is your professional biography compiled

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Help with VA Hospital Application Questions...slightly confused new grad. :/

Nurses General Nursing

Published Dec 28, 2014

FinallyRNStatus, BSN

I'm filling out the VA Hospital Application and there are some questions I'm not certain I understand how to answer correctly. Advice welcomed on what these questions mean! New grad here unfamiliar with lingo.

II - REGISTRATION AND CLINICAL PRIVILEGES

14. ARE YOU FULLY REGISTERED IN EVERY STATE IN WHICH YOU ARE NOW REGISTERED? Yes or No. (If restricted, limited or probation in any State(s), explain on separate sheet).

I believe, yes. Recently licensed new grad in PA. No restrictions.

15. DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE OR HAVE YOU EVER HAD CLINICAL PRIVILEGES AT ANY HEALTH CARE INSTITUTION, AGENCY OR ORGANIZATION. ((If "YES" explain on separate sheet Yes as a student nurse we have clinicals, is that what it is asking??? Doesn't everyone who works or volunteers in a hospital have clinical experience? What is this question referring to. Should I list clinical experience as a student here?

NAME OF CURRENT OR MOST RECENT INSTITUTION, AGENCY OR ORGANIZATION WHERE

HELD? Question after one above. I'm unemployed,all of my clinical experience is from nursing school clinicals. Do I list my nursing school here?

IV - THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY FACILITY DIRECTOR OR DESIGNEE CERTIFICATION

I certify that I have verified registration with State boards, and sighted visa or evidence of citizenship. Board certification has been verified (if appropriate).

19. EVIDENCE HAS BEEN SIGHTED IN REGARDS TO:

_ CERTIFICATION AS A NURSE ANESTHETIST

_ REGISTRATION FOR ALL STATES LISTED BY APPLICANT

_ CURRENT OR MOST RECENT CLINICAL PRIVILEGES

_ NO CURRENT OR PREVIOUS CLINICAL PRIVILEGES

_ NATURALIZED CITIZENS Does the person receiving the application fill this out?

IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY COMPILED? Yes or No. I don't have one so, no.

IF YOUR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY STUDY IS NOT A PART OF YOUR

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY, PLEASE SEND OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S)

Link to application to better understand context: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850a-fill.pdf

Like I said, as a new grad I'm not sure I understand the context of these questions correctly. Or maybe its just confusing wording of a VA Hospital application. I would appreciate any clarification if you have completed this application or understand the context better.

• + Add a Comment

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

15 no. This is for clinicians like APN, CRNA, MD, DO, PA-C, etc not student clinical rotations.

Peppermint_RN

I filled mine out as a new grad but have no clue what I put as answers! I think i did 14- yes, 15 & 16-no. The gray part is what their department fills out. If you're looking up the position on USAjobs.gov, there should be a name & phone number and/or email of the HR person to contact. I'd say contact them if you have questions. :)

Good luck! I feel so lucky to have gotten a job at the VA as a new grad. Love my job!

Thank you so much! I was thinking about contacting the HR person, but I was worried I would come a across as completely clueless. But as you can see, I am. Lol. :)

I filled mine out as a new grad but have no clue what I put as answers! I think i did 14- yes, 15 & 16-no. The gray part is what their department fills out. If you're looking up the position on USAjobs.gov, there should be a name & phone number and/or email of the HR person to contact. I'd say contact them if you have questions. :) Good luck! I feel so lucky to have gotten a job at the VA as a new grad. Love my job!

Peppermint_RN, can you list any non- RN experience for the "nursing experience" section? I'm guessing they only want jobs there from working as a RN .

I would love an opportunity to work at the VA. I hear new grads tend to have an easier transition into their program. :)

wheeliesurfer

If you worked as an LVN before I would guess you could list that as nursing experience, but that things like CNA experience and clinical experience don't count.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN

3 Articles; 10,428 Posts

I would suggest you go to the top of this page, and find the heading "Specialties" on the yellow banner. Click that, and then scroll down to "Government / Military Nursing". You will find a ton of info on VA-specific topics (including this one).

Good luck! :)

How to Write a Bio That Represents Your Professional Self

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What is a professional bio?

How to write a professional bio, professional bio example, tips for writing a professional bio.

Your professional biography is often the first way an industry member or a prospective employer learns about you. Writing one that clearly and effectively represents you and what you do is key to making an outstanding first impression. This article will provide tips and examples for writing a compelling professional bio.

A professional biography is a statement that summarizes who you are and what you do as a professional. It might include information such as your current position, education, accomplishments and interests. People use professional biographies on social media pages, college applications, resumes, bylines and personal or company websites. When employers read your bio, they should be able to tell whether your experience and character fit within their company.

Follow these steps to help you write a professional biography:

1. Identify your audience

Your audience should guide the tone of your bio. A professional bio for a resume will likely be far more formal than one for a social media platform. For guidance, look to descriptions of professionals in your field. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, read through employee bios on marketing company websites to see how they represent themselves.

2. Pick your point of view

To help your bio appear more objective, write it in the third person. First-person bios are more personal and tend to be better suited for social media profiles and private blogs.

3. Introduce yourself and your role

Start your bio with your full name and title. If you are employed, list your position and employer so your audience clearly understands your industry and experience level. If you are unemployed, you might list your previous position or years of experience in the field.

For example, ‘Adrian Holmes is a technical support specialist from Houston, Texas, with more than four years of experience helping businesses solve software problems.’

4. Share your strengths and accomplishments

State what you specialize in and one or two of your achievements or awards, if relevant. By describing what you are good at, you are telling your audience why you are well-qualified for this position and that you are more than just a job title.

For example, ‘Adrian specializes in data access and was a member of the support team that earned the Service Desk Institute’s 2018 Best Service Improvement Project award.’

5. List something you’re working on

If you are working on a special project or pursuing continuing education, share that information so people can see that you are motivated and hard-working.

For example, ‘Adrian is currently learning a third programming language.’

6. Add interesting but professional details

In some cases, you may want to show your personality by listing a few of your hobbies, interests, favorite books or movies or fun facts about yourself. These details give your professional bio a human touch and can be useful conversation starters during interviews or networking opportunities.

For example, ‘When Adrian’s not behind a computer screen, she is training for her first half-marathon and road-tripping around Texas.’

7. End your bio with contact info

If you want to give people a way to contact you, end your bio with your email address and, if appropriate, your professional social media handle, blog or website.

You can organize the details of your professional bio in a different order than what is listed here. You might also include other details, such as degrees and institutions where you received them, depending on your experience and your audience. If you have not been given a word count for your bio, try to keep it under 500 words.

Here is an example of a third-person professional biography that follows the above steps:

‘Reagan Park is a technical editor with Journals Inc. who produces high-level scientific content for research organizations. Reagan works closely with researchers to publish accurate information in the applied science field and regularly attends technical communication conferences to stay current with the latest trends and tools. Reagan earned a Distinguished Community Service Award from the Society for Technical Communication for mentoring young scientists in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. He is currently completing a course in web coding to strengthen his desktop publishing skills. A 2009 graduate of the University of Louisville, Reagan is an active member of the local cycling community and enjoys perfecting his culinary skills in his free time.’

Here are popular tips that will help you write a compelling professional bio:

• Use examples to show your experience. Rather than saying you are a successful graphic designer, for instance, share a significant project or two you have created the visuals for.
• Avoid using industry jargon or slang.
• Only include information that adds value to the bio.
• Use active voice to keep your bio engaging, clear and concise.
• Base the tone and organization of your professional bio on your audience and industry. 
• Update your bio as you gain experience, accomplish new things or enter new jobs or industries. 

