How to Write a Professional Bio
How to Write a Professional Bio (With Examples)
How to write a professional bio
Write a clear, impactful and professional bio by following these steps:
Start by choosing the appropriate name and professional title
Writing a professional bio starts by choosing the right name and professional titles to use. Different names and titles can change depending on the purpose and audience of the bio. For example, some people choose to use a different first name in their bio instead of their given name. Other professionals use their original last name instead of a new surname gained after marriage. You may also want to include or omit titles like MD (Medical Doctor), Pr (Pastor) or Esq (Esquire), if they apply to you.
2. Decide whether to write your bio in first or third person
The way you refer to yourself is important in a bio. Your bio should be written in first or third person—whether you refer to yourself as “I” (first person) or by your name (third person). Professional and formal bios are often written in third person, while personal and informal bios are usually written in first person. If you’re writing a bio for work, ask your manager or editor which is more appropriate.
3. List your current position or professional tagline
If you’re creating a bio while currently employed, list your current position or job role, such as “Senior Associate” or “Editor.” If you are unemployed and creating a bio as part of an online profile, you can list your previous role or your current expertise. For example, you could list “Web Developer” or “Professional Nanny.”
4. Identify your company or employer
Identifying your current employer can help your audience get an idea of your experience, industry and whether or not you are currently available for work. After identifying your position, title or role, identify your employer. If you do not currently have an employer or are self-employed, you can skip this step.
5. Identify your professional and personal goals
For the next step, ask yourself, “What work or life philosophy informs how I succeed?” You might consider including the answer in your bio to help the audience understand what motivates you. For example, if developing strong relationships is important to your work, you could write, “Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything I do, both professionally and personally.”
6. Consider whether to include personal or fun details about you
In most cases, you do not have to share personal details in your bio. However, it might be helpful in some situations to help people understand you better as a well-rounded individual.
Examples of popular personal details in bios:
Hobbies
Favorite TV shows, movies, or books
Information about family life
Funny details about habits or interests
Unique personal history
Professional bio examples
Formal professional bio sample
Here is an example of a third-person professional bio:
“John Sullivan is a Human Resources specialist with a decade of successful experience in hiring and employee management. John specializes in Human Resource technologies and regularly attends national training sessions to showcase new HR tech trends, such as self-service, wellness apps, and people analytics tools. A strong believer in the power of positive thinking in the workplace, John regularly develops internal wellness campaigns to assist employees with effective mental health techniques. John enjoys a good Netflix binge but can also be found on long bike rides on hilly country roads.”
You may find it helpful to write multiple versions of your bio for both professional and personal purposes. Ask trusted friends and colleagues to review your bio for tips on improving your spelling, grammar or included information.
The length of your bios may vary depending on the situation. If you’re writing a bio for a company website, for example, you may have strict guidelines for word count. The steps above serve as a useful guide to help organize your thoughts for a helpful, informative bio. Remember to follow any instruction provided by your employer or job application.
Informal professional bio sample
Here is an example of a professional bio with personal details:
“My name is John Sullivan. I’m an HR professional with a decade of experience working within the intricacies of people management. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking with friends and family.”
With details like hobbies or interests, your audience is more likely to feel connected to you on a personal level. Including a hobby in your bio is a great way to make it more casual with a human element.
Read more: How to Write a Personal Bio That Draws Attention
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