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.
![→ Download Now: 80 Professional Bio Examples [Free Templates]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/4eb63650-d315-42e5-9ac7-8d0fcba29324.png "biography of me")
What is a professional bio?
Professional bio templates, how to write a professional bio, best professional bio examples, how to write a short bio.
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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.
7. Tammy Hembrow : Instagram Influencer
Tammy Hembrow is a founder, fitness model, Instagram Influencer, and entrepreneur. These are a lot to fit into one Instagram profile. And this is where a summary of what you do and where people can find you take center stage.
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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How to Write Engaging Personal & Professional Bios (with Examples)
Last Updated: August 24, 2023 Fact Checked
Writing Personal and Professional Bios
Writing student bios, making your bio stand out, sample bios.
This article was co-authored by Melody Godfred, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau . Melody Godfred is a Career Coach, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Write In Color, a full-service resume and career development company that specializes in developing compelling personal narratives and brands. With over ten years of experience, Melody has worked with clients at entertainment and media companies including Apple, Disney, Fox, Netflix, Riot Games, Viacom, and Warner Bros, among others. The Muse invited Melody and Write In Color to serve as one of its 30 trusted career counselors (out of 3,000) to provide one-on-one coaching and resume services to the platform's more than four million active users. Melody earned a JD from Loyola Marymount University and BS from the University of Southern California. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,727,695 times.
Personal bios are a great way to show people who you are and what you do. Whether writing a bio about yourself for a personal or professional website, a college application, or a social media account, bios are an important part of connecting with your audience or customer base. It’s important to take your time and be thoughtful as you write to ensure you get the right message across! Read on for a complete guide to writing a personal (or professional) bio about yourself, along with writing tips to make it as engaging as possible.
Things You Should Know
- Start with your first and last name in a quick introductory sentence. Then, explain your job, greatest achievements, and professional mission statement.
- Expand on personal details, including where you’re from, your educational background, and a quick summary of passions that aren’t related to your job.
- Mention any projects you’re working on and end the bio with your contact information. Write in the third-person perspective unless it’s for social media.
- The difference between personal and professional bios is all in the tone you use. Both cover your job and skills, but the bio you write for a personal website might sound less formal than the one you write for a job application.
- As you write your bio, adjust your tone to make your bio appropriately formal, funny, professional, or personal.
- If you can’t figure out what to write, check out bios from other people in your field and get a sense of their writing strategy. You can use their bios as models and write yours based on their overall structure.
- For example, begin a third-person bio with a sentence like, "Joann Smith is a graphic designer in Boston," and a first-person bio with "I am a graphic designer in Boston."
- For example, a simple yet solid introduction sentence could be, “Dan Keller is a columnist for the Boulder Times.”
- Avoid writing a nickname in your bio. Even if your bio isn’t strictly for professional use, it’s best to treat it like a formal introduction to other people.
- Be sure to mention your company or brand within your introduction. You might work for a company or own your own business with a personal brand.
- For example, “Dan Keller is a columnist for the Boulder Times. He specializes in writing public interest stories on the latest technology.
- Both personal and professional bios typically include job information; personal bios simply present that information a little more informally.
- If you’re writing about your job informally, you might write something like, “Joann Smith is a passionate knitter who also happens to own and run her paper supply company.”
- “Dan Keller is a columnist for the Boulder Times. His 2011 series "All that and More" earned him Boulder’s prestigious “Up-and-Comer” award for innovation.”
- Don’t make up accomplishments if you don’t have anything notable to add and only include achievements that relate to the career information or skills discussed in the bio.
- Avoid buzzwords like "innovative," "experienced," "creative," and so on, which are often so overused that they don’t mean anything to people. Show readers what you can do through specific details, not catchy phrases.
- For example, “Dan is committed to helping people understand and embrace the true power of technology.”
- For example: “When he isn’t glued to a computer screen, Dan spends time working in the garden, learning French, and trying very hard not to be the worst pool player in the Rockies.”
- The details you share can vary by bio. For a strictly personal bio, include details like hobbies, personal beliefs, and mottos.
