Writing a bio can be a deceptively tricky task. Whether for your LinkedIn profile, website, or social media page, the pressure to get your bio right can result in endless editing and self-doubt. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this article, we break down how to write a great professional bio, plus provide plenty of examples you can draw inspiration from – so read on to find out how to get your bio in the best shape possible.
Why do you need a professional bio?
Your bio is like a digital first impression. When a recruiter looks at your portfolio, or a potential employer checks out your LinkedIn, your bio is the very first thing they see. They want to know who you are, what your experience is, and what you’ve achieved.
Whether your experience involves providing customer support for a VoIP service or running a 200-strong logistics department, a bio tells your unique story.
Structure of a professional bio
Much like using a good resume format, you should follow a tried and tested structure when writing your bio. These are the key points that you want to hit.
- Introduction. You should always open with your full name and either your current job title or your occupation.
- What you can do. Highlight what you’re good at: your key skills, areas of expertise, and what sets you apart from the rest.
- What you’ve accomplished. Give examples of notable professional achievements, awards, projects, or results that demonstrate your capabilities.
- Background. Briefly cover any relevant education and other experience to explain how you got to this point in your career.
- Make it personal. Show a glimpse of who you are outside of work by mentioning what you do in your spare time and what your values are.
- Call to action. Finish with a punchy call to action, such as a friendly request to visit your website or an invite to start a conversation.
Professional bio examples
If you need inspiration for how to market yourself professionally, it’s helpful to look at examples of what other people have done. Below are two different examples of effective professional bios:
For an entry-level professional
John Smith is a professional with a degree in Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. A love of innovation has led John to spearhead a robotics project, securing top honors in a regional competition. Additionally, he’s developed skills in microcontroller architecture, coding, and embedded systems through an immersive internship at Cerebras Tech. When not coding, John captures life’s moments with a camera and explores hiking trails.
In this fictional bio, education, enthusiasm, and specific accomplishments are emphasized to depict a person who is keen to hit the ground running in any role.
For a senior-level professional
Jane Brown is an award-winning architect with a 20-year journey shaping iconic skylines and vibrant communities. Her leadership has consistently elevated projects beyond expectations, delivering exceptional designs that combine functionality and aesthetics. An architectural degree at Columbia University, coupled with hands-on experiences in internationally acclaimed firms, has given Jane the foundations to redefine urban landscapes. When she’s not pondering schematics, you can find Jane nurturing emerging talents and finding stillness in her yoga practice.
This fictional example showcases a depth of experience and paints the picture of a highly-regarded figure within the architectural community.
How to write an effective professional bio
These tactics will be enough to create a bio that does you and your skills justice.
1. Adapt your bio for each platform
Crafting an effective professional bio requires tailoring your content to the unique expectations of different platforms, here’s how:
- LinkedIn: Your LinkedIn bio should align closely with your professional goals. Focus on your career trajectory, highlighting milestones and key skills. Incorporate industry-specific keywords to enhance your discoverability.
- Company website: Whether your company’s website sells bath products or automatic dialer software, your bio should emphasize your role and contributions within the organization. Discuss how your contribution has shaped projects and initiatives.
- Personal website or portfolio: Your personal website provides a platform to explore your journey in greater depth. Offer glimpses into your professional experience and highlight your approach to innovation. Emphasize your expertise in relevant tools and techniques, and showcase your capacity to make ideas a reality.
- Social Media: Social media platforms demand concise yet impactful bios. Focus on a standout skill or unique aspect of your career. Whether it’s your knack for blending functionality with aesthetics or your commitment to environmentally conscious design, make sure your bio reflects your distinct identity.
2. Demonstrate your skills
Your professional bio is a prime place to exhibit your individual and teamwork skills. Highlight your technical proficiency and expertise, showcasing your ability to navigate complex challenges and drive innovative solutions.
Maybe you’re a particularly skilled communicator, or your problem-solving skills are second to none. Whatever makes you stand out, this is the section to state it loud and clear. Don’t forget soft skills like collaboration or a dedication to continuous learning are important too.
3. Showcase your accomplishments
Whether it’s spearheading intricate projects, or playing an integral role in high-impact initiatives, your accomplishments show employers your value as an employee and where your strengths lie.
Through tangible outcomes, you can effectively communicate the weight of your experience and the significant contributions you bring to any profession.
4. Make it personal
Inject personality into your bio by sharing hobbies, interests, or values. This humanizes your online presence and makes you more relatable to your audience. And remember, most employers will have recruitment diversity in mind.
Employers often want people with different backgrounds and perspectives on their teams. If you can show you have a unique perspective, this might be viewed as a plus by hiring managers who are interested in building a vibrant and dynamic workplace.
Showcase your talents with a professional bio
A well-crafted bio is like a window to your professional life that the reader can peek through.
It can make all the difference in creating new connections and opportunities. Use the tactics and examples above to create a bio that advocates for your talents and supports you to progress in your career. Before you know it, you’ll be writing a new job announcement.
