return with fresh eyes, ensuring that your bio accurately reflects your accomplishments and matches your intended goals. 

If your narrative doesn't quite align, make the necessary adjustments. Focus on clarity and conciseness, trimming any excess information. Prioritize the most significant achievements, ensuring they take center stage. 

Remember, your bio should serve as a bridge between your past accomplishments and future aspirations. 

Professional bio examples

Let’s look at some engaging and effective bios for a fresh dose of inspiration. 

Professional bio example #1: Personal website

On her personal website, Arianna Huffington (of The Huffington Post fame) has a great example of a short professional bio written in the third person for a dedicated webpage. It cuts right to the chase, mentioning her entrepreneurial endeavors and the 15 books she’s written.

She goes on to mention her accolades, like being named one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine, as well as listing the books that became instant international bestsellers. 

Professional bio example #2: LinkedIn

In this example, entrepreneur Jordan Hall starts his first-person LinkedIn bio with some storytelling, explaining a university fascination that ultimately shaped his career trajectory. He mentions his roles working for and co-founding organizations that have disrupted their industries and contributed positive change. It ends with a link to his writings on Medium. 

Professional bio #3: Company website

Heifer International is an organization working to end hunger and poverty by supporting local farmers globally. In the professional bio of its president and CEO, Surita Sandosham, the company uses third person to explain her decades of leadership and experience with humanitarian organizations and nonprofits.

It goes on to list her education and more career background. It ends with a link to her Twitter account, where you can continue to learn about her and what she’s working on. 

Professional bio template ideas

Writing a bio is an essential aspect of personal branding and professional networking. Here are some bio templates to get you started, structured in different formats and styles:

Third-person short bio templates

• [NAME] is the [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY]. Passionate about ____, ____, and ____, he/she brings extensive experience from the ____ industry. During off hours, [NAME] enjoys ____ and ____.
• Based in [Location], [NAME]'s notable contributions are in ____ and ____. Leading ____ at [COMPANY], in his/her free time, [NAME] can be found ____, ____, or ____.

First-person short bio templates

• Hi, I’m [NAME], the [Job Title] at [Company] in [Location]. My day involves ____, ____, and ____. After work, I often ____ or ____. Connect with me on Twitter: @YourHandleHere.
• For many, ____ might be routine. But for me, [FIRST NAME], it's been my passion for [Number] years. Now at [Company] as a [Job Title], I work on ____, ____, and ____. I’m truly living my passion.

Third-person long bio templates

• [Name] holds the position of [Job Title] at [Company]. Before this, he/she was a [Previous Job Title 1] at [Previous Company 1] and later a [Previous Job Title 2] at [Previous Company 2]. Alongside, [Name] has collaborated with ____, ____, and ____. With a [Degree] from [School] and another [Second Degree] from [Second School], during leisure, [Name] loves to ____, ____, and ____.
• [NAME], the [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY], manages tasks like ____, ____, and ____. Aimed at ____, he/she is always on the move to improve ____ and devise ____. Previously, [NAME] worked as [PREVIOUS JOB TITLE] at [PREVIOUS COMPANY], honing skills in ____ and ____. Recognized for his/her efforts, [NAME] has been featured in ____ and ____ and has spoken at events like ____, ____, and ____.

These templates should make it easy to write your professional bio. Remember to personalize them to reflect your true essence and accomplishments.

Let your value shine through 

As we’ve discussed, writing a professional bio is an essential exercise in personal branding. The important thing is that you’re focusing on showcasing the value that you can offer, the skills and experience you can bring to the table, and the things in your personal and professional life that you’re proud of.

If you can take these key points and wrap them up into an engaging and captivating piece, you’re well on your way to getting the recognition and credibility you deserve.

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How to write a professional bio (with examples and templates)

• Rebecca Strehlow
• 11 min read

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Which three words would you use to describe yourself? Most of us have been asked this question, and many of us have fumbled through it awkwardly.

Coming up with a personal description can be daunting. But there are times when it’s essential - whether we’re updating our LinkedIn profiles, blogging for Medium or creating a business website of our own.

In this post, we’ll go over how to write a bio, step by step. To help guide you, we’ve also included a handy template, along with some professional bio examples for your inspiration. With these resources, you’ll find that writing a bio, as part of making a website , is much easier than you might think.

What is a bio?

Before you learn how to write a bio, you should have a clear understanding of what it is and why you need it.

In the world of literature, a personal biography can span the length of an entire novel, like Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom or Malala Yousafzai’s I Am Malala . In the online world, however, a bio is a short paragraph in which you introduce yourself. Typically, people place bios on the About Us page of their professional website, as well as on their social media pages and other networking platforms.

What to include in a bio

Depending on your audience and goals, your bio can highlight your personal interests, your professional achievements or a mix of both. Here are some of the elements a bio might include:

Job title or workplace

University degree and other qualifications

Hometown or city of residence

Personal or professional goals

Mission statement and values

Skills and expertise

Interests and hobbies

The goal of writing a bio is to provide people with a snapshot of who you are. This is important for a variety of reasons, whether it’s drawing people toward your personal website or promoting your blog, attracting clients and business partners to your brand, or highlighting your achievements for job interviews.

How to write a short bio

The most effective online bios are both professional and concise. Here’s how to write a short professional bio that suits your website or brand:

Introduce yourself

State your company or brand name

Explain your professional role

Include professional achievements

Discuss your passions and values

Mention your personal interests

01. Introduce yourself

Begin your bio by stating your first and last name. If you’re writing in the third person, these should be the first two words of the paragraph. This makes your name easy for your audience to identify and remember. Your bio is a huge part of your personal branding efforts, and should start with a strong intro to make a positive impact.

02. State your company or brand name

Think about whether you want your bio to represent yourself on a personal level, or whether you’d like it to come across as more professional. If you have a personal brand or business - for example, a blog, freelance business or eCommerce site - be sure to mention your brand name at the beginning of your bio. Don’t be afraid if the name sounds simple or redundant. It’s perfectly fine, for instance, to say Mary Smith is the founder and CEO of Smith Digital.

Likewise, feel free to mention the name of another company or brand that you work for if you’d like to associate it with your professional accomplishments - e.g., Mary Smith is a consultant at Google and the founder and CEO of Smith Digital.

03. Explain your professional role

Next, briefly explain your current position. This is relevant whether you’re the founder of a company, a high-level specialist or a beginner in your field, and it can be similar to the description you have on your resume. Your website visitors won’t necessarily know what your job involves, so elaborating on your primary responsibilities helps paint a picture of who you are and what you have to offer. This can also be used, if needed for employment and recruitment opportunities. If you're a freelancer a strong bio can make all the difference in how successful sourcing work can be.

04. Include professional achievements

In addition to explaining what your job entails, highlight milestones that make you stand out. Even if you haven’t won an award or gained external recognition, you can discuss ways in which you’ve contributed to your professional role and touch on new ideas or approaches that you bring to the table.

05. Discuss your passions and values

Once you describe what you do and how you contribute to your role, you’ll need to explain the why . This is one of the most important elements to focus on as you consider how to write a bio.

Think about the values and passions underlying your work, as well as your professional philosophy. What gets you up in the morning? What’s the driving force behind what you do?

You can also think of this part of your professional bio as a kind of mission statement. Perhaps your mission is to serve others, contribute to society, grow your expertise or learn new skills. Whatever your reasons, expanding upon these ideas can help your audience get a better understanding of what truly matters to you. Don't be afraid to deploy storytelling in this part of creating your bio. Explore your narrative and then convey it.

06. Mention your personal interests

The most effective short bios will not only focus on your professional experience, but will also touch on what you like to do in your spare time. Consider mentioning:

Your family

Your hometown

Your hobbies

Side projects you’re working on

Transitioning to a more casual discussion of who you are outside of work is a great way to conclude your bio. This will present you as a more well-rounded person while making you relatable for your audience.

Professional bio template

As you go through the steps on how to write a bio, this handy template will help you get started:

Sentence 1: [Name] is a [job title] who [job description].

E.g., Lisa Green is an English teacher who teaches beginning to advanced literature courses for 10th and 11th grade students at Bloomfield High School.

Sentence 2: [Name] believes that [why you do the work you do].

E.g., Lisa believes that written and analytical skills are not only a fundamental part of academic excellence, but are also the building blocks of critical thinking in high school and beyond.

Sentence 3: [Name/pronoun] has [mention your achievements].

E.g., In addition to managing the English curriculum for the school, she runs an after school program where she works one-on-one with students.

Sentence 4: [Name/pronoun] is a [mention any relevant awards, training or honors].

E.g., She has also been nominated Teacher of the Year for two consecutive years.

Sentence 5: [Name/pronoun] holds a [insert degree] in [field of study] from [university].

E.g., Lisa holds a BA in Creative Writing and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Michigan.

Once you’ve filled in this template, put it all together into a single paragraph to create an initial framework for your professional biography. Note that you can shorten or expand upon this bio according to your unique needs.

Professional bio examples

Now that you know the basics of writing a professional bio, here are some short bio examples to inspire you. You can use these examples as additional templates for guidance as you craft your own personal biography.

Like the creators of these examples, you can place your bio on your personal or professional website and, later, revise the structure for other online platforms.

01. Bristol Guitar Making School

Of all the professional bio examples, Alex Bishop’s content exudes passion. Strategically placing the bio on the About page of his small business website , he highlights his skills and explains why he finds his work meaningful. In particular, we love his description of why he chose to pursue guitar making:

“​My passion as a guitar maker comes from a life-long obsession with making things. From a young age I have always tried to manipulate objects and materials in order to create something entirely different. I find that working with wood is a way for me to connect with nature. The simple act of shaping wood to make something functional or beautiful brings me endless satisfaction.”

He also lists his accomplishments and awards, adding credibility to his business and building trust among prospective clients.

02. Alexandra Zsigmond

As someone who has served as art director for both The New York Times' opinion section and The New Yorker , it's no surprise that Alexandra Zsigmond's bio is thorough and detailed. Providing statistics or reflections on the things she achieved in her career is a clever way to demonstrate her value without saying so directly. As she explains:

"She has collaborated with a roster of over 1000 artists worldwide and art directed over 4000 editorial illustrations. She is known for greatly expanding the range of visual contributors to the Times, drawing equally from the worlds of contemporary illustration, fine art, animation, and comics."

03. Amanda Shields Interiors

Amanda Shields provides us with another effective bio example on her interior design website. Importantly, she spices up her bio by explaining how home decor aligns with her personal life and why it’s so close to her heart as a mother and entrepreneur:

"After working as a product designer for numerous retailers over the years, and after I had my first child, I decided to take the plunge and start my own home staging business…. Coincidentally, a month later I discovered I was pregnant with my second child. I loved the new challenges I faced as a new entrepreneur and mom and it didn't take long for me to discover that this was my calling…. I felt the need to expand my business and launch Amanda Shields Interiors as its own entity to focus specifically on residential interiors and design."

By placing this content on her website’s About page, she provides potential clients with insights into her expertise and professional experience. She expands upon the choices she made along her career path, strategically making note of her achievements and acquired skills along the way.

Tips for writing a bio

As you write your bio using the professional template above, make sure to keep the following tips in mind:

Keep it concise: Your bio should be sufficiently explanatory, but it should also be short and to the point. A good rule of thumb is to keep each element of your bio - from your job description to your mission statement and hobbies - to about 1-2 sentences. That way, you’ll end up with a brief paragraph that holds your readers’ attention without rambling on.