Practice writing a professional bio before you need one. Then you will have a template that you can perfect depending on the platform, tone and purpose. Your goal is to use concise and engaging language to make a strong first impression on prospective employers and other professionals in your industry.

Standout Professional Bio Examples (And Why You Need One)

• Compelling examples of bios in multiple contexts

The difference between a resume and a professional bio

Who needs a professional bio.

A professional bio is one of the most important pieces of writing you have in your toolkit.

What career and business opportunities will yours open up?

Effective examples of bios in multiple contexts

When crafting a professional bio, be intentional about the content you include and tailor it according to your objectives.

You want to adjust it accordingly based on where it appears and what type of organization and industry you work for.

The purpose of a professional bio is generally to:

• State who you are and what you do
• Provide examples of your work experience that bolster your credibility
• Tell your story

How you go about accomplishing these three goals, however, will vary.

We compiled a variety of professional biographies and explain why they are effective to give you an idea of how to structure yours.

Company Website

If you are a senior executive, you may have a professional bio on your company’s website: this is the most common request we receive.

John Hartman | Equifax

John Hartman put together a classic example of an executive bio for the Equifax website.

His writing is clear, concise, and follows the standard structure for an effective bio by providing:

• Name and current role at Equifax
• Previous experience at Equifax
• Early career history
• Education summary

If you’re looking for a conventional executive bio, you’ll want to follow this format.

It’s perfectly acceptable to use the bio you have on your company’s website for LinkedIn.

However, don’t forget that LinkedIn is still a social media platform, so it’s okay to infuse a bit more personality into it !

Jay Shetty | Personal Brand

Jay Shetty's profile headline and introduction quickly grab the reader's attention: “Meet the former monk who is making wisdom go viral.”

He further builds his credibility by explaining that he has 200 million views on social media, over one million followers, and was selected for Forbes 30 Under 30.

His bio also includes information about his education and career history while infusing elements of his story (we’ll forgive him for grammar errors and focus on content – because it is quite strong).

At the end, he also provides a preferred method of contact.

You should consider including your email address or a link to your LinkedIn profile as well – especially if your bio doubles as a marketing tool.

Need help crafting a compelling executive bio? Learn more  about our professional bio writing service!

Personal Website

We’re increasingly seeing freelancers and even professionals in the corporate sector building personal websites that serve as an online resume, so to speak.

If you are a freelancer or run your own business, think carefully about your copy and what kind of message you are sending to your readers.

• What kind of impression will they have of you and your business after reading your bio?
• Does your bio leave them inspired and wanting to talk to you further?
• What is the image you are trying to convey? Do you want to come off as polished and professional, engaging, fun, or simply vanilla? 

Melanie Everett | melanieeverettco.com

Melanie Everett runs an independent real estate firm in Chicago.

Coming from a journalism background, she has leveraged her writing skills to drive her real estate business. She currently ranks in the top 1% of real estate agents in Chicago.

Conference or Event Pamphlet

If you are speaking on a panel or delivering a keynote speech, you may have the opportunity to provide a bio to be featured in the event’s print materials.

For these types of communications, you’ll want your bio to be shorter than what you might include on a company page or LinkedIn summary.

These executive bios build credibility for you and your company while positioning you as an expert on the topic you will be speaking about.

Vera Manoukian | Hilton

Hilton’s Vera Manoukian provided this bio when she spoke on a panel titled “The Rebirth of Full-Service Hotels,” effectively demonstrating her leadership experience in the hospitality sector.

Nonprofit Bio

Executive bios for nonprofit organizations often employ a storytelling approach to introduce readers to the organization’s mission and impact.

Ben Justus | EGBOK Mission

In his bio, Ben explains why he started EGBOK, the work his organization does, and how it has grown.

When you contribute to an industry blog, you may have the opportunity to include additional information that showcases why you are an authority on the topic.

In this context, your bio can also serve as publicity for your company.

Arianna Huffington | THRIVE Global

Brian X. Chen | The New York Times

Other times, you may have very limited space to work with, making it especially important to consider how each word is adding value.

A resume and professional bio are both personal marketing documents, but they are used in different contexts.

Resumes are generally used to apply for a job. They are written in third person, follow a conventional structure, and are predominantly based on facts and achievements .

Professional bios , on the other hand, provide a more informal narrative that serves as a compelling elevator pitch.

Professionals of all experience levels can benefit from a bio.

As an executive, you should have a long and short version of a professional bio to use on:

• Corporate or personal websites
• Company marketing brochures
• Conference materials

If you are a student , you can use yours as a LinkedIn summary or on the webpage of a campus organization you are a part of. You never know who might come across it!

We hope these examples have given you inspiration and an understanding of what to include in your bio.

When writing yours, remember to keep the following in mind:

The best bios are written thoughtfully and intentionally, so it’s not something you want to leave to the last minute!

Need a compelling executive bio? You can order our professional bio writing service here !

About resume pilots.

Resume Pilots is an award-winning executive resume writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.

As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.

Our writers have studied in the Ivy League and other top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.

Here's how we can help you:

Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Services : If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional resume writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up.

Executive Resume Template Downloads : If you plan to prepare your own resume, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly resume templates for Microsoft Word.

To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email [email protected] .

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About the Author Matt Glodz

Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer. After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents. At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.

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How to Write a Professional Bio

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

How to Write a Bio

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

Here are some essential elements in any professional bio:

Getty Images

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

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

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

How to Start a Biography

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

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

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

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

Your Name and Professional Title

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

What You Do in Your Current Position

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

List Your Branding Statement

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

List Outstanding Professional Accomplishments

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

List Personal Details

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

How to Write a Bio for Work

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

Professional Bio Examples

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

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

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

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How to Write a Professional Bio and Why You Should Have One

Published: Dec 03, 2022 By Steven Weidinger

Writing a professional bio can help you in a variety of ways as you grow your career. Like writing a resume , it can feel overwhelming, but if you follow a simple formula, you can create one with ease.

What is a professional bio?

A professional bio tells people who you are and what you do, and there are three common lengths: long, short, and very short (micro). A long bio can be up to one page, and it most likely lives on your website. A short bio is a paragraph and can be used multiple places, including as a summary on your resume and on career-focused social media, such as LinkedIn. A very short (micro) bio is one to two sentences you can use to introduce yourself on a call, when giving a presentation, or on social media sites such as Twitter.

Why should you write one?

You can assume any time you apply for a new position or connect with someone in a professional capacity, they are looking you up online. Having a bio helps establish your brand and credibility, and it takes the facts that are in your resume and gives them plot and story.

To put yourself in the best position for later, start with writing a long version of your bio.

How do you write a professional bio?

Before you start, decide whether you’ll be writing in first or third person, and remain consistent throughout. It’s more common to have your professional bio written in third person, but if you plan to use your bio in a more informal way, it’s fine to write in first person.

One thing to keep in mind—it can feel a bit more natural to write about accomplishments in the third person because you can mentally separate yourself from feeling like you’re bragging about how amazing you are. If you plan to make two versions, it could be easier to start with writing in the third person.

At a high level, this is what you should make sure to include:

• Responsibilities
• Major, quantitative accomplishments
• What makes you tick
• Something personal (but not too personal)

Your name, title, and the company you work for

Your full name should be the first thing in your bio, and it can be followed by either your title or the company name, whichever flows most naturally to you.

How should you write about your responsibilities?

If you’re like most people, your job description has changed over the years—think about what your main responsibilities are day-to-day, but focus on how describing those responsibilities can show the reader the skills and expertise you bring to the table. Do you manage a successful team? Do you excel at connecting with clients? Are you often asked to QA new technology? Write about the responsibilities that help the reader see who you are.

How should you write about your major, quantitative accomplishments?

