what should i write in a biography

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

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Posted on Jun 30, 2023

How to Write a Biography: A 7-Step Guide [+Template]

From time to time, nonfiction authors become so captivated by a particular figure from either the present or the past, that they feel compelled to write an entire book about their life. Whether casting them as heroes or villains, there is an interesting quality in their humanity that compels these authors to revisit their life paths and write their story.

However, portraying someone’s life on paper in a comprehensive and engaging way requires solid preparation. If you’re looking to write a biography yourself, in this post we’ll share a step-by-step blueprint that you can follow. 

How to write a biography: 

1. Seek permission when possible 

2. research your subject thoroughly, 3. do interviews and visit locations, 4. organize your findings, 5. identify a central thesis, 6. write it using narrative elements, 7. get feedback and polish the text.

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While you technically don’t need permission to write about public figures (or deceased ones), that doesn't guarantee their legal team won't pursue legal action against you. Author Kitty Kelley was sued by Frank Sinatra before she even started to write His Way , a biography that paints Ol Blue Eyes in a controversial light. (Kelley ended up winning the lawsuit, however).  

Whenever feasible, advise the subject’s representatives of your intentions. If all goes according to plan, you’ll get a green light to proceed, or potentially an offer to collaborate. It's a matter of common sense; if someone were to write a book about you, you would likely want to know about it well prior to publication. So, make a sincere effort to reach out to their PR staff to negotiate an agreement or at least a mutual understanding of the scope of your project. 

At the same time, make sure that you still retain editorial control over the project, and not end up writing a puff piece that treats its protagonist like a saint or hero. No biography can ever be entirely objective, but you should always strive for a portrayal that closely aligns with facts and reality.

If you can’t get an answer from your subject, or you’re asked not to proceed forward, you can still accept the potential repercussions and write an unauthorized biography . The “rebellious act” of publishing without consent indeed makes for great marketing, though it’ll likely bring more headaches with it too. 

✋ Please note that, like other nonfiction books, if you intend to release your biography with a publishing house , you can put together a book proposal to send to them before you even write the book. If they like it enough, they might pay you an advance to write it.  

Book Proposal Template

Craft a professional pitch for your nonfiction book with our handy template.

Once you’ve settled (or not) the permission part, it’s time to dive deep into your character’s story.  

Deep and thorough research skills are the cornerstone of every biographer worth their salt. To paint a vivid and accurate portrait of someone's life, you’ll have to gather qualitative information from a wide range of reliable sources. 

Start with the information already available, from books on your subject to archival documents, then collect new ones firsthand by interviewing people or traveling to locations. 

Browse the web and library archives

Put your researcher hat on and start consuming any piece on your subject you can find, from their Wikipedia page to news articles, interviews, TV and radio appearances, YouTube videos, podcasts, books, magazines, and any other media outlets they may have been featured in. 

Establish a system to orderly collect the information you find 一 even seemingly insignificant details can prove valuable during the writing process, so be sure to save them. 

Depending on their era, you may find most of the information readily available online, or you may need to search through university libraries for older references. 

For his landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, Ron Chernow spent untold hours at Columbia University’s library , reading through the Hamilton family papers, visiting the New York Historical Society, as well as interviewing the archivist of the New York Stock Exchange, and so on. The research process took years, but it certainly paid off. Chernow discovered that Hamilton created the first five securities originally traded on Wall Street. This finding, among others, revealed his significant contributions to shaping the current American financial and political systems, a legacy previously often overshadowed by other founding fathers. Today Alexander Hamilton is one of the best-selling biographies of all time, and it has become a cultural phenomenon with its own dedicated musical. 

Besides reading documents about your subject, research can help you understand the world that your subject lived in. 

Try to understand their time and social environment

Many biographies show how their protagonists have had a profound impact on society through their philosophical, artistic, or scientific contributions. But at the same time, it’s worth it as a biographer to make an effort to understand how their societal and historical context influenced their life’s path and work.

An interesting example is Stephen Greenblatt’s Will in the World . Finding himself limited by a lack of verified detail surrounding William Shakespeare's personal life, Greenblatt, instead, employs literary interpretation and imaginative reenactments to transport readers back to the Elizabethan era. The result is a vivid (though speculative) depiction of the playwright's life, enriching our understanding of his world.

Many readers enjoy biographies that transport them to a time and place, so exploring a historical period through the lens of a character can be entertaining in its own right. The Diary of Samuel Pepys became a classic not because people were enthralled by his life as an administrator, but rather from his meticulous and vivid documentation of everyday existence during the Restoration period.

Once you’ve gotten your hands on as many secondary sources as you can find, you’ll want to go hunting for stories first-hand from people who are (or were) close to your subject.

With all the material you’ve been through, by now you should already have a pretty good picture of your protagonist. But you’ll surely have some curiosities and missing dots in their character arc to figure out, which you can only get by interviewing primary sources.

Interview friends and associates

This part is more relevant if your subject is contemporary, and you can actually meet up or call with relatives, friends, colleagues, business partners, neighbors, or any other person related to them. 

In writing the popular biography of Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson interviewed more than one hundred people, including Jobs’s family, colleagues, former college mates, business rivals, and the man himself.

🔍 Read other biographies to get a sense of what makes a great one. Check out our list of the 30 best biographies of all time , or take our 30-second quiz below for tips on which one you should read next. 

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When you conduct your interviews, make sure to record them with high quality audio you can revisit later. Then use tools like Otter.ai or Descript to transcribe them 一 it’ll save you countless hours. 

You can approach the interview with a specific set of questions, or follow your curiosity blindly, trying to uncover revealing stories and anecdotes about your subject. Whatever your method, author and biography editor Tom Bromley suggests that every interviewer arrives prepared, "Show that you’ve done your work. This will help to put the interviewee at ease, and get their best answers.” 

Bromley also places emphasis on the order in which you conduct interviews. “You may want to interview different members of the family or friends first, to get their perspective on something, and then go directly to the main interviewee. You'll be able to use that knowledge to ask sharper, more specific questions.” 

Finally, consider how much time you have with each interviewee. If you only have a 30-minute phone call with an important person, make it count by asking directly the most pressing questions you have. And, if you find a reliable source who is also particularly willing to help, conduct several interviews and ask them, if appropriate, to write a foreword as part of the book’s front matter .

Sometimes an important part of the process is packing your bags, getting on a plane, and personally visiting significant places in your character’s journey.

Visit significant places in their life

A place, whether that’s a city, a rural house, or a bodhi tree, can carry a particular energy that you can only truly experience by being there. In putting the pieces together about someone’s life, it may be useful to go visit where they grew up, or where other significant events of their lives happened. It will be easier to imagine what they experienced, and better tell their story. 

In researching The Lost City of Z , author David Grann embarked on a trek through the Amazon, retracing the steps of British explorer Percy Fawcett. This led Grann to develop new theories about the circumstances surrounding the explorer's disappearance.

Hopefully, you won’t have to deal with jaguars and anacondas to better understand your subject’s environment, but try to walk into their shoes as much as possible. 

Once you’ve researched your character enough, it’s time to put together all the puzzle pieces you collected so far. 

Take the bulk of notes, media, and other documents you’ve collected, and start to give them some order and structure. A simple way to do this is by creating a timeline. 

Create a chronological timeline

It helps to organize your notes chronologically 一 from childhood to the senior years, line up the most significant events of your subject’s life, including dates, places, names and other relevant bits. 

You should be able to divide their life into distinct periods, each with their unique events and significance. Based on that, you can start drafting an outline of the narrative you want to create.  

Draft a story outline 

Since a biography entails writing about a person’s entire life, it will have a beginning, a middle, and an end. You can pick where you want to end the story, depending on how consequential the last years of your subject were. But the nature of the work will give you a starting character arc to work with. 

To outline the story then, you could turn to the popular Three-Act Structure , which divides the narrative in three main parts. In a nutshell, you’ll want to make sure to have the following:

• Act 1. Setup : Introduce the protagonist's background and the turning points that set them on a path to achieve a goal. 
• Act 2. Confrontation : Describe the challenges they encounter, both internal and external, and how they rise to them. Then..
• Act 3. Resolution : Reach a climactic point in their story in which they succeed (or fail), showing how they (and the world around them) have changed as a result. 

Only one question remains before you begin writing: what will be the main focus of your biography?

Think about why you’re so drawn to your subject to dedicate years of your life to recounting their own. What aspect of their life do you want to highlight? Is it their evil nature, artistic genius, or visionary mindset? And what evidence have you got to back that up? Find a central thesis or focus to weave as the main thread throughout your narrative. 

Or find a unique angle

If you don’t have a particular theme to explore, finding a distinct angle on your subject’s story can also help you distinguish your work from other biographies or existing works on the same subject.

Plenty of biographies have been published about The Beatles 一 many of which have different focuses and approaches: 

• Philip Norman's Shout is sometimes regarded as leaning more towards a pro-Lennon and anti-McCartney stance, offering insights into the band's inner dynamics. 
• Ian McDonald's Revolution in the Head closely examines their music track by track, shifting the focus back to McCartney as a primary creative force. 
• Craig Brown's One Two Three Four aims to capture their story through anecdotes, fan letters, diary entries, and interviews. 
• Mark Lewisohn's monumental three-volume biography, Tune In , stands as a testament to over a decade of meticulous research, chronicling every intricate detail of the Beatles' journey.

Finally, consider that biographies are often more than recounting the life of a person. Similar to how Dickens’ Great Expectations is not solely about a boy named Pip (but an examination and critique of Britain’s fickle, unforgiving class system), a biography should strive to illuminate a broader truth — be it social, political, or human — beyond the immediate subject of the book. 

Once you’ve identified your main focus or angle, it’s time to write a great story. 

While biographies are often highly informative, they do not have to be dry and purely expository in nature . You can play with storytelling elements to make it an engaging read. 