Consider your audience: The voice and tone you choose for your biography largely depends on your audience and personal goals. If you’re looking for a job and are writing primarily for recruiters, you’ll want to use a serious, professional tone. On the other hand, if you’re creating an Instagram bio , consider using more casual, conversational language that reflects your personality.

Add humor: Relatedly, consider adding humor when appropriate. This is especially valuable if you’ve founded your own business or created your own website , as it can give you a distinct brand identity while helping your audience build a stronger sense of connection with your brand.

Link to your website: When writing a bio for a platform other than your own website - a social media page, another company page, or a guest blog or publication - remember to include a link to your website. This will help you promote your website while highlighting your professionalism and authority.

Adapt for different platforms: You’ll most likely need to adapt the length and writing style of your biography to suit different platforms. For example, you may place a longer bio on your website’s About page and a shorter one on your LinkedIn page. In these cases, use the same main principles for writing a bio while scaling down the most important elements.

By following these tips, you can create a powerful bio that helps you stand out in your field and allows your audience to get to know you better.

How to write a bio in four sentences or less

Really need to create a super short bio? We'd suggest following some of the tips above, just condensing them into less word for a short bio that still makes impact.

But if we really had to choose we'd say focus on - you, your professional role and company. That condenses everything that matters for bio into three sentences. Humor, creativity and uniqueness still all matter - just use fewer words to convey them.

Creating a bio for your website

As we’ve noted in the examples above, one of the most strategic places to put your bio is on your website - so be sure to consider it within your web design plans. Whether the goal of your site is to start and promote your business , showcase your design portfolio or display your resume, including a bio gives your audience a glimpse into the person behind your content. It can also kickstart your professional growth . Show the world what you do, how you do it and why it matters, and people will be drawn to your passion and inspired by your experience.

Pro tip: You can add a bio to many different types of websites, so using templates can help you create yours faster. For example, if you're creating a portfolio website , explore portfolio website templates to help you get started.

Creating a bio for social media

Crafting a professional bio for social media is vital as it introduces you or your brand, and it builds credibility and trust. A well-written bio establishes your expertise, attracts the right audience, and fosters engagement. It helps maintain a consistent brand image, optimizes search and discovery, and opens doors to networking and career opportunities. A compelling bio delivers a concise, informative snapshot of who you are, what you do, and the value you bring, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and potential collaborators alike.

You may need to edit your bio depending on which social media platform you plan to use it on. Some of the most popular ones include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Focus on getting your bio right on the platforms you plan to focus your personal or brand social media marketing efforts on.

Writing a bio with AI

If you're looking to write your bio fast while creating your website, consider using an AI text generator to build your draft. You'll still need to make sure it goes through. an intensive editing process, so that it really captures the essence of who you are and your professional skills. A bio is about much more than just basic information, so don't forget to include the storytelling too. Build a website with Wix and you can make use of the in-built AI text generator within its Editor .

Why good bios are important for a professional

In a world where first impressions matter, a well-crafted bio can make a significant impact in establishing trust and credibility with potential clients, employers or collaborators. It also offers insight into your personality and values, helping to forge authentic connections with your audience. It acts as a powerful tool for personal branding, allowing you to differentiate yourself in a competitive landscape and leave a memorable impression.

A strong bio also serves as a gateway to opportunities, whether it's securing new clients, landing job interviews or establishing partnerships. It acts as a professional introduction, allowing you to showcase your expertise. A polished and impactful bio is essential for you to effectively communicate your professional identity and stand out in your field.

Writing a bio without experience

Writing a bio when you don't yet have experience can be challenging, but it's an opportunity to showcase your potential and aspirations.

Begin by highlighting your educational background, skills and any relevant coursework or projects you've completed. Focus on your passions, interests and personal qualities that make you unique. Consider including volunteer work, internships or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment and initiative. Emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow in your chosen field and express your future goals and aspirations. Don't be afraid to be honest about your current stage and your willingness to gain experience and develop professionally.

If you don't know what to write in your bio, start by brainstorming your key experiences, achievements, skills and personal attributes. Consider what sets you apart and what you want others to know about you. Look for inspiration from other bios or profiles in your field, and consider seeking feedback from friends, mentors or colleagues. Don't hesitate to highlight your passions, interests and goals, as well as any unique experiences or perspectives you bring to the table. Remember to keep it concise and engaging, and don't be afraid to revise and refine your bio until it accurately represents you.

How to write a bio FAQ

What is a short bio.

A short bio, short for biography, is a concise summary of a your life or professional background. It provides a brief overview of your key achievements, qualifications, experiences, and relevant details. Typically written in the third person, a short bio is often used in various contexts, such as professional profiles, social media accounts, introductions for speaking engagements, author descriptions, and other situations where a brief introduction is required. The length of a short bio can vary, but it's generally kept to a few sentences or a short paragraph to provide a snapshot of the person's background and expertise.

How do I write a bio about myself?

What should i include in a short bio, how do you write a fun bio for work, how do i make my bio stand out, related posts.

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How to Write a Professional Bio

Follow these guidelines and examples for a professional bio that stands out to hiring managers.

How to Write a Bio

Are you trying to get noticed by clients or hiring managers? A professional bio can help you stand out from the crowd by showcasing a bit about who you are and what you strive for in your work. However, writing a professional biography is easier said than done. It can feel awkward to write about yourself and express your worth fluently, so here are a few tips to help you get the process started.

Here are some essential elements in any professional bio:

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• Your name and professional title.
• What you do in your current position.
• Your branding statement.
• One to two outstanding professional accomplishments with measurable results.
• One to two personal details to describe your personality.

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You can post your professional bio on your personal website, your personal blog, your company's website, your professional portfolio, your LinkedIn "about" section, your Facebook business page and on other social media pages such as Instagram. While the length of your bio will vary depending on where you are wanting to publish it, using that outline of elements will help you create a complete bio.

For example, if you post your bio in your "about” section on LinkedIn, you are limited to about 2,000 characters; your own website could include a lengthier bio on its own page. A short professional bio would work best on your social media pages; consider including your professional title and branding statement.

How to Start a Biography

You may know who you are professionally, but it can be hard to articulate this clearly and precisely, especially in writing. To start, create an outline of what you want to include in your bio using the elements above. You can use your resume and other documents where you've tracked your professional accomplishments to help you, but avoid copying and pasting from there.

You can also look up the professional bios of successful professionals that you admire. What items do they include? What impresses you about their bios? While you don’t want to copy their bios, you can take note of the elements that speak to you and then try to emulate that in your own bio.

To help you come across authentically in your bio, think about what you would say out loud to someone if they asked you about the items on the list above. For example, how would you explain what you do for work or what your branding statement is? Write down what you would say. This can help you to “see” your voice on paper.

Keep in mind that, generally, a professional bio should be written in third person , especially if it’s for a company website. However, there are exceptions to this. For example, your “about” section on LinkedIn should be written in first person.

Your Name and Professional Title

Include your full name and your title. If you don’t have a job currently, list your last job title or what you are certified for. For example: John Doe, Marketing Director.

What You Do in Your Current Position

This helps the reader understand what you do and if you would be a good fit for their organization. For example: John specializes in all forms of digital marketing including social media marketing, online advertising and search engine optimization.

List Your Branding Statement

This is a sentence or two that reflects your professional values and how you stand out from others in the industry. For example: John is diligent and adapts seamlessly to constantly evolving processes and technologies. This allows him to provide the best service possible to his customers.

List Outstanding Professional Accomplishments

Listing a few accomplishments allows readers to understand your level of expertise and how you positively contribute to your organization or industry. Examples could include how you have helped the company save money, increased visibility or attained positive results for your clients.

List Personal Details

Listing a few personal details can help the reader connect with you on a more personal level. If they connect with you, they will be more likely to reach out to you. Examples could include hobbies , pets, a favorite movie or interesting details about your background. Of course, make sure that you feel comfortable with any personal details that you choose to share with your readers.

How to Write a Bio for Work

If your company has asked you to write a professional bio for their webpage, make sure you include the requested elements. If you are unsure, ask your supervisor for additional information. Also, check the “about” page of your company and take note of what those in higher positions have included in their bios. Try to follow that same format and order of information. This shows attention to detail on your part and also speaks to your professional worth. When you have finished your professional bio, ask someone you trust to proofread it for grammatical errors and clarity.

Professional Bio Examples

Here are a few examples of what a short professional bio could look like:

Sample 1: Empathetic family medicine physician leveraging 10+ years of experience promoting health and improving the quality of patients through changes in research, medical education and patient care across organizations and the community. Known for innovative, tactical thinking, and an authentic, influential leadership style. Skilled in building the relationships, consensus and strategic partnerships needed to move large-scale and challenging initiatives forward.

Sample 2: Certified career coach, speaker, author and national career expert with over 21 years of experience. Her company Create Your Career Path is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. She is regularly featured in the media and has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Vanderbilt University and the University of Illinois. With over 1,500 success stories, her team of coaches and resume writers help professionals find jobs that make them want to jump out of bed in the morning to go to work.

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How To Write a Professional Bio (With Templates & Examples)

So, you’ve been asked for your biography. As a professional, you almost surely recognize the need for a resume , and maybe you even have an up-to-date resume ready to be used with very little notice (if you don’t, you should!). But a biography ? If you are like most of the professionals we work with at Distinctive Career Services , you didn’t even know you needed one until you were asked for it.

While C-suite executives and board candidates might be called on to provide a biography more frequently, even new college graduates can benefit from a professional biography. Just some of the situations in which a bio might be needed include the following:

If you are a public speaker or presenting in any capacity, you may be asked for a bio

If you are an author, you will often need a bio

Entrepreneurs and business owners will often need a bio for bid packages, proposals, and when seeking investors or other funding

Independent consultants and freelancers can stand out to prospective clients with a well-crafted bio

Consultants working in a larger professional services firm will often be asked for a bio

Any professional service provider such as lawyers and financial advisors

People seeking a seat on a board of directors (both for-profit and nonprofit boards)

Executives and other business leaders will often be asked for a bio

Really, when you consider that biographies can be used for networking purposes , as an interview leave-behind , when you publish anything, when you are speaking or presenting, on a website (for example, an “About Me” page or a business page introducing key employees of your employer), as part of a conference program (as a presenter or attendee), as a download from social media accounts , and much more, you begin to realize that almost any professional will benefit from having a well-written biography as part of their career marketing portfolio.

What Is a Professional Bio & How Is It Different From Your Resume?

Simply put, a biography is a narrative document, almost never longer than one page, that is written in the third-person perspective.

A well-written biography provides an attention-grabbing and meaningful introduction to you by telling your story in a way that illustrates your professional value.

But, isn’t that what a resume does ? And your LinkedIn profile?

The answer is yes. Your biography, your resume , and your LinkedIn profile are all marketing pieces intended to sell you as THE person capable of meeting the needs of your target audience. They all should articulate your personal brand and tell your career story .

Still, there are significant differences and each serves its own purpose (although there is overlap and all complement the other). For a detailed comparison, see the infographic on this page.

The Best Biography is a Focused Biography

Your biography is not meant to be everything to all people. Consider it more of a living document that can be customized and edited for various situations .

Many people mistakenly refer to executive biographies, board biographies , and professional biographies as if they are three different documents. They are not.

Sure, they are different in wording, but that difference has to do with the way they are focused and the audience to whom they are written to appeal. Regardless of whether you are writing your resume , your LinkedIn profile, or any type of professional biography, it is essential that you know your audience and what will interest them and engage them.

