how to create a resume bio

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

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

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How to Write a Professional Bio for Any Situation—Without the Stress

How many times have you sat in front of a blank screen staring at the pesky cursor, wondering why it’s so hard to write about yourself? I’ll bet it’s more than once. Contemplating who you are as a human being is an exercise in mental (or existential?) gymnastics. And if you’re trying to write a professional bio, you’re trying to distill who you are and what you do in a way that’s compelling to recruiters, hiring managers, colleagues, potential clients, and other contacts all at once—so it can feel ramped up to Simone-Biles-floor-routine-difficulty levels.

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Your professional bio is, arguably, the most important text you’ll ever write about yourself. It’s the first introduction to who you are, what you do, and what you’re interested in—whether it’s for a social media platform, a personal website , or company team page. What you choose to highlight may play a role in others deciding to follow you, call you in for an interview, or invite you to participate in an event. It’s an opportunity for you to—in a few lines—showcase your work, competence, and areas of expertise. So you’d better stick the landing.

But don’t worry too much: You don’t have to be the Simone Biles of LinkedIn to write a professional bio. We’ve gathered the steps, template, examples, and bonus tips you’ll need to write a bio for any occasion.

How to get started on your professional bio

We’ll get to the good stuff shortly (read: the template and examples), but before you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, there are a few things you should know—about yourself.

Your bio shouldn’t be a laundry list of accomplishments, but a window into the person behind the accolades. You’re more than your most recent position (especially if you have a trendy startup title; I’m looking at you, ninjas and rock stars), so think about the strengths that make you good at what you do and the qualities that make you unique. These are what you want the person reading your bio to come away knowing.

If you’re drawing a blank, try to answer these questions before you start writing:

• How have you personally helped your company, department, or clients?
• Which of your accomplishments would be most impressive to your entry-level self?
• What makes you most valuable in your role?
• What’s one thing not in your job description that relates to why you’re so successful? Maybe you want to include a line about volunteering, about writing in your free time, or about a previous role.
• Why do you do what you do? What do you believe about your field that drives you to do the work you do each day?

Once you’ve got all that down, you’re ready to get it into your professional bio.

Professional bio template

The template below is designed to help you write a “master” professional bio that you can then tweak for different situations. This template is meant to offer you a general framework only—if you find that you need to add an extra couple of sentences or determine that a section we’ve included doesn’t feel relevant to how you wish to present yourself, feel free to tweak it.

[Name] is a [role] who [how you help clients, customers, or your employer] by [something unique about your process or output]. [First name] [knows/believes] [what you know/believe about the work you do].

[First name] has [landed/secured/garnered/worked at/supported/mastered] [insert your most compelling experiences, accomplishments, and skills]. Currently [he/she/they] is/are [working toward/studying/planning to] [your next professional goal or some way you’re developing as a professional].

[First name] is [trained/certified/awarded] in [relevant trainings, awards, honors, etc]. [First name] holds a [ degree] in [area of study] from [University].

When [he/she/they] is not [brief phrase that describes what you do], [First Name] [can be found/enjoys] [brief description of compelling interests or hobbies you’d like to share].

Here’s an example of how this template could look filled in:

Matthew Chang is a social media manager who excels at creating campaigns and posts for nonprofits that make followers take action by combining strong writing and design with insights about the org’s  audience. Matthew believes that the right post, seen at the right time, can inspire people who believe in a nonprofit’s mission to help the causes they care about and ultimately allow that org to make a bigger impact.

Matthew has driven more than 10,000 social-influenced donations to three different nonprofits, with over $200,000 raised for important causes. Currently they’re working with GoodBoyGirl dog rescue to inspire not only donations, but also pet adoptions through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok posts. (Matthew is always happy to share pictures of dogs they’ve helped find forever homes!)

Matthew holds a HubSpot Social Media Certification, and has taken several graphic design courses through The New School. They hold a bachelor’s degree from UCLA where they double majored in marketing and English.

When they’re not crafting social media campaigns, Matthew can be found biking around the city with their chihuahua Kyra on their back (don’t worry, the pup has a tiny helmet!) or taking in a Broadway show.

How to adapt your bio for different situations

Now that you have your “master professional bio,” you’ll want to tweak it for different situations.

For each iteration of your bio, imagine a specific reader and what they’d want to know about you, and then write for them. For instance, let’s say you’re on an alumni panel for your college. Student attendees will want to know what they should be doing now to get the career you have. In this case, your bio should reflect less of your day-to-day work responsibilities and more of the past campus activities, classes, and early-career internships and jobs that led you to where you are.

We’ve outlined specific advice for some of the most common scenarios where you’ll need to write a professional bio below—along with examples.

1. Your LinkedIn summary

Start by identifying how you use—or would like to use— LinkedIn . Are you content with your job, but looking to expand your network? Are you trying to attract recruiters?

Whatever you’re seeking, your LinkedIn summary should support your activity on the site; a profile focused on networking within the industry will read differently than that of someone aggressively hunting for a new job. Once you’ve identified your purpose, it will be much easier to tweak the above template for your LinkedIn summary. You’ll still want to lead with your position and other info from the first paragraph of the bio template. Then move onto whatever skills or accomplishments are most relevant to your LinkedIn goals. Last, share those goals.

Here’s an example of a LinkedIn summary that follows this strategy:

As a field sales manager with over eight years of experience driving market share growth in designated territories, I have mastered the ins and outs of pharmaceutical sales and territorial prospecting. After honing and executing these specialties to reach numerous company goals, I was honored with an invitation to join the National Marketing Council. Now, I spend the majority of my time brainstorming sales strategies and connecting with other industry professionals who are interested in talking shop.

You can always add supporting content on either side of this skeleton paragraph, such as a personal anecdote, previous positions, or a mission statement. If you need a bit more inspiration, look to your recommendations for outside opinions on what makes you special.

Read More: 5 Templates That’ll Make Writing the Perfect LinkedIn Summary a Total Breeze

2. Your Twitter bio

Even a snappy, 160-character bio can help set you apart. To write a great bio for social media, grab the first two sentences of the bio we just drafted. We’ve crammed a lot of great info in there: who you are, what you do, who you do it for, how you do it, and what you believe about the work you do. Then make sure you’re stating it as succinctly as possible. Finally, squeeze in your pizazz. Key word: squeeze. Don’t focus on unrelated quirks or superfluous details.

For example:

Software engineering whiz @Belly spreading nuggets of coding gold related to mobile applications. 8-year member of @IEEEorg, aspiring member of The Avengers.

If you’re looking to create a more serious social presence, though, you may choose to leave out the pizazz while including all the same important info:

Proud 8-year member of @IEEEorg and lead software engineer @Belly. Passionate about innovations in coding and mobile applications.

3. Your company website blurb

A bio for your company website (like on a team or staff page) is where you can opt out of some standard details, such as your title, in favor of things that distinguish you as a pro (or a person). After all, anyone reading this knows where you work and your job title will likely be listed by default. So you can use the second and third paragraph of the template to craft a bio focused on what makes you unique.

Margot has exceeded every Clarabridge sales goal by at least 84%, which landed her in the top CEM-seller spot and prepared her for the challenging position of strategizing sales tactics for the National Association of Sales Professionals. Her keen and innovative insights in the areas of forecasting and sales force development have enabled Clarabridge to emerge as a national leader, with a sharp and qualified team in tow to maintain the standard she helped set.

If that’s too formal for the culture of your office, and all your colleagues mention their favorite food trucks, you can aim for a 50-50 split between the professional and personal—or whatever balance suits the company’s brand.

Margot tops the sales charts at Clarabridge. In fact, she’s beat every goal by at least 84% without ever missing a practice as the coach of her son’s (undefeated) soccer team. Fueled by loaded nachos, she landed the top CEM-seller spot and took on a position brainstorming sales tactics for the National Association of Sales Professionals. Not only is she a pro when it comes to forecasting and sales force development, but she can also advise a team on where to find the best free events in the city on any given weekend.

4. Your personal website or portfolio “About Me” page

Here’s where you want to lay it all on your audience. You can use as much of the bio you wrote from the template above as you see fit and feel free to expand on whatever sections you’d like. Craft your “About Me” page so potential partners or employers understand what you can do for them and why you’re the person they should hire .

Chad Wilborn takes complex technical ideas and distills them into user-friendly visuals to improve digital marketing campaigns for companies along the West Coast. He has an education in traditional advertising and a background loaded with marketing and graphic design projects, centered around modernizing the consumer experience. Chad’s portfolio demonstrates his ability to capitalize on every pixel for the overall benefit of startups or established enterprises trying to reach consumers. His services have won multiple design and branding awards, and he is excited to help add your company to his list of successes.

But don’t forget your brand ! If you want to showcase yourself in a more unique or quirky light, opt for a first-person version with more light-hearted language.

I am a modern magician, except I transform complicated technical ideas into user-friendly images before the eyes of your company’s customers. I believe in telling relatable stories through graphics, so I studied the basics of traditional advertising before working my magic on corporate marketing projects for companies along the West Coast. My portfolio showcases a lineup of my most recent tricks, which range from visual startup campaigns to Fortune 500 projects—each of which have won design and branding awards. I’m always ready for new design opportunities and have plenty of room up my sleeve for a few more award-winning performances.

A few more tips

Keep these in mind as you write your professional bio, no matter where it’s going to end up:

• Know your limits: Just as your resume is best when it fits on one or two pages, your bio likely also requires a certain length. Whether it’s two sentences, two paragraphs, or 160 characters, respect the limit or risk it being arbitrarily chopped down.
• Avoid jargon and buzzwords: When you spend nearly a third of your life at work, it’s easy to forget that the rest of the world doesn’t speak your industry’s (or company’s) language. Use your bio to share facts and impact in terms everyone will understand.
• Use your own voice: Write about what you know best and write the way that you talk. If your bio readers ever meet you in person, they should feel as if they already know you.
• Write more than one draft: Don’t just throw something together and send it off. Write it, sleep on it, then come back to it and ask: “Would I want to meet me?” Or better yet: “Would I want to hire or work with me?”
• Don’t forget to update your bio: Your bio should evolve as you do. If you start looking for jobs in different industries, have a new and exciting accomplishment to note, or just feel ready for a refresh, go for it. Now that you’ve got this draft down, it’ll be easy to rework your professional bio.

Alex Honeysett , Adrian J. Hopkins , and Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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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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• Jul 13, 2022

How to Write a Stand-Out Professional Bio (with Examples)

Not good at writing about yourself? Follow these handy tips!

Nikki Vivian

Careers Coach and Writer

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

If you’ve reached the point in your life where you’re applying for jobs and making headway in your career, networking online, or setting up a business, the chances are, you’ve needed to write a professional biography. This can be a daunting task. Writing about ourselves and focusing on our strengths doesn’t always come easy, and neither does making it captivating enough to draw in the reader.

Take a look through our article on how to write a professional bio, with top tips for what to include and detailed examples for inspiration.

What is a professional bio

A professional bio is a short introduction or summary about you and what you can offer. Its purpose is to sell you as a professiona l in whatever capacity you are using it for. Typically, you can use a bio at the start of your CV , you can have a detailed bio on a LinkedIn profile , and you can present a bio to clients, employers or customers.

For your bio to be effective, it needs to be written in a way that draws in the reader, giving them all the information they need to know about you in a professional capacity, in a way that is engaging, clear and genuine. Think of it as your sales pitch.

