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Best Practices for Writing Your Political Candidate Bio

Every campaign website should include a candidate biography page . It’s a section where you can tell voters about yourself and why you are running for office.

Start with an introduction

Who are you? Begin with some background information about yourself. Try to include some qualities that separate you from your opposition. Keep it positive and perhaps touch on some issues that are of concern to voters.

• Are you a dedicated parent who’s been advocating for local education reform? Mention it.
• Have you served in the military, gaining a deep understanding of national security concerns? Highlight it.
• Perhaps you’re a small business owner who knows the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs? Emphasize it.

Dig deep to into your background reveal what truly makes you unique and qualified for the position.

Describe your experience

What experiences in your personal, professional or political life have helped shape you and made you the person you are today? Discuss your education, job titles, community and civic work, awards and other offices you’ve held. How do those experiences translate into being a better candidate for the position you are running? Don’t just create a laundry list of accomplishments, but work your experience into a larger narrative. Make your biography statements informative and educational.

For example, if you’re running for city council and have successfully lobbied for environmentally friendly policies in the past, this sets you apart as a forward-thinking candidate.

Opt for a positive tone. This isn’t the place for mudslinging or making negative comments about your opponents. Focus on your own accomplishments and vision.

Add personal details

A little bit about you personally goes a long way. Voters want to know about you, but maybe not every detail of your life. Include some photos and even video for the page. Include both personal and professional content that helps provide a rounded idea of who you are.

You may want to include any endorsements you’ve secured. Have you won awards or been recognized by community organizations. Use those outside sources to help sell you. It’s easy to say great things about yourself, but when someone else does it, it carries a lot more weight.

What is it that you want to accomplish?

What do you want to accomplish during your time in office? Perhaps your goals can relate to previous accomplishments in your life. Use some examples if you can. Take a situation, describe how you handled it, and use it as a template for this section.

Take an issue profile and expand on it. What are your solutions or plans for tackling the issue? How do your plans differ from your opponent or the way the issue is being handled presently? Draw  connections between your past accomplishments and your current goals:

• Building on Past Successes : Link your goals to achievements from your personal or professional life. “Just as I turned around [Previous Initiative] to benefit our local schools, I aim to revitalize our economy post-pandemic.”
• Tangible Examples : Use specific situations you’ve encountered to highlight your ability to solve problems. It makes your goals more relatable. “When faced with a budget crisis at [Previous Position], I rallied a diverse team to find innovative solutions, a strategy I’ll bring to our district’s financial challenges.”
• Issue Profiling : Dive deep into critical issues. Explain your solutions and how they differ from current approaches or your opponent’s stance. “On the issue of healthcare, my plan emphasizes preventative care and streamlined access, distinct from the status quo.”
• Differentiate Yourself from Your Opponents : Highlight what sets you apart. Show how your vision contrasts with your opponent’s. “While my opponent favors top-down approaches, I believe in empowering local communities to shape their own futures.”

End on a strong note

Finish your candidate biography with a strong statement about your purpose for running and what you hope to accomplish in the office you seek. Be inspirational. Be specific in what issues you hope to tackle. Leave the reader knowing that you deserve their vote.

Write in first or third person?

Some candidates prefer to write about themselves in the third person. Other prefer a first person narrative (“I” and “me”). While first person may come across as more personal, that format is not very useful if you are trying to optimize your content for the search engines.Writing in the third person gives you plenty of opportunity to use your full name, which can help your material appear in search engine results for your name.

Have your candidate biography proofread

Have others that you trust read drafts of all your site content to check for grammar, spelling and content. Others will see your work with fresh eyes and be able to provide valuable feedback.

Create an elevator pitch to sell yourself

The candidate biography you finished writing should now be broken down. You’ll need a more succinct version, or an “elevator pitch”. Your elevator pitch will be a succinct summary of who you are and what you intend to accomplish in office. It’s just enough so that someone will quickly know the bare minimum about you. Make is very short and easily memorizable, so it shouldn’t be longer than 20 seconds or so.

You can also take portions of your biography and rewrite them as information for your campaign material, such as brochures, mailings, and your website .

If you have a detailed resume, use our Resume to Bio Tool to write a fleshed out candidate biography based on your work history and experience.

Related Content:

How to Write a Short Bio: 5 Examples and Templates

By Status.net Editorial Team on June 16, 2023 — 12 minutes to read

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

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

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

Part 1 How to Write a Short Bio

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

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

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

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

Part 2 What to Include in a Short Professional Bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taking Into Account Personal and Professional Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selecting the Tone for Your Short Bio

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

Part 3 Example of a Formal Short Bio

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

Part 4 Example of a Casual Short Bio

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

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

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

Part 5 Examples of Well-Written Short Bios

Short bio example 1.

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

Short Bio Example 2

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

Part 6 Short Bio: Best Templates

Short bio template 1.

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

Short Bio Template 2

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

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

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

Part 7 Tips for Writing a Short Bio

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

Part 8 Optimizing Your Bio for Different Platforms

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential elements of a short bio.

A short bio should include:

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

How can I create a compelling short professional bio?

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

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

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

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

How can I tailor my short bio to different contexts?

Adjust your short bio for different contexts by:

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

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25 Professional Bio Examples I Keep in My Back Pocket for Inspo [+ Templates]

Updated: October 17, 2024

Published: June 07, 2016

As a marketer, my professional bio is the best way to, well, market myself.

From generalist to content strategist and agency to enterprise, my role has changed a lot over the last (almost) eight years. And my professional bio has to keep up. Even though I can admit I don’t always feel like rewriting it.