You could do that by thoroughly detailing the setting of the story , depicting the people involved in the story as fully-fledged characters , or using rising action and building to a climax when describing a particularly significant milestone of the subject’s life. 

One common way to make a biography interesting to read is starting on a strong foot…

Hook the reader from the start

Just because you're honoring your character's whole life doesn't mean you have to begin when they said their first word. Starting from the middle or end of their life can be more captivating as it introduces conflicts and stakes that shaped their journey.

When he wrote about Christopher McCandless in Into the Wild , author Jon Krakauer didn’t open his subject’s childhood and abusive family environment. Instead, the book begins with McCandless hitchhiking his way into the wilderness, and subsequently being discovered dead in an abandoned bus. By starting in medias res , Krakauer hooks the reader’s interest, before tracing back the causes and motivations that led McCandless to die alone in that bus in the first place.

You can bend the timeline to improve the reader’s reading experience throughout the rest of the story too…

Play with flashback 

While biographies tend to follow a chronological narrative, you can use flashbacks to tell brief stories or anecdotes when appropriate. For example, if you were telling the story of footballer Lionel Messi, before the climax of winning the World Cup with Argentina, you could recall when he was just 13 years old, giving an interview to a local newspaper, expressing his lifelong dream of playing for the national team. 

Used sparsely and intentionally, flashbacks can add more context to the story and keep the narrative interesting. Just like including dialogue does…

Reimagine conversations

Recreating conversations that your subject had with people around them is another effective way to color the story. Dialogue helps the reader imagine the story like a movie, providing a deeper sensory experience. 

One thing is trying to articulate the root of Steve Jobs’ obsession with product design, another would be to quote his father , teaching him how to build a fence when he was young: “You've got to make the back of the fence just as good looking as the front of the fence. Even though nobody will see it, you will know. And that will show that you're dedicated to making something perfect.”

Unlike memoirs and autobiographies, in which the author tells the story from their personal viewpoint and enjoys greater freedom to recall conversations, biographies require a commitment to facts. So, when recreating dialogue, try to quote directly from reliable sources like personal diaries, emails, and text messages. You could also use your interview scripts as an alternative to dialogue. As Tom Bromley suggests, “If you talk with a good amount of people, you can try to tell the story from their perspective, interweaving different segments and quoting the interviewees directly.”

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These are just some of the story elements you can use to make your biography more compelling. Once you’ve finished your manuscript, it’s a good idea to ask for feedback. 

If you’re going to self-publish your biography, you’ll have to polish it to professional standards. After leaving your work to rest for a while, look at it with fresh eyes and self-edit your manuscript eliminating passive voice, filler words, and redundant adverbs. 

Then, have a professional editor give you a general assessment. They’ll look at the structure and shape of your manuscript and tell you which parts need to be expanded on or cut. As someone who edited and commissioned several biographies, Tom Bromley points out that a professional “will look at the sources used and assess whether they back up the points made, or if more are needed. They would also look for context, and whether or not more background information is needed for the reader to understand the story fully. And they might check your facts, too.”  

In addition to structural editing, you may want to have someone copy-edit and proofread your work.

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Importantly, make sure to include a bibliography with a list of all the interviews, documents, and sources used in the writing process. You’ll have to compile it according to a manual of style, but you can easily create one by using tools like EasyBib . Once the text is nicely polished and typeset in your writing software , you can prepare for the publication process.  

In conclusion, by mixing storytelling elements with diligent research, you’ll be able to breathe life into a powerful biography that immerses readers in another individual’s life experience. Whether that’ll spark inspiration or controversy, remember you could have an important role in shaping their legacy 一 and that’s something not to take lightly. 

Continue reading

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

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

• Rebecca Strehlow
• 11 min read

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain →

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, some of the best business websites place bios on a designated About Us page in their 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.

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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?

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7 Killer Tips for How to Write a Bio

by Pamela Fernuik | 30 comments

Whether you're starting your author website, setting up social media profiles, or submitting stories or articles to a publication, you're going to need an author bio. 

Writing your biography can seem almost as challenging as writing a book. But it is a necessary part of publishing your writing. Let's look at how to write a bio that delivers.

How to Write a Bio

• Write your name
• Share your accomplishments
• Use third person
• Say something personal
• Link to your writing
• Follow the rules

Where to Find Author Bio Examples

A good place to find examples of other writers' biographies is right here on The Write Practice. You can meet the Write Practice team on the About page . The Write Practice also includes bio examples with all guest posts (you can click on any post on this page to read the author's bio).

If you're writing a bio for your resume or a cover letter for a professional role, some of the tips here will work, but you'll want to make sure you look at examples in the field where you're applying. 

Let me share with you seven tips on how to write a bio and some personal bio examples to get you started. 

7 Killer Tips for How to Write a Bio (Including More Examples)

Let me share with you seven tips on how to write a bio and some bio templates to get you started.

1. Write your name

Start with your name. Might seem obvious, but you want to make sure readers know who you are.

2. Share your accomplishments

Don't be shy. Say what you have done.

A list of accomplishments might include things like where you went to school and where you have been published. If relevant, you can include your professional experience or current role. This is not a time to brag or list every award you won since grade two. Pick the major accomplishments that are relevant and recent.

For example:

Mary Jones, a graduate of ____________, has been published in____________ and ______________.

If this is your first publication, you can say:

Mary Jones writes about ________________ and ______________.

3. Use third person

For author bios, write in the third person, even if you are the one writing it. First-person bios are rare and not the industry standard. 

Instead of saying, “I have lived in Tokyo and have six cats,” say, “Pamela has lived in Tokyo and has six cats.”

4. Say something personal

Well-written bios end with a personal statement about you. There's not room to tell your life story or share too many personal details, but including a personal detail or two shows readers you are a real person beyond the written page. See the ending of the following examples.

Here is Stephen King's biography from the back of his book  On Writing . It has 65 words.

Stephen King is the author of more than fifty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. Among his most recent are 11/22/63 , Under the Dome , Lisey’s Story , Duma Key , Cell , Dreamcatcher , Hearts in Atlantis , and Bag of Bones . He was the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Maine with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.

Stephen King’s biography begins with his name and then lists his professional life accomplishments. But it ends with a note about his personal life. Now you know that he lives in Maine and his wife is a novelist. This helps you to connect with him as a regular human being, not just a very accomplished celebrity.

(His biography is long, though. If you were Steven King, and they said, “Mr. King, you have only fifty words,” what would you take out?)

Or read this biography from the back of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This one is 42 words.

Steven Pressfield is the author of Gates of Fire, Tides of War, The Afghan Campaign, The Profession, The Warrior Ethos and Turning Pro, among others. He lives in Los Angeles. In 2003, he was made an honorary citizen of Sparta in Greece.

If I wanted to know what books Steven Pressfield wrote, I could look up his page on Amazon. But I would not know to look up whether he was made an honorary citizen of Sparta in Greece. That's an interesting relevant detail based on some of the writing he's done. 

Take a look at this one, from the back inside cover of Jon Acuff’s book Finish . This has 49 words.

Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of Start , Quitter , and Do Over , among other books. He is a popular public speaker, blogger, Tweeter, and the creator of the “30 Days of Hustle” online challenge. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Jenny, and their two daughters.

Jon Acuff's biography tells me about his accomplishments. Then it ends with a note about his family. It is a good idea to share a piece of personal information about yourself so readers can connect with you.

5. Be funny

Include humor if it fits your writing and the publication you are submitting to. Remember, you don’t want to make off-color jokes in your biography, so pretend your mother is reading it.

Unless, of course, it is for an adult magazine. Then you can write humor that fits that publication. Keep your target audience in mind, knowing that humor is highly contextual. 

6. Link to your writing

Use only one link. Decide what is the most important place you want your readers to find you. Twitter? Instagram? Your website signup list?

If you only have one link, have it go to your website signup page. An email list is the most important, as it gives you direct access to make friends with your readers. You own your website (we hope!); you don’t own Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Social media platforms are great for connecting with readers, but it's good to keep in mind that they can change their rules any time and that can affect your access to your target audience. 

7. Follow the rules

Follow the rules. If the publication or bio instructions ask for a fifty-word biography, don’t give them 324 words. Stick to fifty. If there's a character limit, follow it. Don't jeopardize your chances of publication because you won't follow through on your author bio. 

Bonus Tip: Be Yourself

It can seem intimidating to write a killer bio. But you are a writer. You have already written an article or story so amazing that someone wants to publish it.

You can write a fantastic bio, too.

Now You Try

It's a good idea to try out a few different bios for different target audiences. Mix and match professional accomplishments and personal experiences until you have a blend that really captures you and your writing style. 

You can practice using a conversational tone and then a more formal tone. See which one fits the audience or market you have in mind. Share them with your writing friends or on your social media accounts to boost engagement and see which one your target audience likes most. 

Keep cutting extraneous details until you have a killer bio that represents you, and then polish and edit until it shines.

The handy template above and your own brilliant writing are all you need!

Do you have any tips for how to write a bio? Let us know in the comments .

Take fifteen minutes to write a fifty-word biography. This is the length of biographies Alice, my editor, asks for on The Write Practice.

What will you include in your biography? Share the bio you write in the Pro Practice Workshop. Tell us what you cut and why.

Please read other readers' biographies and help them write a clear biography.

Pamela Fernuik

Pamela writes stories about art and creativity to help you become the artist you were meant to be. She would love to meet you at www.ipaintiwrite.com .

30 Comments

Dawn Van Beck, an advocate for vulnerable adults and a chocolate chip cookie connoisseur, writes inspirational stories and devotions, and has been published in Short Fiction Break. Currently working on her debut romance novel, she resides in Florida with her husband and feisty dachshund. You can find her at http://www.findingfaithinthefabric.com .

Great bio, Dawn. I love that it has a light-heartedness. Heading to your website now 🙂

I like your bio. You are really smart.

Hi Dawn, Love that you showed your fun personality as well as what you write, and where your heart is. xo Pamela

Hi Dawn, I agree with Pamela Hodges, job well crafted.