You can be creative or stick to a traditional structure for your bio, but there are certain things that you may want to include:

• Current job title
• Educational attainment
• Relevant certifications
• Area of specialism
• Skills and experience
• Previous career background

How to write a professional bio

Knowing what you need to include is one thing, but writing it can still be tricky. It has to be catchy so that the reader wants to continue to the end, and it has to give all the information needed to do you and your professional standing justice. It is a snapshot of you and your career, so you want to make sure you come across professional and qualified but also demonstrate how you stand out.

Here are some tips to help.

Give an introduction

Start your personal biography with an introduction to who you are. You can include your name and what you do currently, or a summary of your most recent years of experience. If you have a business you are representing, this can also be stated here as part of the introduction. Starting with an introduction is impactful and personal and sets the scene.

Highlight your experience

As well as introducing yourself in terms of what you do, you will do well to include some details about your current role or business, along with previous experience that brought you to this point. Think about your responsibilities, what you’re best known for, and how you got to the position you are currently in.

Avoid using phrases like “trying to” or “attempting to”, as this makes it sound like you’re not achieving the things you’re aiming for. Go with something more powerful, as you are doing it (and doing it well!)

Focus on achievements

What you do on a day-to-day basis is important, but your bio needs to show what you personally have to offer. Think about what makes you stand out, such as any awards, commendations, or anything with great results that you have contributed to personally. These need to be a focus of your bio. For example, think about using percentages to show increase in revenue, numbers to demonstrate how many people you managed or secured at an event or naming (and linking to) publications that you were mentioned in.

Show your personality

Why is what you do important to you? Why are you passionate about it? If relevant, talk about your views and mission within your field and why you love what you do. Injecting a bit of personality into your bio will help readers to relate to you and understand your goals and commitments.

Keep it short

Professional bios don’t need to be — and shouldn’t be — long. They are a snapshot of you and your career, in the context of what you’re using the bio for. Your résumé, the rest of your LinkedIn profile, website, or any further documents can add further details that don’t need to be covered in your bio. A bios length will vary depending on what you’re using it for. A résumé bio should be short, just a few sentences, whereas a LinkedIn bio can be up to 2000 characters. Generally, a business bio is expected to be around 300–500 words.

Keep it relevant

Your bio needs to be entirely relevant to whatever you’re using it for. If you are applying for a job and your bio is on your résumé, it needs to clearly outline who you are, your most relevant skills and experience, and what you’re looking to do. If your bio is to be used to show your membership to a professional organization, you need to be highlighting experience, credentials and job titles relating to that. Don’t be tempted to include everything. You are looking to show your professionalism in a certain area.

Break up the text

You want your bio to be easy to read, so break up text into short paragraphs or use bullets if you are listing skills or achievements where necessary. Short paragraphs are easier to scan and easier to take in than large bodies of text. A large paragraph can be offputting and means your bio is less likely to be read.

Tell a story

Professional bios can be boring. You don’t want that. You actually want people to read yours, so write it in a way that speaks to the reader. Rather than a stale list of achievements and a list of past positions, weave a story. Talk about where you are, how you got there, why you love what you do and why you’re so good at it but do it in a way that is engaging. People love stories and it will also help them to relate to you.

While telling stories is good, don’t make it an essay. Keep it short and sweet.

What can you offer

It’s very tempting to think about what you are looking for when you are applying for a job, or membership in an organization. Talk about your career goals and ambitions, yes, but don’t forget to make it very clear what you can offer. A future employer or customer wants to know why they should pick you, rather than what you hope to gain.

Call to action

Depending on what the bio is being used for, you may want to include a call to action. This works especially well with a professional bio on LinkedIn or a website. The call to action could be to join a mailing list, visit your website or give you a call.

Taking note of all the advice above, here are some examples of how you can construct a short professional bio. These are bios are particularly suitable for a résumé, the by-line of a guest article or a short bio on a website.

I first became interested in engineering at a young age, when I became fascinated with the mechanisms of toys and vehicles. This passion continued as I progressed through education and realized that I could study engineering and make a career out of it. Following my BA in mechanical engineering, I went on to complete a MEng and began my career with [company name] where I quickly progressed from intern to regional manager, winning employer of the year in 2021.

With 15 years of experience working in business development for successful start-ups, including [company name] and [company name], I set up [your company/business name] to incorporate my business knowledge and experience of bringing products successfully to market, with my passion for cooking. Since 2019, I have grown the business to trade in three countries, employing 50 members of staff and increasing revenue year on year by 15 percent.

With strong leadership skills, a growth mindset and a genuine interest in the industry I trade in, I have big growth plans for 2022, including new product lines, market expansion and some exciting collaborations.

My name is [your name] and I am a marketing assistant with experience in the corporate, creative and fashion industry. I completed my bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2019 with a distinction and have since completed internships and placements with [company name(s)], building my experience in events and the corporate environment.

I am skilled at building relationships with clients and using my creativity to contribute to effective marketing strategies, including the [campaign name] campaign for [company name]. I am passionate about learning and outside of formal education; I have taken a number of online courses including digital marketing, marketing and branding and influencer marketing to level up my skills.

Final thoughts

Done right, a professional bio can be an effective tool for getting you noticed, to help you advance in your career and to outline exactly what you’re good at and what you stand for. However, it isn’t as simple as just listing your credentials. You need to make yourself stand out by creating a bio that is readable, human, relatable, and that sells you for all your relevant skills and experience.

Take time to think about your audience, what they need to know about you, and don’t be shy about including your big achievements and the experience that sets you apart.

Do you struggle writing about yourself and your achievements? Did you find this helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

Writing Skills

Professionalism

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

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

• Rebecca Strehlow
• 13 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 short 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 short 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.

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.

Bio for a website example:

Hi, I'm Alex Johnson, a passionate web developer with over 10 years of experience in creating dynamic and user-friendly websites. I specialize in front-end development, bringing innovative designs to life with clean and efficient code. When I'm not coding, you can find me exploring hiking trails, experimenting with new recipes, or buried in a good book. Let's build something amazing together.

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.

Bio for social media example:

🌟 Tech Enthusiast | 📚 Avid Reader | 🎨 Amateur Artist | 🌍 Explorer

Passionate about AI and its impact on our future. Sharing insights on tech trends, book recommendations, and my travel adventures. Lover of all things creative. Let's connect and inspire each other

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

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

How do I write a bio about myself?

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

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How to Write a Professional Bio that Best Represents You

If you want a guaranteed recipe for writer’s block, try writing a professional bio—between being taunted by a blinking cursor on a blank, white page and erasing what you’ve written about yourself 900 times—it can be a nightmare. 

Who knew 250 characters could be so painful?

When you learn how to write a professional bio, this process can be simple and easy (instead of time-consuming and intimidating).

Key Takeaways

What is a professional bio.

A professional bio briefly describes a person and their career highlights. Bios are commonly used on social media platforms like LinkedIn, X (formally Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and personal websites.

While the length and exact components may vary depending on the platform, the goal remains the same. A professional bio should quickly communicate who you are, what you do, your expertise, and the value you can provide to your target audience.

LinkedIn Bio 

Founder & CEO at SmartFocus Inc.

San Francisco Bay Area

Why a Standout Bio Matters

Leaves a memorable first impression.

In the digital world, first impressions happen fast. It takes just .2 seconds for people to form an opinion about a website, and 2.6 seconds to find the most critical part of the page they landed on. The same holds true for professional profiles and bios.

Prevents Being Overlooked 

With a standout bio that grabs someone’s attention, recruiters may accept your profile and reach out about an exciting role or upcoming interview. New business partners and clients may also need to learn how you can add value.

For example, let’s say a hiring manager is searching LinkedIn for a new marketing specialist. They come across your profile but pass over it because your bio is vague and doesn’t communicate your expertise. As a result, you need to take advantage of the chance to land your dream job.

Conveys Your Differentiators

Improved Bio

How to Write a Bio That Fosters Connection 

1. know your target audience.

As mentioned above, a person might need to write a professional bio for many reasons. Whether you’re job hunting or looking to grow a following, there’s one important thing you need to keep in mind.

Including information about yourself that isn’t relevant or doesn’t build credibility and authority is a waste of words. While you might be proud of specific accomplishments in life, as famed writer William Faulkner once said, “In writing, you must kill all your darlings.” 

Before you put pen to paper, think about: 

2. highlight your mission and values , to write a bio that connects with people:, 3. get feedback on what works and what doesn’t, to get started doing this:, 4. use humor… sometimes, there are a few guidelines for using humor in a bio, though:, 5. combine your two best bios , when mashing together your bios:.

Dr. Sarah Chin

Dr. Sarah Chin is a board-certified pediatrician with over 15 years of experience caring for children from birth through adolescence. She graduated top of her class from NYU Medical School before completing a pediatric residency at Seattle Children’s, consistently ranked as one of the best pediatric hospitals in the United States.

Dr. Chin enjoys hiking, sailing, and volunteering with low-income schools to provide free immunizations when she’s not in the office. She is passionate about giving back to the Seattle community.

Professional Bio Examples for Building a Personal Brand

For instagram:, for facebook:, for linkedin:, for your website:, use a professional bio template, bio for social media sites:, speaking engagement bio:, résumé bio:.

For a good positioning statement on a résumé, Kyle Weeks, founder of Business Inspo and former marketing analyst at Apple, explains, “The formula is: 

Putting Your Best Face Forward

Investing time in a compelling bio establishes you as an industry leader, builds your brand, and accelerates your career growth.

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

3 key takeaways

• What a short professional bio is and why you need one
• What to include in a short bio to make it stand out and relevant to your audience
• Short professional bio examples, templates, and a faster way to write your biography with Teal's Professional Bio Generator

In a world where just about everyone is represented online, your short professional bio often serves as a first introduction.

Often, it's what employers or other professionals will use to form their initial impression. And how you present yourself can help influence whether someone invites you to connect, interview you, or simply move on.

Below, you'll learn what you need to write your bio and how to actually write one. You'll also find templates and some short professional bio examples to use as a guide.

Looking for a quicker way to a polished bio? Sign up for Teal for free and try the Professional Bio Generator.

What is a short professional bio? 

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

While "short" can be subjective, length often depends on the platform and the audience you're sharing your bio with. There's no one-size-fits-all, and you'll tailor the length based on where it's being shared—whether that’s on your personal website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter bio, or your resume.

What’s the difference between a professional bio and short professional bio?

A professional bio and a short professional bio both summarize your career, qualifications, and achievements, but each caters to different contexts and needs. 

A professional bio is a detailed account—that can span several paragraphs—and covers your:

• Career background
• Most noteworthy achievements and impact or results
• Skills you've developed or are developing
• Some personal insights

This version is appropriate for professional websites, long-form pitch documents, or networking platforms (like in your LinkedIn About Me section) where a more thorough introduction is valuable.

On the other hand, a short professional bio is a concise version that filters the most important information from your professional bio into key takeaways. A short bio:

• Communicates your core qualifications
• Briefly touches on your professional persona
• Is ideal for your resume, author bio, or speaking engagements
• Can be used across social media profiles like Twitter and Instagram

What to include in a short bio 

Your short bio should summarize the key takeaways from a longer, more rounded-out professional bio. Think of it as kind of an elevator pitch that highlights what you'd want your target audience (who doesn't know much—if anything—about you) to understand about your career so far.

Here are some things you'll want to address.

• Level of education, if relevant to the audience
• Years of experience in your field, if relevant to the audience
• Your current or former career title
• Major professional accomplishments with impact or goals
• Professional experience, skills, and area(s) of expertise

Now, if you're a student or making a pivot, like transitioning into a new field where you might not have relevant work experience, you'll focus more on your educational achievements (think relevant awards, projects, or volunteer experience) and the skills and knowledge you're developing.