Talking about your responsibilities should lead easily into pointing out a few of your most impressive accomplishments. And if possible, make them quantitative. Have you increased engagement by 35 percent? Have you created new training materials that have helped decrease the time it takes to onboard new employees? Have you maintained consistent profit margins? Did you build a new division within your company? Write in a way that allows you to use numbers and/or show the reader very clearly what you’re most proud to have achieved.

How should you write about what makes you tick?

What are your values? What would your personal mission statement be? What drives you in your professional life? Is it the connections you make with people? Is it seeing the big picture or is it your focus on the small details? Is it developing more efficient methods for your team? Is it problem solving? Ideally, some of those major accomplishments you just wrote about will tie into this—did you develop those new training materials because you love problem solving? Is your team successful because you are naturally drawn to mentoring?

How do you write about something that’s personal, but not too personal?

You can choose to be done at this point, or you can include something a little more personal—it doesn’t need to be too personal, but it should show some personality. Here’s where you can talk about a fun hobby, something interesting and unexpected about your family, or a cool tidbit about your background to show the reader who you are outside of work.

Once you have your master bio written, you can tailor as the situation demands and use it in many places—shorten it for the various social platforms you want to put it on, use a compressed version for your resume summary, remove unnecessary portions for specific situations, and post it in its entirety on your website. And just like your resume—keep it current! 

Search for your next job now:

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No matter the context, if you’re asked to write a professional bio, it can be a daunting request.  Even if you’re comfortable in a writing capacity, the idea of writing about yourself is often met with more unease.  Whether you’re more modest or confident in your profession, it’s important to be sure that you can communicate your professional strengths without unnecessarily boasting about your accomplishments—and you don’t want it to sound boring either.  As a result, striking the right tone with the right information can be challenging.

While a professional bio may seem overwhelming at first, there is one simple solution that can not only intrigue the reader but ensure that you don’t sound too pompous: don’t make it about yourself.  Now, you may ask, “How do I write about myself without making it about me?”  The answer is that your professional bio should mostly convey the impacts of your work rather than the actual work itself or your personal accomplishments.  When you do so, you shift the focus to the people and businesses that you help.  To craft a compelling professional bio, ask yourself the following questions:

What is your impact?

When you’re looking to describe your impact, that could mean many different things.  Depending on your job, it could mean how you impact a customer’s life or a business’ results, or perhaps how your work affects people or communities in their daily lives.  To answer this, you may also consider what challenges others face that you solve through your work.

For example:

“John Smith is a professor who helps students realize their full potential as they enter the medical profession.”

“Susan Sommers is an Account Executive who helps her clients reduce production costs on average by 20%.” 

What do you believe in?

When it comes to the impact you’re making in your field, the way you approach your work comes accompanied with your values and what you believe is the purpose of your job.  As a result, communicating to the readers why you do what you do is fundamental to them understanding how you conduct yourself and your business.  When they identify with your motivations and passions, they’re more likely to take interest in you.  As a result, emphasize your core values that drive you to do your best work every day.

“Susan believes that people are a company’s biggest asset.”

“John knows that students respond to honest communication and collaboration in the classroom, which is why they are the cornerstones of his teaching philosophy.”

How can you prove the impact that you make?

Next, come in with the proof that your work has made the impact you describe.  This kind of evidence could come in many forms, as long as it conveys that you are effective in your role.  Ideally, your proof is something that can be measured.  However, be sure that you don’t convey the idea that personal profits are more important than the people or businesses that you help.

“While Susan takes an individualized approach to each of her clients, she has also increased sales by 25% over the last 5 years.”

“John is proud to say that his students entering the field have a 95% job placement rate.”

What about you?

Now that you’ve addressed the impacts of your job and what makes you passionate about your role, you can add the final details about yourself that may be of interest to readers.  For example:

• Where you’re from
• Where you received an education
• What kind of degree you have
• Other details from your professional background
• Your areas of expertise
• Other trainings, certifications, or awards you’ve received
• Where you live or work
• Contact information

While not all this information is necessary, depending on where this professional bio is placed, you can use your discretion as to how much personal information is needed.

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27 of the Best Professional Bio Examples I've Ever Seen [+ Templates]

Published: December 20, 2023

As a writer, I have to let readers and potential clients know my expertise, my skills, and why they should work with me or be interested in what I say. So, a professional bio is a must in my industry.

Though I'm definitely familiar with professional bios, I can admit they can be challenging. What do I include? What do readers need to know?

As daunting as writing a professional bio can be, professional bios are crucial when applying for jobs, seeking new clients, or networking. A professional bio also gives the world a brief snapshot of you and your professional ideals.

If you‘re at a loss for how to write a professional bio that packs a punch, I’ve got you covered. In this journey, tools like HubSpot’s user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder can be instrumental in showcasing your professional bio online with ease and style.

I will walk you through how to write a professional bio that you can proudly publish, provide professional bio templates, and show you the best professional bio examples you can get inspiration from.

What is a professional bio?

Professional bio templates, how to write a professional bio, best professional bio examples, how to write a short bio.

80+ Professional Bio Templates & Examples

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Tell us a little about yourself below to gain access today:

A professional bio or biography is a short overview of your experience. Professional bios usually include details about education, employment, achievements, and relevant skills.

Purpose of Professional Bios

A bio tells an audience about who you are, what you've done, and what you can do. It can help potential employers, fans, or customers understand your personality and what you stand for.

Writing a bio without a clear starting point is challenging — believe me, I've tried. To ease the process, here are some templates I put together to get you started.

I‘ve found it’s best to keep your professional bio honest and to the point. Too long of a bio, and you risk losing your audience's attention. After all, audiences will only read a web page for less than a minute before clicking elsewhere.

And honesty is key because most consumers and clients won‘t invest in someone or something if it doesn’t seem trustworthy. In fact, 67% of consumers say they must trust a brand before investing in its products or services.

"Plus," she adds, "I'm always happy to talk about my cats at any given moment. You never know when a fellow cat mom could be reading."

Values and Work Approach

Your values can sometimes show your work ethic more effectively than your career path. It can also help you endear yourself to employers and colleagues who want to work with people with similar values.

So don‘t be shy: Share how you incorporate your values into your work. Whether it’s a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, or ethical decision-making, explain what drives you and be enthusiastic about it.

Your Personality

Remember: Your bio should always include a taste of your personality! Your sense of humor, creativity, or collaborative nature could all give readers a sense of who you are. This helps readers connect with you on a more personal level.

Remember to tailor your bio for different platforms and audiences. Also, keep it concise and impactful while highlighting the most relevant information in each context.

First-Person Bio vs. Third-Person Bio

While first-person bios are common, third-person bios can be more effective in formal situations.

Your decision to write your professional bio in the first or third person depends on your desire to leave a more personable or assertive impression.

Both approaches work, provided you tailor them to your goals and audience. What’s important is to be clear and tell your story in a way that connects with your reader.

How to Write a First-Person Bio

Writing in the first person can be a great way to connect with your audience when building a personal brand. When you write a first-person bio, use "I" or "me" to make yourself relatable and approachable.

Here's one way I’d write a first-person bio:

"I'm a freelance writer specializing in small business content. I've worked with companies in a variety of industries like home care to fine leather goods."

Speaking in the first person here connects you with a client or brand based on your experience and opinions. Put another way, writing a first-person bio is like telling your story to your audience.

Here are a few tips to make your first-person bio great:

Don’t start every sentence with "I."

Showing instead of telling is a great approach.

Let’s say you’re a writer who wants to create a short professional bio. Instead of saying, "I love to write," you can say, "Writer. Bad but enthusiastic dancer."

This portrays your writing skill, shows your personality outside of writing as a dancer, and includes a little sense of humor, which is essential for a writer.