- For a bio that falls between "professional" and "personal," try sharing details that give a sense of who you are but won’t alienate others.
- Avoid self-deprecating comments and details that are too intimate or potentially embarrassing for you or your audience.
- For example: “Dan is currently working on a memoir.”
- Keep this part of your bio short and sweet! A sentence is two is all you need.
- If you publish this bio online, format your email address carefully to avoid spam. Many people write email addresses online like: “Greg (at) fizzlemail (dot) com.”
- This clearly tells readers how to spell out your email without making it easy for spammers and bots to copy and use your information.
- Ask your friends and family (especially anyone who is a strong writer) to proofread your bio and give you feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes that you may miss!
- Online editing software like Grammarly can grade your piece in terms of readability and suggest minor improvements.
- Every once in a while, go back and update your bio. By putting in a little work frequently to keep it up to date, you'll save yourself a lot of work when you need to use it again.
- Chronological. Start at the story's beginning and end at the end. It’s simple and works well if you’ve had an interesting life that has taken you from points A to B to C in unusual or impressive ways.
- Circular. Start at an important moment (D), then backtrack to the beginning (A), and explain all the events leading up to that moment (B, C), eventually bringing the reader full circle. This is good for building suspense!
- Zoomed In. Focus on one critical event (C) to symbolically tell a larger story. Use a few small surrounding details (A, B, D) to orient the reader, but give that one moment enough emphasis to stand on its own.
- Avoid statements like, "UCSF has one of the top-ranked research-based med schools in the world, which would provide me with the foundation necessary to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor."
- Instead, write something like, “Watching a trauma surgeon save my brother’s life is a moment I’ll never forget. Since then, I’ve known undoubtedly that I would dedicate my life to medicine. My brother was lucky that his surgeon studied at one of the best programs in the country. By doing the same, I hope to one day mean to another family what Dr. Heller does to mine."
- Avoid statements like, "Having had a rather minimalistic upbringing, I find that I continue to assiduously value hard work and frugality above all else."
- Instead, try something like, "Growing up very poor taught me that hard work and thrift are sometimes the only things a person can afford."
- Well-written ideas make you seem far more intelligent than big words do. Focus on expressing yourself clearly, and don’t worry about the syllable count!
- Avoid statements like, "I learned a lot from my experience as a camp counselor."
- Instead, try something like, "I came out of my time as a camp counselor with a better understanding of empathy than before. Now, when my younger sister acts up, I know how to help her without sounding bossy or controlling."
- Different types of bio have different word count expectations. For instance, the average brief personal bio is around 250 words. For a resume or job search, it’s okay to have a personal bio of around 300 to 500 words.
- For longer personal bios (ones you might post on an “about me” page for a professional website, for example), aim for around 1,000 to 2,000 words. Include all the details you can, but keep them concise.
- Some social media sites, such as Twitter, restrict your bio to a certain number of words or characters. Ensure that you make the most of that space.
- For example, Tom Hank’s personal bio on Twitter reads, “I'm that actor in some of the movies you liked and some you didn't. Sometimes I'm in pretty good shape, other times I'm not. Hey, you gotta live, you know?”
- Passive: "The window was broken by the zombie."
- Active: "The zombie broke the window."
- The difference between these sentences is stark: in the first, you have no idea whether the window just happened to be broken. The second is obvious: the zombie broke the window, and you need to hit the road.
- Avoid statements like, "Reading The Great Gatsby was a pivotal moment in my life that made me totally rethink my preconceptions about what it means to live in modern America. Thanks to that assignment, I want to pursue American Studies."
- Instead, try something like, "My family’s ties to this country aren’t glamorous. We didn’t arrive on the Mayflower or have our surname butchered at Ellis Island. We settled in four states across the Midwest, where we’ve lived happily for over 100 years. The magic of that simple act isn’t lost on me, which is why I’ve chosen to major in American Studies."
- For example, if you’re writing an Instagram bio, include a link to your personal website too—especially if there’s a longer and more detailed bio for readers to check out there.
- Include a brief call-to-action, too! For example, if you have contact info, you might write “Contact me using the following” before you add the links.