I have a question. I’ve wondered about it for awhile and I’m a bit hesitant in asking, but…

Is is possible to be anonymous? Like, if you published a novel, can you write under a fake name and not have too many people know exactly who you are?

Yes. I do, but I also have a biography for the pen name I use, which is admittedly way more than 50 words long

Hi EmFairley, What a great idea to have a biography with your pen name. xo Pamela And of course you are not going to share it, because it is anonymous. 🙂

A biography is best written by an outsider or at least to be read that way as in POV 3rd voice. It sounds cool to use a pen name.

Hi Pamela. Your 7-step formula is typical of bio after bio after bio. As writer’s we should let the reader know they’re in for a great read. Writing a mechanical bio doesn’t give them much to go on. Here’s some food-for-thought from my 1-day bio course…

1. Don’t put your name at the start for two reasons. Firstly, bio’s are likely to be set within the context of the author anyway, so no point wasting words repeating it. Secondly, if the name should be included – perhaps because it’s to be read in isolation – it has more impact at the end; this is because a) people will remember it more after reading something interesting, and b) a great bio should create tension so the reader WANTS to know who this is.

2. Don’t waste valuable words boring the reader LISTING your accomplishments. Most authors have them, so they won’t make you stand out. And few readers would know the difference between a credible one and a valueless one. And people with truly epic accomplishments, like Stephen King, don’t need to flourish being a 50-times best-seller. By all means, roll your best one into the conversation, just don’t be mechanical.

3. Third person is good for not sounding like it’s an ego trip, but a much better way IS to be in first person and use the bio to connect with the reader. Use humour (your point 5) and open up to them, making sure your comments are directed at THEM (i.e. use ‘you’) to show you care about THEM.

4. Be personal – right! But more than that, make sure you’re saying something relevant TO the reader. Make them feel your reaching out to THEM and not the masses.

5. Yes. I’ve covered that above.

6. Yes, although don’t waste the words if you’ve already put the links on the page in other fields, which is common.

7. Definitely.

8 (added) – Tailor it for the location. Note just word count, but voice. If it’s for a funky radio show for e.g., check out the lingo and match the style.

Hope that helps unlocks a whole new way of thinking about bios and standing out from the crowd. If you get it right, the results speak for themselves.

Here’s an example of one of mine used for my first series of fantasy books:

“My goal is a story that pulls you in. A story you want to keep reading, as powerful as I can make, with characters real and compelling. Some are heroes with flaws, others are weak with hidden strengths. They stand against a hidden enemy. Not all of them want to…”

Miles Allen

Here’s a link to my blog on writing business bios. It’s a different angle, but much of it will translate to creating a more penetrating author bio too.

http://www.milesallen.net/why-your-business-biography-is-killing-sales/

Prince Ydnar Velonza is a frustrated writer and blogger. He loves to eat chocolate whenever he’s alone. Prince Ydnar is editing a book that will be publish soon.

Hello Prince Ydnar Velonza, Right now you have 28 very well written words, I just switched a few words in the last sentence.

“Prince Ydnar Velonza is a frustrated writer and blogger. He loves to eat chocolate whenever he’s alone. Prince Ydnar is editing a book that he will publish soon.”

Can you think of anything else to include? You have the personal element down with the chocolate and frustrated writer and blogger part. How about where you live? Or where you go to school? Any awards?

Best to you, xo Pamela

Hello Pamela. Thanks so much for your article. I was looking for something just like this and the length of a bio. It’s great to learn from famous writer’s bio; now I have an example of how to start and what to include.

Lilian Gardner was born in India. After obtaining her school diploma, she qualified as a teacher at the Teacher’s Training College.

She has written and self-published two books and is busy editing her third novel.

Lilian lives in Italy with her husband, Giuliano, an engineer and pilot, and their cat, Minnie

Unfortunately, I am two words above the word count you gave us. I started wih 220 words, and cut, cut, cut it down to 52 words. It seems scant. Please give me feedback. Thanks.

Hi Lilian, I got it down to 48 words. “Lilian Gardner was born in India. After obtaining her school diploma, she graduated from the Teacher’s Training College. She has written and self-published two books and is currently editing her third novel. Lilian lives in Italy with her husband, Giuliano, an engineer and pilot, and their cat, Minnie”

This is the sentence I changed. Did you work as a teacher after you graduated? What is the most important point in this sentence? What about —After graduating from the Teacher’s Training College she worked with elementary school children in Florence, Italy. (or wherever you worked)

“After obtaining her school diploma, she graduated from the Teacher’s Training College” And I had no idea you lived in Italy. Your cat speak Italian!! xo Pamela

Thanks, Pamela. I like your super edit. I honestly needed to know how to write a bio. Minnie is multilingual. i speak to her in English, my husband speaks to her in Italian, and my son’s girlfriend speaks to her in Slovak. Her answer never changes. it’s always ‘meow’. How is Harper and the rest of the clan doing?

Wow! Great feedback here.

SM Sierra is the author of two self-published books, Molly Blue &The Quill of Two Lives, and Molly Blue & The Thirteen Wands, she is currently working on the third book in the series. She resides in California with her mechanic husband, Milo, and her adopted crooked-tail black kitty, Coulson.

I like your post which is Informative and interesting.

Thanks for the feedback Lilian!

Hello S.M. Sierra, So nice to read your biography. I don’t know if you have to say your books are self-published. What do you think S.M.? Do we have to say how they are published? Hello to Milo and Coulson. xo Pamela

Thanks Pam, It took me a lot of time and research to learn the best way to format to create a book…it is all mine, therefore in place of a degree or background in journalism, which I do not have, I consider the writing and self publishing my accomplishments.

Hi S.M. Thank you for your perspective on this. You are right, it is an accomplishment. And great job for learning how to make your own book. I self-published my book too, and spend a lot of time as well learning how to make it. You have opened my eyes to the value of what we have learned. xo Pamela

It took her; you said it took me. I believe the (bio) should be written in POV third voice. ie;. He/she and not I.

Love the croocked – tail black kitty. Lol. .

Hi all. I’ve been told, and read, by many editors that on ocassions, the bio can be the difference between them accepting your story or someone else’s. More important than people think. Here’s mine; Justin Boote is an Englishman living in Barcelona for twenty years working as a stressed waiter in a busy restaurant. He has been writing short horror/suspense stories for two years, in which time, he has published seventeen stories in a diversity of magazines. He can be found at Facebook.

About the Author Victor Paul Scerri first works as a writer and artist published by Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing. In recognition of his art exhibits, a Zen painting is the cover image for the April 2011 issue of the journal. He continues to publish articles at EnzineArticles.com, and is an active team writer of short stories. He made cultural award winning entrepreneur in Norway and now lives in Thailand. You can find him at http://www.nicewriters.com / nicewriters on (FB).

Victor Scerri, born in London, living in Thailand, ventured to Norway – he made cultural award-winning entrepreneur. He was published by Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing. His art is on the cover of the April 2011 issue. He still writes and publishes with EnzineArticles.com. See: http://www.nicewriters.com .

Thank you, Marsha, for taking the time to edit my bio

(This is an edited.) Prince Ydnar Velonza is a 15 year-old student. He is a starter writer and blogger. He lives from Philippines. Velonza was awarded as salutatorian since his elementary times. Now, he is studying 4th year high school (Grade 10). He loves to play a Philippine outdoor games like “tagu-taguan” (hide and seek) especially in night, “patintero”, and “tumbang-preso”. Playing “busy apple” is the bonding of his family.

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The Best Short Professional Bios (Examples + Templates)

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Summary. To write a short bio you should first make an initial introduction introducing yourself in the first or first person. Your short bio should include your brand, your accomplishments, and your values and goals. Your short bio should be one to three short paragraphs or four to eight sentences long.

Knowing how to write a concise, informative, and interesting biography about yourself can help throughout various parts of the professional process. You can use your bio to capture the attention of potential employers or clients and convince them to choose to employ or work with you.

In this article, you’ll learn more about what goes into a short bio and how to write one, and you’ll also get to see some short bio templates and examples to help you get an idea of what yours should look like.

Key Takeaways

A short bio serves to introduce you, your achievements, and what you offer professionally to potential employers or clients.

It’s important to keep your bio brief so that readers stay engaged and will remember your main points.

You may need to adjust your bio for different audiences, as your clients may want to know different information than a recruiter would.

Talk about your skills and accomplishments in your bio, but don’t exaggerate them.

What Is a Short Bio?

How to write a short bio, what to include in a short professional bio, short bio examples, short bio templates, tips for writing a short bio, writing a short bio faq.

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A short bio serves as your introduction to the professional world. In terms of finding or expanding on your job, a bio will cover your:

Work history

Achievements

Any other relevant professional information

Think of it as a professional memoir that a hiring manager or consumer can read and understand quickly. It’s usually about one to three paragraphs depending on experience.

There’s an emphasis on being succinct when it comes to writing a professional bio. This is because a bio is supposed to be a preface to attract recruiter attention and incline them to reach out for more information. Many readers will get lost or bored with a lengthy bio.

Using a short bio can be helpful across very different industries, from marketing to accounting, from psychiatry to sales.

You’re probably familiar with providing short bios on social media websites and applications. While the information and skills you include in a professional bio may differ, the general formatting is similar.

There’s a lot of considerations to take into account when writing a short bio, and it can quickly become intimidating. Deciding what information is relevant and how to keep it near 140 characters is no small task.

If you’re having difficulty writing a short bio, follow the outline below to craft an introduction that engages your reader.

Make an initial introduction. You can’t jump right into everything you’ve done and what you want to do in the future before introducing yourself.

Your bio’s first sentence should begin with your full name in the third person or introduce yourself in the first person and continue to briefly outline your most notable skills and accomplishments. It’s a good place to state your current job and employer.

Go deeper with what motivates you. Once you’ve catchily illustrated who you are in your short bio, you can use the second sentence to describe your motivations for your work.