Remember, you know yourself better than anyone.

Adding a back story to your bio helps create context for the roles and successes you write about. Think of it like a case study about who you were, what you are now, and the process that got you to your current position.

Focus on valuable details.

Quick facts about you can showcase your identity and values. For example, if you're writing a bio for LinkedIn, think about how to tie your hobby into what you do.

Let's say Animal Crossing is your hobby. Does it align with your career aspirations? It can be a great addition to your bio if you want to pursue a video game career.

However, if your interests lie elsewhere, including a more relevant hobby is better.

How to Write a Third-Person Bio

Third-person bios sound more authoritative and objective. So, if you’re job searching in a formal industry, applying for grants, or trying to get published, you may want to stick to the third person.

For instance, when you write a third-person bio, you may start with:

"Jasmine Montgomery is a Senior Hiring Manager at L’Oreal based in New York. She recruits across several business units to connect with the brightest talent from around the globe."

By only using your name and pronouns to speak about yourself here, you are letting your title and skill set speak for themselves.

These bios create distance between the subject of the bio (you) and the reader through a third person. This person could be anyone, but they usually speak in a tone emphasizing their expertise.

This makes third-person bios feel aloof or overly formal sometimes.

Ideally, your third-person bio should sound friendly but polished, like a message from a close colleague at work. Here are a few tips on how to write a great third-person bio.

Write from the perspective of someone you know and trust.

It can be challenging to write about yourself, so try to see yourself from the perspective of your favorite person at work or a mentor you trust. This can help you write from a position of authority without feeling self-conscious.

Show the reader why they should trust your opinion.

A professional bio often reflects a specific industry or niche. With this in mind, your text should include relevant details that professionals in your industry know. Avoid jargon whenever you can.

Remember, you're telling a story.

If you want a third-person bio, but you're used to writing in first-person, it may help to write it the most comfortable way for you.

Your professional bio is an essential piece of writing, so edit it carefully. Edit your writing from both points of view and see which works best for your target audience.

Here's how to write a professional bio, step by step.

• Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.
• Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.
• Mention any associated brand name you might use.
• State your current position and what you do.
• Include at least one professional accomplishment.
• Describe your values and how they inform your career.
• Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.
• Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

If you’re anything like me, you probably don't think about your professional bio until you’re asked to "send one over via email."

You have one afternoon to come up with it, so you scramble together a bio that ends up reading like this:

"Rodney Erickson is a content marketing professional at HubSpot, a CRM platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers.

Previously, Rodney worked as a marketing manager for a tech software startup. He graduated with honors from Columbia University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing."

To be fair, in certain contexts, your professional bio needs to be more formal, like Mr. Erickson's up there. But there are also cases where writing a personable and conversational bio is good.

Whether you choose the formal or casual route, use the following steps to create a perfect bio.

1. Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.

You need an online space to keep your professional bio. Here are a few to consider (some of these you might already have in place):

• Facebook Business page .
• Industry blog byline .
• Instagram account .
• Personal website .
• LinkedIn profile .
• Industry website .
• Personal blog .

As you'll see in the professional bio examples below, the length and tone of your bio will differ depending on the platforms you use.

Instagram, for example, allows only 150 characters of bio space, whereas you can write as much as you want on your website or Facebook Business page.

2. Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.

If your readers remember nothing else about your bio, they should remember your name. Therefore, it's a good idea for your first and last name to be the first two words of your professional bio.

Even if your name is printed above this bio (hint: it should), this is a rare moment where it's okay to be redundant.

For example, if I were writing my bio, I might start it like this:

Lindsay Kolowich

Lindsay Kolowich is a Senior Marketing Manager at HubSpot.

3. Mention any associated brand name you might use.

Will your professional bio represent you or a business you work for? Ensure you mention the brand you associate with in your bio. If you're a freelancer, you may have a personal business name or pseudonym you advertise to your clients.

Here are a few examples:

• Lindsay Kolowich Marketing.
• SEO Lindsay.
• Kolowich Consulting.
• Content by Kolowich (what do you think ... too cheesy?).

Maybe you founded your own company and want its name to be separate from your real name. Keep it simple like this: "Lindsay Kolowich is the founder and CEO of Kolowich Consulting."

4. State your current position and what you do.

Whether you're the author of a novel or a mid-level specialist, use the following few lines of your bio to describe what you do in that position. Refrain from assuming your audience knows what your job title entails.

Make your primary responsibilities known so readers can know you and understand what you offer to your industry.

5. Include at least one professional accomplishment.

Just as a business touts its client successes through case studies, your professional bio should let your audience know what you've achieved.

What have you done for yourself — as well as for others — that makes you a valuable player in your industry?

6. Describe your values and how they inform your career.

Why do you do what you do? What might make your contribution to the market different from your colleagues? What are the values that make your business a worthwhile investment to others?

Create a professional bio that answers these questions.

7. Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.

Transition from describing your values in work to defining who you are outside of work. This may include:

• Your family.
• Your hometown.
• Sports you play.
• Hobbies and interests.
• Favorite music and travel destinations.
• Side hustles you're working on.

People like connecting with other people. The more transparent you are about who you are personally, the more likable you'll be to people reading about you.

8. Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

End your professional bio on a good or, more specifically, a funny note. By leaving your audience with something quirky or unique, you can ensure they'll leave your website with a pleasant impression of you.

Following the steps above when writing your bio is important, but take your time with one section. People consume lots of information daily. So ensure your bio hooks 'em in the first line, and you won’t lose them.

(P.S. Want to boost your professional brand? Take one of HubSpot Academy's free certification courses . In just one weekend, you can add a line to your resume and bio that over 60,000 marketers covet.)

Why Good Bios Are Important for a Professional

You may think, "How many people read professional bios, anyway?"

The answer: A lot. Though there's no way to tell who is reading it, you want it catchy. Your professional bio will delight the right people coming across it on multiple platforms.

Professional bios can live on your LinkedIn profile , company website, guest posts, speaker profiles, Twitter bio , Instagram bio , and many other places.

And most importantly, it‘s the tool you can leverage most when you’re networking.

Bottom line? People will read your professional bio. Whether they remember it or it makes them care about you is a matter of how well you present yourself to your intended audience.

So, what does a top-notch professional bio look like? Let‘s review a few sample bios for professionals like you and me. Then, we’ll cover bio examples from some of the best people in the industry.

Short Sample Bios

Your bio doesn't have to be complicated. Here are five samples to glean inspiration from.

Example 1: Friendly Sample Bio

"Hey! My name is Ryan, and I'm a marketing specialist passionate about digital advertising. I have five years of experience managing various online campaigns and improving brand visibility for clients across multiple verticals. I love analyzing consumer behavior and leveraging data-driven strategies to maximize ROI. Outside work, I enjoy traveling, taking funny photos, and exploring new hiking trails."

Example 2: Mid-Career Sample Bio

"Jennifer Patel is a versatile graphic designer known for her creative approach and attention to detail. With a background in visual arts and eight years of experience, Jennifer has worked on diverse projects ranging from logo designs to website layouts. Her ability to understand and translate client needs into visually striking designs sets her apart. Jennifer finds inspiration in nature, music, and pop culture."

Example 3: Sales Sample Bio

"I'm a seasoned sales executive with a track record of exceeding targets and building strong client relationships. With a background in B2B sales, I've built a natural ability to understand customer needs and consistently exceed quota every month. I pride myself in my communication skills and strategic approaches, which have helped me thrive in highly competitive markets such as SaaS sales. Outside work, I enjoy playing basketball and volunteering at local charities."

Example 4: HR Sample Bio

"I am a dedicated human resources professional with a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and facilitating employee development. With eight years of experience in talent acquisition and HR operations, I've played a key role in building high-performing teams. I'm known for my strong interpersonal skills and ability to create inclusive and supportive work environments. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga and exploring new culinary experiences."