For example, the biography of a CEO seeking a public company board position is going to be different than the bio of a sales executive who is speaking at an industry association’s annual conference. The bio that an independent consultant provides to prospective clients will be different as well. Consider even that the biography of a consultant who is targeting engagements with startup companies will be very different than the biography of a consultant targeting engagements with Fortune 500 companies. The reason? Simple. The CEO of a startup is facing very different challenges than the CEO of a Fortune 500. Your biography should be written to speak to the needs of the audience you are targeting .

The bottom line: know your focus, know what your audience is looking for, and then craft the story conveyed in your bio to speak to those needs. The value that your audience perceives in you is directly tied to your story and your story is one of the most important factors in getting people to know you, like you, and trust you.

7 Expert Tips For How to Write Your Professional Bio

First, think about the purpose for which you are writing your biography. Who will be reading it? What are your target audience’s challenges, problems, goals, and/or needs? What type of information will likely appeal to them?

Take a look at your entire career from a holistic perspective and mine for the stories. Think about each of your employers and how you added value. What are the common threads or “themes”? These themes will often help you pinpoint your  unique value proposition . How will your unique value proposition be meaningful and  solve the problems /meet the needs of your target audience? You must know the answer to this question before sitting down to write your biography.

Don’t just repeat the details in your resume . Facts are stepping stones to your personal story, they are not the end goal. It is okay to leave out your early career details or other roles that don’t help you tell your story. It is okay to structure and order your biography in whatever order makes the most sense for your story. While the overall message and branding should match, your biography should be written to tell a more personally revealing and narrative story in which your unique style shines through, and your voice is heard.

You need to hook the reader right from the beginning. There are a variety of writing strategies that you can experiment with in your own bio to capture the readers’ attention immediately. Here are a few ideas:

Try leading with a sentence that makes it immediately clear to the reader that you understand their problems, challenges, and needs and are the ideal person to solve them . Here is an example from the bio of an executive who was targeting leadership roles with small and mid-size companies:

“Leading small-to-mid-size companies to a better tomorrow than today. That is the motivating goal that drives Nelson Turner’s executive leadership. Combined with his overarching belief that so-called business problems and challenges are just opportunities in disguise, requiring strategic and visionary leadership to recognize and capitalize on those opportunities, his career record is one of repeated and continuous success…”

Other techniques might include leading with a quote of something you have said that reflects your value proposition. Here is another professional bio example from the opening of a healthcare industry executive  biography:

“With more than 20 years of executive leadership in healthcare, Leslie Blanco offers a time-tested and proven record of innovation, inspirational leadership, and growth. Recognized as a visionary strategist who passionately energizes the organizations she leads, Leslie has a special talent for engaging stakeholders at all levels and driving through internal and external barriers to exceed corporate objectives where others have failed before. “My definition of ‘No’ is different,” she explains. “No is just an opportunity to invite more people into the conversation, to find your way to Yes.”…”

A quote that another person has said or written about you can sometimes be an attention grabber. Here is an example of this strategy in action (this was the opening of a biography professionally written for a hospitality industry executive ):

“Often referred to as a hospitality “Renaissance Woman” by her friends and colleagues, Janice Griffin has dedicated her life to the craft of developing and managing top-rated boutique resort and hotel developments in business, vacation, and experiential destinations….”

If you have an especially compelling “origin” story that explains what has shaped you into the leader you are today, you could try leading with that, as in this example executive’s professionally written biography :

“A first-generation American of immigrant parents, Omar Khalil grew up believing that with hard work and perseverance, no dream was beyond reach. His father came to America with just $50 borrowed dollars and a desire to pursue the American Dream. Working two full time jobs while he took classes and earned his master’s degree, Omar’s father became a pharmacist and a real estate investor. Omar explains that it was from watching this journey that he was inspired to pursue his own career with such fervor, a career that has taken him in even more uncommon directions than his father’s mix of the pharmaceutical industry and real estate….”

Avoid using jargon ; especially unsubstantiated jargon. Tell a story that shows you are an “outside the box” thinker rather than stating it. The same is true of words and phrases such as results-driven, go-to person, innovative, team player, proactive, etc. It isn’t that you should  never  use these words if you believe they best convey the message that will appeal to your audience. Rather, you should not use them without using a story to  demonstrate  how these are true of you and how they will benefit the reader.

For example, you can state that you are a change agent, or you can show it through the stories of your career . Imagine how much less credibility this example executive biography for a financial services industry executive  (this is an excerpt from the middle) would be without the stories demonstrating HOW she is a “change agent”:

“Recognized as a high-energy, dedicated change agent, most recently as the COO of Xxxxx Advisors, Joan is credited with transforming the established $1.4B AUM wealth management firm, significantly raising the firm’s valuation and positioning it for acquisition by Xxxxxx Group. After pinpointing considerable cultural and process barriers to achieving strategic goals, Joan took over the operational reins of the firm and led development and implementation of a turnaround plan that included a substantive talent refresh, deep cultural change, and process re-engineering, while simultaneously scaling Xxxxxx’s primary differentiator—behavioral wealth management—a holistic offering that combines wealth and investment management with human behavior science. As results, Xxxxx’s operations were completely streamlined and empowered to do much more with less while cementing an edge within the competitive wealth management market….”

Sharing a little bit of personal information that shows who you are outside of work can help infuse your biography with personality, making the content seem more authentic, genuine, and uniquely yours. Unless it relates to your target in a direct way, it is a good idea to steer away from information that reveals religion, politics, or other associations that might be the cause of conscious or unconscious bias. However, including some information about your interests, hobbies, travels, charities you support, brand values, personal vision, and sometimes even your family can be conversation starters and help make you more relatable to the reader, establishing connections.

Here is an example of this from the board biography of an executive in an  investment firm :

“Aligned with her recent leadership in the socially responsible investing (SRI) space, Kathy is a dedicated and passionate advocate for sustainability, environmental, and social justice causes. In recent years, this has included traveling to North Dakota with a coalition of EMA, First Peoples, Oneida Foundation, and members of the press to raise awareness for the Standing Rock cause, and Kathy authored the Xxxxxxx corporate resolution regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline. In 2016, Kathy spoke at the Environmental Media Awards in Los Angeles, and in 2015, at the High-Water Women conference. Through her work at Xxxxx, Kathy had the chance to partner with activist nonprofit organizations such as Xxxxxx Foundation, Environmental Xxxxxx Association, Xxxxxxx Foundation, Xxxx Affirmative, and others. Kathy presently lives in City, State and can be reached at 000.000.0000.”

Here is another very different example from another executive board biography:

“Martina Hartford currently resides in Xxxxxxxxx. She is an avid world traveler and in her personal time she enjoys seeking out new adventures internationally. Her charitable interests center primarily on international humanitarian efforts that benefit impoverished people around the world, particularly those that seek to better the lives and education of children.”

Edit, edit, and then edit again. When you think your biography is perfect, set it down overnight and then read it again.

Edit some more.

Your goal is to be as succinct as possible; to tell your story and get your message across with as few words as necessary.

Don’t try to “wow” your reader with fancy language and obscure words that will require them to read with a dictionary. Use clear language that is formal yet conversational. Break up long sentences into shorter sentences. Break long, dense paragraphs into multiple shorter, easier-to-read paragraphs.

What Should Your Professional Bio Look Like?

As explained earlier in this article, biographies can take many forms and be used in many different ways. The recommendations here apply to more traditional, one-page narrative biographies.

Do include a professional headshot photograph of yourself. While you should never include a photograph of yourself on your resume , it is expected that you will do so on your biography. For consistency and branding, it is a good idea to use the same photo (or a slight variation of the same photo) that you are using on your LinkedIn profile.

Do create a professional-looking letterhead and document design that matches the style and branding of your resume, cover letters, references, and any other career marketing documents you use. Modern resumes are often eye-catching and use color and design element s to make them stand out. Your biography should be designed similarly. The template collections shown below from Distinctive Resume Templates illustrate how this can be done. Use a coordinating design for each document you include as part of your career marketing portfolio.

It isn’t necessary, but it has become common to include some sort of sidebar or other callout box to bring attention to key highlights. These sidebars and callout boxes can be used in a variety of ways, such as:

• To list the industries you have experience in
• To list key qualifications that you bring to the table
• To highlight 3-5 major career achievements
• To provide a brief chronology of employment
• To include a “testimonial” quote of something nice someone has said about you
• To list board positions you have held
• To list educational credentials
• To list technical skills

If you don’t have the design skills to create a professional document, there are professional bio templates available at a very low cost. If you do decide to use a template for your bio, make sure you redesign your resume to match the design. Distinctive Resume Templates are arranged in collections that make this easy. Choose the design that catches your eye and purchase the entire collection with templates designed to make it easy for you to give your bio, resume, and other career marketing documents a modern facelift. The biography templates shown below are just a sampling of what is available.

Of course, if you hire Distinctive Career Services to help you with your biography and other career marketing documents, in addition to writing the content, we will also create attractive, on-brand designs for all your documents.

Ready To Get Started?

Your biography tells your personal story and promotes your personal brand in a way that no other document can do. It provides the chance for you to introduce yourself and make a polished first impression , using stories to create chemistry and connection with the reader.

An up-to-date biography is an important tool to add to your career marketing portfolio, no matter whether you are an executive or a new graduate fresh out of college . To get professional help writing your biography or any other career document, reach out today . Distinctive Career Services is here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a professional bio.

A professional bio is a narrative document, usually no longer than one page, written in the third-person perspective. It provides a meaningful introduction to you by telling your story in a way that illustrates your professional value.

How is a professional bio different from a resume?

While both a professional bio and a resume are marketing pieces intended to sell you as the ideal person for your target audience, they serve different purposes. A resume typically lists your work experience and skills, while a professional bio tells your story in a more narrative and personally revealing way.

Who needs a professional bio?

Almost any professional can benefit from having a well-written biography. This includes public speakers, authors, consultants, executives, and business leaders. A professional bio can be used for networking purposes, as an interview leave-behind, when you publish anything, when you are speaking or presenting, on a website, as part of a conference program, and much more.

How should I start writing my professional bio?

Begin by thinking about the purpose of your biography and who will be reading it. Consider the challenges, problems, goals, and needs of your target audience. Look at your entire career from a holistic perspective and identify the common threads or “themes” that highlight your unique value proposition.

What should I avoid when writing my professional bio?

Avoid using jargon and unsubstantiated claims. Instead, tell a story that shows your unique qualities and skills. Also, avoid trying to “wow” your reader with fancy language and obscure words. Use clear, formal yet conversational language.

Can I include personal information in my professional bio?

Yes, sharing a bit of personal information can help infuse your biography with personality. This can include information about your interests, hobbies, travels, charities you support, and sometimes even your family. However, it’s best to steer away from information that reveals religion, politics, or other associations that might cause bias.

How should my professional bio look like?

Your professional bio should include a professional headshot photograph of yourself and should have a professional-looking letterhead and document design that matches the style and branding of your resume and other career marketing documents. It’s also common to include a sidebar or other callout box to highlight key points.

Do I need professional help to write my professional bio?

While it’s possible to write your professional bio on your own, getting professional help can ensure that your bio is well-written, engaging, and effectively communicates your professional value. Professional services can also help with creating attractive, on-brand designs for your bio and other career marketing documents.

About the Author: Michelle Dumas

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How to Write A Professional Bio That Stands Out (Templates + Examples!)