- On your website, longer bios (between 1,500 and 2,000 words) will have the best online optimization. If your bio needs to be shorter, be sure to at least use third-person POV, since your name is another keyword.
- For example, your website’s “About” page could easily support a 1,500+ word bio. However, from there, you’d need to edit that bio down to a few sentences (a short paragraph) for your LinkedIn profile.
Community Q&A
- Throughout the process, think back to the purpose and audience you identified in Step 1. This will help guide your writing. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- If you're writing online, include hyperlinks to things you mention, such as projects you worked on or a personal blog you keep. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
You Might Also Like
- ↑ http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/8-steps-writing-bio-pro-chris-brogan-fact/
- ↑ http://michaelbmaine.com/home/2012/12/13/how-to-write-a-personal-bio
- ↑ https://www.pullmanfoundation.org/professional-bio-writing-101/
- ↑ https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2011/01/28/how-to-write-a-personal-bio
- ↑ https://thewritepractice.com/how-to-write-a-bio/
- ↑ https://weareindy.com/blog/freelance-bio-examples-how-to-write-an-eye-catching-bio
- ↑ https://searchengineland.com/guide/what-is-seo
About This Article
When you write a personal bio, write in the third person so it sounds more objective and professional. Start with a sentence that includes your name and what you do for a living. Then, mention your most important accomplishments that are relevant to your field of work. Briefly mention a couple of your hobbies or interests to make your bio more relatable. End with a sentence on any big projects you’re currently working on. Try to keep your bio around 250-500 words. For help writing a personal bio for college applications or social media, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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How to Write a Short Professional Bio (With Examples and Templates)
3 key takeaways
- What a short professional bio is and why you need one
- What to include in a short bio to make it stand out and relevant to your audience
- Examples, templates, and a faster way to write your bio with Teal's Professional Bio Generator
In a world where just about everyone is represented online, your short professional bio often serves as a first introduction.
Often, it's what employers or other professionals will use to form their initial impression. And how you present yourself can help influence whether someone invites you to connect, interview you, or simply move on.
Below, you'll learn what you need to write your bio and how to actually write one. You'll also find templates and some short professional bio examples to use as a guide.
Looking for a quicker way to a polished bio? Sign up for Teal for free and try the Professional Bio Generator.
What is a short professional bio?
A short professional bio is exactly what it sounds like—a short professional biography that introduces yourself and gives a brief overview of your career and accomplishments. It gives future employees, colleagues, and anyone else you're networking with a more well-rounded picture of who you are.
While "short" can be subjective, length often depends on the platform and the audience you're sharing your bio with. There's no one-size-fits-all, and you'll tailor the length based on where it's being shared—whether that’s on your personal website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter bio, or your resume.
What’s the difference between a professional bio and short professional bio?
A professional bio and a short professional bio both summarize your career, qualifications, and achievements, but each caters to different contexts and needs.
A professional bio is a detailed account—that can span several paragraphs—and covers your:
- Career background
- Most noteworthy achievements and impact or results
- Skills you've developed or are developing
- Some personal insights
This version is appropriate for professional websites, long-form pitch documents, or networking platforms (like in your LinkedIn About Me section) where a more thorough introduction is valuable.
On the other hand, a short professional bio is a concise version that filters the most important information from your professional bio into key takeaways. A short bio:
- Communicates your core qualifications
- Briefly touches on your professional persona
- Is ideal for your resume, author bio, or speaking engagements
- Can be used across social media profiles like Twitter and Instagram
What to include in a short bio
Your short bio should summarize the key takeaways from a longer, more rounded-out professional bio. Think of it as kind of an elevator pitch that highlights what you'd want your target audience (who doesn't know much—if anything—about you) to understand about your career so far.
Here are some things you'll want to address.
- Level of education, if relevant to the audience
- Years of experience in your field, if relevant to the audience
- Your current or former career title
- Major professional accomplishments with impact or goals
- Professional experience, skills, and area(s) of expertise
Now, if you're a student or making a pivot, like transitioning into a new field where you might not have relevant work experience, you'll focus more on your educational achievements (think relevant awards, projects, or volunteer experience) and the skills and knowledge you're developing.