What to include in a short bio if you’re a student

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

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

Generate your professional bio with AI

Want to save time? You can also use the Teal to generate multiple versions of your short professional bio.

How to write a short bio

There's no right or wrong way to write your own bio. Think of this next section as a guide, and remember: short professional bios are unique to each person.

Here are the things you might want to consider if you're ready to write your professional bio:

1. Choose your voice

You have the option to write your short bio from either a first or third-person POV.

In the first person, you'll use  "I, me, and my." In the third person, you'll refer to yourself using your name and preferred pronouns.

As a general rule, using the third person is typically considered more formal, while using the first person is more casual and personal.

 First-person example : "I'm a bestselling author. My work has been published in The New York Times."

Third-person example: "Zane Smith is a bestselling author. His work has been published in The New York Times."

If you want to write and store multiple versions of your short professional bio in different tones or even with different information, use Teal to write and save as many versions as you need for free.

2. Choose your tone

Language can convey different moods. Depending on the context and your personal brand , your bio can sound more buttoned-up or more relaxed and conversational.

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

Example 1: “A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Sally is currently a consultant at XYZ Consulting based out of their New York office.” 

Example 2: “A recent UPenn grad, Sally swore off econ after years of hard classes only to end up as a consultant at a major firm — but don't worry, she loves it.” 

3. Start with your name and a current or recent role

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

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

If you're pivoting careers , you can list your most recent role and use your first sentence to say what you're looking to do next.

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

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

4. Share your accomplishments and achievements

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

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

Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Try the generative AI in the Teal Resume Builder . With Teal's AI, you can write individual achievement-based bullet points using a job description, keywords, or a custom prompt to articulate your accomplishments effectively and confidently.

5. Share your philosophy or “why” 

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

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

6. Add your personal touch

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

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

Short professional bio examples

Examples of professional bios are invaluable because they provide a clear framework and inspiration for writing your own. They can also help you see how to condense years of experience into a few compelling sentences so you communicate the right details clearly, briefly, and full of impact. 

Short bio example for a personal website

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

Why it works: Audrey's bio immediately establishes her as a multifaceted professional within the fashion industry. It outlines her career trajectory and showcases broad experience and evolution, demonstrating growth and adaptability. The mention of initiatives and workshops adds a layer of approachability and commitment to education in her field, improving her appeal as an influencer and mentor.

Professional short bio example on LinkedIn

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

Why it works: This professional bio online is punchy and concise. It opens by noting Christen's titles and includes years of experience, giving her credibility while underscoring her heritage (which can resonate strongly with a diverse audience on LinkedIn). By focusing on her app, she not only showcases initiative but also aligns herself with trends in tech innovation. Rounding out her short bio are details of working with top content creators, establishing her as a seasoned industry pro.

Short professional bio example on social media

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

Why it works: With only 160 characters to work with, Dulma’s Twitter bio is an example of brevity. It clearly outlines her two main pursuits: managing an online community and producing content for TikTok, making it easy for readers to gauge her interests and activities at a glance.

Company website short bio examples

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

Why it works: "Meet our wonderful team" feels like a personal invitation to get to know the group, which can make visitors more inclined to engage. Describing them as "tight-knit" and "curious creatures" adds character and illustrates a vibrant and collaborative work environment. Highlighting that the team is "always learning" and "constantly seeking out new perspectives" positions Teachable as a dynamic and innovative company—committed to growth and evolution.

Tips for writing a short bio

Even though there aren't official rules for writing a bio, there are still some things you should strive for as well as steer clear of if you want to make the best possible impression. 

1. Tailor your professional bio to your audience

Whether it's potential employers, LinkedIn connections, Twitter followers, or visitors to your website, each platform and audience has its own expectations. Keep your information relevant and concise, focusing on what matters most to that intended audience.

2. Be authentic

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

3. Prioritize relevant information

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

4. Be relatable

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

5. Be professional

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

Example 1: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was selected out of nearly 7,000 applicants to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring.” 

Example 2: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was the obvious choice to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring (because he's the best).” 

Also, if you're revising your bio after a lay-off or termination, avoid sounding spiteful. As tempting as it might be, don't make negative statements or accusations in your short bio. Positivity and a good attitude will get you much further.

Short professional bio templates

If you prefer to plug and play or need a short bio in a pinch, don't worry; here are three short bio templates to get you started:

Short professional bio template for working professionals

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

Short professional biography template for students

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

Short professional bio template for a gap in employment

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

If you decide to use any of these biography templates, tweak it ever-so-slightly. Once you've finished entering your details, try adding a bit of personal flair.

Swap adjectives, remove anything that doesn't quite fit with your vibe or experiences, or append some more personal details as you see fit. Feel free to work off of any one of the bios from these resume examples to get a feel for how different styles can be used across roles.

Create your short professional bio with Teal

In a digital world where your online presence often speaks before you do, writing a good, short professional bio is more important than ever. It's the first glimpse potential employers, clients, or colleagues get of your professional life and persona, and the right presentation can open doors to new opportunities and connections. 

Teal's Professional Bio Generator saves time by speeding up the writing process with AI. Whether you're trying to impress potential employers, clients, or peers, Teal's generator adapts to your needs and experience, allowing you to create a unique short bio for any audience with one click.

Ready to write a professional bio with maximum impact in less time?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a short professional bio.

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

How do you write an impressive short bio?

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

What is a short biography about yourself?

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

Emily Polner

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• How to Write a Short Bio?...

How to Write a Short Bio? (With Examples)

7 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

A short professional biography is a great tool to have in your career marketing toolkit.

As you progress through your career, there will likely come a time when someone wants you to provide them with a professional biography. It could be that your boss wants to include something on the team page of the company website or perhaps you need to write a blurb about your biggest achievements for a social media page. 

Regardless of the reason, you should always have one ready to go. Many people have quite a few questions about writing short professional bios, though, including

What is a bio?

How to write a short bio?

What voice to use in a short bio – first person or third person?

What is the format of a short biography?

What is a good bio example?

Let's just say that you're in the right place to find out.

What is a short bio?

Have you ever heard the phrase “elevator pitch?” Well, that's what a bio is. It's about 200 words that define who you are, what you do, what you've accomplished, and what your goals are. If that seems like a lot to put into a couple hundred words, you're right. 

This isn't the time to go on and on about everything you've ever done. Since the purpose of a short professional bio is to introduce you to whoever is reading it, it's best to worry about only hitting the high notes. 

Think about what you say when someone asks you the following:

What do you do?

How long have you done it?

What do you like most about it?

Have you ever won an award ?

Why do you want to keep doing what you do?

Your answers to those questions will help you craft your biography, though you'll probably have to pare down the wording to keep it within the requisite word count. Always remember KISS – Keep it Short and Simple. 

How to write a short professional bio?

Just like with your resume, a short professional bio should contain key details. Those details should also appear in a predictable order. 

Your name and current job title

Your professional philosophy

Some of your best skills

Career achievements

What you have your sights set on for the future

You could also include things like links to online portfolios or your contact information, depending on where the bio is going to be used. For example, if you're adding the short professional bio to a web page that already has your contact info, then you don't need to add it to the bio itself. 

First-person vs third-person for your short professional bio

Before you start writing, you have to decide which voice you're going to use for your biography. Meaning, are you going to write it using first-person or third-person?

First-person writing involves using pronouns like “I,” “me,” and “my”

Third-person writing is when you avoid using personal pronouns and stick to possessive pronouns or possessive adjectives like "he," "she," "his," and "her"

It all depends on your audience. You'd choose to write your short professional bio in the first person if you're using it for personal websites, social media profiles , and networking events. It's better to use the third person when you're writing for company websites, professional directories, or other formal settings. 

Short professional bio examples: Your name and current job title

This may seem like a given, but because it's such a simple thing, a lot of people try to overdo it. You literally only need to write something like this

Third-person: Janet Plunder is the Head of Marketing for We Are Creatives, Inc. 

First-person:   My name is Jeff Safeport, and I am the Network Manager for BitBytes.

Short professional bio examples: Your professional philosophy

Have you ever thought about the values and ethics you possess and how those shape your work and interaction with others? That is the basis of your professional philosophy. Prospective employers and future clients want to know how you distinguish yourself from others. The way you come up with your professional philosophy is through a little self-assessment. Ask yourself

What do I believe in?

What am I committed to?

What values are most important in my professional life?

How do I approach challenges?

Have I made any type of impact in my field?

This is what the philosophy statement could look like in your short bio:

• Third-person: She is known for leading with integrity, fostering collaborative environments, and continuously seeking innovative solutions that drive success. 
• First-person:   I am committed to prioritizing client satisfaction. Also, by embracing the idea of lifelong learning, I consistently strive for excellence in everything all projects I undertake.

Short professional bio examples: Your skills and qualifications

Going back to the concept of KISS, you want to avoid trying to include a laundry list of every skill you possess. The idea here is to focus on the abilities that set you apart in your field. You need to be specific not only about what you excel at but also how the particular skills you choose for your short professional bio have helped you be successful. 

For example:

• Third-person: Jane is known for creating digital marketing strategies, with a particular focus on SEO and content marketing. She has a proven track record of increasing online visibility, brand awareness, and consumer engagement for countless globally branded companies. 
• First-person :  One of my strong suits is the ability to streamline processes in a way that improves productivity across international teams. I do this through full lifecycle project management and deep-dive data analysis.

Short professional bio examples: Your career achievements

Back when you were writing your resume, you probably heard over and over again how important career achievements are. There are millions of articles out there that tell you how to quantify the things you've accomplished in past jobs because that's how prospective employers know you'll be a benefit to their team. 

The same holds true for your short professional bio. Your readers will be able to tell how you can help them by getting a glimpse into your career wins. Focus on notable awards and major projects that point to you achieving milestones.

Here's what that could look like:

• Third-person: Recently, she led a rebranding project that increased revenue by more than 20%, earning her the Innovator of the Year award. 
• First-person :  In my last position, I ascended to the prestigious President's Club after overhauling project processes and saving the company $10M. 

Short professional bio examples: Your professional goals

The one thing that distinguishes a short professional bio from your other career marketing documents is that it not only showcases your history but it's also future-facing. This gives you a great opportunity to talk about your aspirations and which direction you are heading in your career. 

You can show prospective employers and future clients that you're going to be around a while by talking about things like being “forward-thinking” and emphasizing your “commitment to growth,” as examples. 

Here are a couple of short professional bio examples you can use as inspiration for your own professional goals :

• Third-person: Jane is looking forward to developing leadership skills to transition into an executive management role so that she can foster innovation at the corporate level.   
• First-person :  Since the beginning of my career, I've focused on expanding my expertise in cybersecurity and am poised to move into a Chief Information Officer position. 

Leave a lasting impression

No matter what type of document you're writing for your career, the object is always to leave a lasting impression. That holds true even for a short professional bio. It may only be a couple hundred words, but they're very important words. Keep it concise, relevant, and engaging, and the right doors will open to propel you along your career journey.

The best way to get the right details into your short professional bio is to use information from your resume. Does your resume say what you need it to say about your skills, qualifications, and achievements? Upload it for a free review and find out. 

Recommended reading:

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How to Write Short Professional Bios with Examples

• What is a Short Professional Bio

Preparing to Write Your Professional Bio

Crafting your professional bio, examples of short professional bios, short professional bio faqs.