Stating what drives you to do the work you do is essential to employers and customers alike. Whether you work as a physician or fitness consultant , there’s a reason why this is your profession, and you should explain that in your short professional bio.

Describe your accomplishments. Your short bio is for detailing why you’re the ideal candidate to be trusted with handling an employer or consumer’s business. By describing your prior accomplishments, you let them know what you could offer as an employee and how you’ve succeeded in the past.

While you should avoid sounding braggy, the reader is looking for information about what your qualifications are , and your accomplishments generally measure these qualities.

Even though you could probably go on for ages about the details of your accomplishments, save that for an interview . In a short bio, only include the most impressive of your achievements to outline.

Accomplishments relevant to a short bio could include:

Impressive results on a project

Former promotions

Awards received in your field

Certifications received

Include contact information. The purpose of a short bio as either a business or a job seeker is to inspire the reader to reach out. Without contact information, this pursuit becomes futile. Make sure your short bio has some way to contact you at the end.

Relevant contact information may include:

Phone number

Professional networking profile

A short professional bio includes:

Your full name. You can choose to write your bio in the first person (I, me, my) or third person (he, she, they), but either way, you need to include your full name at some point. Branding doesn’t work so well without a brand name (i.e., you!)

Your brand. Of course, if you have an actual brand that you’re trying to market, you should include the brand name as well.

What you do. Summarize what you want the reader to know about what you do in one sentence — tricky, we know.

Your accomplishments. For a short bio, you can stick with just one major accomplishment from your professional life. Or, if you have a string of impressive achievements, try condensing all of them down to one sentence.

Your goals and values. Let the reader know what makes you tick — why do you do what you do and what do you hope to achieve with your work? People are compelled by a story more than anything else, so it’s important to get this part right.

Something personal (optional). If you have a quirky tidbit about yourself you’d like to include, go for it. Just make sure it doesn’t throw off te the tone of the rest of your bio.

Contact info (optional). If your bio is serving as a call-to-action to drum up business or get leads on job opportunities, it makes sense to include your contact information at the end of your bio. It’s not necessary if that information is available elsewhere on the page , though.

Entry-Level Job-Seeker Bio Example

Mitchell Morrison is an upcoming video producer and editor who believes in the art of visual organization. He is a recent graduate from the University of Washington and focused on post-production during his time studying there. He was introduced to the magical world of visual art production by watching his father work on editing commercials growing up and has been working towards his dream of becoming a video editor ever since. During his last year of college, Mitchell participated in a competitive internship with Digital Space Films. He was chosen out of 2,000 applicants based on his academic portfolio and personal statement essay. This internship was an incredible learning experience and resulted in three professional accreditations for music video editing. Mitchell currently lives in Seattle, Washington pursuing freelance opportunities and spending time with his Dog, Pikachu. To get into contact with Mitchell: MitchellMorrisonVideo.com/contact

Working Professional Website Bio Example

Lisa Kennedy is an experienced real estate professional. She knows how important a home is for long-term happiness and has invested her career in putting people in the house they’ve always dreamed of. Lisa was driven to pursue real estate from her passion for helping people during life-altering times, and a keen interest in high-end, luxury homes. She’s been working in the real estate industry for ten years and in that time has assisted over 3,500 people in finding homes. She was educated at the University of Los Angeles with a bachelor’s in business management. She’s worked for some of the most respectable Real Estate companies in Los Angeles and individually under her agency “Kennedy Homes.” Lisa has also been published in Real Estate Quarterly Magazine as the 2017 winner of the “Top Luxury Home Seller” award. Lisa loves the culture of Los Angeles and has been living there with her family of five since she graduated from college. She enjoys spending her free time exploring towns along the West Coast and swimming. If you’d like to get in touch with Lisa: Email: [email protected]

Professional Networking Profile Bio Example

Bianca Jones Marketing Manager Miami, FL The first step towards customer satisfaction is being reached by stellar product marketing, and that’s what I aim to provide. My professional experience as a product marketing manager has allowed me to assist many organizations in improving their sales margins and audience response to emerging products. I’ve brought dedication and positive results to the companies I’ve worked for because I am passionate about product perception, marketing, and business statistics. What drives a product to success interests and inspires me. I specialize in long-term growth strategies and audience outreach. In addition to eight years of experience in professional product marketing, I have also published two books on creating a career as a marketer called “What to Do After Your Bachelor’s” and “A Marketer’s How-To.” If you’re interested in learning more about how to market your business better, or just discuss more, feel free to contact me by email at [email protected].

Your first choice is whether you want your bio to be written in the third person or first person. These short bio templates show both options, and also include different ideas for what to include, and how. Feel free to pick and choose your favorite parts of each of the two.

[Full Name] is a [job title] who [believes/knows] in the power of [what you do]. [He/She/They] began their journey in [field] by [how you got started in the field], and now dreams of [what you hope to accomplish]. [His/Her/Their] biggest accomplishment to date has been [your biggest accomplishment]. [Full Name] lives in [where you live] and participates in [a hobby/interest]. To get in touch with [Full Name], call/email/message me on [how you’d like to be contacted].

I am a [job title] who helps [who you help] [what you help them do]. It’s my belief that [your unique perspective on the field]. In the past [# of years] years, I’ve [major accomplishment #1] through [how you accomplished it]. I have a passion for [your professional passion], but on the side, I also enjoy [personal passion]. Get in touch with me today at [contact info] — I look forward to talking with you about [what you want to talk to your readers about].

You have a firm grasp of the structure of a short bio and what to include. Now, you may need some tips for how to polish your short professional bio and make it stand out from the competition.

Be mindful of length. While you’re probably getting sick of hearing that your bio should be short, it’s good to keep in mind throughout the writing process. It’s easy to go off on a tangent while trying to include everything relevant or rationalize, making your bio too long.

Avoid this impulse. The point of a bio is that it’s limited. You want to intrigue the reader enough to inspire them to seek more information about you or your services.

Tailor your bio to your intended audience. Whether you’re using a short bio to attract a particular customer base or potential employer, tailoring it to fit their wants and needs is crucial. Consider your intended audience base and what they’re looking for in a candidate or service.

Be genuine. Your short bio should be an authentic representation of your traits, experience, and personality. People are repelled by what they interpret as stretching the truth. If you’re being received as disingenuous by the reader, they’ll probably move on.

Proofread. The only way to steer clear of errors in your short bio is by proofreading it. Imagine a hiring manager being completely interested in your bio.

They love what you have to say about yourself and find your prior experience enticing. That is, until they come across a mistake that clearly shows you didn’t do proofread or edit.

Include links to your portfolio, website, or networking profile. One way to circumvent the confining factor of keeping your bio short is by including links to more detailed sources.

This can be in the form of linking your portfolio or website to allow the reader to go deeper into your discussed skills if they please, without taking up more space in your bio.

Implement these links seamlessly into your bio by attaching them to anchor words that describe what clicking will lead them to.

Add some personality. You aren’t the only person who has an impressive list of accomplishments to put on a bio, so you’re going to need to find some additional ways to make an impression.

What should a short bio include?

A short bio should include your name, what you do, and your achievements. You should also include your company or product’s brand, if you have one, and your goals and motivations for doing what you do. This humanizes you and helps you stand out from the rest of the pack.

How long is a short bio?

A short bio is typically one to three paragraphs long. These should be short paragraphs though, as other experts say that between four and eight sentences is the ideal length for a short bio.

What makes a good bio?

A good bio is succinct and memorable. Readers don’t want to spend long reading about your professional and personal life, so go back and cut it down to the important parts multiple times after you draft it. You might be surprised at how little you actually need to include.

What should you avoid putting in a short bio?

You should avoid including anything negative or arrogate. It’s never a good idea to write anything negative about previous jobs or employers. Only include positive things in your professional short bio.

It’s important to include your achievements in a short bio, but there is a fine line between mentioning your achievements and bragging about them. Stick to the facts when talking about your accomplishments.

Fremont University – Building Your Professional Bio

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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How to Write a Biography

Last Updated: May 28, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,867,398 times.

Writing a biography can be a fun challenge, where you are sharing the story of someone’s life with readers. You may need to write a biography for a class or decide to write one as a personal project. Once you have identified the subject of the biography, do your research so you know as much about them as possible. Then, dive into the writing of the biography and revising it until it is at its finest.

Researching Your Subject

• If the subject does not give you permission to write the biography, you may want to choose a different subject. If you decide to publish the biography without the subject’s permission, you may be susceptible to legal action by the subject.
• If the subject is no longer alive, you obviously do not need to ask permission to write about them.

• You may create research questions to help focus your research of the subject, such as, What do I find interesting about the subject? Why is this subject important to readers? What can I say that is new about the subject? What would I like to learn more about?

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

• You may also want to visit areas where the subject made a major decision or breakthrough in their life. Being physically in the area can give you a sense of how the subject might have felt and help you write their experiences more effectively.

• When researching the time period ask yourself: What were the social norms of that time? What was going on economically and politically? How did the social and political climate affect the subject?

• You may also include historical events or moments that affected the subject on the timeline. For example, maybe there was a conflict or civil war that happened during the person’s life that affected their life.

Writing the Biography

• You may end up focusing on particular areas of the person’s life. If you do this, work through a particular period in the person’s life chronologically.

• For example, you may have a thesis statement about focusing on how the person impacted the civil rights movement in America in the 1970s. You can then make sure all your content relates back to this thesis.

• Flashbacks should feel as detailed and real as present day scenes. Use your research notes and interviews with the subject to get a good sense of their past for the flashbacks.
• For example, you may jump from the person’s death in the present to a flashback to their favorite childhood memory.

• For example, you may focus on the person’s accomplishments in the civil rights movement. You may write a whole section about their contributions and participation in major civil rights marches in their hometown.

• For example, you may notice that the person’s life is patterned with moments of adversity, where the person worked hard and fought against larger forces. You can then use the theme of overcoming adversity in the biography.