Example 5: Software Engineer Sample Bio

"David Chang is a senior software engineer specializing in backend development. With a strong background in computer science and six years of experience, David has successfully built scalable and efficient solutions for complex technical challenges. He is well-versed in various programming languages and frameworks like C++, Java, and Ruby on Rails. In his spare time, David enjoys reading science fiction novels and playing the guitar."

Below, we've curated some of the best professional bio examples we've ever seen on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the various places you might describe yourself.

Check 'em out and use them as inspiration when crafting your own.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Author
• Chima Mmeje: SEO Content Writer
• DJ Nexus: DJ
• Lena Axelsson: Marriage & Family Therapist
• Mark Levy: Branding Firm Founder
• Audra Simpson: Political Anthropologist
• Marie Mikhail: Professional Recruiter
• Wonbo Woo: Executive Producer
• Chris Burkard: Freelance Photographer
• Lisa Quine: Creative Consultant
• Nancy Twine: Hair Care Founder
• Trinity Mouzon: Wellness Brand Founder
• Alberto Perez: Co-Founder of Zumba Fitness
• Ann Handley: Writer and Marketer

1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie : Author

Bio platform: personal website.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie begins her professional bio with an invitation to her roots.

In a few paragraphs, she describes when and where she was born, her family, her education, her honorary degrees, and the depth of her work, which has been translated into 30 languages and several publications.

She can keep readers engaged by leading with a powerful hook that aligns with her target audience’s marketing needs.

• There’s clarity about who Chima serves.
• The hook is bold, catchy, and compels anyone to read further.
• Including client results makes clients visualize what they can expect.

3. DJ Nexus : DJ

Bio platform: facebook.

This New England-based DJ has single-handedly captured the Likes of over 2,000 people in and beyond Boston, MA. And even if you don‘t listen to the type of music he produces, it’s hard not to read his compelling Facebook bio.

For instance, consider his tagline, under "About" — " Quiet during the day. QUITE LOUD at night! " DJ Nexus tells you when he works awesomely. I got goosebumps just imagining a dance club where he might play music.

The second is the "long version," which is even more interesting than the first. Why? It reads like a story — a compelling one, at that. In fact, it gets hilarious in some parts.

The second sentence of the bio reads: "He was frightened of public school, loved playing baseball and football, ran home to watch ape films on the 4:30 Movie, listened to The Jam and The Buzzcocks, and read magic trick books."

Here's another excerpt from the middle:

It's a well-put value proposition that sets her apart from the rest of the HR industry.

Marie concludes her bio with a smooth mix of professional skills, like her Spanish fluency, and personal interests, such as podcasting and Star Wars (she mentions the latter with just the right amount of humor).

• Straight off the bat, Marie uses a story to share her experiences of how she began as a recruiter.
• It provides a subtle pitch for readers to check out her podcast.
• The bio exudes Maries approachable, fun, and playful personality.

8. Wonbo Woo : Executive Producer

Wonbo Woo is the executive producer of WIRED's video content and has several impressive credits to his name. What does this mean for his professional bio? He has to prioritize.

With this in mind, Wonbo opens his bio with the most eye-catching details first (if the image below is hard to read, click it to see the full copy ).

I wouldn‘t necessarily be inclined to follow Chris if his bio had simply read, "I post beautiful images." But images that inspire me to travel? Now that’s something I can get behind.

Last, he ends on a humble, sweet note: "He is happiest with his wife Breanne raising their two sons." So inject personal information into your bio — it makes you seem approachable.

• It highlights Chris’s achievement without bragging.
• The last sentence portrays Chris as a responsible man who loves his family.
• The well-written bio speaks to nature lovers who like the outdoors, surfing, and more. This gives them reasons to follow Chris.

10. Lisa Quine : Creative Consultant

Bio platform: portfolio website.

Creative professionals who specialize in visual art may find it challenging to balance the writing of their bio and displaying of their portfolio. Not Lisa Quine. Lisa has an exceptional balance of her professional bio and creative work.

Throughout her bio, you'll notice the number of murals she's completed and a brief timeline of her career. This helps her paint the picture of who she is as a professional.

The rest of her bio similarly focuses on Twine's strengths as someone who’s able to take hair care "back to basics."

Mouzon effectively grips the reader's attention with this introduction and then dives into some of her impressive accomplishments — including a brand now sold at Urban Outfitters and Target.

The language used throughout Mouzon's bio is authentic, real, and honest.

For instance, in the second paragraph, she admits:

"While building a brand may have looked effortless from the outside, starting a business at age 23 with no resources or funding quickly forced me to realize that early-stage entrepreneurship was anything but transparent."

As an avid Zumba fan, I was excited to include this one. Perez styles his LinkedIn bio as a short story, starting with his background as a hard-working teen who held three jobs by age 14.

His bio tells the fun and fascinating origin story of Zumba, in which Perez, an aerobics teacher in Florida at the time, forgot his music for class and used a Latin music cassette tape instead ... "And it was an instant hit!"

His bio continues:

"Shortly after he was connected to Alberto Periman and Alberto Aghion, and Zumba was officially created ... What started as a dream now has 15 million people in more than 200,000 locations in 186 countries who take Zumba classes every week."

There's something in there for everyone.

• The last section of the bio shows Ann’s warm personality — "Ann lives in Boston, where she is Mom to creatures two- and four-legged."
• Written in the third person, this bio has lots of proof (like followers), which shows Ann is a terrific marketing leader.

If you're posting a bio on a social media account or sending a quick blurb to a client, you want to keep it short and sweet while showcasing your accomplishments.

To get started, use these best practices for writing your short professional bio:

• Introduce yourself.
• State what you do.
• Add key skills or areas of expertise.
• Include a personal mission statement
• Celebrate your wins.
• Provide your contact information.
• Show them your personality.

1. Introduce yourself.

Your introduction is your first impression, so always begin by telling people who you are. You may start with a greeting like, "Hello, my name is" or "Hi! Let me first introduce myself …" when sending your bio as a message.

If you’re writing a bio for an online platform, stating your name at the beginning works as well.

Leading with your name — even as a question — is important for recognition and building relationships.

2. State what you do.

Give people an idea of what you do daily and where you work. Your job title is how the people put you into context and consider whether your profession relates to their industry.

So detail your most relevant work in your short bios, like CEO, professor, and author.

Take a cue from Angela Duckworth , who specifies what she does in her LinkedIn bio:

3. Add key skills or areas of expertise.

If you send a bio to a client or potential employer, highlight your most valuable skills. For instance, if your expertise is in social media marketing and content creation, like Ivanka Dekoning , list these skills.

• A joke. "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. At least that’s what I learned when I created…"
• Mention a hobby. "I’ll be honest: for me, tennis is life — Go Nadal!"
• A fun fact. "Every year, I watch 100 new films! I’m a cinephile and love every movie genre."
• A few emojis related to your interests. "🎶🤖🎾🎬🎭"

Whichever way you choose to get personal, give people a glimpse into who you are as an individual.

When writing a short bio, it can be tempting to pack in as much relevant information about yourself as possible — but this isn’t the most effective approach.

Instead, focus on including the details that you and your audience care about most and leave out the fluff.

Let's dive into a few examples of short professional bios.

Short Professional Bio Examples

• Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager
• Lianna Patch: Copywriter
• Precious Oboidhe: Content Strategist and Writer
• Rebecca Bollwitt: Writer
• Megan Gilmore: Cookbook Author
• Bea Dixon: Feminine Care Founder
• Tammy Hembrow: Instagram Influencer
• Dr. Cody: Chiropractor
• Larry Kim: Founder
• Dharmesh Shah: Founder and CTO
• Lily Ugbaja: Content Strategist
• Ian Anderson Gray: Marketer
• Van Jones: Political Commentator, Author, and Lawyer

1. Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager

Bio platform: blog byline.