What to include in a short bio if you’re a student
Even if you're still in school, there's plenty of information you can include in your bio, like:
- Where you're from
- What university, trade school, or boot camp you're attending
- Your area of study or intended major
- Any clubs, teams, volunteering, or other extracurriculars you're a part of
- Any internships you've completed
- Your career goals
- Your availability
Generate your professional bio with AI
Want to save time? You can also use the Teal to generate multiple versions of your short professional bio.
How to write a short bio
There's no right or wrong way to write your own bio. Think of this next section as a guide, and remember: short professional bios are unique to each person.
Here are the things you might want to consider if you're ready to write your professional bio:
1. Choose your voice
You have the option to write your short bio from either a first or third-person POV.
In the first person, you'll use "I, me, and my." In the third person, you'll refer to yourself using your name and preferred pronouns.
As a general rule, using the third person is typically considered more formal, while using the first person is more casual and personal.
First-person example : "I'm a bestselling author. My work has been published in The New York Times."
Third-person example: "Zane Smith is a bestselling author. His work has been published in The New York Times."
If you want to write and store multiple versions of your short professional bio in different tones or even with different information, use Teal to write and save as many versions as you need for free.
2. Choose your tone
Language can convey different moods. Depending on the context and your personal brand , your bio can sound more buttoned-up or more relaxed and conversational.
These two sentences describe the same person but showcase very different tones and writing styles:
Example 1: “A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Sally is currently a consultant at XYZ Consulting based out of their New York office.”
Example 2: “A recent UPenn grad, Sally swore off econ after years of hard classes only to end up as a consultant at a major firm — but don't worry, she loves it.”
3. Start with your name and a current or recent role
This isn't a hard and fast rule, but to get your bio started, it's usually easiest to start with your name and current professional title or role.
Example: “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company.”
If you're pivoting careers , you can list your most recent role and use your first sentence to say what you're looking to do next.
Example 1: “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is actively pursuing new opportunities in marketing management.”
Example 2 : “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is now an aspiring 2nd grade teacher.”
4. Share your accomplishments and achievements
Once you've introduced yourself and your current title, you can flow into your professional background, former job titles, and what you've done or aspire to do. Together, the first two sentences of your bio could read something like this:
Example: “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company. Previously, he was a Marketing Specialist at FGH Tech Company, where he grew paid traffic to their website by 500% year over year.”
Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Try the generative AI in the Teal Resume Builder . With Teal's AI, you can write individual achievements using a job description, keywords, or a custom prompt to articulate your accomplishments effectively and confidently.
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5. Share your philosophy or “why”
Self-promotion can feel incredibly uncomfortable, but it's important to make sure you don't undermine your value. Your “why,” the reason you do what you do every day, can be powerful and meaningful. Adding what gives you the spark to start each workday can set your own professional bio apart from others.
Example: “Claire was inspired to pursue a career in elder law after volunteering in a nursing home throughout high school and college.”
6. Add your personal touch
Even though your bio will be used in a professional capacity, it's okay to list a few personal details. We're more than just our jobs, and adding a few personal facts can help illustrate who you are outside of the office.
Example: “When he's not working, Martin can be found tending to his spice garden and going on nature walks with his golden retriever.”
Short professional bio examples
Examples of professional bios are invaluable because they provide a clear framework and inspiration for writing your own. They can also help you see how to condense years of experience into a few compelling sentences so you communicate the right details clearly, briefly, and full of impact.
Short bio example for a personal website
"AUDREE KATE LOPEZ IS A FASHION STYLIST, EDITOR, INDUSTRY EXPERT AND INFLUENCER BASED IN NEW YORK. Audree began her professional career in the fashion departments at Glamour, O, the Oprah Magazine, Editorialist and Redbook magazines. She launched Audree Kate Studios in 2017 and worked on freelance projects at Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J.Crew and Club Monaco, joined the styling team at Alice + Olivia and became a contributing fashion editor for StyleCaster.com. Over the past few years Audree has styled for various publications, celebrities and retail brands. In 2016, Audree founded a digital course and community for fashion students called Fashion Fundamentals and has hosted workshops and classes around the country, and wrote an ebook titled Fashion Fundamentals."