• For example, you may note how you see parallels in the person’s life during the civil rights movement with your own interests in social justice. You may also commend the person for their hard work and positive impact on society.

Polishing the Biography

• Revise the biography based on feedback from others. Do not be afraid to cut or edit down the biography to suit the needs of your readers.

• Having a biography riddled with spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors can turn off your readers and result in a poor grade if you are handing in the text for a class.

• If the biography is for a class, use MLA , APA , or Chicago Style citations based on the preferences of your instructor.

Biography Help

Community Q&A

• Be careful when publishing private or embarrassing information, especially if the person is not a celebrity. You may violate their "Right of Privacy" or equivalent. Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 5
• Have the sources to back up your statements about the subject's life. Untruthful written statements can lead to litigation. If it is your opinion, be clear that it is such and not fact (although you can support your opinion with facts). Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 15

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/writing/how-to-write-a-biography.html
• ↑ https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-a-bio
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/3-tips-for-writing-successful-flashbacks
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-bio/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.plagiarism.org/article/how-do-i-cite-sources

About This Article

Before you write a biography, gather as much information about the subject that you can from sources like newspaper articles, interviews, photos, existing biographies, and anything else you can find. Write the story of that person’s life, including as much supporting detail as you can, including information about the place and time where the person lived. Focus on major events and milestones in their life, including historical events, marriage, children, and events which would shape their path later in life. For tips from our reviewer on proofreading the biography and citing your sources, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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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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20 Fun and Creative Personal Bio Examples to Grab Attention

Welcome to our guide on crafting a captivating personal bio, a vital component for professionals in today’s digital era. A well-composed personal bio is instrumental in distinguishing yourself and creating an enduring impact, whether for job hunting, client attraction, or bolstering your online image.

Many individuals struggle with writing a personal bio, finding it hard to choose the right words that accurately represent both their personal interests and professional achievements.

In this post, we’ll explore the fundamentals of creating a personal bio. Our goal is to offer guidance with personal bio examples and templates, helping you craft a personal bio that is both unique and engaging. Join us as we journey through the process of composing a personal bio that effectively bridges your professional goals with your individual character, from highlighting career successes to capturing your unique personality traits.

What Are Personal Bios?

Consider your personal bio as a concise representation of who you are, merging personal and professional elements. It’s akin to a business card for the global audience, providing a succinct overview of your background. Typically, it includes details such as your education, career experiences, current role, and notable skills or accomplishments.

Your bio can be displayed on various platforms, including your personal website, social media profiles, or in guest posts. It’s an excellent tool for enabling others to quickly grasp your identity and background.

Collaborating with a skilled content writer can transform your personal bio, ensuring it captures your essence and engages your audience effectively.

What Is the Purpose of Personal Bios?

A personal bio is more than just an introduction; it’s a powerful tool that offers a window into your professional life. It’s strategically crafted to leave a lasting impression on those interested in learning about your background, skills, and expertise. Beyond being a mere formality, a well-written bio is an intentional effort to present yourself in the best possible light.

Your personal bio is a concise yet compelling representation of your personal brand. In today’s information-saturated world, a clear and engaging bio can help you stand out. It’s not just about listing facts; it’s about crafting a narrative that encapsulates your essence, highlighting what makes you unique, and emphasizing your exceptional qualifications and charisma.

Your bio has the power to alter people’s perceptions of you. It allows you to shine, not through grand statements, but through an authentic and confident portrayal of yourself. It’s an opportunity to display your talents, highlight your achievements, and reveal a bit of your personality, all while maintaining a professional demeanor.

Think of your bio as a personal marketing tool in an era where personal branding is crucial. When done well, your bio tells a story that engages potential employers, clients, or colleagues. It goes beyond a resume, evolving into a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Crafting your personal bio is more than a routine task; it’s a chance to assertively define who you are and what you offer. Approach it thoughtfully, allowing it to reflect your unique professional identity.

What Is the Difference Between a Personal Short Bio and a Resume?

A personal short bio is a brief overview of your personal and professional journey, while a resume provides a more comprehensive look at your current role, work history, education, and certifications.

Personal short bios are ideal for introductions and self-presentation, whereas resumes are more appropriate for job applications. Personal bios focus on your personal brand and are typically more concise, while resumes concentrate on detailing your qualifications.

What sets a personal bio apart is its capacity to communicate your values and personality. It goes beyond the formal structure of a resume, giving readers insight into both your professional and personal sides. It’s a chance to share more than just your employment history and skills, offering a more holistic view of who you are.

What Is the Difference Between Personal Bio and Professional Bio?

A personal bio is akin to a friendly introduction at a social event, where you share aspects of both your personal and professional life in a relaxed manner. It’s about weaving together your experiences, passions, and unique traits to create an engaging depiction of yourself. Think of it as an appetizer – concise, light, and typically found on personal websites or social media profiles.

In contrast, a professional bio is a more thorough narrative focused on your professional skills and achievements. It’s the kind of document that impresses at networking events or professional platforms, providing a detailed account of your career journey, emphasizing key accomplishments and qualities that establish you as an expert in your field.

Essentially, a personal bio is like a casual chat, encouraging an informal connection, while a professional bio is a formal presentation for business contexts. Each serves a specific purpose, catering to different scenarios and audiences, and together, they present a well-rounded view of your identity.

What Should a Personal Bio Include?

To create an effective personal bio, make sure it includes these elements:

• Name and Basic Personal Information : Start with your full name and essential details like age and location.
• Education and Credentials : Highlight your educational background and any relevant qualifications or certifications.
• Work Experience and Professional Highlights : Focus on significant roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments in your career.
• Relevant Abilities or Accomplishments :  Feature skills pertinent to your career goals and any notable achievements.
• Interests and Hobbies : Share a few personal interests and hobbies to give a glimpse into your life outside work.
• Personal Brand Statement : Conclude with a concise statement that encapsulates your professional persona and what makes you unique.

The goal of your personal bio is to provide a balanced view of your professional and personal self, maintaining conciseness and relevancy.

How to Write a Personal Bio?

Crafting an engaging personal bio that effectively highlights your unique attributes and achievements involves a few key steps. Follow these guidelines to create a bio that effectively communicates who you are.

• Define Your Purpose and Identify Your Audience

Before starting to write, it’s essential to understand the purpose of your bio and who your audience is. Your personal bio is often the first impression people have of you, so it should accurately reflect your identity, skills, and experiences. Tailor the tone and content to align with your audience’s expectations.

• Craft a Captivating Introduction

Begin your bio with a straightforward introduction, stating your name and briefly summarizing your most notable qualities and accomplishments. Expand on your values, interests, and unique personality traits. Emphasize your key skills, attributes, and any professional or personal values that define you.

• Showcase Your Accomplishments

Detail your relevant achievements and accolades. Remember, your bio is more than just a résumé. Rather than simply listing accomplishments, explain their importance and how they have shaped your professional journey. Highlight what distinguishes you from others in your field.

• Include Contact Information

Always include your contact information in your bio. Add your phone number, email address, personal website, and links to your professional social media profiles. This makes it easy for readers to get in touch with you if they’re interested.

• Revise and Proofread

Remember that writing is a process, and perfection often requires multiple drafts. Spend time revising and proofreading your bio. Ensure it is error-free, professional, and well-polished. Paying attention to these details will make it more likely that your readers take your bio seriously.

Where Can You Put Your Personal Bio?

Your personal bio can be showcased across various platforms, each serving a different purpose and audience. Here’s how you can strategically use your personal bio in multiple settings:

• Social Media Platforms: On platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, your bio should be succinct yet impactful. Consider including a link to your personal website or blog for more detailed information. Adding a professional headshot adds a personal and professional touch to your profile.
• Personal Website: Featuring your bio on your personal website offers visitors a deeper understanding of who you are and what you do. Enhance your bio with a professional photo and links to your social media profiles, allowing visitors to connect with you across different platforms.
• Guest Posts and Articles: When contributing guest posts or articles, include a short personal bio at the end. This allows readers to learn more about you and adds a personal element to your contributions, potentially increasing your reach and credibility.

How Frequently Should You Update Your Personal Bio?

It’s important to keep your personal bio current and relevant. Regular reviews and updates ensure that they accurately reflect your latest achievements and life changes. Key moments to update your bio include significant professional advancements like a new job title, acquiring new skills, or notable personal milestones.

As a general practice, review and update your personal bio at least once a year. This keeps your information fresh and ensures that your audience always has the most accurate and recent view of your professional and personal life.

Three Quick Personal Bio Templates You Can Use Straight Immediately

Here are three adaptable personal bio templates that can serve as a starting point or be customized to fit your specific needs:

“Hello! I’m [Your Name], a [Your Profession/Title] passionate about [Specific Area of Interest]. With [X Years/Months] of experience in the [Industry], I’ve developed a strong skill set and a proven track record. When I’m not immersed in my professional world, you’ll find me [Hobbies/Interests]. Interested in learning more about my career journey? Let’s connect!”

“Greetings! My name is [Your Name], a dedicated [Your Profession/Title] specializing in [Specific Area of Expertise]. I hold [Qualifications/Degrees] from [University/Colleges] and bring [X Years/Months] of experience in the [Industry]. Driven by a deep-seated passion for [Specific Area of Interest], I live by [Personal Brand Statement]. I welcome opportunities to connect and share insights about my professional path.”

“I am [Your Name], a seasoned [Your Profession/Title] with a strong foundation in [Specific Area of Expertise]. My [X Years/Months] in the [Industry] and educational background from [University/Colleges] have centered around [Specific Area of Interest]. Always in pursuit of innovative ideas in [Personal Brand Statement], I am open to discussions and collaborations that delve into the heart of my professional endeavors.”

These templates can be tailored to match your individual style and professional narrative, offering a quick and effective way to introduce yourself in various settings.

20 Interesting Personal Bio examples to Get Ideas From

Twitter bio of mark hamil.