Tristen Taylor is a Marketing Manager here at HubSpot. She's written content for HubSpot's Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service blogs; her blog author bio is one of my favorites.

What I love most about Tristen's bio is that it’s a great example of how to deliver information about yourself that is relevant to your work while also sharing fun details that audiences will find relatable.

Her bio reads:

"Building from her experience with GoCo.io and Southwest Airlines, Tristen's work has been recognized by Marketing Brew and BLACK@INBOUND. She lives in Washington, DC, attending anime conventions and painting in her free time."

Gilmore further includes a CTA link within her Instagram bio that leads followers to free, ready-to-use recipes. You might think, " Why would she do that since it discourages people from buying her book?"

But that couldn't be further from the truth.

By giving her followers the chance to try out her recipes, she's slowly turning leads into customers. After I tried a few of her Instagram recipes and loved them, I bought her book, knowing I'd like more of what she offered.

• The bio is short and direct.
• The CTA link includes an invitation for people to join her newsletter. Meaning, she can build her email list.

6. Bea Dixon : Feminine Care Founder

Bea Dixon, Founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, efficiently uses the space on her Instagram profile to highlight who she is as a well-rounded human — not just a businesswoman.

For instance, while she highlights her girl boss attitude with a tiara emoji, she equally calls attention to her fashion interests (Free People), her pets, Boss and Sadie, and her love for ramen noodles.

What more do you need to know?

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.

Don't forget to share this post!

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• Writing Tips

5 Tips for Writing a Professional Bio

5-minute read

• 6th November 2020

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

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

For more on all the above, read on below.

1. Decide What Type of Bio You Need

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

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

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

2. Tailor Your Bio to the Situation

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

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

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

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

3. First or Third Person?

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

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

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

Find this useful?

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

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

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

4. Be Concise

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

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

In terms of general concision, key tips include:

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

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

5. Get Your Professional Bio Proofread

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

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

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

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PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY EXAMPLES

Your professional biography (aka executive biography or personal biography) complements your traditional executive resume  and  LinkedIn profile .

While many  resumes are now written in a story style , they are still almost always ordered  chronologically  and are very focused on conveying key facts, specific qualifications, and your most  impressive accomplishments  in a very succinct manner.

Your  LinkedIn profile is very similar to your resume –at least the employment history section is–but you can use the summary section to show some personality and include personal information that fosters networking . LinkedIn profiles are often written in an engaging, personal, and conversational style that encourages networking. Your authentic, personal stories become conversation points for people you network with.

Your professional biography is a unique document that, in some ways, blends the best of both your resume and LinkedIn profile. Written in a narrative style and usually from the third-person perspective, bios tell the compelling stories of your career. Well-written professional biographies frame the progression of your career in a storytelling format that reinforces your personal brand  and  unique value proposition . You can learn more about the differences between a resume vs. LinkedIn profile vs. bio here .

Biography Examples From Our Portfolio

Sample executive bio, learn more about the above executive bio example.

This executive bio of Martina Hartford is a quintessential example of a professional bio that meticulously incorporates personal details, professional accomplishments , and a glimpse into the individual’s personality and interests, all narrated in the third person. The example bio is comprehensive, providing a panoramic view of Martina’s professional journey, her roles, her contributions, and her areas of expertise, making it an exemplary professional bio sample.

The introduction immediately establishes Martina as an internationally recognized and respected senior officer , advisor, and director , specializing in guiding corporations through financial and operational transitions and restructuring. This sets a tone of authority and expertise right from the start, creating an immediate impact on the reader. The use of vivid imagery depicting high-intensity, chaotic, crisis situations not only highlights the challenging environments Martina navigates but also underscores her role as a calming force amidst such turmoil.

The professional bio meticulously details her roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, showcasing her extensive experience and diverse skill set. It highlights her leadership roles, her success in operational turnarounds, refinancings, divestitures, international finance, and working capital management, and her ability to restore fragmented management groups and facilitate consensus among stakeholders. This comprehensive detailing reinforces her professional credibility and authority in her field.

The inclusion of her roles in various companies and her contributions to each, coupled with her memberships and roles in industry trade associations, further accentuates her extensive experience and diverse expertise. It provides a holistic view of her professional journey, showcasing her versatility and adaptability across different roles and industries.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, the bio also incorporates personal details, giving a glimpse into Martina’s personality and interests. It mentions her residence, her love for travel, and her charitable interests, particularly her focus on international humanitarian efforts. Including personal details adds a human touch to the bio, making it more relatable and engaging for the reader.

The narration in the third person maintains a formal and professional tone throughout the bio, making it suitable for a diverse range of professional settings. It ensures that the focus remains on Martina’s professional journey, accomplishments, and personality, providing a balanced and well-rounded view of her as a professional individual.

In conclusion, this executive bio is a well-crafted professional bio sample that skillfully blends professional accomplishments with personal details, narrated in a formal, third-person tone, making it an ideal representation of what a great executive bio should encompass.

See the above executive bio rewritten into a short bio format

The LinkedIn “About” section and a professional bio serve distinct purposes and are crafted with different approaches. A LinkedIn “About” section is typically written in a more informal, conversational tone and in the first person, aiming to present a snapshot of the professional’s career, skills, and personality in a friendly and approachable manner.

It often invites connections, discussions, and collaborations, serving as a networking tool to foster professional relationships. On the other hand, a professional bio is usually more formal and is written in the third person. It provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s career, achievements, roles, and expertise, often for use on company websites, conference programs, for board appointments , or in press releases. While it focuses on showcasing the individual’s professional journey and accomplishments, it maintains a formal and polished tone, adhering to the conventions of professional and corporate communication.

The following shows how a more extended executive bio can be transformed into a short bio for Linkedin.

As a seasoned professional specializing in guiding corporations through financial and operational transitions and restructuring, I have had the privilege of being a beacon of stability in high-intensity, chaotic situations. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve resolved urgent issues and implemented rapid change for large and mid-cap multinational corporations, specializing in operational turnarounds, refinancings, divestitures, international finance, and working capital management.

I’ve held pivotal roles, including Vice Chairman and Managing Director at [Company], where I played a key role in its evolution into a 1000+ employee global consulting firm. I’ve also served in various capacities, such as President and CEO, CFO, and CRO across diverse industries, contributing to their success and stability.

I’m passionate about knowledge sharing and frequently lecture worldwide at business and academic forums. I maintain active involvement in industry associations like ABI, TMA, and III, and serve on the boards of several institutions and public companies.

Beyond professional endeavors, I’m an avid traveler committed to international humanitarian efforts, focusing on enhancing the lives and education of underprivileged children globally.

I welcome connections from fellow professionals and am open to discussions and collaborations related to business transformations, restructuring, or international finance. Feel free to reach out; let’s connect and explore synergies!

Sample Executive Board Bio

Learn more about the above executive board bio example.

This executive board bio of Sandra Adams is a compelling portrayal of a seasoned professional with multifaceted expertise, showcasing her as a dynamic leader with a rich blend of experience in economics, finance , international business , and corporate law . The bio is meticulously written , making it a strong and compelling board bio, highlighting her passion for driving profitable growth and her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The introduction immediately establishes Sandra’s extensive senior executive leadership experience on Wall Street and her multidisciplinary background, setting a tone of authority and versatility. It succinctly conveys her unique value proposition , emphasizing her ability to make key connections, lead inclusive teams, and leverage her global network to connect people with opportunities.