Why it works: Audrey's bio immediately establishes her as a multifaceted professional within the fashion industry. It outlines her career trajectory and showcases broad experience and evolution, demonstrating growth and adaptability. The mention of initiatives and workshops adds a layer of approachability and commitment to education in her field, improving her appeal as an influencer and mentor.
Professional short bio example on LinkedIn
"Latina creator. Speaker. Tech Mentor. Christen is the Founder of the newly launched app Clara, a community that empowers creators through transparency, brand reviews, and discoverability. An industry vet, Christen has almost a decade of experience working with top content creators at social networking companies such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. She is a motivational speaker and mentor in the tech space who is passionate about helping people break into the industry through career advice and actionable content."
Why it works: This professional bio online is punchy and concise. It opens by noting Christen's titles and includes years of experience, giving her credibility while underscoring her heritage (which can resonate strongly with a diverse audience on LinkedIn). By focusing on her app, she not only showcases initiative but also aligns herself with trends in tech innovation. Rounding out her short bio are details of working with top content creators, establishing her as a seasoned industry pro.
Short bio example on social media
"Founder of Makelane, a private community for female DTC founders. 70K followers on TikTok where I analyze consumer brands"
Why it works: With only 160 characters to work with, Dulma’s Twitter bio is an example of brevity. It clearly outlines her two main pursuits: managing an online community and producing content for TikTok, making it easy for readers to gauge her interests and activities at a glance.
Company website short bio examples
"Meet our wonderful team We're a tight-knit group of curious creatures, always learning, and constantly seeking out new perspectives and ideas. Get to know our team—they're what makes Teachable, well, Teachable."
Why it works: "Meet our wonderful team" feels like a personal invitation to get to know the group, which can make visitors more inclined to engage. Describing them as "tight-knit" and "curious creatures" adds character and illustrates a vibrant and collaborative work environment. Highlighting that the team is "always learning" and "constantly seeking out new perspectives" positions Teachable as a dynamic and innovative company—committed to growth and evolution.
Tips for writing a short bio
Even though there aren't official rules for writing a bio, there are still some things you should strive for as well as steer clear of if you want to make the best possible impression.
1. Tailor your professional bio to your audience
Whether it's potential employers, LinkedIn connections, Twitter followers, or visitors to your website, each platform and audience has its own expectations. Keep your information relevant and concise, focusing on what matters most to that intended audience.
2. Be authentic
Your bio is not the place to fudge the truth about who you are. Be honest about what you've done and where you're heading. Not telling the truth could bar you from achieving your goals and land you in hot water.
3. Prioritize relevant information
We really hate to be the one to tell you this, but unfortunately, most people do not have the time or patience to read a five-paragraph essay about your life story. Sorry to break it to you!
4. Be relatable
No matter how lofty your accomplishments are, staying grounded may help you establish stronger connections with others. This is where adding personal details and highlighting your personal brand can serve you well. Whether that's with a hobby, interest , or other role outside of work, being relatable can let others understand and get to know you better and determine if you would be a good fit for a company.
5. Be professional
It's appropriate and expected for you to talk about your professional skills and accomplishments in your short bio. That said, there's a fine line between talking about your achievements and sounding arrogant. These two examples talk about the same accomplishment but come across differently:
Example 1: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was selected out of nearly 7,000 applicants to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring.”
Example 2: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was the obvious choice to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring (because he's the best).”
Also, if you're revising your bio after a lay-off or termination, avoid sounding spiteful. As tempting as it might be, don't make negative statements or accusations in your short bio. Positivity and a good attitude will get you much further.
Short professional bio templates
If you prefer to plug and play or need a short bio in a pinch, don't worry; here are three short bio templates to get you started:
Short professional bio template for working professionals
[First name last name] is [currently/formerly] a [insert most recent job title] at [most recent company name] . A proud graduate of [school or university] , they were inspired to pursue a career in [field] after [explain what led to your decision to work in your industry] . Prior to working at [most recent job title], they were the [previous title] at [previous company], where they were responsible for [insert professional accomplishments here] . In their free time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] .
