what is a professional biography compiled

Standout Professional Bio Examples (And Why You Need One)

• Compelling examples of bios in multiple contexts

The difference between a resume and a professional bio

Who needs a professional bio.

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

What career and business opportunities will yours open up?

Effective examples of bios in multiple contexts

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

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

The purpose of a professional bio is generally to:

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

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

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

Company Website

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

John Hartman | Equifax

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jay Shetty | Personal Brand

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Website

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

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

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

Melanie Everett | melanieeverettco.com

Melanie Everett runs an independent real estate firm in Chicago.

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

Conference or Event Pamphlet

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

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

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

Vera Manoukian | Hilton

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

Nonprofit Bio

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

Ben Justus | EGBOK Mission

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

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

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

Arianna Huffington | THRIVE Global

Brian X. Chen | The New York Times

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

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

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

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

Professionals of all experience levels can benefit from a bio.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About resume pilots.

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

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

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

Here's how we can help you:

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

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

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

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About the Author Matt Glodz

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

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How to Write a Professional Bio for Any Situation—Without the Stress

How many times have you sat in front of a blank screen staring at the pesky cursor, wondering why it’s so hard to write about yourself? I’ll bet it’s more than once. Contemplating who you are as a human being is an exercise in mental (or existential?) gymnastics. And if you’re trying to write a professional bio, you’re trying to distill who you are and what you do in a way that’s compelling to recruiters, hiring managers, colleagues, potential clients, and other contacts all at once—so it can feel ramped up to Simone-Biles-floor-routine-difficulty levels.

SEARCH OPEN JOBS ON THE MUSE! See who’s hiring here , and you can even filter your search by benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and more. Then, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll deliver advice on landing the job right to you.

Your professional bio is, arguably, the most important text you’ll ever write about yourself. It’s the first introduction to who you are, what you do, and what you’re interested in—whether it’s for a social media platform, a personal website , or company team page. What you choose to highlight may play a role in others deciding to follow you, call you in for an interview, or invite you to participate in an event. It’s an opportunity for you to—in a few lines—showcase your work, competence, and areas of expertise. So you’d better stick the landing.

But don’t worry too much: You don’t have to be the Simone Biles of LinkedIn to write a professional bio. We’ve gathered the steps, template, examples, and bonus tips you’ll need to write a bio for any occasion.

How to get started on your professional bio

We’ll get to the good stuff shortly (read: the template and examples), but before you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, there are a few things you should know—about yourself.

Your bio shouldn’t be a laundry list of accomplishments, but a window into the person behind the accolades. You’re more than your most recent position (especially if you have a trendy startup title; I’m looking at you, ninjas and rock stars), so think about the strengths that make you good at what you do and the qualities that make you unique. These are what you want the person reading your bio to come away knowing.

If you’re drawing a blank, try to answer these questions before you start writing:

• How have you personally helped your company, department, or clients?
• Which of your accomplishments would be most impressive to your entry-level self?
• What makes you most valuable in your role?
• What’s one thing not in your job description that relates to why you’re so successful? Maybe you want to include a line about volunteering, about writing in your free time, or about a previous role.
• Why do you do what you do? What do you believe about your field that drives you to do the work you do each day?

Once you’ve got all that down, you’re ready to get it into your professional bio.

Professional bio template

The template below is designed to help you write a “master” professional bio that you can then tweak for different situations. This template is meant to offer you a general framework only—if you find that you need to add an extra couple of sentences or determine that a section we’ve included doesn’t feel relevant to how you wish to present yourself, feel free to tweak it.

[Name] is a [role] who [how you help clients, customers, or your employer] by [something unique about your process or output]. [First name] [knows/believes] [what you know/believe about the work you do].

[First name] has [landed/secured/garnered/worked at/supported/mastered] [insert your most compelling experiences, accomplishments, and skills]. Currently [he/she/they] is/are [working toward/studying/planning to] [your next professional goal or some way you’re developing as a professional].

[First name] is [trained/certified/awarded] in [relevant trainings, awards, honors, etc]. [First name] holds a [ degree] in [area of study] from [University].

When [he/she/they] is not [brief phrase that describes what you do], [First Name] [can be found/enjoys] [brief description of compelling interests or hobbies you’d like to share].

Here’s an example of how this template could look filled in:

Matthew Chang is a social media manager who excels at creating campaigns and posts for nonprofits that make followers take action by combining strong writing and design with insights about the org’s  audience. Matthew believes that the right post, seen at the right time, can inspire people who believe in a nonprofit’s mission to help the causes they care about and ultimately allow that org to make a bigger impact.

Matthew has driven more than 10,000 social-influenced donations to three different nonprofits, with over $200,000 raised for important causes. Currently they’re working with GoodBoyGirl dog rescue to inspire not only donations, but also pet adoptions through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok posts. (Matthew is always happy to share pictures of dogs they’ve helped find forever homes!)

Matthew holds a HubSpot Social Media Certification, and has taken several graphic design courses through The New School. They hold a bachelor’s degree from UCLA where they double majored in marketing and English.

When they’re not crafting social media campaigns, Matthew can be found biking around the city with their chihuahua Kyra on their back (don’t worry, the pup has a tiny helmet!) or taking in a Broadway show.

How to adapt your bio for different situations

Now that you have your “master professional bio,” you’ll want to tweak it for different situations.

For each iteration of your bio, imagine a specific reader and what they’d want to know about you, and then write for them. For instance, let’s say you’re on an alumni panel for your college. Student attendees will want to know what they should be doing now to get the career you have. In this case, your bio should reflect less of your day-to-day work responsibilities and more of the past campus activities, classes, and early-career internships and jobs that led you to where you are.

We’ve outlined specific advice for some of the most common scenarios where you’ll need to write a professional bio below—along with examples.