Whether you’re speaking at a conference, creating your company’s website, or simply updating your LinkedIn profile, you need to write a good professional bio—a short summary of your life and career that tells people who you are, what you do, and what you’ve achieved. It’s really important to get your bio right as it may be the only chance you have to impress a potential client, employer, or customer.

But writing about yourself can be hard (trust me, I’ve been a professional writer for a decade and I still struggle sometimes). If you’re stuck staring at a blank sheet, trying to write your professional bio, though, we’ve got some good news. There are easy ways to write a great bio: start with a template, follow these tips, and you’ll get it right the first time—with almost no stress.

Table of Contents:

• What makes a great professional bio.
• Tips for writing a standout professional bio.
• 4 perfect professional bio templates.
• 3 inspiring professional bio examples.

What makes a great professional bio?

A great professional bio does three things: It tells people who you are, what experience you have, what it is that you do, and why you do it. Bios should be short and to the point. They need to reveal enough about who you are to convince someone reading your bio that you’re a qualified professional, without being a full accounting of your personal and work history. Nobody wants to read a bio that starts with “I was born in 1990 to two parents who loved me.”

How you go about explaining the who, what, and why depends a lot on context. While the advice in this article will allow you to easily write a very good professional bio, you will still need to tweak it for different purposes. The bio on your company website should be tailored to a different audience than a bio in an industry conference brochure where you’re speaking.

Similarly, if you have multiple roles, jobs, and experiences, you shouldn’t try and cram them all into one bio. Instead, you should write a different one for each situation.

For example, I have four basic professional bios depending on whether I am highlighting my mainstream writing, my content marketing, my photography, or one of the companies I’m involved with. They say things like:

• Harry Guinness is an Irish freelance writer. His work has been published in  The New York Times ,  Wired ,  Popular Science , and countless other publications.
• Harry Guinness is an Irish freelance B2B writer. He works with companies like Zapier and MemberSpace to create high value content.
• Harry Guinness is an Irish photographer and educator. He is a regular contributor to  Popular Photography  and  Wired . His photographs have been published in countless newspapers, magazines, and websites—often without his permission.

Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty. While we’ll tackle the “who”, “what”, and “why” separately, it’s worth noting that the categories can bleed into each other a bit. Still, it’s worth considering them individually as it will make sure you get all the important details down in a logical order.

A great professional bio: Who

The first part of any bio is introducing who you are. In most cases, this is going to be simply stating your name, where you’re from, and where you work. If you expect people to know you, for example, if the bio is for an industry event where you are a regular speaker, then it can be a little briefer. On the other hand, if you are introducing yourself to people who have never heard of you or the company you work for, you should go into a little more detail.

Depending on who your bio is for and how long it needs to be, some of the details you should include are:

• Where you’re from.
• Where you’re based.
• What company you work for.
• What your company does.

So, something like this ticks all the boxes:

Harry Guinness is the founder and CEO of Snapsure, a planning app for landscape photographers. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, he now splits his time between there, South East Asia, and the French Alps.

It’s short, to the point, and gives anyone reading it a good idea of who I am.

A great professional bio: What

Telling people your job title only goes so far. Saying I’m a freelance writer doesn’t reveal a lot about the kind of work I do. There are freelance tech writers, freelance sports writers, and freelance ghostwriters who write novels for other people to publish. So, once you introduce who you are, you need to flesh out some of the details.

This is the opportunity to say things like:

• What exactly you do at the company you work for.
• Where you went to university.
• What degrees and other qualifications you have.
• What professional bodies you are a member of.
• Where you have worked in the past.
• What professional roles you hold (or have held).
• What fields of your profession interest you.
• What areas of the world you work in.
• How long you have been in the industry and/or your current role.

Depending on the length of the bio you need to write (and the length of your career) this can be the longest section—and the hardest to keep concise.

Let’s use me in my professional content marketer role as an example again. The “who” would be something like:

Harry Guinness is an Irish freelance B2B writer.

Then the “what” could continue:

For the past decade, he has worked with tech companies like Zapier and MemberSpace to create high value content. With an MSc. in Business and Management from Trinity College, Dublin, he understands how well crafted content marketing can drive customer acquisition and engagement.

In just a few lines, this reveals what experience I have, what my qualifications are, and what kind of work I do. Although I could go a little deeper into some things, I feel that for most situations, this is actually enough information.

A great professional bio: Why

The last thing to cover is a little about what motivates you, either professionally or personally. While somewhat optional, this is the chance to mention things that reveal the deeper you, like:

• Your guiding philosophy.
• Your hobbies and passions.
• Your family.
• Your hopes, dreams, and goals.

Continuing the example above, the “why” of my bio would be something like:

When he’s not writing well crafted copy, he can be found skiing in the French Alps or out in the woods with his Belgian Malinois, Gunther.

Alternatively, if I wanted to reveal more about my professional goals, it could say something like:

He is currently working with two early-stage startups and hopes to retire before he is 45 so he can spend more time with his girlfriend and dogs.

Or even something as simple as:

He is on a one-man mission to help people write brilliant professional bios.

As you can see, depending on your audience and the purpose of your bio, you can really go any direction with the “whys”. It can be your biggest opportunity to stand out from other people with similar jobs and qualifications.

Tips for writing a standout professional bio

Writing a bio that says who you are, what you do, what you’ve done and achieved, and what guides or inspires you will get you 80% of the way to a perfect professional bio. If it’s short, succinct, and tailored to your audience, you’ll be 90% of the way there. Still, there are some tweaks and tips that can really make your professional bio stand out.

Write it in the first person

While many professional bios will need to be in the third person (so they say “Harry Guinness is…” rather than “I am…”), it’s generally easier to write about yourself in the first person. Start by saying “I am X… I do Y…” and then, if it needs to be in the third person, edit it afterward.

Professional but personal

It’s easy to fall into the trap of writing a bio that just lists your name and job title without revealing anything else. There are lots of CEOs, marketers, and every other job title you can imagine. If you want your bio to stand out and for people to remember you, make sure to add some details about what makes you you—whether they be personal information or professional goals.

Humor (where appropriate)

If there’s an opportunity for a good joke and it fits your personality, take it. People love humor, even if they’re reading a list of professional bios on a conference website.

Whenever I’m using my photographer bio, I always mention that my photographs have been published in thousands of places without my permission—because they have. For photographers, it’s very relatable.

You don’t have to try too hard with the comedy. A simple pun, dad joke, or wry observation at the end is enough.

Write it—then write it again

The secret to great writing isn’t in crafting a perfect first draft, but in continuously reworking and refining what you have. It doesn’t take that long to type 50,000 words, but it takes years to write a good book.

When you write your professional bio, don’t post it straight away. Step away for a few minutes and go do something else. Then come back and read over it. You’ll probably see an awkward phrase or something else that can be tweaked. Make a few changes, then leave it again. After three or four passes, it will be in great shape!

For more on editing things like this, check out this article I wrote for the New York Times on  editing your own writing .

Pay attention to every word

Word choice matters. It’s easy to throw in extra words that don’t really add much to your bio and distract from what you are trying to say. Things like “aspiring”, “up and coming”, “established”, and other vague descriptors are all generally superfluous.

On the other hand, if you’re going to use a descriptive word, make it a strong one. Try “brilliant” instead of “good”, “fascinated by” instead of “interested in”, and so on.

So for my bio, instead of this:

Harry Guinness is currently on a one-man mission to try and help as many regular people as possible to write better and more worthwhile professional bios.

I should say something like this:

Harry Guinness is on a one-man mission to help people write brilliant professional bios.

Shorter is (often) better

When it comes to bios, they should be as long as they need to be—and no longer. Your bio needs to provide a clear picture of who you are, but it should do that as succinctly as possible.

When you’re writing and editing your bio, for every bit of information you have stop and ask “is this necessary for my audience to know?” If it’s not, remove it.

What information is necessary changes depending on the context. If you’re speaking at an academic conference, of course you should list your major publications and qualifications. On the other hand, people at an industry event are probably more interested in your job description.

Don’t be afraid to break the rules

With all that said, I can only offer you advice. If your bio calls for something that doesn’t neatly fit a template, throw out the template. Only you can judge whether your bio gives the impression of you that you want it too. If that means going off in a different direction, go right ahead.

4 perfect professional bio template

By now, you should already have the rough outline of a great professional bio in your head. If you want an easy to follow template to get it down on paper, here are four to try: two short ones and two longer ones.

All four templates do a really good job of getting the information you need to share up front, while still allowing you to include personal details.

Two line first-person template

I’m an X who does Y for Z. I A to B for C.

Example:  I’m a freelance writer who works with top-tier publications like The New York Times and Wired, as well as exciting SAAS companies like MemberSpace. I take complex tech and business concepts and explain them for a general audience.

Two line third-person template

NAME is an X who does Y for Z. He/she As to B for C.

Example:  Harry Guinness is a freelance writer who works with top-tier publications like The New York Times and Wired, as well as exciting SAAS companies like MemberSpace. He takes complex tech and business concepts and explains them for a general audience.

Paragraph first-person template

I’m an X based in Q who does Y for Z. I A to B for C. R is my passion. When I’m not working, you can find me doing S.

Example:  I’m a freelance writer based in Dublin, Ireland, who works with top-tier publications like The New York Times and Wired, as well as exciting SAAS companies like MemberSpace. I take complex tech and business concepts and explain them for a general audience. Getting deep into tricky subjects is my passion. When I’m not working, you can find me skiing in the French Alps or out in the woods with my Belgian Malinois, Gunther.

Paragraph third-person template

NAME is an X based in Q who does Y for Z. He/she As to B for C. R is his/her passion. When he/she is not working, you can find he/she doing S.

Example:  Harry Guinness is a freelance writer based in Dublin, Ireland, who works with top-tier publications like The New York Times and Wired, as well as exciting SAAS companies like MemberSpace. He takes complex tech and business concepts and explain them for a general audience. Getting deep into tricky subjects is his passion. When he’s not working, you can find him skiing in the French Alps or out in the woods with his Belgian Malinois, Gunther.

3 inspiring professional bio examples

As you’ve probably realised by now, great professional bios can take many forms.

Here are a few good examples from the MemberSpace community:

The Social Broker

The Social Broker Case Study

The Social Broker is a content membership empowering real estate agents to build a polished & thriving online brand. They provide monthly content plans with daily post ideas, images, graphics, and captions. There’s a curated library of photos along with editable templates. There’s also a hashtag guide and social media tips to drive engagement along with complimentary coaching and training via a private Facebook group.

Inge Hunter

Inge Hunter Case Study

Inge Hunter teaches people how to tell the world about their business and gives them the process and strategies to achieve it. Her membership, Design Your Socials, is the quickest way to start leveling up and improving. It includes Zoom workshops, live weekly account reviews, Q&A member sessions, various content libraries, Google calendar of events, thousands of categorized hashtags, digital coworking, and more!

Being able to write an awesome professional bio is a skill that stands for you. Over your career, there will likely be dozens of times you need to succinctly explain who you are and what you do to people who may have heard your name in passing—or have absolutely no idea you exist. If you can do it well, without stressing about it, you’re more likely to be remembered, get the job, and generally succeed in your professional life.

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3 stand-out professional bio examples to inspire your own

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What’s a professional bio?

How to write a professional bio, professional bio examples to inspire your own, promote with pride.