A key aspect of growing your career is knowing how to showcase your strengths, experiences, and the value you offer a company. That includes using resume checkers , resume builders , and cover letter generators to write a top-notch professional bio and stand out in the hiring process.

The bio can be tricky when you’re only given a short space to work with and feel the need to stand out amongst others in your industry. So, where do you begin, and how do you optimize it?

We’ll guide you through the whole process in this article, covering the purpose of a professional bio, do’s and don’ts in the process, and short professional bio examples you can use as templates.

What Is a Short Professional Bio ?

Before you start writing, it’s important to understand what a short professional bio is and its purpose. If you’re wondering, “What is a bio?” or “What should a bio include?” here’s a quick breakdown of the key components and objectives.

Definition and objectives

A professional bio briefly describes your skills, education, and accomplishments. It shows your value as an employee, professional, or businessperson.

A bio’s overall intent and structure can vary depending on where it’s going. For example, a professional social media bio may need to be more compact, whereas something on a company website may provide a slightly longer description of your professional experience.

Some of the most common places to put a short professional bio will be:

• Social media: There’s a growing need for professionals to have a presence on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. Due to the fast-paced nature of these platforms, bios are usually pretty short and to the point, and you’ll typically be given a character limit for how long they can be.
• Company “About” or “Meet the Team” pages: If you’re employed at a company that wants to have an online presence, they may need a bio for you on their About or Meet the Team page. These bios may be a bit longer than those on social media and would be focused on the value you’ll bring while assisting the company’s clients or customers.
• Resume bio: This is similar to a resume summary but will focus more on your top accomplishments and accolades. It’ll typically be a short two to three sentence description of your professional skills, achievements, and career goals.
• Professional website: Those who are self-employed or business owners may have their portfolio or services posted on a professional website. You’d want to have a brief bio explaining your skills, experiences, and the products or services you offer.

Key components

Now that you have the use cases down let’s look at the primary components that every professional biography should have.

• Your job title or the title you’re seeking: Your listed job title is a key indicator that your skills are right for a company or client’s needs. You’ll want to list your current job title to show your primary abilities. Additionally, entry-level job seekers or those wanting to advance their careers may also want to add a goal job title.
• Top skills: Listing some top industry skills is a great way to make your bio stand out. For example, accountants may want to list skills in software like QuickBooks and Excel and essential tasks like expense reporting. Or, if you lack experience, your bio could focus on transferable skills like customer service or inventory management.
• Accomplishments: Your notable accomplishments show what you’re capable of on the job. For instance, you could include some great sales numbers you achieved or how you helped boost client retention rates. Inexperienced applicants could also write about educational achievements or non-traditional work experience , such as attaining funding goals while volunteering with a non-profit.
• Your passion: What makes you passionate about your job or the industry you want to work in? Sharing aspects like how your desire to help people made you want to become a nurse will help you connect with organizations and hiring managers when they see your bio.

Before writing a bio, you’ll want to gather the correct information to present a well-rounded overview of your skills. Determining the appropriate tone and style to satisfy your intent will also be essential.

Information gathering

So, what information do you need for a top-notch professional bio?

First, you’ll want to understand your target audience and the purpose of your bio.

For example, if you’ve recently re-entered the job market and are trying to craft a great LinkedIn bio that could grab a hiring manager’s attention, you’ll want to understand the characteristics of your ideal employer and how you can show you’re a match for their needs.

It’s often helpful to research companies hiring for your job title and write down some common characteristics you notice in job posts.

Someone looking for a role as a social media manager may notice many companies want to develop a more customer-focused approach. You could tailor your bio to emphasize how your social strategy and posting style help companies connect with their customers and make them feel valued.

The next step is determining the right skills to include. In many ways, this will be similar to selecting the right resume skills . Again, looking at job descriptions for your title will be helpful. When you see trends like many companies requiring social media manager skills in Sprout Social and the Adobe Suite, take note of that to reference those abilities in your bio.

Lastly, you’ll want to find numbers you can include to specify your accomplishments. In the example of a social media manager, that could be things like how your user-generated content strategies boosted follower counts by 32% and average click-through rates by 43%.

You can tailor this process to different use cases. For instance, if you’re writing a bio for an about page on a professional website, you could tailor it to how your skills will fit your prospective customer’s primary pain points. Or, if you’re trying to gain more followers on social media, you could detail why your professional expertise makes your posts valuable for a specific audience.

Selecting tone and style

The tone of your bio will depend on its purpose and the platform you’re posting it to.

For work or resume bios, you’d often want to tailor your tone to the company. If you’re crafting a work bio for a company website where the tone is lighthearted and fun, you’d likely want to match that. The same goes if you’re crafting a resume bio for a company that uses a very formal tone in the job description. It’s a good idea to match that to show how you’ll fit their professional workplace culture.

When your bio is more personal, such as on social media or a professional website that hosts your portfolio, you can use a tone that reflects your personality while still keeping it professional or aim for a tone that you believe would connect with your target audience.

You’ll also want to consider whether you should write your bio in first-person or third-person.

Generally, the best practice is to write your bio in the third person if it’s in a more formal context or where you wouldn’t be introducing yourself. That would be when it’s for a website you don’t own (such as the company you work for), when you’ll be a speaker at a conference, or for a book or other literature.

Using the first person will be a better fit when the context is more personal or when you’re introducing yourself, such as on social media or a professional website that you own.

Now that you know the information you’ll need, let’s get into the essentials of how to write a bio and structure it appropriately. We’ll go over the introduction, how to highlight your achievements, and ways you can personalize so it stands out.

Introduction techniques

When introducing yourself in a bio, you should know if you’ll write in the first or third person since how you start will differ slightly between the two.

When writing in the third person, you should lead with your first and last name, such as “Denise Sampson is a graphic designer with over seven years of experience crafting engaging visuals for social media content.”

On the other hand, a first-person introduction would be a little different. If your name is displayed prominently elsewhere on the website or profile where your bio is hosted, you could begin it with words like “I” or “my,” such as “I’m a software developer who is passionate about helping others learn Python.”

Otherwise, if you still need to introduce your name, you could begin with something like, “My name is Todd Labowski. I’m an architect who has been leveraging 3D-printed materials in my commercial building designs for the last five years.”

As you introduce yourself, it’ll be important to emphasize your role and professional identity right away so others know what you do. This should include your current job title, any education that makes you stand out, and potentially your current employer.

Entry-level professionals like recent college graduates may also want to include a goal job title here. For example, you could say, “I’m a recent graduate from Oklahoma University with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, aiming to get into a role as a sports trainer to help athletes improve their performance.”

Highlighting achievements

Once you’ve effectively introduced your name and professional identity, it’ll be time to highlight achievements that grab a reader’s attention.

Remember who your target audience is when thinking about the accomplishments you want to highlight. You’ll likely want to choose things that are as relevant as possible to your job title, industry, or the career you’re striving to get into. For example, a teacher may want to highlight how their project-focused lesson plans led to higher test scores from students.

As you’ll notice in our resume templates and resume examples , we always recommend using numbers to describe your work experience . It’s a good idea to do so here as well to showcase the exact impact you had. In the example of a teacher, you could say, “I’ve always been a big advocate of using projects to reinforce learning since I’ve seen great results from project-focused lesson plans where they increased my students’ test scores by an average of 33%.”

Also, make sure these accomplishments tie into the overall message you want your bio to convey. If this were on a school’s website introducing staff members, the goal might be to reassure parents that your teaching skills will help their children get the best possible education. So, providing results like test scores or learning retention would be ideal for that purpose.

When you don’t have as much experience, you may need to get creative with the achievements you reference. However, you’ll still have many things to choose from, like educational accomplishments, volunteer work, or relevant hobbies and interests .

For instance, you could reference time volunteering as a youth baseball coach, where you used visual learning techniques to help players improve their batting percentages by 28%. Using an achievement like that would still showcase abilities that would make you an effective teacher.

Personalizing your bio

Just like in cover letters or letters of interest where you’d want to personalize your message to better connect with a hiring manager, you should take a similar approach when writing a professional bio.

Consider why you’re passionate about your job or the field you want to get into, and try to tie that into your overall message.

For example, let’s say you’re a personal trainer. A big part of your story and why you pursued that career path is that when you started working out, you lost 30 pounds, which helped you gain confidence and a better outlook on life. So, you want to do the same for your clients.

You could phrase that in your bio by saying, “Jack’s passion for the gym started after he lost 30 pounds and noticed himself having more energy and confidence in his daily life. When he sees clients smile after beating a personal best on an exercise or start walking into the gym with more confidence, it reinforces why he works hard to set up proper programming and diet plans to help others achieve the same results he did.”

Some other ways you could personalize a professional bio are:

• Sharing your values and how they impact your career. For example, your desire for accountability in business could show why you value a role as a quality control advisor.
• Briefly describe who you are outside of work, such as detailing your favorite hobbies and interests . Maybe you’re a big chess player, which will show why you’re a great strategic manager.
• Share your personal insights. What have you noticed while working in your field that others don’t always mention? What things have led to your personal success?

Professional Bio Do’s and Dont’s

You have the basic structure down. Now, let’s review some best practices and common pitfalls to ensure your short bio is as successful as possible.

Best practices

Some best practices when writing a professional bio are:

• Keep it concise: Your bio should be a quick summary of who you are and your professional expertise. This will be between three to five sentences or 100 words or less in most cases unless otherwise specified by the organization that’ll be posting your bio.
• Include the most relevant information: Consider your intent and the audience reading your bio, such as if it’s for a job application, professional networking site, or conference. Then, include the most relevant details, such as why your expertise in agile methodologies will make your speech at a conference valuable for project managers.
• Highlight achievements over responsibilities: Listing responsibilities sounds too bland and won’t grab attention. So, rather than saying you’ve been in charge of quality assurance for the last seven years, you should emphasize key accomplishments, such as using failure testing to identify 58% more product errors before launch.
• Update regularly: Just like you should refresh your resume as you advance your career, do the same with your bio. Regularly add new expertise you gain that’ll be more relevant, especially as technology changes with updates to the software you use or more efficient techniques are developed. Plus, update your job title and any other relevant information as it changes.

Common pitfalls

Some common pitfalls professionals run into with bios are:

• Sharing too many details: You don’t need to list all the top skills you put on your resume or every notable achievement you’ve had in your bio. Instead, focus on a couple of skills and one or two achievements that will relate to the audience reading it.
• Being too vague: Many professionals end up with bios that sound too generic when they don’t list specific skills or achievements. Rather than saying, “Beth Lancaster has extensive experience in the business world,” try for something like, “Beth Lancaster has been managing mergers and acquisitions for 12 years, using change management strategies to make new policy development 57% more efficient and effective.”
• Overloading with jargon: While you want to share your expertise, using too many technical terms that only someone in your role will understand will confuse an audience that doesn’t have the same knowledge. This is especially common when you’re in a highly technical field like a software engineer or medical researcher. So, aim for simple explanations with impacts that anyone can understand.
• Grammar errors: A bio full of grammatical errors will detract from your professional image. So, always proofread before you post or submit it.

To help you put it all together, here are some short bio examples for different platforms and professions. You can use these examples as a professional bio template that you customize with your own details.

Bios across platforms

When learning how to write a bio about yourself, you must consider the platform on which it will be posted. Here are some biography examples for the most popular places where you might post one.

LinkedIn Bio Example

In your “About” section on LinkedIn, you’ll be given a maximum character limit of 2,600 to write your bio. That comes out to a maximum of about 400-500 words. However, you’ll generally want it shorter than that to ensure those who come across your profile read your entire bio. Somewhere between 75-150 words is a good range on LinkedIn.