Mark Hamill’s Twitter bio showcases his unique personality with a calm and sincere tone, a great example of how to authentically present oneself on social media. His approach emphasizes honesty and openness, which are key to building a strong personal brand. Hamill’s style is a valuable lesson in the importance of authenticity when engaging with an audience. It demonstrates how genuine expression can effectively attract and connect with followers, offering useful insights for anyone looking to develop an authentic and engaging online presence.

Twitter Bio of Hannah Morgan

Hannah Morgan’s Twitter bio creatively incorporates emojis, using them strategically to create a visually appealing profile. Her concise bio perfectly summarizes her career and highlights her notable LinkedIn presence, enhancing her professional image. She concludes with a well-chosen hashtag, adding a personal touch and a bit of flair. 

This smart combination of elements not only draws attention but also vividly portrays her professional identity in a memorable way. Morgan’s bio is a prime example of how to stand out in the crowded digital space by blending professionalism with a unique and vibrant personal style.

Twitter Bio of Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s Twitter bio radiates a light-hearted and approachable vibe, cleverly referencing her popular song “Anti Hero.” It’s succinct yet effective, subtly drawing attention to her latest album. Notably, Swift masterfully integrates links to various online platforms, providing fans with easy access to her music. This strategic move artfully combines a playful element with promotional savvy, engaging her audience and encouraging them to explore her latest musical ventures across different platforms. Swift’s bio is a perfect example of using social media to connect with fans while promoting one’s work in a subtle and enjoyable way.

Twitter Bio of Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo’s Twitter bio is a testament to how effectively hashtags can be used to blend professional acumen with a personal touch. Her bio is concise but impactful, immediately capturing attention and reflecting her strong, insightful communication skills. 

With just a few words, she manages to convey a rich narrative, demonstrating the power of brevity in personal branding. For anyone looking to create a short and engaging personal bio, Forleo’s example is an excellent source of inspiration, illustrating how to succinctly yet effectively communicate one’s professional identity and ethos.

Twitter Bio of Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres brings a light-hearted and engaging touch to her Twitter bio, humorously nodding to the iconic TV show ‘Seinfeld.’ Smartly, she includes a direct link to her website, offering fans an easy way to stay informed about her upcoming appearances and latest projects. This approach not only highlights her comedic talent but also demonstrates a strategic effort to maintain audience engagement. By providing straightforward access to her website, Ellen ensures that followers can quickly find the most up-to-date information about her work.

Rosie’s Instagram Bio

Rosie’s Instagram bio is a vibrant and dynamic representation of her online presence, with a memorable username and title that immediately grabs attention. She effectively encapsulates the spirit of her content using a mix of emojis and engaging text. Rosie showcases impressive social reach, having connected with audiences in over 42 countries. 

A key feature of her bio is the strategic inclusion of a link, serving as an excellent example for anyone looking to enhance their Instagram profile. Her approach expertly combines creativity and functionality, making her profile a distinct and notable presence in the world of social media.

David Sirota’s Instagram Bio

David Sirota’s Instagram bio is an effective showcase of his diverse professional roles. Not only does it include a link to an article from his investigative news source, highlighting his skills in insightful journalism, but it also mentions his involvement in a film that received an Oscar nomination. This mention adds substantial credibility and underscores his wide range of accomplishments. His bio is a succinct yet informative snapshot, providing an overview of his significant achievements and multifaceted career.

Jenna Kutcher’s Instagram Bio

Jenna Kutcher’s Instagram bio stands as a prime example of creating an engaging and dynamic online presence. Her profile is visually appealing, featuring well-coordinated color schemes and compelling text. What distinguishes Jenna’s approach is her skillful use of time-sensitive calls-to-action (CTAs) that align with various events, effectively increasing user engagement. 

She also includes a link in her bio, providing easy access for her audience to additional resources and content. Emulating Jenna Kutcher’s strategy offers valuable insights for anyone aiming to create an Instagram bio that beautifully melds visual aesthetics, clear messaging, and interactive elements.

Briahna Joy Gray’s Instagram Bio

Briahna Joy Gray’s Instagram bio effectively highlights her achievements and role as a podcast host, offering a genuine glimpse into her brand. By incorporating a Patreon link, she invites support in a subtle yet direct manner. Additionally, she emphasizes her active Twitter presence, making it easy for followers to find and engage with her on that platform. This straightforward and comprehensive approach effectively outlines Briahna’s professional activities, encouraging support and interaction both on Patreon and Twitter.

Trevor Noah’s Instagram Bio

Creating an impactful personal bio means finding a style that aligns with your unique brand, as exemplified by Trevor Noah. Known for his sharp wit and comedic brilliance, Noah’s Instagram bio is straightforward, engaging, and reflective of his personality. If humor is integral to your brand, drawing inspiration from Noah’s style can be beneficial. Writing a personal bio should be a creative and insightful process, where learning from successful examples like Noah’s can help you incorporate your individual flair to leave a lasting impression.

Jay Shetty’s LinkedIn Bio

Jay Shetty’s LinkedIn profile is an excellent example of effectively balancing brevity and depth. His headline is concise, while his summary unfolds his journey and achievements in a narrative style. Utilizing a third-person perspective, the bio chronicles his life’s path, blending personal and professional milestones. 

Shetty’s LinkedIn profile serves as a great template for those looking to craft a bio that presents a rich, yet succinct, professional story. The third-person narrative lends an objective tone, offering a comprehensive and captivating depiction of his experiences and accomplishments.

Neil Patel’s LinkedIn Bio

Neil Patel’s LinkedIn bio effectively positions him as an experienced digital marketer and entrepreneur. He highlights his commitment to aiding business growth through Internet marketing, leveraging his extensive track record of successful endeavors. His career progression showcases his dedication to helping organizations excel in the digital world.

The use of unique hashtags adds a thoughtful element that aligns well with his professional passion. This well-constructed bio not only spotlights his accomplishments but also emphasizes his continuous drive to contribute significantly to the realms of Internet marketing and entrepreneurship.

Richard van der Blom’s LinkedIn Bio

Richard van der Blom’s LinkedIn profile masterfully communicates his expertise. His headline immediately captures attention, while the summary provides a clear, comprehensive overview of his skills and experience. The content is engaging and effectively crafted, delivering exactly what is needed to understand his professional journey.

His profile stands as an exceptional example, meriting a rating beyond the conventional scale for its effectiveness. The combination of an attention-grabbing header and an informative summary makes Richard’s profile an ideal model of how to effectively and impactfully present a professional identity on LinkedIn.

Oprah Winfrey’s LinkedIn Bio

Oprah Winfrey’s LinkedIn bio effectively encapsulates her extraordinary career in the media industry, highlighting her extensive expertise and remarkable achievements. Her profile is not just a testament to her professional success but also a window into her philanthropic activities, particularly her significant contributions to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. Her consistent involvement with various humanitarian causes further emphasizes her dedication to fostering positive societal change.

The bio also sheds light on the numerous accolades she has received over her illustrious career, providing a comprehensive view of her varied contributions to journalism, philanthropy, and international acclaim.

Damilare Odueso’s LinkedIn Bio

Damilare Odueso’s LinkedIn bio stands out as a compelling example of how to craft a profile that engages readers like a captivating story. Beginning with his personal challenges, he takes readers on a journey through his life, employing a conversational tone that keeps them engaged. His narrative skillfully combines sincerity and storytelling, making it both relatable and intriguing.

Damilare’s bio offers valuable lessons in balancing personal stories with professional identity, making it an exemplary guide for those seeking to create an engaging and effective self-presentation on LinkedIn.

Lisa Quine’s Creative Website Bio

Lisa Quine’s website bio begins by providing insights into her early life and educational background, effectively setting the context for her audience. She then skillfully transitions into discussing her artistic endeavors and upcoming projects, offering a holistic view of her creative journey.

The bio concludes with a glimpse into her personal life, extending an invitation to readers interested in exploring her more comprehensive biography. This approach not only captivates the audience but also encourages them to delve deeper into her fascinating career and significant contributions to the creative field.

 Ann Handley’s Website Personal Bio

Ann Handley’s personal bio on her website is a masterclass in striking the right balance between simplicity and effectiveness. By choosing a concise format and a third-person narrative, she skillfully avoids over-complication. The succinctness of her bio is further enhanced by a collection of testimonials, lending additional credibility and depth. This approach creates a fine balance, offering insights into Handley’s persona without overwhelming the reader.

Her bio challenges traditional expectations of what a writer’s biography should be, standing out as an exceptional example in personal branding. It’s a compelling demonstration of how to present key information engagingly and straightforwardly. This bio is worth exploring for anyone interested in crafting an impactful personal brand.

Mark Levy’s Website Bio

Mark Levy’s website features an innovative one-page online biography presented in two contrasting styles. The first biography provides a formal overview of his career and accomplishments, detailing his professional journey. The second biography, however, brings a more personal and engaging touch, reflecting Mark’s unique character and storytelling flair.

This dual-style approach effectively captures the essence of Mark Levy, offering both a serious and a lighthearted perspective of his life and work. It’s an inventive departure from traditional online biographies, offering a succinct yet compelling glimpse into his world.

Corry Frazier’s Website Bio

Corry Frazier, a talented photographer and astute business professor, presents an empathetic and relatable bio on her website. The about section is crafted to resonate particularly with women who share similar life paths, aligning perfectly with her target audience. Her profile unfolds an engaging life story that intertwines seamlessly with the success of her photography business.

The bio culminates with a stunning display of her photographic art, beautifully marrying her experiences and artistic talents. Corry Frazier’s online presence is a testament to her ability to blend personal and professional aspects effortlessly, captivating her audience with authenticity and visual allure.

Amber’s Website Bio

Amber’s website is a delightful haven for those enamored with wedding themes, featuring a design that captures the essence of romance and celebration. The color scheme and layout are thoughtfully chosen to echo wedding aesthetics. Her personal bio, written in a conversational and relaxed tone, complements the overall design, providing a harmonious user experience. 