Opportunities to self-promote can arise when you least expect them. Whether you exchange LinkedIn profiles at a networking event , receive an invite to submit a resume , or share your personal website with a potential client, branded materials that effectively describe you are crucial to making a great first impression . 

A professional biography (bio) is more than a simple self-introduction or opportunity to boast — although you should promote your skills and accomplishments with pride . With such little space and so much to say, you may struggle to find the perfect words.

After all, who you are and what you do extends far beyond a couple of sentences. But conciseness is possible — it just requires a little self-reflection and guidance. 

Let’s explore different strategies for writing a bio that's engaging, adaptable, and, most importantly, encapsulates your professional values and identity. With these tips and professional bio examples to guide your process, you’ll learn how to write a bio about yourself that shows off your best side. 

A professional bio is a brief but impactful blurb that introduces who you are and what you do. Ranging from a few sentences to several paragraphs, it sums up your area of expertise, talents, and professional background. 

Think of your professional bio as an opportunity to expand your personal brand statement , which uses marketing strategies like punchy and emotion-provoking language to sell you in a few choice sentences. Your bio includes additional information and personal touches to create a fuller picture of your professional accomplishments and future aspirations . 

You never know who scans your social media profiles, company website, or resume. A thoughtful bio is adaptable and provides consistent messaging regardless of the platform and audience. Whether it’s a recruiter , client, or collaborator checking out your branded materials, your professional bio works around the clock to promote your personal brand . 

Wherever you network, job search , or show off your work are all great places to include a bio. That may include: 

The “About” section on your personal website, YouTube channel, or podcast , giving insight to visitors about the person behind the work

Your LinkedIn profile's summary section , providing a personal touch to the career achievements and skills highlighted in your work experience section

Promotional materials or event programs , like for a workshop, speaking engagement, or training webinar

On the team page of your organization’s website , showcasing your unique role and contributions to your team

In an author bio for blog posts and articles , establishing your trustworthiness and providing context to readers

In the bio sections of social media profiles used to promote your personal brand , adding personality to reflect your professional identity

Within a cover letter , letter of intent , or letter of interest , connecting your unique value to a potential employer’s needs

In a grant or proposal submission , lending credibility when applying for funding or pitching a project

On your online or physical portfolio , helping people connect more deeply with your work as a creative

On a book jacket, author page, or academic journal , highlighting your expertise, background, or focus areas

Adapting your professional bio template to fit different platforms helps you paint a consistent and engaging picture of yourself for varying audiences. You can control the narrative that surrounds your professional identity and reputation.

And clarity across platforms acts as a powerful call to action — the more your target audience understands what you represent, the more likely they’ll want to connect with you. 

A great bio shows off your unique value, reflects your goals, and displays your personality . But, despite its highly personalized nature, you can still use templates or follow frameworks to write your own. Here are a few guidelines for writing different bio types. 

How to write a short bio

A short professional bio offers your reader a quick snapshot, making it best suited for professional situations requiring brevity, like a cover letter or social media platform with character limits.

And a well-written short bio captures attention and entices your audience to follow through, carefully reading an attached resume or scrolling your LinkedIn profile. 

Here are some general guidelines:

• Start with the basics: Explain who you are, what you do, and your current work. Keep it as brief as possible and focus on essential information that reflects your identity and current professional situation. 
• Establish credibility: Share valuable professional triumphs to give readers insights about your unique value and credibility. Descriptors like “Award-winning” or “With 10 years of experience” are concise ways to express the breadth of your experience. 
• Be personal but appropriate: Add personal touches to make your bio feel more authentic and relatable , remembering to consider context. “Adventure-loving mechanical engineer” may suit an Instagram bio, whereas “ Innovation-seeking mechanical engineer” is better suited for a professional portfolio . Each conveys a sense of personality and aligns with the goals of the medium. 

How to write a long bio

A long bio offers your audience a more comprehensive understanding of who you are and what you stand for. They’re best suited for professional situations requiring a more in-depth intro, like an author page, “About Me” section, or funding proposal. 

A well-crafted long bio doesn’t just illuminate key experiences and skills. It humanizes you, showing off professional goals and personal interests that capture reader attention and build trust . 

Here are some general tips: 

Introduce yourself: Just like you do in a short bio, the first sentence should clearly establish who you are and the work that’s most important to you. Consider mentioning your current position and clarifying your responsibilities . 

Go in-depth on your values: In a long bio, you can elaborate beyond short descriptors and action verbs . Depending on the medium, tell a fuller story that adds depth to your personal values and professional pursuits.  

Mixing the personal with the professional, like mentioning your alma mater and describing your first roles, adds nuance and richness to your character representation. This creates a sense of closeness and understanding with your reader. 

Detail your professional journey: While the focus should be on your current job title and area of expertise, readers can build a deeper connection when they learn more about your professional story.

Consider highlighting career milestones, including certifications, notable successes, and work experience. But describe yourself with humility . Bragging about your skills and accomplishments may come off as arrogant instead of confident , a misunderstanding that might put the reader off.

General guidelines

Regardless of format, a successful professional bio follows a few basic rules, like: 

Keep it fresh: Your career is never stagnant, and your personal bio shouldn’t be, either. Regularly update your bio to include new achievements, professional skills , and shifts in your career focus. 

Keeping your LinkedIn bio, portfolio website, and other materials current ensures that potential employers and collaborators have access to the most relevant information about you, avoiding misunderstandings and missed opportunities. 

Provide a call-to-action: You’ve captured your target audience's attention — now what? Invite readers to connect, engage, and start a conversation . Clarity can help direct the kind of engagement you want. 

Something like “For consulting inquiries or collaborations, contact me at [email]. For copyright requests, contact my publisher at [email].” is appropriately clear and direct. 

Proofread for consistency: Like any professional communication, always double-check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Hiring managers and clients may interpret poor writing skills as a lack of clear thinking or attention to detail , discouraging them from following up with you. 

And choose a point of view (first person “I” or third person full name), staying consistent to ensure a better reading experience. You want your reader to focus on the content without bad mechanics distracting them. 

Now that you have the basic rules down, here are some bio examples to help you write yours. Pay attention to flow and content, and edit them to meet your needs. 

Short bio examples

Here’s a short bio for an events brochure for a graphic designer leading a workshop:

[name] is a speaker, graphic designer, and UX engineer who builds performant branding strategies with an eye for accessibility. [name] helps brands of all sorts, from startups to multinationals, transform how they tell stories through visual design and cutting-edge technologies that focus on sustainable, inclusive engagement. 

And here’s a data analyst’s work bio example for LinkedIn: 

I’m a certified data analyst with a natural curiosity for transforming complex data into action. With more than 10 years of experience, I’ve developed expertise in statistical modeling and predictive analysis.

Currently, I’m a project manager at TechBiz focused on enhancing business strategies through data optimization. I’ve been instrumental in driving growth for several Fortune 500 companies and was recognized in 2022 as one of “America’s Innovators” by Women in Data. 

Why they work: Both bios concisely illustrate current job roles, career focus, and unique character traits. Small details like “eye for accessibility” and “natural curiosity” show personality and professional values, illustrating what they’ll be like to work with. 

Long bio example

Here’s a freelance writer example for their portfolio website: 

I’m a Mexico City-based freelance writer by way of Louisville, Kentucky. My weekly newsletter on sustainability, policy, and culture — Sustainability Now — has been mentioned by the LA Times, The Nation, and Vogue London and has over 20,000 subscribers.

My work recently appeared in Foreign Policy, the New York Times, and Mother Jones, where I’ve written about sustainability in cities, business, and consumption. And I’ve also contributed to Politico and Dissent and won an award for my story on the history of natural wine for MOLD. 

I’m a firm believer that positive environmental change is powered by conscientious consumption. Since 2018, I’ve consulted content marketing teams of startups and branding agencies to transform how their businesses and consumers engage with our planet through storytelling. 

I have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a minor in journalism from Boston University. I also have completed Google’s SEO Fundamentals and UC Davis’ Content Marketing Strategy course. 

In my spare time, you can find me hiking through the national parks surrounding CDMX with my dog, Mole, when we aren’t looking for the city’s perfect vegan taco.

For business consulting, please contact me at [name]@gmail.com. For editorial inquiries and media work, please contact my agent at [name]@talentcorp.com. 

Why it works: This bio is comprehensive and focused on professional goals while listing key achievements, recognitions, and core principles to establish credibility and align the reader with her values.

And personal details and a touch of humor add warmth and authenticity that resonate and illustrate a well-rounded individual. 

A successful professional bio covers all the bases, letting your reader know what you’re about and what it’d be like to work with you. Clarity and conciseness require nuance and careful curation, but the extra work pays off.

With these tips, professional bio examples, and a little self-reflection about your accomplishments and aspirations, you’ll soon write a bio like a natural wordsmith.

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How to Write a Short Professional Bio (With Examples and Templates)

3 key takeaways

• What a short professional bio is and where to use one
• How to write your professional bio (plus short professional bio examples and templates)
• How to use the Teal  AI Resume Builder  to write a short, professional bio

Your professional bio is one of the most important things you'll write about yourself.

In a world where just about everyone is represented online in some capacity, your professional bio will often serve as your first introduction to your intended audience. It can help influence whether someone invites you to connect, interview you, or simply move on.

But how does your professional bio work in tandem with your resume to tell your unique story? And what are some short professional bio examples you can reference to craft your own—helping you strike the perfect balance between informative and engaging?

What is a short professional bio? 

A short professional bio is exactly what it sounds like — a short professional biography that introduces yourself and gives a brief overview of your career and accomplishment examples . A short professional bio gives future employees, colleagues, and anyone else you're networking with a more well-rounded picture of who you are.  

We recognize that “short” is a vague term and can mean many different things. But the good news is, unless you're dealing with a certain character or space limit, there is no magic length that your bio has to be. Most short bios tend to run anywhere from one to four paragraphs, but feel free to make yours whatever length you think would work best for you. 

Your short professional bio can be displayed many different places, including but not limited to: your website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter profile, in press features, and your resume. 

What should I include in a short professional bio? 

Before you sit down to write your bio, it might be helpful for you to think of it as not only a bio, but also an elevator pitch for your target audience. You want to produce a compelling professional bio. Your bio should answer the question: what would you want someone who doesn't know you at all to know about your career so far? 

Below are some thought-starters to set you up for success. 

As a working professional

Whether you've been working for six months or 15 years, consider including these in your bio: 

• Where you're based
• Where you're from
• What university, trade school, or bootcamp you attended (if any)
• Your current or former career titles
• Your career goals
• Relevant awards, accolades, or press features you've garnered
• Your professional experience, skills, and area(s) of expertise
• What you like to do in your spare time (personal interests, hobbies, side hustles, etc.) 

To make sure you're providing the most relevant skills to a potential employer, use Teal's Skills Database in the free  Skills Workbook  to identify your current skills and potential skills that you want to acquire. Once you've identified those, enter them into Teal's Skills Identifier.

As a student

Even if you're still in school, there's plenty of information you can include in your bio, like: 

• What university, trade school, or bootcamp you're attending
• Your area of study or intended major
• Any clubs, teams, volunteering, or other extracurriculars you're a part of 
• Any internships you've completed
• Your career goals 
• Your availability

How to write a short professional bio

If you're ready to begin writing your professional bio, we commend you. We've listed a few things here that you might find helpful to consider, but again, there is no steadfast formula. You can feel free to follow or ignore these suggestions however you see fit. 