The bio effectively highlights her strategic, operational , risk management, regulatory management, legal, and sales leadership , reinforcing her multifaceted expertise. It provides specific examples of her accomplishments, such as leading successful acquisitions and managing large-scale assets, demonstrating her ability to drive growth and manage complex operations.

Sandra’s fluency in Spanish and Portuguese and her experience managing geographically diverse teams and client bases are highlighted, emphasizing her international business acumen and her ability to navigate diverse cultural landscapes. Her advisory roles with startups and her efforts to help companies find sources of capital and scale growth profitably underscore her strategic acumen and her passion for growth.

The bio also places a strong emphasis on Sandra’s commitment to DEI, detailing her innovative initiatives, awards, and leadership in this area. It showcases her creative ability to tell stories, as exemplified by her TEDxTalk, and her efforts to drive DEI in the workplace through pioneering workshops and new committees.

Her corporate governance experience is highlighted through her roles on not-for-profit boards, reinforcing her leadership and governance acumen. The detailing of her educational background and early career in Wall Street law firms adds depth to her profile, providing a comprehensive view of her professional journey.

In conclusion, this bio is a well-rounded portrayal of Sandra’s professional journey, achievements, and expertise, making it a compelling board bio. It effectively balances her diverse roles and accomplishments with her passion for growth and commitment to DEI, presenting a holistic view of her as a dynamic and versatile leader.

See the above bio repurposed into a short bio for LinkedIn

When crafting concise bios for LinkedIn profiles , starting with a compelling and succinct introduction is pivotal. It should immediately establish your professional persona and engage the reader, focusing on your unique value proposition and key qualifications, all while maintaining a conversational tone.

Passionate about driving profitable growth and leveraging global networks, I’ve dedicated over two decades to senior executive leadership on Wall Street. My journey has been marked by strategic acumen in operational, risk management, regulatory management, legal, and sales leadership.

The Value I Bring:

• Multidisciplinary background in economics, finance, international business, and corporate law.
• Proven ability to lead and transform organizations, focusing on connecting people with opportunities.

Areas I Excel In:

• Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, I’ve managed diverse teams and client bases spanning São Paulo, Mexico City, and Geneva.

What Drives Me:

• A fervent advocate for sustainability and social justice, I’m dedicated to raising awareness for causes like Standing Rock and have been actively involved in responsible investing within the ESG space.

Let’s connect and explore synergies in responsible investing and leadership in the ESG space!

Sample Professional Biography

Learn more about the above professional bio example.

Steve Benham’s bio is a striking example of effective personal branding , meticulously crafting an image of a hospitality “Renaissance Man.” It not only outlines his extensive experience and diverse roles in the hospitality industry but also emphasizes his passion and commitment to shaping memorable vacation and travel experiences. The bio highlights his unique approach to managing resort properties “from the inside out,” showcasing his ability to produce top-notch operational and financial results, emphasizing the difference between managing a hotel and managing a hotel “business.”

The emphasis on his role as a “recuperative specialist” and his philosophy, “from all adversity, comes prosperity,” further strengthens his personal brand, portraying him as a transformative leader capable of re-conceptualizing and rejuvenating resort properties to maximize market positioning and profitability. His ability to recognize and capitalize on market demands and emerging trends is highlighted, reinforcing his image as an innovative and insightful leader.

His professional memberships, media features, and educational credentials add credibility and depth to his profile while including personal details, such as his family life and philanthropic endeavors, adds a relatable and humanizing touch to his professional persona. Overall, this bio effectively leverages personal branding to present a holistic and compelling portrait of Steve as a passionate, innovative, and experienced leader in the hospitality industry.

See this professional bio rewritten into a short bio

When writing short bios for LinkedIn, it’s essential to maintain a balance between professionalism and approachability. Break down your professional journey into engaging, bite-sized sections or bullets, focusing on your achievements, values, and areas of expertise.

Known as a hospitality “Renaissance Man,” my life’s work revolves around developing and managing top-rated boutique resort and hotel developments. Energized by challenges, I’m driven by a genuine desire to shape memorable vacation and travel experiences.

Problems I Fix:

• Specializing in recuperative strategies, I’ve successfully rebranded, restored, and repositioned numerous resort properties, maximizing market position and profitability.

My Top 5 Competencies:

• Visionary Strategies
• Transformational Leadership
• Innovative Problem Solving
• Market Positioning
• Profit Maximization

My Passion:

• I’m deeply committed to international humanitarian efforts, focusing primarily on initiatives that seek to improve the lives and education of underprivileged children around the world.

Feel free to reach out; let’s explore collaborative opportunities in hospitality management and development!

Executive Leadership Bio Example

Learn more about the above sample leadership bio.

Karen Lapointe’s executive leadership bio exemplifies the power of a well-crafted professional brand , immediately drawing the reader in with a compelling opening highlighting her accolade as a finalist for Silicon Valley’s CIO of the Year. This bio opening serves as a compelling hook, setting the tone for the detailed career history and professional background that follows.

The bio succinctly outlines her progressive career, emphasizing her groundbreaking status in the semiconductor industry and her diverse roles, which have seen her at the helm of visionary strategies and transformative initiatives. It provides a snapshot of her significant achievements, such as founding successful companies and leading organizational turnarounds, offering tangible proof of her impact in the field.

Her role as a CEO of her consulting firm and her expert advisory on governance changes are highlighted, reinforcing her professional brand as a respected leader and advisor in the industry. Her commitment to Women in Leadership and Technology and her active involvement in various boards and advisory roles are woven in, showcasing her passion and contribution to her field.

In essence, this leadership bio is a concise yet comprehensive portrayal of Karen’s professional journey, effectively balancing her achievements, roles, and contributions to present a holistic view of her as a dynamic and impactful leader in her industry. Including contact details and an invitation to connect on LinkedIn adds a personal touch, making her more approachable and reachable.

See the short bio for this executive leader

In LinkedIn bios, it’s crucial to convey your professional brand and value proposition effectively. Use concise, engaging language to highlight your key qualifications, achievements, and the unique traits that set you apart, inviting connections and discussions.

Finalist for Silicon Valley’s 2016 CIO of the Year, my journey is marked by a passion for cultivating the best in people, solving problems, and a commitment to success. I’ve navigated through challenges with perseverance and led teams to achieve remarkable goals.

• Leadership focused on working with teams to achieve goals, coupled with a resourceful and problem-solving mindset.
• Expertise in leading organizations through extraordinary upheaval and change, demonstrating strengths in visionary strategies and transformation.

A Few Achievement Highlights:

• Spearheaded the financial turnaround of companies, resolving multifaceted compliance issues and creating a compliance-first culture.
• Successfully marketed and led acquisitions, managing the monumental task of driving liquidation of the remainder.
• A fervent advocate for Women in Leadership and Technology and STEM education, I’m passionate about causes related to sustainability and social justice.

Let’s connect and discuss synergies in leadership, technology, and transformative strategies!

Example Professional Bio

Learn more about the above sample professional bio.

Kathy Michaels’ professional bio serves as a prime example of how to construct a compelling and powerful professional narrative. It starts with a strong introduction, painting her as an influential agent for positive change, immediately establishing her professional persona and grabbing the reader’s attention.

One key lesson from this bio is the importance of detailing significant roles and accomplishments, as seen in Kathy’s journey as President , COO , and CFO of Xxxxxx, Inc. It succinctly highlights her leadership during times of upheaval and her pivotal role in the financial turnaround of the company, showcasing her problem-solving and leadership skills.

The example bio also emphasizes the importance of showcasing versatility in one’s career, illustrated by Kathy’s diverse roles and her focus on different aspects of financial services , from mutual funds to alternative funds. This breadth of experience enhances her professional image, showcasing her adaptability and comprehensive industry knowledge.