Generally, writing in the first person will be best for LinkedIn since it’s less formal, and you usually don’t need to introduce your name since it’s displayed prominently on your profile.

Here’s an example:

“I’m a driven software engineer at CodeCraft with over 13 years of experience using Javascript to create interactive webpage designs.

The main reason I started learning Javascript is I noticed that a company’s website can make or break my feelings about them and whether I’ll make a purchase. This made me want to create designs that bring a business owner’s vision to life.

My techniques have yielded great results. Using dynamic content, animation, and progressive web apps tailored to each page visitor, I’ve increased consumer engagement by an average of 55% and repeat visitors by 39% for our clients at CodeCraft.

I’m eager to connect with others in the tech industry and share how we can use software design to level up business performance.”

Twitter Professional Bio Examples

Your bio on Twitter will need to be very concise since you’ll have a 160-character maximum on that platform. You’ll need to quickly introduce yourself and show why someone should trust your expertise, look through your profile, and follow you.

Here are a couple of examples:

Twitter Bio Example #1:

“Developmental editor who has reviewed over 2 million words, including working on 3 NYT bestselling novels. Follow for tips to make your writing shine.”

Twitter Bio Example #2:

“Ex hairstylist turned beauty brand manager. You can call me the brand stylist. I’ll show you how I use design and messaging to increase sales.”

Personal Website Bio Example

When you own a business or are self-employed, you may have a personal website where you need a bio about yourself. You’d typically have a short personal bio introducing yourself on your website’s homepage or in a dedicated “About Me” section.

“I’m Kim Li, a dedicated real estate agent passionate about helping clients sell their homes and get into their dream property. I’ve always enjoyed presenting elements that turn a house into a home for the right buyer, and I know just how important it is to come home to a property you love after a long day of work.

With my 97% positive customer satisfaction score and track record of selling properties an average of eight days faster than industry standards, I’m confident my property marketing and negotiation skills will get you the results you’re seeking.”

Example of a Work Bio for a Company Website

When writing a work bio for your employer’s “Meet the Team” page, you’ll typically want to ensure it’s formal and in the third person. Usually, these will be 100 words or less, but make sure you tailor it to the specific guidelines your employer gives you.

“Jessica Martin is the junior financial account manager at Peak Performance. As a recent grad from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance, she’s ready to apply up-to-date loss prevention strategies, like internal cost control, to ensure businesses remain profitable. Accountability is one of the biggest things she values. That value has especially grown over the three years she managed the finances as a volunteer for Pet Support, a local animal shelter. She quickly realized how expenses rack up for an organization and the importance of proper management. You can trust Jessica will put forth the same detailed effort for your business.”

Bios across professions

Now, let’s look at how you can tailor your bio based on your industry’s needs. Here are some short professional bio examples across industries.

Example Bio for IT/Tech

Creating a bio in information technology presents unique challenges due to the highly technical nature of many of your daily tasks. You’ll often need to simplify your bio to make it easy to understand for a wide audience with different levels of expertise.

Here’s an example of a cybersecurity engineer bio that makes the impact of complex tasks like cryptography easier to understand:

“Connor Blake is a cybersecurity engineer with five years of experience in external threat prevention. His passion for digital security started at age 16 when his mom’s bank account was hacked, and he saw the hardships it caused. Since then, he’s been growing his skills, having received his master’s degree in computer science from Michigan State University and working on a specialization in cryptography techniques that mask business passwords and data access points so only internal employees can access them. His efforts have reduced company data leaks by an average of 67%.”

Example Bio for Construction/Trades

Construction and trade resumes must be updated often, as modern techniques and materials are continuously evolving, such as the growing use of raised access flooring. You’ll need to make it understandable for any customer or client seeking help on a project.

Here’s an example of a commercial flooring installer bio:

“Sam Peterson is a commercial flooring installer with Elite Flooring Solutions. She’s passionate about helping businesses achieve the right flooring aesthetics and sturdy installations to ensure a standout experience for all customers who frequent local stores in our community. With four years of experience installing raised access flooring to reduce installation costs by 35% and 98% satisfaction from our clients, you can trust that her expertise will result in an accurate job that gets done right the first time.”

Example Bio for Culinary

Foodservice has many health codes and standards you must uphold, so it’s essential for culinary pros to show their responsible expertise in professional bios.

Here’s an example of how a restaurant manager could do this effectively:

“Jake Kensington is the restaurant manager for Bella Cucina Ristorante. He’s always appreciated how a high-quality dining experience can help others connect and enjoy some of life’s biggest moments. Not to mention his love of pasta and risotto, which brought him to Bella Cucina Ristorante to serve up some of the best Italian dishes in New York. Using his seven-step quality assurance process and employee health training protocols, he’s helped maintain grade-A health code ratings and reviews averaging 4.9 stars out of 5 throughout his eight-year tenure.”

Example Bio for Sales/Marketing

Every sales pitch that you want to stand out needs to be relevant to your target audience. Do the same with your bio by listing some top industry skills and accomplishments showing your sales expertise.

“Bella Richardson is a sales lead with New Marketing Solutions. Having always had an entrepreneurial mindset, she’s had a growing interest in helping startups succeed and finding intricacies that make businesses stand out amongst the competition. She’s been using a solution-selling approach for the last five years at New Marketing Solutions to better connect with prospective clients’ needs and lead an average annual growth in sales of 27%.”

Example Bio for Health

Presenting expert knowledge and the ability to comply with regulations is essential in fast-paced health jobs. Whether you’re new to the field or have advanced experience, you’ll want to present those relevant abilities in your bio.

“Matt Keyser is a recent grad of the Medical College of Washington. Matt received his MD after completing his residency at Seattle Memorial Hospital and is now aiming to get into the geriatric care sector. He decided to pursue a career in medicine after working as a resident assistant at a nursing home in high school and seeing the diligent work the medical care team did to provide a better quality of life. He aims to use his patient care and diagnostic evaluation skills to do the same for every patient he works with.”

The best ways to make a bio stand out are to include personal elements and ensure the skills and achievements you list are relevant to your audience. For example, someone seeking a job as a police officer could detail how they want to use their crisis management and community awareness skills to provide a safer community for everyone. This will stand out to police precincts seeking skilled and compassionate candidates.

When you don’t have much professional experience, you may need to get creative with how you present skills and accomplishments in your bio. Things like educational achievements, volunteer work, participating in school clubs, or your hobbies and interests can all provide relevant information. For instance, you could detail how your time in your school’s math club has given you precise abilities that will translate into jobs like data entry.

If you aren’t sure whether your bio should be in the first or third person, try reviewing the website where it’ll be posted to get an idea of how others have structured theirs. After that, if you’re still unsure, you can always ask your employer or the organization you’re writing the bio for to clarify.

Your professional bio should include your name, job title, relevant education, top skills, and an accomplishment or two that will stand out. You may also want to include your current employer’s name to give readers a better idea of who you are. Try to research things like top industry skills beforehand to narrow in on the most important details to write about.

In general, around 100 words or less is a good length for short professional bios. Typically, you’ll want it to be about three to five sentences to keep it concise and highly relevant to your audience. However, the right length can differ depending on the platform. For example, Twitter bios are restricted to a max of 160 characters. If it’s a work bio for your employer, you may also want to ask how long it should be.

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How to Write a Short Professional Bio

• Jul 4, 2024
• 4,339 views

Creating a compelling professional bio is an essential task for anyone looking to make a strong impression in their career. In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing a concise and effective text that captures your professional essence, showcases your expertise , and makes a memorable impact.

We'll provide practical tips and examples to help you craft a bio that not only resonates with your audience but also reflects your personal brand. This article will equip you with the tools to compose a professional biography.

What is a Professional Bio

A short personal bio is a concise summary that introduces you. It's typically a brief paragraph or a few sentences long and is used in various professional contexts such as social media profiles, company websites, conference speaker introductions, networking events, and job applications.

The purpose of a professional biography is to give a snapshot of who you are professionally , encouraging further interest in your work .

A well-crafted short work bio is a versatile tool that can enhance your career presence and open up new opportunities. Below we will show you how to format it, which key elements should a bio contain, and what tone to use.

What Format to Choose

The voice and tone should match the context in which the bio will be used and the audience it is intended for. Here are key considerations and tips.

• Platform. Where will the bio be used? A bio for LinkedIn might be more professional and formal compared to a biography for a company’s "About Us" page or a social media profile.
• Audience. Who is your target audience? Consider the expectations and preferences of your readers, whether they are potential employers, clients, colleagues, or industry peers.

First Person vs. Third Person

• First Person (I, Me, My). Use this option for a more personal and direct approach, often suitable for websites.
• Third Person (He, She, They). Employ it for a traditional resume bio, which is often preferred for LinkedIn profiles, and professional publications.

Formal vs. Informal Voice

• Formal. Use it for corporate websites, professional networks, academic or industry journals, and other official contexts.
• Informal. It may be appropriate for personal websites, blogs, certain social media platforms, or creative industry jobs.

Tone and Language

• Polished. Ensure that the language is clear and free of jargon (unless it is industry-specific keywords and your audience will understand it).
• Approachable. If the context allows, you can adopt a friendly and conversational tone to make the bio more engaging.

Consistency

• Align with Personal Brand. Your bio should be consistent with your documents like your resume, cover letter , and online profiles.
• Company/Industry Standards. If you are writing a professional bio for an organization website or publication, ensure it aligns with the standard tone and style used by the firm.

Formal Example of a Bio:

Corporate Executive: "Mary Johnson is the Chief Financial Officer at Global Enterprises, where she oversees financial planning, risk management, and strategic investments. With over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, Mary has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and profitability. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Mary is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs." Academic: "Dr. Robert Lee is a Professor of Environmental Science at Green University. His research focuses on climate change mitigation and sustainable development. With over 30 years of experience in academia, Dr. Lee has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and received several prestigious awards, including the National Science Foundation Grant. He earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University."

Informal Example of a Bio:

Startup Founder: "Hey, I’m Alex, the founder of Spark Innovations. I started this company to create smart home devices that make life easier and more enjoyable. With a background in engineering and a passion for tech, I love turning innovative ideas into reality. When I’m not working, you can find me exploring the outdoors or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen." Creative Professional: "Hi, I’m Emma, a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. I specialize in creating vibrant, eye-catching designs that help brands stand out. With over 10 years of experience, I’ve worked with clients ranging from startups to established companies. In my free time, I enjoy painting, traveling, and spending time with my rescue dog, Max."

Balanced Example of a Bio:

Consultant: "David Brown is a Management Consultant at Peak Solutions, where he helps businesses optimize their operations and improve profitability. With a decade of experience in the consulting industry, David has a track record of delivering impactful solutions to clients across various sectors. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt." Nonprofit Leader: "Susan Clark is the Executive Director of Unity Hub, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities. With over 15 years of experience in the this sector, Susan has led numerous successful initiatives that have significantly improved community welfare." Tech Professional: "I’m Michael, a Senior Software Developer at Innovatech. I specialize in developing scalable web applications and have a keen interest in cybersecurity. With over 8 years in the tech industry, I’ve worked on projects that enhance user experience and security. Outside of work, I’m an avid coder who loves contributing to open-source projects and staying updated with the latest tech trends." Healthcare Professional: "I’m Dr. Laura Green, a pediatrician at Sunshine Medical Center. I’ve been practicing medicine for over 12 years and am passionate about providing compassionate care to children and their families. I received my medical degree from Johns Hopkins University and completed my residency at Boston Children’s Hospital. When I’m not in the clinic, I enjoy volunteering at local health camps and spending time with my family."