‍ Choose your voice

You have the option to write your bio using either first or third person. When using first person, you will be utilizing the pronouns "I, me, and my". When using third person, you would refer to yourself using your name and preferred pronouns.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. However, as a general rule, using third person is typically considered more formal, while using first person is more casual.

First person example: "I am a bestselling author. My work has been published in XYZ publication."

Third person example: "Zane Smith is a bestselling author. His work has been published in XYZ publication."

If you want to have multiple versions of the same bio on hand, like a first person version and a third person version, our tools are designed to make this easy for you. Write as many versions of your bio as you need and rotate which one you use in which situation as your career evolves. 

Generate your professional bio with AI

You can also use our AI Resume Builder to generate multiple versions of your short professional bio. Your bio will be tailored based on the details and achievements you've included about your recent work experiences.

Try it yourself for free.

Choose your tone

Written words, like spoken speech, can embody many different moods and tones. Depending on the context and your  personal brand , you might decide your bio should sound more buttoned-up, or more relaxed, or even a little bit silly. 

These two sentences describe the same person but showcase very different tones and writing style: 

“A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Sally is currently a consultant at XYZ Consulting based out of their New York office.” 

“A recent UPenn grad, Sally swore off econ after years of hard classes only to end up as a consultant at a major firm — but don't worry, she loves it.” 

Start with your name and your current or most recent role

This is not a hard and fast rule, but to get your bio started, it's usually easiest to start with your name and current professional title or role. 

Example:  “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company.” 

If you're transitioning between roles or switching industries , you can list your most recent role and use your first sentence to say what you're looking to become.

Example 1:  “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is actively pursuing new opportunities in marketing management.” 

Example 2 : “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is now an aspiring 2nd grade teacher.” 

Add any former titles and list relevant achievements

Once you've introduced yourself and your current title or aspirations, you can flow into your professional background, former job titles, and what you did previously. Together, the first two sentences of your bio could read something like this: 

“Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company. Previously, he was a Marketing Specialist at FGH Tech Company where he grew paid traffic to their website by 500% year over year.” 

How can you ensure your bullet point achievements reflect your qualifications? In addition to using Teal's free Achievement Assistant tool within the AI Resume Builder , try leveraging ChatGPT for this part of the process. Just remember to copy and paste ChatGPT-generated resume achievements back into your AI Resume Builder.

Remember to personalize your bullet point achievements by proofreading and editing them, tweaking as needed using the Achievement Assistant tool.

Consider adding the “why” behind your story

Self-promotion can feel incredibly uncomfortable, but it's important to really make sure you don't undermine your own value. Your “why,” the  reason that you do what you do everyday , can be powerful and meaningful. Adding what gives you the spark to start each workday can set your own professional bio apart from others. 

Example:  “Claire was inspired to pursue a career in elder law after volunteering in a nursing home throughout high school and college.” 

Close with some personal details, if appropriate

Even though your bio will be used in a professional capacity, it's okay to list a few personal details. We're more than just our jobs, and adding a few personal facts can help illustrate who you are outside of the office. 

Example:  “When he's not working, Martin can be found tending to his spice garden and going on nature walks with his golden retriever.” 

Short professional bio do's and don'ts 

Even though there are no official rules for writing a bio, there are still some things you should try to strive for as well as steer clear of if you want to make the best possible impression. 

Be real:  Your bio is not the place to fudge the truth about who you are. Be honest about what you've done and where you're heading. Not telling the truth could bar you from achieving your goals and land you in hot water. 

Be concise:  We really hate to be the one to tell you this, but unfortunately, most people do not have the time or patience to read a five-paragraph essay about your life story. Sorry to break it to you! 

Try to keep things brief and avoid run-on sentences. We recommend running your bio through a  free clarity reader grammar-checking tool  to make sure your bio isn't too wordy or hard to understand. 

Be relatable:  No matter how lofty your accomplishments are, staying grounded may help you establish stronger connections with others. This is where adding personal details and highlighting your personal brand can serve you well. Whether that's with a  hobby, interest , or other role outside of work, being relatable can let others understand and get to know you better and determine if you would be a good fit for a company.  

Don't: 

Be arrogant:  It's both appropriate and expected for you to talk about your professional skills and accomplishments in your short bio. That being said, there's a fine line between talking about your achievements and sounding too braggy. These two examples talk about the same accomplishment but come across very differently: 

“An accomplished pianist, Ryan was selected out of nearly 7,000 applicants to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring.” 

“An accomplished pianist, Ryan was the obvious choice to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring (because he's the best).” 

Be spiteful:  This is especially relevant if you're revising your bio  after a lay-off  or termination. As tempting as it might be, avoid making any negative statements or accusations in your bio. Positivity and a good attitude will get you much further.

Short professional bio examples

Seeing real professional bios in the wild might help you craft your bio more so than a set of guidelines will. For that reason, we rounded up four real-life short bio examples on different platforms that you can draw further inspiration from. 

Personal website bio: Audree Kate Lopez

"AUDREE KATE LOPEZ IS A FASHION STYLIST, EDITOR, INDUSTRY EXPERT AND INFLUENCER BASED IN NEW YORK. Audree began her professional career in the fashion departments at Glamour, O, the Oprah Magazine, Editorialist and Redbook magazines. She launched Audree Kate Studios in 2017 and worked on freelance projects at Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J.Crew and Club Monaco, joined the styling team at Alice + Olivia and became a contributing fashion editor for StyleCaster.com. Over the past few years Audree has styled for various publications, celebrities and retail brands. In 2016, Audree founded a digital course and community for fashion students called Fashion Fundamentals and has hosted workshops and classes around the country, and wrote an ebook titled Fashion Fundamentals."

Why we picked it:  Audree's professional bio does a great job at telling and humbling her story. Taking her career from her dorm room all the way to major magazines is impressive and gives readers the right impression that she's ambitious and driven. It also gives a strong overview of all of the different yet relevant accomplishments she's checked off, ranging from styling, to editing, to creating her own course. 

LinkedIn bio: Christen Nino De Guzman 

"Latina creator. Speaker. Tech Mentor. Christen is the Founder of the newly launched app Clara, a community that empowers creators through transparency, brand reviews, and discoverability. An industry vet, Christen has almost a decade of experience working with top content creators at social networking companies such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. She is a motivational speaker and mentor in the tech space who is passionate about helping people break into the industry through career advice and actionable content."

Why we picked it:  Christen's professional bio is punchy, concise, and gives her credibility. The short few sentences at the very beginning are a creative and clever way to describe who she is right off the bat. She also mentions how many years of experience she has, which at this stage in her career, is a wise move and shows that she brings a high level of expertise to her pursuits. The decision to put her social media profiles makes sense and feels true to her, given her engaged following. 

Twitter bio: Dulma 

"Founder of Makelane, a private community for female DTC founders. 70K followers on TikTok where I analyze consumer brands"

Why we picked it:  Twitter only gives you 160 characters for your bio, truly keeping it a short bio, but Dulma does an excellent job maximizing what little space is given. Dulma's professional bio clearly and succinctly states her two main pursuits: being a founder of an online community and creating content for a large audience on TikTok. 

Company website bios: Teachable

"Meet our wonderful team We're a tight-knit group of curious creatures, always learning, and constantly seeking out new perspectives and ideas. Get to know our team—they're what makes Teachable, well, Teachable."

Why we picked it : Having a short professional bio on a company website can be beneficial for many reasons. Each of the four bios featured on Teachable's company site show individuality and make the company more relatable to customers or clients. It provides an opportunity for the individual to showcase their experience, skills, and achievements, which can help build trust and confidence in potential clients or customers. These bios, with full names and pictures, allow the reader to learn more about the individual's expertise and background and can encourage networking opportunities.

Short professional bio templates

If you prefer to plug and play or need a professional bio in a pinch, don't worry, we've still got you. Here are three short bio templates to get you started:

Short professional bio template for working professionals

[First name last name]  is  [currently/formerly]  a  [insert most recent job title]  at  [most recent company name] . A proud graduate of  [school or university] , they were inspired to pursue a career in  [field]  after  [explain what led to your decision to work in your industry] . Prior to working at [most recent job title], they were the  [previous title]  at  [previous company]  where they were responsible for  [insert professional accomplishments here] . In their free time, they can be found  [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional bio template for students

[First name last name]  is a current  [year]  at  [institution]  majoring in  [area(s) of study] . On campus,  [First name]  is actively involved in  [activity name] , for which they  [insert details about what you do for the activity you're involved in] . They most recently  [interned/worked]  at  [organization name] , where they had the opportunity to  [insert details about what you did on the job] . They intend to work in the  [insert field name or industry]  after graduation to follow their passion of  [insert what you are passionate about] . In their spare time, they can be found  [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional bio template for someone with a gap in employment

[First name last name] is a [position/job title] with [number] years of experience in [specific skills or industry] . Following [briefly mention the reason for the employment gap] , [he/she/they] took some time off to focus on [briefly mention what they did during the gap, e.g., personal development, family obligations, health reasons] . During this time, [he/she/they] also [briefly mention any relevant skills or achievements acquired during the gap] . [Name] is now eager to return to the workforce and is excited to bring [specific skills/accomplishments] to [his/her/their] next role. With a proven track record of [list specific achievements or skills] , [Name] is confident in [his/her/their] ability to contribute to [specific industry/profession] and make an impact in [his/her/their] next position.

If you decide to use any of these templates, we strongly recommend you tweak it ever-so-slightly. We don't mean diving into creative writing and rewriting it entirely; just add a little bit of personal flair once you've finished plugging your details in. Add some adjectives, remove anything that doesn't quite fit with your vibe or experiences, or append some more personal details as you see fit. Feel free to work off of any one of the bios from our resume examples to get feel for how different styles can be used across roles.

Remember, as cheesy as it sounds, there's only one you. Even if you use a template, your bio should still have a small sprinkle of personal flair, if possible. 

Create your professional bio with Teal

Crafting a professional bio that effectively showcases your unique skills and accomplishments can be a challenging task. It's important to keep in mind that your bio should be concise and focused on the most relevant details of your career. If you're struggling with what to include, consider starting with the basics and keeping it simple and factual.

Remember, your bio can evolve over time along with your career, so don't be afraid to make updates as you gain more experience and achieve new accomplishments. By taking these steps, you can create a friendly and professional bio that effectively represents your personal brand.

Ready to create a full set of professional bios to get to your next career goal faster? Sign up to start using the AI Resume Builder to generate professional your professional bios directly within the platform.

Once you have your professional bio, don't forget to use Teal's free AI Resume Builder  to update your resume with your skills, latest experience, and work achievements! The job of your resume is to get you in the door. Optimizing it will help you land interviews for the next opportunities that excite you.

Use the AI integration feature within Teal's AI Resume Builder to generate achievements. To get quality, metric-driven achievements, make sure to attach a job description to incorporate relevant keywords.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a short professional bio.

An example of a short professional bio is: "Katie is a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in digital advertising strategies. She has helped numerous brands achieve their online marketing goals, leading to increased visibility and 3x revenue YoY."

How do you write an impressive short bio?

To write an impressive short bio, focus on your most significant achievements, relevant skills, and experiences that set you apart. Keep it concise and tailored to your audience to engage and leave a memorable impression. You can also use the Teal  AI Resume Builder  Generative AI to craft a bio that highlights your unique professional journey and skills in an engaging way.

What is a short biography about yourself?