As visitors scroll through her site, they encounter detailed information about Amber’s services, along with another corporate profile, both presented engagingly in the first person. This approach effectively appeals to her target audience, making her website a sterling example of consistent and appealing online branding.

Amy Howard’s Pinterest Bio

Amy Howard’s Pinterest bio efficiently introduces her as a social and marketing strategist, catering to businesses. The bio includes a direct link to her website, along with a succinct description of her services, facilitating easy access for potential clients. 

Concluding with a persuasive call to action, she invites readers to sign up for a free social media planner. This strategic layout not only enhances user accessibility but also creates a clear path for engagement, reflecting Amy’s proactive and results-oriented mindset in her approach to social and marketing strategies.

How to Write a Short Bio

Crafting a short bio that effectively highlights your professional and personal qualities can leave a lasting impression. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Be Concise: Keep your bio brief, focusing on essential information and omitting superfluous details.
• Use Third-Person Perspective: Write in the third person for a professional tone, enhancing SEO and creating an objective feel.
• Highlight Uniqueness: Emphasize what sets you apart, showcasing your unique selling points and personal brand.
• Employ Action Verbs: Use dynamic verbs to describe your achievements, making your statements more compelling.
• Avoid Irrelevant Details: Include only pertinent information like your name, education, and significant talents or achievements.
• Adhere to Word Count: Tailor your bio’s length to its intended use, keeping it within specific word count ranges for different purposes.
• Revise and Proofread: Thoroughly review and edit your bio to ensure it’s polished and error-free, enhancing your professional image.
• Be Honest and Authentic: Ensure your bio reflects your true self, avoiding exaggerations and staying true to your actual accomplishments and qualifications.

Create Your Personal Bio Today Using AI

Constructing a personal bio doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With AI tools, this task is significantly simplified, offering a streamlined approach to crafting biographies for social media and websites.

Enter your information into an AI copywriting tool, and within minutes, you’ll have a professional and engaging bio. This technology is transformative, enabling you to make a strong first impression without extensive time or effort. Try it out for free and experience the convenience.

A personal bio is key in presenting yourself and building your brand. This blog post has provided tips and examples to help you create a bio that is unique, engaging, and captures your audience’s attention.

Leverage AI for an easy and efficient bio-creation process. It’s a quick and simple method to develop a professional and polished bio, saving you both time and effort.

Crafting an effective personal bio combines originality, humor, and the ability to captivate. The 20 examples in this post offer inspiration for anyone looking to make a significant impact.

Whether you’re a professional, a creative, or a business owner, adding your personality and individuality to your bio will help you stand out online. 

Remember, the best personal biographies are more than a list of achievements; they are stories that engage and connect with your audience. By adding creativity and a touch of fun, you can turn an ordinary introduction into an intriguing story that resonates.

Is it advisable to highlight professional accomplishments in my personal bio?

Yes, including professional achievements adds depth to your bio. Aim for a balance between displaying your personality and your skills, mixing creative elements with significant accomplishments.

Are there any pitfalls to avoid when crafting a personal bio?

Avoid lengthy narratives, clichés, and irrelevant details. Keep your bio authentic and aligned with your personal or professional goals.

Can I incorporate personal interests and hobbies into my bio? 

Certainly! Including personal hobbies and interests makes your bio more relatable and helps readers connect with you on a personal level.

Should I customize my personal bio for each platform?

Yes, it’s beneficial to adapt your bio to suit the tone and audience of each platform. Modify it to fit the specific expectations and norms of different networks while keeping a consistent overall image.

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From “meh” to memorable: UX designer bio examples & tips

Fanni Szalkai

Came here to see some top-notch bio examples? We get it. Sometimes you need a little inspiration without all the fluff. So let’s get started with some UX design bios that don’t just get you noticed but remembered. 

If you have more time, stick around and we’ll get into the whys, common mistakes, and the ins and outs of crafting a professional bio that will be memorable enough to get you that interview.

Bio examples from product designer portfolios

Let us show you some examples from UX designers, researchers, and product designers. Our wonderful UXfolio community has some amazing bits of inspiration for you.

We like this bio because it shows Hana’s unique approach and communicates her values.

We like this bio because it communicates Adrienne’s expertise and shows why she’s passionate about what she does.

We like this bio because with the mission-oriented approach, we can get a real glimpse into David’s personality.

We like this bio because it is memorable and presents Jessica’s unique value proposition.

We like this bio because Abbie included a friendly greeting before listing her impressive roles and her experience.

Bio examples for junior and senior UX designers

To better illustrate the difference between a junior and a senior UX designer, we created these two examples.

Check out how this junior

• highlights the soft skills and current position instead of dwelling on the lack of experience.
• communicates passion and a good eye for design.
• shows a meticulous approach and proactivity.
• kept it short and to the point.

While the senior’s bio

• highlights the skills and approach.
• includes a call-to-action at the end.
• is more formal with the third-person point of view, but the tone is friendly and approachable.
• addresses the desire of the audience (i.e. reaching business goals).
• sounds professional and confident.

You can write a standout bio no matter where you are in your career. Read about how below.

What is a bio (and what is it not)?

Your bio is a brief written summary that introduces who you are, what your professional background is and gives a glimpse into your personality.

This is the only thing in your portfolio that recruiters will actually read through—so you’d better make it count.

As a snapshot of your professional identity, it includes your

• occupation,
• experience,
• achievements,
• passion, and

Depending on where you’ll showcase it, your bio could also include your

• personal mantra, and
• call-to-action.

What it isn’t?

The bio is not a resume.

Though the goal is similar—to introduce you to your potential new employer—, a bio is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all your work experiences, education, and detailed project descriptions. It should be a high-level overview rather than a complete work history.

The bio is not an “About me” page

Though the format is similar—a written description of you as a professional—, your bio shouldn’t be more than two sentences . Whereas on an About page, you may write a longer, more detailed introduction. (Keeping in mind that it will most likely not be read.)

The bio is not a slogan

Though both a bio and a slogan should be intriguing and memorable, a bio includes all relevant information for the reader.

The bio is not a journal entry

While it’s good to add a personal touch, a bio should remain professional . Avoid overly personal details or anecdotes that do not relate to your professional life or your approach to UX.

When do you need a good bio?

You’ll need it for several different reasons. As a UXer, you need a bio for example for

• job applications,
• social media,
• your/your company’s website,
• applying for grants and tenders,
• networking events,
• being a conference speaker.

Let’s see some examples from the same person. Notice how he sends a consistent message while tailoring his bios to the platform and goal.

Portfolio/personal website:

Social media:

Conference speaker

Chances are you won’t need your bio until you need it ASAP. So, let’s write yours today.

How to write a good personal bio?

Communicate consistently.

Reflect on what sets you apart from other UX professionals. This could be a unique combination of skills, specific achievements, or a particular approach to UX design. Then highlight this in your bio across all platforms.

Get inspired

Look at people in similar shoes as you or people in the industry you value. You may also get inspiration from outside your field. Read your favorite book’s author description, the keynote speaker’s bio at the next UX conference you attend, or your friend’s About page on their portfolio.

Shift your point of view

If you find it difficult to write about yourself, imagine how a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor would describe you. This can help you write more authentically and highlight your strengths in a genuine manner.

Focus on your impact

There’s nothing more objective but impressive than including tangible results. Where possible, show the metrics or specific outcomes that demonstrate your impact. For example, “led a project that increased user satisfaction by 30%.”

Say more with less

Aim for a bio that is concise yet comprehensive. Typically, two to three sentences are sufficient to convey the necessary information without overwhelming the reader.

Common questions about UX design bios:

1. what are some common mistakes, lack of authenticity.

Write as you speak. If you’re naturally casual and approachable, don’t force a formal tone, and don’t use jargon or complex language if that doesn’t match your usual communication style. Authenticity resonates more with readers and makes you memorable.

Writing something forgettable

Phrases like “product designer with empathy, based in Chicago” are too vague and don’t set you apart. Be specific about your skills, achievements, and what makes you unique.

Writing too little or too much

Keep in mind the platform and context where your bio will appear. A lengthy bio might work on LinkedIn but won’t cut it on Instagram or Twitter. Adjust the length accordingly.

Focus on self, not value

While your bio is about you, it should also convey the value you bring to the table. Highlight how your skills and experiences can benefit your future team.

2. Should you include your previous employer?

Though it might feel like it’s a sensitive topic, it’s actually easy to decide. Include your current/previous employer only if it communicates something relevant about you.

For example, unless your previous employer is the industry leader or the product you worked on is cutting edge in the sector, you shouldn’t mention them, just specify the industry you worked in.

3. What point of view is appropriate?

Both First and Third Person Singular is widely accepted. However, they communicate two very different things.

Third Person (he/she/they) is more assertive and professional, often used to give an objective, formal tone. First Person (I) is more personal and approachable, creating a direct connection with the reader. Think about how you wish to be perceived and choose the one that best aligns with the impression you want to make.

Ready to create your bio today?

Our last piece of advice: Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Get to work and write the first draft that you can iterate on.

With these tips and examples, you’re ready to craft a compelling UX design bio that will stand out and help you make a lasting impression.

But keep in mind that a bio in itself will not get you the job. It’s indispensable to have a top-notch resume and a UX design portfolio that you are proud to share.

How to Write a Short Professional Bio

U.S. News & World Report

June 25, 2024, 8:00 PM

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A professional bio can help you stand out from the crowd by showcasing who you are and what you strive for in your work. However, writing a professional biography for potential employers, clients, colleagues or networking is easier said than done. It can feel awkward to write about yourself and fluently express your contributions.

Here are essential elements for any professional bio:

— 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 details to describe your personality

You may 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 or another social media site such as Instagram.

While the length of your bio will vary depending on where you aim to publish it, this 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 website might include a lengthier bio, but a short professional bio works best on social media pages.

