How To Write a Professional Bio in 6 Steps (With Examples)

Updated July 31, 2023

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You might want to use a bio on your resume, company website, portfolio or job application. A bio should quickly explain your most important accomplishments, traits and qualifications during your career development. In this article, we provide steps to create a professional bio to showcase your skills and achievements.

How to write a professional bio

Write a clear, impactful and professional bio by following these steps:

1. Choose the appropriate name and professional title

Writing a professional bio starts by choosing the right name and professional titles to use. Different names and titles can change depending on the purpose and audience of the bio. For example, some people choose to use a different first name in their bio instead of their given name. Other professionals use their original last name instead of a new surname gained after marriage. You may also want to include or omit titles like MD (medical doctor), Pr (pastor) or Esq (esquire), if they apply to you.

2. Decide whether to write bio in first- or third-person

The way you refer to yourself is important in a bio. Your bio should be written in first or third person—whether you refer to yourself as “I” (first person) or by your name (third person). Professional and formal bios are often written in third person, while personal and informal bios are usually written in first person. If you’re writing a bio for work, ask your manager or editor which is more appropriate.

3. List your current position or professional tagline

If you’re creating a bio while currently employed, list your current position or job role, such as “Senior Associate” or “Editor.” If you are unemployed and creating a bio as part of an online profile, you can list your previous role or your current expertise. For example, you could list “Web Developer” or “Professional Nanny.”

4. Identify your company or employer

Identifying your current employer can help your audience get an idea of your experience, industry and whether or not you are currently available for work. After identifying your position, title or role, identify your employer. If you do not currently have an employer or are self-employed, you can skip this step. Related: How to Write a Short Bio (with Examples of Effective Short Personal Bios)

5. Identify your professional and personal goals

For the next step, ask yourself, “What work or life philosophy informs how I succeed?” You might consider including the answer in your bio to help the audience understand what motivates you. For example, if developing strong relationships is important to your work, you could write, “Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything I do, both professionally and personally.”

6. Consider whether to include personal or fun details about you

In most cases, you do not have to share personal details in your bio. However, it might be helpful in some situations to help people understand you better as a well-rounded individual.Examples of popular personal details in bios:

Hobbies
Favorite TV shows, movies, or books
Information about family life
Funny details about habits or interests
Unique personal history

Professional short bio template

Here is a downloadable template to help you create your own professional bio:

Download Short Biography Template

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Professional bio examples

The length of your bios may vary depending on the situation, so remember to follow any instructions provided by your employer. Here are two examples of professional bios:

Formal professional bio sample

Here is an example of a third-person professional bio:

“John Sullivan is a Human Resources specialist with a decade of successful experience in hiring and employee management. John specializes in Human Resource technologies and regularly attends national training sessions to showcase new HR tech trends, such as self-service, wellness apps, and people analytics tools. A strong believer in the power of positive thinking in the workplace, John regularly develops internal wellness campaigns to assist employees with effective mental health techniques. John enjoys a good Netflix binge but can also be found on long bike rides on hilly country roads.”

You may find it helpful to write multiple versions of your bio for both professional and personal purposes. Ask trusted friends and colleagues to review your bio for tips on improving your spelling, grammar or included information.

Informal professional bio sample

Here is an example of a professional bio with personal details:

“My name is John Sullivan. I’m an HR professional with a decade of experience working within the intricacies of people management. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking with friends and family.”

With details like hobbies or interests, your audience is more likely to feel connected to you on a personal level. Including a hobby in your bio is a great way to make it more casual with a human element.Read more: How To Write a Personal Bio That Draws Attention

Frequently asked questions

What elements of a bio help candidates distinguish themselves from others?

When writing a professional bio, it's important to distinguish yourself from other candidates in your field. Consider adding a branding statement or including unique skills and credentials that are specific to your field to help you gain a reader's attention and highlight your distinct value.

Should candidates write a bio using past or present tense?

Individuals can typically write a bio in past tense or present tense as long as they keep the tense consistent throughout their writing.

What should candidates leave out of their bios?

Honesty is essential, so it's important for candidates to omit any falsified accomplishments or awards to ensure all the information in their bio is completely accurate. This means leaving any skills or experiences you don't have off your resume to ensure you only represent your real expertise.