Another crucial aspect is the inclusion of educational background and career progression, giving a holistic view of her professional journey and adding credibility to her profile. Kathy’s advocacy for sustainability, environmental, and social justice causes is seamlessly integrated, reflecting her values and passions and adding a personal dimension to her professional identity.

Finally, the bio concludes with contact information, making her accessible to the reader. This professional bio effectively blends professional achievements, values, and personal details, creating a well-rounded and compelling narrative that outlines Kathy’s career and establishes her professional brand .

See how this longer bio has been rewritten into a short bio

When writing a LinkedIn bio, creating a compelling narrative outlining your professional journey and achievements is essential. Use a conversational tone and break down your experiences into engaging sections, focusing on your unique value proposition and areas of expertise.

Recognized as an influential agent for positive change, I lead with confidence and approach challenges with unflagging perseverance and a commitment to success. My career in responsible investing within the ESG space is a testament to these traits, demonstrating my strengths in navigating and leading organizations through upheaval and change.

• Specializing in restructuring, downsizing, and outsourcing, I’ve spearheaded financial turnarounds and resolved multifaceted SEC non-compliance issues, creating a compliance-first culture.

My Added Value:

• As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a rich background in economics and business administration, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in audit and risk reviews of fund accounting business units.

What I Am Passionate About:

• Aligned with leadership in socially responsible investing (SRI), I’m a dedicated advocate for sustainability, environmental, and social justice causes, actively raising awareness for initiatives like the Standing Rock cause.

I invite you to connect and explore collaborative opportunities in responsible investing, sustainability, and organizational transformation!

A FEW WORDS ABOUT OUR PORTFOLIO OF EXAMPLE RESUMES:

Please remember that each of these example resumes and other career documents are protected by copyright and may not be copied. Also, when you hire us to write your resume , please feel free to share with us any examples that especially caught your eye. But remember, your resume should be designed to showcase the unique factors that set you apart from your competitors in the job market. This means that the format you have grown to “love” might not be the best format for you. Before we write your resume, we will consult with you and apply our expertise in creating a resume design and format that matches your personal brand while also showcasing the key selling points unique to your background .

More About Our Biography Examples

As you can see from the example professional bios on this page, your biography should touch on all the most important facts , such as your job titles and employers, but the story isn’t always told in the same reverse chronological order that you are used to from your resume. Sometimes, the story is better told from the beginning to the present. Sometimes, you might start in the present, jump to the very beginning, and then describe the middle. The structure isn’t arbitrary, though. It is a strategic and creative decision about how to tell your story in an engaging and creative way. Other facts that are typically included are your education, associations, certifications, board appointments, and so forth.

From your review of these professionally written biography examples, you can see that sidebars and callout boxes are frequently used to give your bio eye appeal while drawing the eye to key facts or qualifications. This is the modern method of formatting biographies that has become quite popular in the last few years. This library of more than 100 downloadable biography templates for MS Word will spark your creativity when it comes to formatting options and designs. Whether you are looking for an executive bio template or professional bio template, you will find one that meets your needs.

While  recruiters will sometimes ask to see your bio, they are more frequently interested in your resume . How, then, can you use your biography? If you are a speaker, you will often be asked for a bio. Your bio may also be requested when pursuing board of director positions, usually in addition to your  board resume.  Bios are also great for networking situations and can be used in conjunction with or instead of a networking resume or infographic value profile .  If you are an executive and take a high-level position with a company, you may be asked for your bio so that the company can list it on its website. Some people also include a biography as a PDF download on LinkedIn .

We Are Here to Help You!

If you are looking for help writing your resume or biography, we invite you to set up a free resume writing consultation . We’ll be happy to discuss your situation, answer your questions about working with professional resume writers, and provide a customized quote.

You may also enjoy reviewing our example resumes , example before and after resumes , example cover letters , and example resume addendums.

Widely recognized as one of the industry’s longest-standing resume writing firms and an industry pioneer on the internet, Distinctive Career Services (aka Distinctive Documents) is respected for our unmatched expertise, quality, and commitment to clients. Since 1996, we have met the resume development and career marketing needs of well over 10,000 discriminating professionals in all 50 U.S. states and internationally.

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What Is a Professional Biography?

• DESCRIPTION professional biography for woman architect
• SOURCE monkeybusinessimages / iStock / Getty Images Plus

The business world has become a completely different place in the past few years. Business owners and entrepreneurs must engage the world in a way they never had to before. Once upon a time, having a bare bones resume and being good at your job was enough to get you the attention you needed in almost anything you might do. Nowadays, that simply isn't true. Even a sole proprietor of a business needs to know the basics of a professional biography. Learn the importance of a professional biography, along with how to write one.

A Professional Biography Defined

What is a professional biography ? A professional biography is a summary of who you are as an employer, business person, or professional. A professional biography is the art of presenting yourself in the best possible and most interesting light.

A professional biography may be used for a description of you in the following places:

• on your website
• in a brochure
• on a book jacket, should you write a book
• as an employee in a company Facebook or other company literature

Why Write a Professional Biography?

Your customers (and a potential employer or partner) need to know who you are. A professional biography isn't merely a resume ; it's a statement, short or long, of who you are. Additionally, it's written in such a way as to be amusing, engaging, and informative. Your professional biography is meant to draw the reader or listener into the subject, which, of course, is you!

Personal Sales Pitch

It's a sales pitch that doesn't read like one. These days, everything is marketed to potential purchasers, and people you meet fall into the same category. Ignoring this type of personal marketing in this day and age could lead to your peril.

How to Write a Professional Biography

What should a professional biography include? Everything you want people to know about you. Therefore, you can write a professional biography in a few ways. Follow these basic steps.

• Research famous professional biographies. This will help you get a feel for writing your own.
• Sum up your early life in an amusing or interesting sentence or two.
• Next, add information about your education.
• Discuss what makes you special. Did you win academic awards? Were you a member of an honor society? Did you also work while you went to school?

Remember, the "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" ability is much prized by employers, potential business partners, and anyone who might be thinking of working with you or lending you money. They like knowing you care about the value of a dollar. Any true statements that tell the world that you are the kind of principled, discerning, and hardworking person of character they want to place their money with will do much to get you the kind of business relationships you are hoping for.

Tips for Writing a Professional Biography

When it comes time to write a professional biography, these writing tips can help.

• Brevity is everything. Try to keep your history to a page or less, much the same way you should with a resume . You have only seconds to capture a reader or listener's attention , so write your biography with that in mind.
• Don't let the necessity for weighing words carefully stop you from being spontaneous. The thing about writing, especially on a computer, is that it only takes a few strokes to erase and edit what you've done.
• Don't self-edit to the point where you can't put a word on paper. This kind of writing freeze has tabled the best of writers on occasion. You're not an expert, so you need to put down more than you will eventually wind up with. That's what editing is for. Don't edit yourself before you've written a word.
• Remember: shorter is better, breezy is fine, but too informal won't sell.
• Be serious but be friendly. Make your history accessible to the people learning about you.

It is important not to bore your audience. Write the kind of biography you'd like to read if it were written about someone else. Using your own good taste and judgment will do a lot to win potential business colleagues to your side.

Third Person Please

When writing a biography, you should never use the word "I" in it. Always talk about yourself in the third person or like someone else was writing about you.

Remember the person reading or listening to your biography doesn't want to feel like he stole your diary. Use your imagination and turn yourself into a person you are observing. Use that special insight gained by sitting back and watching to write your professional biography.

The Perfect Biography

Writing a biography can be hard because you are writing about yourself. However, you also know yourself the best. Just remember to capture your audience's attention and keep it concise. Now that you understand professional biographies, give thematic biographies a look.