A short biography about yourself should concisely summarize your professional background, major accomplishments, and skills. For example, "I'm an innovative software developer with 5 years of experience in creating scalable applications, known for my ability to troubleshoot complex issues and my commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions."

Emily Polner

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Written by Nathan Chan | July 16, 2021

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“Please send through your professional bio.”

If that panic-inducing sentence has you furiously Googling “how to write a bio,” “professional bio examples,” or even “what is a professional bio,” then you’re not alone.

Your professional bio is easily the most important piece of copy you’ll ever write about yourself. How you’ve chosen to present yourself on professional social networks like LinkedIn can be the deciding factor in whether you get your dream job.

Every week across the globe, more than 40 million people use LinkedIn to search for jobs. In 2021, 3 people were hired every single minute through the platform.

This pressure is why we find it easy to procrastinate when writing a professional bio—competition is fierce, and you need to bring your A-game to stand out from the crowd.

The good news is that anyone can write a stellar professional bio regardless of their experience or accomplishments. To prove it, we’ve turned to some of LinkedIn’s Top Voices—everyday professionals who have built a community of hundreds of thousands of followers on LinkedIn—to learn how to craft a professional bio that pops.

Give your profile the finishing touches it needs to stand out from the cookie-cutter noise and get people excited about what you have to say with a perfectly crafted professional bio.

How to Write a Bio: Perfecting Your Professional Bio Is an Artform

What’s the purpose of a professional bio.

Before we begin looking at how to write a bio, let’s first get one thing clear: a professional bio should do more than showcase your professional expertise. It is an opportunity for people to get to know you, regardless of your experience level.

Typically, a professional bio will sit on the “About Us” page of your website, in the bio section of your social media platforms, and in the “Summary” section of your LinkedIn profile.

Brand and marketing strategist (and a LinkedIn Top Voice for marketing) Kristin Gallucci defines the ideal professional bio as “an introduction to who you are, what you do, and what interests you…it can draw your audience closer or turn someone away.”

No pressure, right?

Don’t stress—writing a professional bio is a lot easier than you think. Let’s discover how to write a professional bio using Foundr’s professional bio template.

A Fail-Proof 5-Step Professional Bio Template

When it comes to writing a professional bio, we all know that feeling of sitting down at your desk, fingers at the ready above your keyboard, and suddenly you can’t remember a single thing you’ve done in your life.

The secret to writing a professional bio without tearing out your hair is to use a simple template. A template will help you properly structure your bio, which will help you write faster and prompt you to include all of your important information.

• Your Name: Nice and simple, first and last name.
• Your Company/Brand Name: Who do you work for/with? If you’re a freelancer or running a side hustle , you can leave this section blank and jump to step 3.
• What You Currently Do For Work: List what you do: freelance copywriter, marketing specialist, makeup artist, etc. You can add a little flair to this section but only if it’s directly related to your expertise. For example, “award-winning dog groomer” is perfect, whereas “dog groomer for cute poodles” would not be.
• Your career goals (“To write for a global sports publication”)
• A cause you are passionate about (“Inclusivity in sports and sports broadcasting”)
• Professional Accomplishments: A bio is the perfect place to list a few accomplishments you’re keen to show off. List out no more than 2–3 career milestones, awards, or certifications.

Now that you’ve set the groundwork, it’s time to add a little polish and personality to your bio.

Wait, What About My LinkedIn Headline?

While we’re in the process of showing you how to write a LinkedIn bio, let’s not ignore your LinkedIn headline.

Your LinkedIn headline sits at the top section of your profile and is where you can describe what you do in 120 characters or less. This brief description appears next to your name in search results.

You only have 120 characters, so write something that is reader-friendly and search-friendly. Foundr’s pro-tip for writing a LinkedIn headline is to simply use your answers from the template above.

For example, let’s see what Snacks With Bite CEO Natasha Giannetti has used in her headline:

Natasha has listed her current role (CEO/Co-Founder), company (Snacks With Bite), and top achievement (2020 Women in Leadership Award Finalist).

Lead with the name of your company and your position, and then follow up with an accolade or your North Star. If it’s appropriate, include an emoji that relates to your profession.

Remember, you can go more in-depth in the Summary section with your professional bio.

The Key Elements of a Kickass Professional Bio (With Examples)

Now that you have the bare bones laid out, it’s time to take your professional bio to the next level.

Let’s get out our magnifying glass and examine the professional bios of some of LinkedIn’s Top Voices of 2020 and 2021 to uncover their secrets for writing eye-catching introductions.

Let Your Personality Shine Through

LinkedIn Top Voice Paul Carrick Brunson’s profile is a fantastic example of a professionally presented bio with just enough personality shining through to make it engaging.

In his LinkedIn headline, he clearly lists his accolades, where he works, and his previous experience in entrepreneurship.

His professional bio, however, is where his personality starts to shine through:

Paul managed to list his credentials along with a shoutout from Oprah using a tone of voice that is friendly, conversational, and lightly humorous.

If it’s on-brand for you, you can add even more personality and humor. After all, this is your chance to pitch yourself professionally and personally.

“Showcase your brains and personality,” says 4x LinkedIn Top Voice String Nguyen . “Don’t be boring AF and become a professional sheeple. Own your expertise, and stand out.” If you follow String on LinkedIn , you can see she’s bursting with personality. Her headline alone showcases her unique style of digital marketing.

Check out String’s LinkedIn bio:

String’s profile is a great example of a bio that screams expertise and personality (including her love of fried chicken). It’s no wonder she has more than 47K followers on LinkedIn—who wouldn’t want to follow such a bubbly personality?

Add some life and soul to your professional bio. Don’t be afraid to let your quirks shine through if it complements your professional brand.

What Gets You Out of Bed in the Morning?

There might be millions of other people with the same skill set as you, but there’s no one with your same passions and interests. Think of this as your USP (unique selling proposition).

Check to see what you’ve written under “North Star” in your template. What are your driving passions? What core values do you bring to your role ?

“People often overlook answering some important questions in their bio: What inspires you? Why do you do what you do? What are you passionate about?” says LinkedIn Top Voice of Marketing Kristin Gallucci . “You need to consider your ‘why.’ If you do not include your ‘why,’ then your professional bio is simply a resume in paragraph form.”

Check out our very own Foundr CEO Nathan Chan’s LinkedIn bio:

Now, have a look at Foundr’s About Us section:

Democratizing education and building a brand that impacts millions of entrepreneurs is a core mission for Foundr, and you can see how Nathan’s professional bio reflects this mission. It’s something he is passionate about.

Use your professional bio to show how your passions align with the work you’re doing. It shows your dedication to something outside of a paycheck and allows you to connect with a reader who may share the same core mission.

Show Your Credibility Badge

Even if you’re a relative newbie compared to other folks on a speaking panel or a blog, you need to communicate your expertise and knowledge on the topic you’re addressing.

Many writers struggle with providing credibility in their professional bio. How can you list your achievements in your professional bio without feeling like you’re bragging?

According to LinkedIn instructor Tatiana Kolovou , some humble bragging sprinkled through your professional bio is an essential part of building credibility and strengthening your brand. “Think through your latest wins and projects and be attuned to opportunities where you can talk about it. There’s nothing bad about bragging—but if you don’t take the initiative to do it, no one will do it for you,” she says.

Rana el Kaliouby, CEO & cofounder at Affectiva and author of Girl Decoded , has a brilliant professional bio that showcases her credibility in her niche. You can immediately get a feel for her life’s passion. Her experience shines through in her work credentials, her personal experiences, and most importantly, achievements such as raising an impressive $50M+ capital:

If you find yourself stuck for inspiration, answer the following questions: What makes you a trustworthy person in your field? What are the outcomes of successful projects you’ve been involved with? How have you been recognized for these outcomes?

Don’t be shy—let the reader know that you’re dependable, trustworthy, and above all, that you’ve got the numbers and receipts to back it up.

Always Think of Your Target Audience

That’s right, LinkedIn bios and professional bios are actually marketing tools. And as with all marketing, you need to lead with your target audience in mind . Your professional bio should target the right people and not just people in general.

For example, if you’re a freelancer or a consultant, your target audience is not other freelancers—it’s prospective clients. On the other hand, if you’re a professional looking to climb the ladder in your niche, your target audience is other professionals and brands working in the same industry.

According to career coach Kerri Twigg , mindful audience targeting is one of the most overlooked aspects of a bio. “Think of the reader…think about what the audience will care about, and share that side of your work,” she says. “We all have diverse skills and experiences, but less is more.”

As a consultant and coach, Kerri is known on LinkedIn for creating spontaneous, lively videos infused with stories and advice for job seekers considering a career change. And it’s clear from her bio that these videos are just a part of what she does as a career coach:

Kerri uses her LinkedIn bio to acquire new consulting clients . She addresses the reader directly and letting them know how she can personally help their brand.

Another example of mindful audience targeting comes from Janis Sne, 3D Sportswear designer for Adidas . Appealing to artists and designers alike, Janis communicates his expertise through a more narrative style:

Consider what you’re trying to achieve through LinkedIn. Are you looking to acquire more clients as a freelancer or to establish yourself as an industry leader within your niche?

Define your target audience , and you’ll find your professional bio will write itself.

Call to Action

So someone has read your professional bio or LinkedIn summary—what now?

You need to guide them further by giving them a call to action, or CTA. Ask yourself what you want your audience to do after learning a bit about your background.

Melonie Dodaro, the author of LinkedIn Unlocked , says that you should always make it easy for your “ideal clients and potential connections to take the next step” by including a clear CTA.

“Tell them what you want them to do next,” she advises. “This can be the same call to action that you have used in your summary and current experience sections.”

LinkedIn doesn’t allow you to create links in your bio, but this bio from Lex Sokolin shows a way to include them. Plain URLs aren’t the most attractive to the eye, but they give the reader a clear CTA:

Always finish your bio with a clear CTA, whether that be a link to your social media platforms, your YouTube channel , your podcast, or just your email address.

How Long Should a Professional Bio Be?

After reading so many professional bio examples, you may feel like you need to write a novel. But LinkedIn has a 2,000 character limit, which is enough room to communicate the important stuff.

“It should be a concise demonstration of your personal brand,” says Steve Blakeman, managing director of Global Accounts at OMD.

As a 4x LinkedIn Top Voice, Steve is a big fan of cutting the BS from professional bios and all business communications. So much so that he’s written a comedic book about business jargon called Billy Bullsh!t Talks Business.

Steve warns against turning your bio into a lengthy list of companies you’ve worked with. “Focus on the experience you have gained rather than jobs you have had,” he says.

Don’t Just Write Your Bio—Live It

Fear and procrastination around writing your professional bio, be gone! Breathe a sigh of relief, and know that the next time a prospective client reads your professional bio, they’ll be blown away by how well you’ve articulated your work and values.

Not only do you have a 5-step professional bio template to help you structure your writing, but you also have insight into how some of the best of the best write their LinkedIn bios.

Remember to let your personality shine through—it’s what sets you apart. Also, reflect on your core values and what gets you out of bed in the morning. Back up your expertise and boost your credibility, and always keep your target audience in mind.

Above all, make sure your bio is a true expression of your unique self, and leverage it to start winning over the people you want to work with.

About Nathan Chan

Nathan Chan holds a Master of Business from Victoria University and is widely respected as one of the brightest minds of his generation. An expert at entrepreneurship, he started Foundr -- a global media and education company that reaches out to millions of people across the world. In the last seven years, Nathan has interviewed some of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time such as Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, Mark Cuban, and Tim Ferriss. He currently leads the team at Foundr as their Chief Executive Officer.