[ READ: Job Skills to List on Your Resume (And What to Exclude) ]

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, outline what you want to include in your bio using the elements above. You can use your resume and other documents where you’ve tracked professional accomplishments to help you, but avoid copying and pasting.

You can also look up the professional bios of successful professionals whom you admire. What impresses you about their bios? Take note of the elements that stand out to you and use them as inspiration for your own bio.

To help you come across authentically, 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 your job or branding statement? Write it down. This can help you to “see” your voice on paper.

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

Here are some additional details to include on your professional bio.

Your Name and Professional Title

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

What You Do in Your Current Position

This helps the reader understand if your experience 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.

Your Branding Statement

A branding statement 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 evolving processes and technologies. This allows him to provide the best service to his customers.

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 helped your company save money, increased visibility or attained positive results for your clients.

Personal Details

Including a few personal details can help a reader connect with you on a more personal level. This may make them more likely to reach out to you. Examples could include hobbies, pets or interesting details about your background that you feel comfortable sharing.

[ See: Red Flag Phrases to Leave Off Your Resume. ]

How to Write a Bio for Work

If your company has asked you to write a professional bio for its website, make sure you include the requested elements. If you are unsure, ask your supervisor for additional information. Also, check your company’s “about” page and note what others have included in their bios. Try to follow the same format and order of information. Once you have finished your professional bio, ask someone you trust to proofread it for grammatical errors and clarity.

Sean McLoughlin, vice president of operations at the executive search firm HireMinds, recommends always writing your corporate bio with the company in mind. “If you have been with the company for a significant amount of time, your short professional bio should highlight achievements within the company. If you’re new to the organization, they should be written highlighting why you’re going to be successful in your new role,” he said in an email.

Professional Bio Examples

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

1. Physician Sample Bio

James Oliver is an empathetic family medicine physician leveraging 10-plus 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. He’s known for his innovative, tactical thinking and authentic, influential leadership style. He’s also skilled in building the relationships, consensus and strategic partnerships needed to move large-scale and challenging initiatives forward.

2. Graphic Designer Sample Bio

Amy Lin is a freelance graphic designer known for her creative thinking and attention to detail. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Amy specializes in translating complex ideas into compelling visual narratives. She has a background in visual arts and has worked on diverse projects ranging from logo designs to website layouts. In her free time, Amy likes to find inspiration for her art in nature, travel, dance and music.

3. Software Engineer Sample Bio

Lucy Michaels is a senior software engineer at Meta who works closely with product and design teams to build innovative application experiences for the iOS platform. Her technical prowess spans from backend systems architecture to frontend user interface design, with a strong focus on optimizing performance and usability. She’s also well-versed in various programming languages and frameworks like C++, Ruby on Rails, Python and Java. On the weekends, Lucy enjoys going on hikes and training Muay Thai.

4. Human Resources Sample Bio

Michael Sanchez is a human resources professional with three years of experience in talent acquisition and HR operations. His empathetic approach and strong communication skills make him a go-to person for resolving issues and boosting team morale. He’s also played a key role in building high-performing teams and is known for his strong interpersonal skills and ability to create a supportive work environment. With him on board, you can expect a workplace where people feel valued and empowered to shine.

5. Sales Sample Bio

Sarah David is a tech sales specialist known for her talent in building strong client relationships and driving revenue growth. She has a solid background in the tech industry and excels at understanding customer needs and consistently exceeding quota each month. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys doing yoga and roller skating.

6. First-Person Sample Bio

Hi! My name is Tracy Jones. I’m a content marketing specialist passionate about helping brands connect authentically with their audiences through compelling storytelling and well-defined content strategies. Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of working with leading brands, including tech giants like Microsoft and startups like Airbnb, to help them create engaging blog posts and social media campaigns. In my free time, I enjoy learning Spanish and spending time with my three cats.

[ Read: How to Highlight Interpersonal Skills in Interviews and Resumes. ]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Professional Bio

— Being too generic. Always tailor your bio to reflect your unique skills and avoid using clichés or generic statements that don’t differentiate you from others in your field. “Nobody expects a generalist to solve their issues,” Sharon Rose Hayward, a women’s career coach and founder at Winning at Work, said in an email.

— Exaggerating or misrepresenting. Exaggerating your accomplishments or misrepresenting your achievements won’t do you any good and could damage your reputation. Be truthful when describing your skills and experiences.

— Not updating regularly. Don’t use outdated information that no longer reflects your current professional status and make sure to update your professional bio periodically.

— Committing grammar mistakes. A bio riddled with errors gives the impression that you’re careless and lack attention to detail. Always triple-check your professional bio before publishing, and consider asking a friend or colleague to proofread it.

— Using industry or location-specific abbreviations or acronyms. Industry jargon and location-specific abbreviations or acronyms likely mean nothing to your readers. “Leaving someone wanting to know more because they’re interested is different than creating confusion,” Hayward said.

— Making your bio too long. Laurie Cure, executive coach and CEO at Innovative Connections, a consulting company that provides organizational solutions, warns against writing a long bio. “Have you ever sat at a conference and spent the first five minutes of a session listening to the moderator read a two-page bio of how great someone is? It’s a bore. Always keep your bio short and sweet,” she said in an email.

Be Authentic

Focus on highlighting your unique strengths and showcasing your personality. “Your word choice and language will say a lot about who you are and how you want to be represented,” Cure said. “Your personality will show in how you describe yourself and your experiences, as well as what you choose to highlight.”

Don’t be afraid to embrace your individuality and emphasize what truly matters to you. Whether you choose to tell your story with a polished professional tone or a more conversational approach, always let your bio reflect your authentic self.

More from U.S. News

10 Communication Skills for Your Resume

How to Write an Objective for a Resume

15 Best Jobs for Remote Workers

How to Write a Short Professional Bio originally appeared on usnews.com

Update 06/26/24: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

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This AI Biographer Wants to Help You Tell Your Life Story

Autobiographer's AI prompts you, instead of the other way around.

Britney Spears' The Woman in Me was the best autobiography of 2023, according to book recommendation site GoodReads. Prince Harry's Spare was No. 2.

And while we all have stories to tell, few of us have the resources of a pop star or a member of the royal family, which include both the time to write a memoir and the funds to hire a collaborator to help us draw out our memories and connect the dots.

That's where a year-old AI startup called Autobiographer comes in. It's developed an AI interviewer, which asks questions to help you record your life story over time.   

It's AI content generation with a twist: Most of the generative AI tools on the market today, including ChatGPT , Claude , Copilot and Gemini , generate text and other content types based on the prompts we provide — from " Help me perfect my resume to land the job of my dreams" to "Please write a song about Detroit in the style of a popular Motown artist" — Autobiographer provides prompts, which guide you to generate your own outputs. 

It's one of the few gen AI products, if not the only one, where the "AI asks you questions as opposed to you asking it questions," CEO Matt Bowman said.

After downloading the iOS app from Apple's App Store and signing up for a $199 annual subscription, you see on your iPhone what appears to be a rock floating between pink clouds.

"Searching for your next memory," the app says. And then, "Memory ready to be explored."

When I clicked on "Start Conversation," the AI interviewer asked me to tell a story about an adventure I've had. 

"There is no right answer, just go with your gut and tell a cool story from your memories," the AI interviewer added. "What's the adventure that comes to mind and what made it special?"

No single adventure immediately stuck out for me, but I have lived in eight US states and England, so I audibly told the AI interviewer you could argue that my entire life has been a series of adventures — some good, some bad. But one of the good ones was taking a leap in my early 20s and moving to New York to start a career.

"What inspired you to make that bold move at such a young age?" the AI interviewer asked next. "Paint a picture of what those early days in the city were like for you."

Since this was just an experiment, I ended the interview there. The app gave me conversation notes, with highlights of "our" discussion and the option to confirm the accuracy of the summary or to edit it.

"Autobiographer helps you discover, preserve and tell your story to those you love," said Bowman. "By having an adaptive AI conversation with a really curious and very specifically trained AI biographer, you can rediscover your own story."

Your conversations with the AI interviewer are stored in what Autobiographer calls the Memory Vault, which Bowman described as "a deeply encrypted biometric and protected private space where you can see the storyboard of all your memories and your life's journey come together."

The iOS app debuted in May. It has "a small but growing user base," CTO James Barnes said. He didn't disclose figures.

The Bay Area-based startup is developing apps for "platforms beyond iOS" but has no release dates, a spokesperson added.

Autobiographer uses Anthropic's Claude 3 model , which Bowman said is because "of its emotional connectivity and its ability to ask great questions and understand you."

Authors and biographers have helped Autobiographer fine-tune its AI interviewer's personality.

"We've just tuned [Claude 3] into a biographer that's curious about mostly pulling unique stories out of your life, asking how the background of your life equates to a great story, what the hero's journey or the arc or narrative with that is, and being curious to pull the elements out," Bowman said. "Not only from a timeline perspective and getting all the biographical facts correct, but also asking about what it felt like internally, what the significance of what it meant to you is."

Each subscription comes with unlimited conversations, lifetime storage and the ability to create up to 250 pages of content per year. That includes gratitude letters for loved ones and other content types.

The startup envisions users making progress on full-length autobiographies — another content type offered — by having 20-minute conversations with the AI interviewer each week.

Autobiographer is continuing to develop its AI interviewer, including the types of questions it asks, how it follows up and how it memorializes these things, Barnes said.

"The value of a good question, or many good questions, allowing you to paint that picture with your words, is really profound," Barnes added. "And it's something I think we don't often get the opportunity to do, because we don't have an endlessly patient, attentive, curious listener."

This is one of a series of short profiles of AI startups, to help you get a handle on the landscape of artificial intelligence activity going on. For more on AI, see our new  AI Atlas  hub, which includes product reviews, news, tips and explainers.

Editors' note: CNET used an AI engine to help create several dozen stories, which are labeled accordingly. The note you're reading is attached to articles that deal substantively with the topic of AI but are created entirely by our expert editors and writers. For more, see our  AI policy .

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