Short professional bio template for students
[First name last name] is a current [year] at [institution] majoring in [area(s) of study] . On campus, [First name] is actively involved in [activity name] , for which they [insert details about what you do for the activity you're involved in] . They most recently [interned/worked] at [organization name] , where they had the opportunity to [insert details about what you did on the job] . They intend to work in the [insert field name or industry] after graduation to follow their passion of [insert what you are passionate about] . In their spare time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] .
Short professional bio template for a gap in employment
[First name last name] is a [position/job title] with [number] years of experience in [specific skills or industry] . Following [briefly mention the reason for the employment gap] , [he/she/they] took some time off to focus on [briefly mention what they did during the gap, e.g., personal development, family obligations, health reasons] . During this time, [he/she/they] also [briefly mention any relevant skills or achievements acquired during the gap] . [Name] is now eager to return to the workforce and is excited to bring [specific skills/accomplishments] to [his/her/their] next role. With a proven track record of [list specific achievements or skills] , [Name] is confident in [his/her/their] ability to contribute to [specific industry/profession] and make an impact in [his/her/their] next position.
If you decide to use any of these templates, tweak it ever-so-slightly. Once you've finished entering your details, try adding a bit of personal flair.
Swap adjectives, remove anything that doesn't quite fit with your vibe or experiences, or append some more personal details as you see fit. Feel free to work off of any one of the bios from these resume examples to get a feel for how different styles can be used across roles.
Create your short professional bio with Teal
In a digital world where your online presence often speaks before you do, writing a good, short professional bio is more important than ever. It's the first glimpse potential employers, clients, or colleagues get of your professional life and persona, and the right presentation can open doors to new opportunities and connections.
Teal's Professional Bio Generator saves time by speeding up the writing process with AI. Whether you're trying to impress potential employers, clients, or peers, Teal's generator adapts to your needs and experience, allowing you to create a unique short bio for any audience with one click.
Ready to write a professional bio with maximum impact in less time?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an example of a short professional bio.
An example of a short professional bio is: "Katie is a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in digital advertising strategies. She has helped numerous brands achieve their online marketing goals, leading to increased visibility and 3x revenue YoY."
How do you write an impressive short bio?
To write an impressive short bio, focus on your most significant achievements, relevant skills, and experiences that set you apart. Keep it concise and tailored to your audience to engage and leave a memorable impression. You can also use the Teal AI Resume Builder Generative AI to craft a bio that highlights your unique professional journey and skills in an engaging way.
What is a short biography about yourself?
A short biography about yourself should concisely summarize your professional background, major accomplishments, and skills. For example, "I'm an innovative software developer with 5 years of experience in creating scalable applications, known for my ability to troubleshoot complex issues and my commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions."
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COMMENTS
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.
1. How to write a bio about yourself that checks all the boxes. When it comes to writing a personal or professional bio, there are a few items that are standard to include. While a bio may not have all of these things, if any of the following apply to you, then they should be included.
Writing a short bio is an important part of introducing yourself to potential employers, clients or contacts. Your short bio has the potential to help you make positive impressions that can impact your professional development and success.
How to Write Engaging Personal & Professional Bios (with Examples) Download Article. A handy tutorial on writing, editing, and publishing a personal biography, for professional or educational purposes. Co-authored by Melody Godfred, JD and Glenn Carreau. Last Updated: August 24, 2023 Fact Checked.
What Are the Key Elements of a Biography? The key elements of a well-written biography bring characters to life. They include thorough research, relevant interviews, clear structure, captivating prose, compelling themes, and a balance between objectivity and empathy. Thorough research: Helps create an accurate portrayal of your subject.
Your current role. Your ultimate goal. Your biggest achievement. How to write a professional bio. Professional sites like LinkedIn, AngelList, or a speaker bio on an event site all have space for a bio or summary section.
14. min read. 3 key takeaways. What a short professional bio is and why you need one. What to include in a short bio to make it stand out and relevant to your audience. Examples, templates, and a faster way to write your bio with Teal's Professional Bio Generator.