Below are the main elements that you can add to your personal bio.

• Begin it with your full name and current job title or professional role.

Example: "John Smith is a Senior Software Engineer specializing in AI at Tech Innovations."

• Summarize your career history , highlighting key roles and experiences.

Example: "With over 7 years of experience in software development, John has led teams in designing and implementing AI-driven solutions for diverse applications."

• Showcase notable accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise and impact in your field.

Example: "John's innovative approach to AI development has resulted in a 20% increase in operational efficiency and recognition as a thought leader in machine learning."

• List specific skills and areas of expertise that are relevant to your profession.

Example: "His technical skills include machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and data visualization."

• Mention your highest degrees , certifications, and any specialized training.

Example: "John holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Stanford University and is certified in Deep Learning by Coursera."

• Note any memberships in professional organizations or associations.

Example: "He is an active member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and regularly attends industry conferences."

• Include a brief mention of hobbies , interests, or personal values to humanize your bio.

Example: "Outside of work, John enjoys hiking, playing chess, and volunteering at local STEM education programs."

• Provide a way for readers to connect with you professionally, such as your LinkedIn profile or email address.

Example: "Connect with John on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john"

How Long Should a Professional Bio Be

A work bio should generally be concise yet informative , striking a balance between providing enough detail to showcase your qualifications and keeping the reader engaged.

The length of a professional biography can vary depending on the context in which it will be used, but here are some general guidelines:

Short Bio (1 Paragraph):

• Purpose: Used for social media profiles, conference programs, resumes or when a brief introduction is needed.
• Length: Typically 50-150 words.
• What to include in a bio: Focus on your current role, key skills, and a notable achievement or two. Avoid too much detail or extensive background.

Medium-Length Bio (2 Paragraphs):

• Purpose: Suitable for LinkedIn, company websites, or speaker introductions where more detail is appropriate.
• Length: Around 150-300 words.
• What to include in a bio: Occupation, career summary, main achievements, skills , education, and any relevant affiliations. Provide enough information to give a comprehensive overview without overwhelming the reader.

Longer Bio (Extended):

• Purpose: Used in detailed professional accounts, publications, or bios for speaking engagements where a thorough background is expected.
• Length: Can range from 300 words to 500, depending on the requirements.
• What to include in a bio: All elements of the medium-length bio but with additional details such as specific projects, articles, presentations, honors, and a more extensive work history. This version allows for a deeper dive into your professional background and accomplishments.

Examples of a Professional Bio

Resume bio examples.

Dentist "Dr. Tamara Paul is a dedicated and experienced dentist with over 10 years of practice in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. She has a proven track record of enhancing patient smiles through advanced procedures such as veneers, crowns, and Invisalign treatments. Tamara is an active member of the American Dental Association and has been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry." Housekeeper "Gladys Jaggers is known for her impeccable work ethic and thoroughness. She completed a professional certification program at the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association. Gladys's expertise includes deep cleaning, organizing, and using eco-friendly products. Connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jaggershousekeeper." Nurse "Shelia Doul is a compassionate and highly skilled registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science from the University of California. She has received multiple accolades for her dedication, including the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Emily is also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Outside of work, she enjoys running marathons and volunteering with local health initiatives." Legal Assistant "David Zimmerman is an efficient and knowledgeable legal assistant. With over 5 years of experience in a fast-paced law firm, David specializes in legal research, document preparation, and client communications. He is proficient in various legal software applications and has been recognized for his exceptional support during high-profile litigation." Kindergarten Teacher "Laura Green is a passionate and creative kindergarten teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston College. With over 8 years of experience in fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment, she has developed innovative curriculum strategies that support cognitive and social development. Laura has presented at educational conferences and contributed to early childhood education publications."

LinkedIn Sample Bios

Tech Professional

"I am a Senior Software Engineer at Tech Innovations, specializing in cloud architecture and scalable solutions. With a decade of experience in software development, I have led teams in delivering cutting-edge projects for Fortune 500 clients."

Marketing Executive

"Karen Stott is the VP of Marketing at Brandio, where she drives brand strategy and customer engagement initiatives. With a passion for digital innovation, Jane has successfully launched campaigns that have doubled online sales."

Finance Manager

"I am Michael Johnson, a Finance Manager at Wealth Management Associates, overseeing investment portfolios and financial planning strategies. With over 15 years in finance, I am dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals."

Human Resources Specialist

"Emily Brown is an HR at Elite Hire Inc., focusing on recruitment plans and employee development programs. With a background in organizational psychology, Emily fosters a positive work culture and talent retention."

Graphic Designer

"I am a Creative Director at Artify, specializing in visual storytelling and brand identity design. With my keen eye for aesthetics and a decade of experience, I transform ideas into compelling video narratives."

Company Websites

CEO "Allene Williams is the CEO of Innovate Tech Solutions, driving company vision and growth strategies. With a background in technology and leadership, Mark has expanded market reach and profitability across global markets." Sales Manager "Sarah Davis is the Sales Manager at Shopping Guru Inc., leading a high-performing team in exceeding revenue targets. Sarah’s strategic approach and customer-centric focus have driven a 30% increase in sales year-over-year." Research Scientist "Dr. Alex Chen is a Scientist at BioTech Innovations, pioneering breakthroughs in biotechnology and genomic research. With numerous patents and publications, Alex is at the forefront of advancing medical science." Operations Director "Laura White is the Operations Director at Logistics Plus, optimizing supply chain efficiency and logistics management. With a background in engineering and logistics, Laura streamlines operations to enhance customer satisfaction." Customer Support Manager "Chris Roberts is the Customer Support Manager at Service Excellence Ltd., overseeing a team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service. With a focus on customer satisfaction metrics, Chris ensures every interaction exceeds expectations."

Conference Speaker Short Bio Examples

Keynote Speaker

"Dr. Jessica Adams is a leading expert in artificial intelligence and robotics, currently serving as Chief Scientist at Next Gen. With a PhD from MIT and over 20 years of research, Jessica’s work is shaping the future of technology."

Panel Moderator

"Tom Wilson is an award-winning journalist and moderator, bringing over 32 years of experience in media and communications. Tom’s insightful interviews and panels have sparked meaningful discussions at international forums."

Industry Thought Leader

"Dr. Emily Liu is a thought leader in sustainable development and environmental policy, serving as Director of Sustainability at GreenTech Solutions. Emily's know-how guides corporations and governments in achieving earth-friendly practices."

Entrepreneurial Visionary

"Gary Wilkins is the founder and CEO of Startup Alpha, disrupting the fintech industry with innovative blockchain solutions. With a background in computer science and entrepreneurship, Gary is driving digital transformation in finance."

Academic Expert

"Professor Rachel Nguyen is a distinguished scholar in economics, holding a PhD from Harvard University and teaching at Ivy League Business School. Rachel’s research on global markets and economic policies informs international strategies."

Social Media Profiles Short Biography Examples

Fitness Coach "Erna Gordon is a Certified Fitness Trainer passionate about promoting health and wellness. With personalized training programs and nutrition expertise, she empowers clients to achieve their fitness goals." Travel Blogger "Hi! My name is Mark William. I travel the globe, sharing inspiring stories and tips on my blog, Wanderlust Adventures. With my love for cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path experiences, I invite readers to explore the world." Food Influencer "I am a Food Enthusiast and Chef, sharing mouthwatering recipes and culinary adventures on Instagram. My passion for gourmet cuisine and food styling inspires followers to elevate their dining experiences." Fashion Designer "Kellie Bess designs timeless fashion pieces that blend elegance with contemporary flair. With a focus on sustainable fashion, Kellie’s collections reflect her commitment to craftsmanship and ethical practices." Photographer "Max Taylor captures moments of beauty and emotion through photography. Specializing in landscapes and portraits, Max’s artistry celebrates the natural world and human connections."

Professional Blogs Short Personal Bios Examples

Business Consultant

"Sarah Reynolds advises businesses on strategic planning and growth initiatives. With a background in management consulting, Sarah shares practical insights and case studies on her blog, Forward-Thinking Advisor."

Healthcare Specialist

"Dr. Jonathan Moore writes about advancements in medical research and patient care on his account, Viva Care. With mastery in cardiology and a passion for health education, Jonathan aims to empower readers with knowledge."

Legal Expert

"Maria Garcia provides legal analysis and updates on corporate law and regulatory compliance on her website, Legal Insights. Maria’s articles offer clarity on complex legal issues."

Technology Reviewer

"Shawn Calkins reviews the latest gadgets and tech innovations on his page, Tech Trends Unboxed. With hands-on reviews and comparisons, Shawn helps followers make informed decisions in the tech marketplace."

Career Coach

"Linda Richardson offers career advice and professional development tips on her blog, Work Pathways. With experience in HR and recruitment, Linda guides individuals in navigating their employment journeys."

Personal Websites Biography Examples

Author "Latisha Reese is a bestselling author of suspense novels, captivating audiences with gripping plots and memorable characters. Her storytelling prowess and literary acclaim have earned her a dedicated global readership." Artist "Sophie Reyes expresses her creativity through abstract paintings that evoke emotion and introspection. Sophie’s artwork is featured in galleries and private collections worldwide, blending color theory with personal narrative." Musician: "Tommy Menchaca is a versatile musician, known for his soulful vocals and guitar virtuosity. With a passion for blues and jazz, Tommy captivates audiences in intimate venues and music festivals." Educator "Dr. Rachel Carter inspires students as a professor of literature, fostering critical thinking and cultural appreciation. With a PhD in English Literature, Rachel illuminates literary classics and contemporary discourse." Philanthropist "George Paulsen is dedicated to philanthropy, supporting initiatives in education and community development. With a commitment to social responsibility, George empowers underserved populations through charitable giving."

Professional Networking Events Short Bio Examples

Event Participant

"Rex Carter is a seasoned professional in artificial intellect research, currently exploring new opportunities in tech startups. With a background in neural networks and a passion for innovation, Rex seeks collaborations in AI-driven solutions."

Job Fair Participant

"David Lee is an aspiring graphic designer eager to bring creativity and visual storytelling skills to a dynamic design agency. With a portfolio showcasing diverse projects, David aims to contribute fresh perspectives to design teams."

Industry Conference Attendee

"Glenn Wang attends industry conferences to stay abreast of emerging trends in technology and leadership strategies. As CEO of Xcelera, Glenn fosters partnerships and thought leadership in digital transformation."

Entrepreneurial Showcase Presenter

"Irene Dearmond pitches innovative sales planning and customer engagement solutions at entrepreneurial showcases. With a proven track record in sales management, Irene seeks investment opportunities to scale business growth."

Career Fair Participant

"Bruce Holder connects with top employers at employment fairs, showcasing expertise in customer support and relationship management. With a commitment to excellence, Bruce explores growth pathways in dynamic industries."

Speaker Short Biography Examples for Workshops and Seminars

Workshop Facilitator "Dr. Emily Dunham leads workshops on sustainable development and corporate sustainability. As Director of Sustainability at Innovu, Emily empowers organizations to adopt eco-friendly practices." Seminar Speaker "Professor Thelma Pugh delivers seminars on world economics and business trends. With a background in international markets and financial analysis, Pr. Pugh guides executives and entrepreneurs in navigating global complexities." Panelist at Industry Panel "Diana Clark shares insights on media ethics and effective communication as a panelist at industry forums. With a career spanning journalism and media relations, Diana enriches discussions on media impact." Development Seminar Presenter "Emily Brown presents seminars on HR trends and talent acquisition strategies. With experience in organizational psychology, Emily equips HR professionals with tools for fostering inclusive workplaces." Leadership Workshop Leader "Jose Kelly facilitates leadership workshops focused on transformative leadership and organizational change. With a background in executive coaching, Jose inspires leaders to drive innovation and strategic growth."