But we all know we have to keep our professional bios refreshed to give people an accurate snapshot of who we are, why they should work with us, and why they should care about what we have to say.

For that reason alone (and because it’s my actual job), I’m here to share some of my favorite professional bio examples along with some tips from years of reworking my own.

Table of Contents

What is a professional bio?

What should a professional bio say, first-person bio vs. third-person bio, professional bio templates, how to write a professional bio.

• Best Professional Bio Examples
• Short Bio Tips, Samples, and Examples

A professional bio or biography is a quick rundown of your background and experience. Your bio should include details about your professional expertise, skills, and achievements, but it’s also an opportunity to show off your personality and personal interests.

Professional bios can live just about anywhere — your personal or company website, speaker or contributor pages, LinkedIn profile , or other social media channels.

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Purpose of Professional Bios

“Writing a professional bio is more than just listing academic degrees or job titles — it's a strategic narrative about your professional journey,” says Rosario Maccarrone , Director & Head of Student Services at OPIT.

When I look at my own professional bio, I want it to answer four simple questions:

• Who is she?
• What has she done?
• What does she do?
• What can she do?

I want someone to read it and think: “Wow, that was a great summary. I’d love to know more.”

Your professional bio is your opportunity to briefly introduce yourself (or your brand) and to tell clients, customers, employers, and colleagues what you’re good at.

It’s not a laundry list of everything you’ve ever accomplished — you have a resume for that. The keyword here is snapshot . You want the reader to quickly identify what your areas of expertise, talents, and interests are.

They can then use that snapshot to decide if they want to move forward and make a connection.

Example: Alana Chinn is a marketer of all trades, with over seven years of experience in brand management and communications. As an MBA, her expertise in business strategy shines through every aspect of her work.

3. Talk briefly about your work history and current position.

Next up, talk a little bit about your career. Whether you've authored a novel or work as a mid-level specialist, use this space to describe what you’ve done and what you do now.

At the bare minimum for this section, I’d recommend mentioning any previous (but relevant) roles followed by your current position. Once you’ve reeled them in with your kick-a** intro, this is an easy way to establish your credibility early on.

Example: She spent many of her early career years working as a strategy consultant across marketing and PR agencies. Since then, Alana has taken her talents to HubSpot where she exercises her captivating creativity and sharp editorial mind as Marketing Blog Editor.

4. Show off your skills and a professional accomplishment (or two).

Your professional bio is just the place to tout your successes and share what makes you great.

Rongala says, “I always talk about the skills or successes that make me stand out in my field. Focusing on your unique strengths is important, whether it's a skill set, an award, or a project that made a big difference. This not only builds trust — it also draws attention to what makes you special.”

Why do you do what you do? And what do you care about most as a professional?

From your commitment to innovation or dedication to ethical decision-making, explain what drives you — and be enthusiastic about it.

Example: Alana meets readers where they are with compelling messages that inspire career growth and spark great content ideas. Inclusivity is a must, and she actively finds opportunities in her writing to give marginalized voices a safe place to shine.

6. Share your passions and interests outside of work.

Transition from describing your values in work to defining who you are outside of work.

Rongala says, “Adding a skill or interest outside of work makes the bio more personal and easy to relate to. You can show that you're more than just your job title by telling them about yourself in this way.”

The name of the game here is humanization — especially in this everything-is-written-by-AI era. If I’m reading about you from a computer screen, that already creates distance.

Try to close that gap by sharing a few nuggets from a more personal perspective.

Example: Based in the D.C. area, you’ll find Alana playing with her adorable French Bulldog (Howie), trying out new bagel recipes, or watching Friday Night Lights on repeat.

Sure, frenchies, bagels, and FNL have very little to do with my day job. But imagine the instant connection if another frenchie owner / bagel lover / FNL fan is reading it, amirite?

7. Tell your readers what you want them to do next.

You’ve grabbed someone’s attention and even gotten them to read your professional bio in its entirety. What’s next?

That’s up to you. What action do you want the reader to take after they learn a little bit about who you are and what you do?

Maybe you want them to read through your portfolio. Or reach out about a potential collaboration or work opportunity.

Include a clear call to action so you can keep the conversation going.

Example: Take a look at Alana’s most recent blog articles below. Happy reading!

8. Tap AI for inspiration and a second pair of “eyes.”

Ah, AI. Should you use it to create your bio? Here’s my take. (And I promise I won’t be a biased blogger here.)

I say go for it, but I’d recommend leveraging AI for three specific use cases: outline inspiration, spelling and grammar checks, and tone adjustments.

HubSpot’s Free AI Content Writer is great for this. Tools like ChatGPT can also be useful here.

Here are a few prompts I’ve used for my bio before (that you can, too).

Outline inspiration: Outline a professional bio for a marketer with seven years of experience in marketing, content strategy, and communications. Include writing, organization, and attention to detail as key skills.

Here’s the result:

So don’t be afraid to tell a joke or use some of your favorite casual phrases. I’m officially giving you permission to go a little rogue with it.

And there you have it! When I put my professional bio all together following these steps, here’s what we get:

2. Lestraundra Alfred , Podcast Host and Content Creator

Bio Example: Business Website

Category: First Person

Lestraundra Alfred is the creator and host of Balanced Black Girl, a top-rated wellness podcast and online community. The bio below lives on her business website .

Plus, having both a short and long bio is a nice touch.

Best for you if: You’re an expert in your niche, and you’re regularly called on for speaking engagements.

15. Alberto “Beto” Perez , Co-Founder of Zumba Fitness

As an avid Zumba fan, I was excited to include this one. Perez styles his bio as a short story, and you can find it here on LinkedIn .

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