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• Writing Tips

5 Tips for Writing a Professional Bio

5-minute read

• 6th November 2020

A professional bio explains who you are and what you do. But the style and content of your bio will depend on various factors. If you need to create a professional bio of your own, though, following, these five tips will help:

• Think about the type and length of bio you need.
• Tailor your bio to your industry, your audience, and your goals.
• Decide whether to write in the first or third person.
• Write concisely and only include necessary information.
• Get your professional bio proofread to make sure it is error free.

For more on all the above, read on below.

1. Decide What Type of Bio You Need

First, decide what kind of bio you need to write. This will depend on what you’re writing it for, but it will also affect what you will include:

• A short bio summarizes who you are in just a line or two, making it ideal for a social media profile. Typically, this will be limited to key details such as your name, job title/role, and possibly contact information.
• A mid-length bio could be anywhere from a few lines to a couple of paragraphs long. This length is perfect for LinkedIn, a staff profile for a website, or a blurb in a book or events program. As well as the basic information above, this might include details of your achievements, qualifications, skills, or even your personal interests.
• A long bio , which you might use for the “About” section of a personal website, could be up to several paragraphs long. This gives you scope to include more information or to go into more detail about a few things.

Think about what kind of bio you need before you start writing.

2. Tailor Your Bio to the Situation

If you’re writing a professional bio for your employer’s website, you can usually use existing bios to gauge the tone and content required. Alternatively, your company might have a style guide to follow.

But if you don’t have an example to follow, such as when writing a bio for your own website, there are three key things you should consider:

• Your industry – The industry you work in may affect the tone of your bio. A corporate bio, for instance, may be formal and professional, with a focus on achievements and values. But a bio in the creative industries may be less formal and more personal. When writing your bio, then, think about the kind of voice that would best fit your role.
• Your audience – Who you are writing for may affect how you write your bio, especially in terms of vocabulary. If writing for the public, you would need to describe your role in everyday terms. But if your bio is aimed at fellow professionals, you have more scope for using technical language.
• Your goals – What you include in your bio may depend on your goals. Are you looking to impress employers? Inform potential clients of your skills and qualifications? Add a personal touch to a website? Think about why you’re writing a bio and plan the content accordingly.

If in doubt, look at bios from other people in your industry online to get a sense of how they’re written, then adapt this to fit your situation.

3. First or Third Person?

Generally, professional bios are written in the third person . So, even if you write your own bio, you would write as if someone else were describing you:

Joe Bloggs is a qualified proofreader and editor who has helped prepare dozens of bestsellers for the world’s leading publishers.

However, you can use the first person for a more personal tone:

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

In my career as a qualified proofreader and editor, I have helped prepare dozens of bestsellers for the world’s leading publishers.

This is a bit less formal, but it works well for a personal blog or website.

4. Be Concise

Keep your bio succinct so that it’s easy to read and impactful. Even for a longer bio, you will want each paragraph to be concise and to the point.

The vital thing here, especially in shorter bios, is to limit yourself to essential information. Think about what you want your reader to know, then build your bio around these details, giving the most important information first (e.g., you should cover your achievements before your hobbies).

In terms of general concision, key tips include:

• Plan what to include so you can avoid repetition or waffle.
• Use the active voice rather than the passive voice where possible.
• Cut down on unnecessary adverbs, adjectives, and other modifiers.

This will help to ensure your bio reads smoothly and professionally.

5. Get Your Professional Bio Proofread

Your bio might be the first thing someone learns about you, so you’ll want it to be perfect to make a good first impression. Thus, once you’ve written a first draft of your professional bio, have someone else check it. A fresh pair of eyes will make it easier to spot errors or issues with clarity.

You could ask a friend or colleague to do this. But a better option is to ask a professional proofreader, especially for longer bios.

Our proofreaders, for example, will be able to offer feedback on style, content, and structure as well as correcting typos. Why not submit a trial document today and find out what our services involve for free?

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How to Write a Biography

Learn how to write a biography with our comprehensive guide.

Last updated on Dec 8th, 2023

When you click on affiliate links on QuillMuse.com and make a purchase, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission—this helps us keep up with publishing valuable content on QuillMuse.  Read More .

Table of Contents

How to write a biography can be a fun challenge as you share someone’s life story with readers. You may need to write a biography for a class or decide to write a biography as a personal project. Once you’ve identified the subject of your biography, do your research to learn as much as you can about them. Then, immerse yourself in writing the biography and revising it until it’s best. What I am going to share with you in today’s post is how to write a biography. If you want to know the rules of how to write a biography correctly then this post of ours is essential for you. 

Introduction

While it’s true that most biographies involve people in the public eye, sometimes the subject is less well-known. But most of the time, famous or not, the person we’re talking about has an incredible life. Although your students may have a basic understanding of How to write a biography, you should take some time before putting pen to paper to come up with a very clear definition of biography.

Before knowing how to write a biography, let’s first understand what a biography is. A biography is an account of a person’s life written by someone else. Although there is a genre called fictional biography, by definition biographies are mostly non-fiction. In general, biographies trace the subject’s life from early childhood to the present day or until death if the subject is deceased. 

Biography writing is not limited to describing the bare facts of a person’s life. Instead of just listing basic details about their upbringing, interests, education, work, relationships, and deaths, a well-written biography should also paint a picture of a person’s personality as well as that person’s life experiences.

Tips and Tricks For How To Write a Biography

1. ask the subject’s permission to write a biography.

Here are the first tips on how to write a biography. Before starting your research, make sure you get your subject’s consent to write their biography. Ask them if they’re ready to be the subject. Getting their permission will make writing a biography much easier and ensure that they are open to information about their lives.

If the theme does not allow you to write a bio, you can choose another theme. If you decide to publish a profile without the subject’s permission, you may be subject to legal action from the subject. 

If the topic no longer exists, you don’t need to ask permission to write about them. 

2. Research primary sources on the topic

Primary sources may include books, letters, photographs, diaries, newspaper clippings, magazines, Internet articles, magazines, videos, interviews, existing biographies, or autobiographies on the subject. Find these resources in your local library or online. Read as much as you can about the topic and highlight any important information you come across in your sources. 

You can create research questions to help you focus your research on this topic, such as: 

What do I find interesting about this topic? Why is this topic important to readers? 

3. Conduct interviews with subjects and their relatives

Interviewing people will turn your research into reality: the people you interview will be able to tell you stories you can’t find in history books. Interview the subject as well as people close to them, such as spouses, friends, business associates, family members, co-workers, and friends. Interview in person, over the phone, or via email.

For in-person interviews, record them with a voice recorder or voice recorder on your computer or phone. You may need to interview the subject and others multiple times to get the documents you need.

4. Visit places important to the topic

Whenever you want to know how to write a biography, to understand the history of the subject, spend time in places and areas that are significant to the subject. This may be the subject’s childhood home or neighborhood. You can also visit the subject’s workplace and regular meeting places. 

You may also want to visit areas where the subject made important decisions or breakthroughs in their life. Being physically present in the area can give you an idea of what your subjects may have felt and help you write about their experiences more effectively.

5. Research the time and place of the subject’s life

Contextualize your subject’s life by observing what’s going on around them. Consider the period in which they grew up as well as the history of the places they lived. Study the economics, politics, and culture of their time. See current events happening where they live or work.

When you studying how to write a biography, ask yourself about time and place: 

What were the social norms of this period? 

What happened economically and politically? 

How has the political and social environment influenced this topic?

6. Make a timeline of a person’s life

To help you organize your research, create a timeline of a person’s entire life, from birth. Draw a long line on a piece of paper and sketch out as many details about a person’s life as possible. Highlight important events or moments on the timeline. Include important dates, locations, and names. 

If you think about how to write a biography You can also include historical events or moments that affect the topic in the timeline. For example, a conflict or civil war may occur during a person’s lifetime and affect their life.

7. Focus on important events and milestones

Major events can include marriage, birth, or death during a person’s lifetime. They may also achieve milestones like their first successful business venture or their first civil rights march. Highlights key moments in a person’s life so readers clearly understand what’s important to that person and how they influence the world around them.

For example, you might focus on one person’s achievements in the civil rights movement. You could write an entire section about their contributions and participation in major civil rights marches in their hometowns.

8. Cite all sources used in  biography

Most biographies will include information from sources such as books, journal articles, magazines, and interviews. Remember to cite any sources that you directly quote or paraphrase. You can use citations, footnotes, or endnotes. If the biography is for a course, use MLA, APA, or Chicago Style citations according to your instructor’s preference.

9. Reread the biography

Check the biography for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Circle all punctuation marks in the text to confirm they are correct. Read the text backward to check for spelling and grammar errors. 

Having a biography full of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors can frustrate readers and lead to poor grades if you submit your work to the class.

10. Show your biography to others to get their feedback

It is a momentous step of how to write a biography. Once you have completed your draft biography, show it to your colleagues, friends, teachers, and mentors to get their feedback. Ask them if they have a good understanding of someone’s life and if the biography is easy to read. Be open to feedback so you can improve the biography and make it error-free. Revise profile based on feedback from others. Don’t be afraid to trim or edit your biography to suit your readers’ needs.

11. Use flashbacks

Flashbacks happen when you move from the present to the past. You can start with the present moment, and then bring in a scene from the person’s past. Or you could have one chapter focusing on the present and one focusing on the past, alternating as you go.

The flashback scene must be as detailed and realistic as the present-day scene. Use your research notes and interviews with subjects to better understand their past to reminisce. 

For example, you can move from a person’s death in the present to reminiscing about their favorite childhood memory.

12. Outline Your Story Chronologically 

This is another important step in how to write a biography is to write an outline that describes your story in chronological order. An outline is a tool that helps you visualize the structure and key elements of your story. This can help you organize your story into chapters and sections. 

You can write your plan in a digital document or draw it with pen and paper. Remember to store your outline in an easily accessible place so you can refer to it throughout the writing process.

What citation style should I use for my biography?

Use MLA, APA, or Chicago Style citations based on your instructor’s preference when citing sources in your biography.

Should I include personal opinions in a biography?

No, a biography should be objective and based on facts. Avoid injecting personal opinions or bias into the narrative.

What’s the difference between a biography and an autobiography?

A biography is written by someone else about a person’s life, while an autobiography is written by the subject themselves about their own life.

Can I write a biography about a living person?

Yes, you can write a biography about a living person with their consent. Ensure you respect their privacy and follow ethical guidelines when writing about them.

Conclusion 

Other than creating a sense of closure, there are no set rules about how a biography ends. An author may want to summarize their main points about the subject of their biography. If the person is still alive, the author can inform the reader about their condition or circumstances. If the person has died, inheritance can be discussed. Authors can also remind readers how they can learn from the biographical subject. Sharing a closing quote or about a person can leave the audience with a point to consider or discuss in more detail.

For further insights into writing and to avoid common mistakes, check out our article on Most Common Mistakes in Writing . Additionally, explore the Best Writing Tools for Writers to enhance your writing skills and discover the tools that can assist you. If you’re looking to improve your typing speed and accuracy, our article on How to Type Faster with Accuracy offers valuable tips.

How we've reviewed this article

Our content is thoroughly researched and fact-checked using reputable sources. While we aim for precision, we encourage independent verification for complete confidence.

We keep our articles up-to-date regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance as new information becomes available.

• Current Version
• Dec 8th, 2023
• Oct 22nd, 2023

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