Professional Certifications and Online Profiles

IT Professional

"Delores Brooks is certified in Cybersecurity and Network Administration by CompTIA. With a passion for IT security, Delores secures networks and data integrity for global enterprises."

Marketing Specialist

"Anna Smith holds a Digital Marketing Certificate from Google and is skilled in SEO and PPC campaigns. With a data-driven approach, Anna maximizes online visibility and lead generation for clients."

Online Freelancer Profile – Writer

"Zelma Perez is a freelance writer specializing in tech blogs and content marketing. With a love for storytelling and online trends, Zelma creates persuasive narratives that resonate with diverse audiences."

Short Professional Bio Examples - Conclusion

Writing a short professional bio is a powerful way for effectively communicating your professional identity.

Whether you're showcasing your expertise on LinkedIn, introducing yourself at a networking event, or presenting at a conference, a work bio should be concise, compelling, and tailored to your audience.

By highlighting your achievements, skills, and unique contributions, you can create a memorable impression and open doors to new opportunities. Remember to keep the resume bio updated, relevant, and authentic , reflecting your personal brand and professional journey succinctly yet meaningfully.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Trevor Richfield

Career Coach & Professional Resume Writer

Trevor is a professional resume writer, career coach, and Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) with well over 1,000 resumes under his belt. He emphasizes the importance of building an authentic professional brand you are proud to display to potential collaborators and employers. From recent graduates to executive leaders, Trevor has helped professionals land jobs at Fortune 500 companies and expand their own independent ventures.It's not only about results with Trevor, but about a continuous journey of professional and personal empowerment.

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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 Short Bio: 5 Examples and Templates

• How to Write a Short Bio Part 1
• What to Include in a Short Professional Bio Part 2
• Example of a Formal Short Bio Part 3
• Example of a Casual Short Bio Part 4
• Examples of Well-Written Short Bios Part 5
• Short Bio: Best Templates Part 6
• Tips for Writing a Short Bio Part 7
• Optimizing Your Bio for Different Platforms Part 8

A short bio is a concise and informative summary of your professional background, accomplishments, and personal interests. It’s an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to others, whether it’s for networking, job applications, or social media profiles. By writing a short bio, you allow others to quickly understand your expertise, strengths, and personality.

As you write your short bio, consider your audience and tailor the content accordingly. You might want to have different versions of your bio for varying contexts, such as a professional conference, a job application, or a social media platform. Regardless of the situation, strive to be authentic and maintain a tone that reflects your personality while also adhering to professional standards.

Part 1 How to Write a Short Bio

When writing a short bio, first focus on being concise and relevant. A short bio should be approximately 4-6 sentences or about 150 words. Be sure to highlight your achievements, experience, and expertise with confidence and clarity.

To start, introduce yourself briefly, including your name, title, and current role or profession. Next, mention your most significant accomplishments in your field thus far. This can include awards, certifications, publications, or any other relevant milestones. Discuss your current work and projects, providing the reader with a snapshot of your professional life. Make sure to emphasize your unique strengths and specialties. Then, touch upon your education or any other credentials that showcase your expertise.

“Jeremiah Smith, an award-winning graphic designer, specializes in creating visually stunning websites and marketing materials for a diverse clientele. With over 10 years of experience, Jeremiah has led branding projects for major corporations and small businesses alike, receiving accolades for his innovative design solutions. Currently, he serves as the Creative Director at X Design Studio, where he is dedicated to helping clients grow their digital presence. Jeremiah holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago.”

For a stronger impact, customize your short bio by tailoring it to the specific platform, audience, or purpose. By prioritizing information and emphasizing the most relevant points, you can create a brief, engaging bio that showcases your unique skills and accomplishments.

Part 2 What to Include in a Short Professional Bio

• Your job title and current role : Start by mentioning your current role and the industry you’re working in. This helps to establish your expertise and gives readers an immediate understanding of your professional focus.
• Career accomplishments and milestones : Highlight a few significant achievements in your career thus far. These can be successful projects, promotions, or awards you’ve received. Be specific about what you’ve accomplished and how it demonstrates your expertise.
• Skills and qualifications : Briefly mention the key skills and qualifications you possess that make you an expert in your field. This can include technical abilities, soft skills, certifications, or degrees.
• Interests and personal touch : Add a few personal details that showcase your interests and passions outside of work. This can humanize your professional persona and help you connect with readers on a more personal level. However, be careful not to share too much personal information.
• LinkedIn and networking opportunities : Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or other professional social media accounts. This provides readers with an opportunity to connect with you and discover more about your background.

To present this information effectively, write your short professional bio in the third person and maintain a confident, knowledgeable, and clear tone of voice. Keep the content concise and easy to understand by breaking it into paragraphs and using formatting elements such as bullet points and bold text when necessary.

Here is one more example of a well-crafted short professional bio:

“John Smith is a seasoned marketing manager with over 10 years of experience in the tech industry. He currently leads product marketing efforts at X Company, where he has successfully launched new products and significantly increased market share.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is certified in digital marketing. His expertise includes strategic planning, content creation, and driving brand awareness through innovative campaigns.

In his free time, John enjoys hiking, photography, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about his professional experience and accomplishments.”

Taking Into Account Personal and Professional Aspects

Try to strike a balance between your personal and professional aspects:

• Make sure to mention any relevant professional accomplishments and skills that showcase your expertise in your field. If you are a student or a working professional, add details about your university, current position, or professional experiences that give readers an insight into your capabilities.
• Don’t forget to add a touch of personality to your bio. Including personal details, interests, and hobbies will make you more relatable and create a connection with your audience. However, try to keep these personal elements brief and relevant to your overall bio. For example, if you are writing a bio for a personal website or Twitter, you could mention that you are an avid painter or a dedicated volunteer at a local animal shelter.

When writing in the second person, use short paragraphs to make your bio easy to read and understand. For instance:

• Full name: Briefly mention your full name at the beginning of your bio.
• Professional skills: List your core skills and accomplishments in bullet points or a table format.
• Personal interests: Share some hobbies or interests related to your profession or that showcase your values.
• Personal goals or mission statement: Include a sentence or two about your professional philosophy and core values to give readers a sense of your personal brand.

Related: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement (20 Examples)

Be cautious with the contact information you provide, especially if your bio will be accessible to the public on your personal website or social media profiles. Make sure only the necessary details are included to avoid any privacy concerns.

In summary, your short bio should be a reflection of both your personal and professional self. Showcase your skills and accomplishments while adding personal touches to make it engaging and relatable. Keep the text concise, use appropriate formatting, and remember to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone throughout your bio.

Related: What Are Your Values? How to Discover Your Values

Selecting the Tone for Your Short Bio

Selecting the right tone for your short bio is crucial to portraying yourself in the way you want to be perceived. Consider the context in which the bio will be read and choose a tone accordingly. There are two main tones you can adopt: formal and casual.

Part 3 Example of a Formal Short Bio

Formal Tone : If you’re writing a bio for a professional context, such as a job, conference, or publication, opt for a formal tone. This means using more sophisticated language, avoiding slang, and maintaining a professional vibe throughout the bio. To achieve this, write in complete sentences, utilize proper grammar and punctuation, and highlight your achievements and expertise. Be sure to remain confident and clear in your writing. Example: “Dr. Jane Doe is a renowned expert in the field of molecular biology, with over 15 years of research experience to her credit. As the recipient of several prestigious awards, Dr. Doe’s groundbreaking work has had a significant impact on the scientific community.”

Part 4 Example of a Casual Short Bio

Casual Tone : A casual tone works well for less formal situations, such as bios on personal websites, blogs, or social media profiles. Here, you can use more relaxed language and showcase your personality. However, it’s still important to sound knowledgeable and approachable. Feel free to use contractions, incorporate humor, and speak directly to your audience to create an engaging tone.

“Hey there! I’m John, a travel enthusiast who loves exploring new cultures and tasting exotic dishes. When I’m not backpacking across the globe, you can find me geeking out about the latest tech gadgets or sipping on a well-crafted cocktail.”

In both cases, whether formal or casual, always ensure that your voice is confident, neutral, and clear. Remember to keep it concise, avoid exaggeration or false claims, and maintain a second-person point of view.

Part 5 Examples of Well-Written Short Bios

Short bio example 1.

Jane Smith is a marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in helping brands elevate their online presence. With a passion for storytelling, Jane excels in creating content that engages and inspires. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring her city’s local coffee shops. Connect with Jane on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter @JaneSmith.

Short Bio Example 2

John Doe is an experienced software engineer with a knack for developing cutting-edge applications. Specializing in full-stack web development, John’s expertise lies in JavaScript, Python, and Node.js. When he’s not coding, John can be found playing the guitar, tutoring local students in programming, or cheering on his favorite esports team.

Part 6 Short Bio: Best Templates

Short bio template 1.

[Your Name] is a [industry or profession] expert with [number of years] of experience in [specific skills or areas of expertise]. [He/She/They] specializes in [technical skills or industry knowledge] and has a passion for [relevant interests]. In [his/her/their] free time, [your name] enjoys [hobbies or activities]. Connect with [your name] on [social media platforms] or through [his/her/their] website.

Short Bio Template 2

As a [occupation or field], [Your Name] incorporates [unique qualities or skills] to produce [specific type of work]. With a background in [relevant experience], [He/She/They] has been able to [achievement or accomplishment] through [personal path or passion]. When not [working or creating], [Your Name] spends [his/her/their] time [hobbies or activities], always seeking new inspiration.

[Your name] is a [profession or role] with a background in [relevant expertise or industry]. [He/She/They] earned a [degree] in [field] from [institution]. [Your name] has [number of years] experience in [profession/industry], providing [valuable service or skill]. Outside of work, [your name] enjoys [hobbies or personal interests]. Connect with [your name] on [social media platform] or visit [your website or portfolio].

Customize these examples and templates to fit your own unique skills, experiences, and personality. Using a second person point of view, focus on the key aspects you want your audience to know about. Be confident and transparent about your achievements and interests, and let your short bio speak for itself. Happy writing!

Part 7 Tips for Writing a Short Bio

• Know your target audience : Consider the people who will be reading your bio and focus on the information that will be most relevant to them. Tailor your bio to best serve their needs and expectations.
• Highlight your accomplishments : Share information on your achievements, awards, and notable experiences. This will give your audience an understanding of your expertise and success in your field.
• Include your goals and mission statement : Tell your audience what drives you and what you hope to achieve. This can help create a connection with the reader and showcase your dedication to your work.
• Maintain a professional tone : Write in a clear and concise manner, avoiding casual language and slang. A confident and knowledgeable tone will convey your competence in your field.
• Keep personal information to a minimum : While you may choose to mention some personal tidbits, be mindful of what you share. Focus on information that enhances your professional image, rather than oversharing personal details.
• Promote your brand and company : If you represent a business or have a personal brand, mention your company name and mission statement. This can help reinforce your brand identity and make a stronger impression on your audience.
• Prioritize transparency and authenticity : Be honest about your experience and qualifications. Avoid exaggerating or making false claims in order to maintain trust with your audience.
• Limit self-promotion : While it’s important to show off your accomplishments, be sure to keep the focus on meaningful information rather than excessive self-promotion. This will help engage readers and build credibility.
• Use formatting to enhance readability : Break up your bio into paragraphs, use bullet points for lists, and bold text for important details. This will make it easier for your audience to read and understand your bio.
• Include contact information : Provide a way for your audience to get in touch with you, whether it’s an email address, phone number, or a link to your website.

Part 8 Optimizing Your Bio for Different Platforms

On LinkedIn , focus on your professional achievements and skills. Use bullet points or a table to highlight your most significant accomplishments. Feel free to include any relevant certifications, courses, or awards. Remember that LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, so maintaining a professional tone is crucial.

For a resume , your bio should be concise and focus on summarizing your career history and specific expertise. Make it easy for potential employers to grasp your main strengths quickly. Use bold text to emphasize crucial information, such as your job title, years of experience, or industry-specific skills.

On a personal website , you have more freedom to express your personality and showcase unique aspects of your life. Consider adding anecdotes, hobbies, or personal achievements to give visitors a glimpse of who you are outside of your professional life. You can also touch on your professional capabilities but keep it concise.

For Twitter , keep in mind the character limit for bios and make every word count. Capture your profession or industry, and maybe add a touch of your personality or interests through emojis or hashtags. It’s common to see authors and celebrities mention their latest projects, books, or achievements here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential elements of a short bio.

A short bio should include:

• Your name and current role or profession.
• Brief background information including education and relevant work experience.
• Notable accomplishments or skills relevant to your profession.
• Personal interests or ambitions that showcase your personality.
• A call-to-action, such as directing readers to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile.

How can I create a compelling short professional bio?

To create a compelling short professional bio, follow these steps:

• Start strong with a clear and concise introduction.
• Focus on your most relevant qualifications and experience.
• Highlight key achievements and successes.
• Provide a personal touch that showcases your unique attributes.
• Keep it brief and easy to read, aiming for around 100-150 words.

What are some tips to make my short bio stand out?

• Use vivid language and strong, active verbs.
• Tailor your bio to your audience, emphasizing information that is most relevant to them.
• Share a unique or unexpected personal interest to pique interest.
• Edit and proofread your bio carefully, ensuring it is free of errors and reads smoothly.

How can I tailor my short bio to different contexts?

Adjust your short bio for different contexts by:

• Focusing on relevant skills, experience, or accomplishments for each specific audience.
• Adjusting the tone or language to suit the platform (e.g., more casual for a social media profile or more formal for a conference bio).
• Emphasizing specific personal interests or accomplishments that align with the context or audience.
• Updating your call-to-action as needed to direct readers to relevant content or profiles.

Related: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

• 20 Inspiring Examples: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement
• How to Live By Your Values

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How to write a professional bio about yourself

Writing a professional bio might feel like a big task, especially considering how important it is for your online presence. Your bio is often the first thing people see—whether they’re potential clients, employers, or collaborators. But don’t worry. With the right approach, you can create a bio that shows off your achievements and gives a glimpse of who you are.

This guide will help you write a great bio, give you some examples to get inspired, and show you how tools like AI Assist can make the process easier.

Why your professional bio matters

Your professional bio is a personal introduction that tells the story of who you are, what you do, and why you do it. It's more than just a resume—it’s an opportunity to connect with your audience on a more personal level. A well-crafted bio can:

• Build credibility: A strong bio establishes your expertise and trustworthiness in your field.
• Enhance visibility: When optimized for search engines, your bio can help others find you more easily online.
• Create connections: Your bio gives people a glimpse into your personality, values, and interests, making it easier for them to relate to you.

Given its importance, writing a professional bio is something you should approach thoughtfully. Let's explore the key elements to include in your bio and how to structure it effectively.

Critical elements of a professional bio

Start with your name and current role.

Begin your bio with a clear statement of who you are and what you do. This provides immediate context and sets the tone for the rest of your bio.

Example: “Jane Doe is a seasoned marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in digital campaigns and brand management.”

Highlight your professional achievements

Mention your key accomplishments, but keep them relevant to your audience. This could include awards, notable projects, or contributions to your industry.

Example: “She led the rebranding efforts for several Fortune 500 companies, increasing brand awareness by 30%.”

Share your mission or values

Your bio should reflect what you do and why you do it. Sharing your motivations or values helps readers understand what drives you professionally.

Example: “Jane is passionate about helping businesses find their voice in crowded markets, believing every brand has a unique story.”

Include relevant education or certifications

While not always necessary, including your educational background or certifications can add to your credibility, especially if they directly relate to your field.

Example: “She holds an MBA from Stanford University and a certification in digital marketing from Google.”

Add a personal touch

A touch of personality can make your bio more relatable. Share your interests, hobbies, or personal life, but keep it professional.

Example: “When she’s not strategizing for brands, Jane enjoys hiking with her two dogs and exploring new cuisines.”

Include a call to action

End your bio with a clear next step for your audience, whether it’s contacting you, visiting your website, or connecting on social media.

Example: “Connect with Jane on LinkedIn to discuss potential collaborations or learn more about her work.”

Professional bio examples to inspire you

Here are a few examples of professional bios that effectively balance professionalism and personality:

Example 1: “John Smith is a software engineer specializing in AI and machine learning. Over the past eight years, he has developed cutting-edge algorithms that have improved data processing speeds by 50%. John is passionate about the potential of AI to solve real-world problems and holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from MIT. Outside work, he enjoys volunteering at local coding workshops and playing chess. Connect with John on GitHub to see his latest projects.”

Example 2: “Samantha Lee is a creative director with a knack for transforming brand identities. With a background in graphic design, she has spearheaded the creative vision for campaigns that have garnered international recognition. Samantha’s work is driven by a belief in the power of design to communicate compelling narratives. She is a Rhode Island School of Design graduate who advocates for sustainable practices in the creative industry. Samantha can be found traveling or working on her photography portfolio when not in the studio. Reach out to Samantha through her portfolio site to collaborate.”

Using AI Assist to draft your bio

Writing a professional bio can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure where to start. This is where AI tools like AI Assist come in handy. AI Assist can help you generate a first draft of your bio based on crucial information you provide, such as your name, role, achievements, and values.

Here’s how you can use AI Assist to draft your bio:

• Input your details: Enter basic information about yourself—your name, current position, and key accomplishments.
• Select the tone and style: Choose the tone you want for your bio, whether formal, casual, or somewhere between.
• Review and refine: Once AI Assist generates a draft, review it and make adjustments to ensure it accurately reflects your personality and professional identity.

AI Assist can save you time and provide a solid foundation to build on, but it’s essential to personalize the draft to make it yours.

Why your bio should be part of your online presence

Having a professional bio is just the first step. To maximize its impact, you must ensure it’s visible to the right audience. Here’s how to incorporate your bio into your online presence:

• Social media profiles: Update your LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social profiles with your bio. This helps potential employers or collaborators get a quick snapshot of who you are.
• Personal website: If you have a personal website, ensure your bio is prominently featured on the About page. This is where visitors often go to learn more about you.
• Professional networks: Join relevant professional networks and include your bio in your profile. This can enhance your visibility within your industry.

Your online presence is an extension of your professional identity. By strategically placing your bio across various platforms, you ensure that the people who matter most can easily find and connect with you.

Start creating your professional bio today

Writing your bio doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple plan, some inspiration, and some help from tools like AI Assist, you can create a bio that genuinely reflects who you are.

Ready to improve your online presence? Give B12's AI-powered tools a try. Sign up now and see how a great bio can make a big difference.

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How To Design Your Data Science Portfolio

Creating a strong data science portfolio is a crucial step in establishing your presence in the field, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer. A well-crafted portfolio showcases your skills, demonstrates your experience, and serves as a powerful tool for attracting the attention of recruiters and potential employers.

This article will guide you through the essential steps of designing a data science portfolio that stands out.

Understanding the Purpose of Your Portfolio

Showcasing skills and expertise.

Your portfolio should serve as a comprehensive showcase of your skills and expertise. Whether you’re proficient in data analysis, machine learning, or data visualization, each project in your portfolio should highlight a different aspect of your abilities. This helps to demonstrate your versatility and depth of knowledge.

Target Audience: Recruiters, Hiring Managers, and Peers

It’s essential to consider who will be viewing your portfolio. Recruiters and hiring managers are often looking for specific skills and experiences, while peers might be interested in your approach to problem-solving. Tailoring your portfolio to appeal to these different audiences can make a significant difference in how it’s perceived.

Showcasing Your Skills and Tools

In this section, provide a comprehensive list of your skills and the tools you are proficient in. Break it down into categories for clarity:

• Programming Languages: Python , R , Java , C++, etc.
• Data Science Tools: Pandas , Scikit-Learn , TensorFlow , Keras, etc.
• Data Visualization: Tableau , Matplotlib , Seaborn, etc.
• Soft Skills: Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, etc.

Detailing Your Projects

Each project should be presented with enough detail to show your problem-solving process and technical expertise. Include the following elements for each project:

• Title and Description: A concise project title and a brief description of the problem you aimed to solve.
• Objective: Clearly state the goal of the project and its relevance.
• Tech Stack: List the tools, technologies, and libraries you used.
• Methodology: Describe your approach, including data collection, cleaning, analysis, and modeling.
• Results: Highlight the key outcomes and the impact of your work.
• Visualizations: Use graphs, charts, and other visual aids to illustrate your results.
• Code: Provide links to your code repositories (e.g., GitHub) for others to review.

Creating a Resume and Bio

Alongside your portfolio, you should have a polished resume and a professional bio that summarizes your experience, skills, and achievements. Your bio should include:

• Personal Summary: A brief overview of your background and career goals.
• Professional Experience: Highlight your work experience, focusing on roles related to data science.
• Education and Certifications: List your degrees, certifications, and any relevant courses.
• Contact Information: Ensure your contact details are easily accessible.

Design and Layout Tips

The design and layout of your portfolio play a significant role in its effectiveness. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep It Clean and Professional: Use a simple, professional design with plenty of white space.
• Use Visual Aids: Incorporate charts, graphs, and images to make your portfolio more engaging.
• Ensure Easy Navigation: Organize your portfolio with clear headings and a logical flow.
• Mobile-Friendly: Ensure your portfolio is responsive and looks good on both desktop and mobile devices.

Making Your Portfolio Stand Out

To make your portfolio stand out, consider adding unique elements that reflect your personality and creativity:

• Personal Branding: Create a logo or unique design elements that make your portfolio memorable.
• Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive charts, maps, or dashboards that allow the viewer to explore your data and insights.
• Case Studies: Include in-depth case studies of your projects, detailing the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Updating and Maintaining Your Portfolio

• Regularly Adding New Projects and Content: Your portfolio should evolve as your skills and experience grow. Regularly update it with new projects, tools, and techniques you’ve learned.
• Keeping Technical Skills and Tools Up-to-Date: As technology changes, so should your portfolio. Make sure you’re showcasing the latest tools and methods in your projects to stay relevant in the fast-paced field of data science.
• Gathering and Incorporating Feedback : Seek feedback from peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Use their insights to refine your portfolio and make it even stronger.

A well-designed data science portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills, projects, and expertise. By understanding your audience, carefully selecting and detailing your projects, and keeping your portfolio updated and professional, you can create a powerful tool that sets you apart in the competitive field of data science. Remember to promote your portfolio actively to ensure it reaches the right audience.

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