1. Your LinkedIn summary

Start by identifying how you use—or would like to use— LinkedIn . Are you content with your job, but looking to expand your network? Are you trying to attract recruiters?

Whatever you’re seeking, your LinkedIn summary should support your activity on the site; a profile focused on networking within the industry will read differently than that of someone aggressively hunting for a new job. Once you’ve identified your purpose, it will be much easier to tweak the above template for your LinkedIn summary. You’ll still want to lead with your position and other info from the first paragraph of the bio template. Then move onto whatever skills or accomplishments are most relevant to your LinkedIn goals. Last, share those goals.

Here’s an example of a LinkedIn summary that follows this strategy:

As a field sales manager with over eight years of experience driving market share growth in designated territories, I have mastered the ins and outs of pharmaceutical sales and territorial prospecting. After honing and executing these specialties to reach numerous company goals, I was honored with an invitation to join the National Marketing Council. Now, I spend the majority of my time brainstorming sales strategies and connecting with other industry professionals who are interested in talking shop.

You can always add supporting content on either side of this skeleton paragraph, such as a personal anecdote, previous positions, or a mission statement. If you need a bit more inspiration, look to your recommendations for outside opinions on what makes you special.

Read More: 5 Templates That’ll Make Writing the Perfect LinkedIn Summary a Total Breeze

2. Your Twitter bio

Even a snappy, 160-character bio can help set you apart. To write a great bio for social media, grab the first two sentences of the bio we just drafted. We’ve crammed a lot of great info in there: who you are, what you do, who you do it for, how you do it, and what you believe about the work you do. Then make sure you’re stating it as succinctly as possible. Finally, squeeze in your pizazz. Key word: squeeze. Don’t focus on unrelated quirks or superfluous details.

For example:

Software engineering whiz @Belly spreading nuggets of coding gold related to mobile applications. 8-year member of @IEEEorg, aspiring member of The Avengers.

If you’re looking to create a more serious social presence, though, you may choose to leave out the pizazz while including all the same important info:

Proud 8-year member of @IEEEorg and lead software engineer @Belly. Passionate about innovations in coding and mobile applications.

3. Your company website blurb

A bio for your company website (like on a team or staff page) is where you can opt out of some standard details, such as your title, in favor of things that distinguish you as a pro (or a person). After all, anyone reading this knows where you work and your job title will likely be listed by default. So you can use the second and third paragraph of the template to craft a bio focused on what makes you unique.

Margot has exceeded every Clarabridge sales goal by at least 84%, which landed her in the top CEM-seller spot and prepared her for the challenging position of strategizing sales tactics for the National Association of Sales Professionals. Her keen and innovative insights in the areas of forecasting and sales force development have enabled Clarabridge to emerge as a national leader, with a sharp and qualified team in tow to maintain the standard she helped set.

If that’s too formal for the culture of your office, and all your colleagues mention their favorite food trucks, you can aim for a 50-50 split between the professional and personal—or whatever balance suits the company’s brand.

Margot tops the sales charts at Clarabridge. In fact, she’s beat every goal by at least 84% without ever missing a practice as the coach of her son’s (undefeated) soccer team. Fueled by loaded nachos, she landed the top CEM-seller spot and took on a position brainstorming sales tactics for the National Association of Sales Professionals. Not only is she a pro when it comes to forecasting and sales force development, but she can also advise a team on where to find the best free events in the city on any given weekend.

4. Your personal website or portfolio “About Me” page

Here’s where you want to lay it all on your audience. You can use as much of the bio you wrote from the template above as you see fit and feel free to expand on whatever sections you’d like. Craft your “About Me” page so potential partners or employers understand what you can do for them and why you’re the person they should hire .

Chad Wilborn takes complex technical ideas and distills them into user-friendly visuals to improve digital marketing campaigns for companies along the West Coast. He has an education in traditional advertising and a background loaded with marketing and graphic design projects, centered around modernizing the consumer experience. Chad’s portfolio demonstrates his ability to capitalize on every pixel for the overall benefit of startups or established enterprises trying to reach consumers. His services have won multiple design and branding awards, and he is excited to help add your company to his list of successes.

But don’t forget your brand ! If you want to showcase yourself in a more unique or quirky light, opt for a first-person version with more light-hearted language.

I am a modern magician, except I transform complicated technical ideas into user-friendly images before the eyes of your company’s customers. I believe in telling relatable stories through graphics, so I studied the basics of traditional advertising before working my magic on corporate marketing projects for companies along the West Coast. My portfolio showcases a lineup of my most recent tricks, which range from visual startup campaigns to Fortune 500 projects—each of which have won design and branding awards. I’m always ready for new design opportunities and have plenty of room up my sleeve for a few more award-winning performances.

A few more tips

Keep these in mind as you write your professional bio, no matter where it’s going to end up:

• Know your limits: Just as your resume is best when it fits on one or two pages, your bio likely also requires a certain length. Whether it’s two sentences, two paragraphs, or 160 characters, respect the limit or risk it being arbitrarily chopped down.
• Avoid jargon and buzzwords: When you spend nearly a third of your life at work, it’s easy to forget that the rest of the world doesn’t speak your industry’s (or company’s) language. Use your bio to share facts and impact in terms everyone will understand.
• Use your own voice: Write about what you know best and write the way that you talk. If your bio readers ever meet you in person, they should feel as if they already know you.
• Write more than one draft: Don’t just throw something together and send it off. Write it, sleep on it, then come back to it and ask: “Would I want to meet me?” Or better yet: “Would I want to hire or work with me?”
• Don’t forget to update your bio: Your bio should evolve as you do. If you start looking for jobs in different industries, have a new and exciting accomplishment to note, or just feel ready for a refresh, go for it. Now that you’ve got this draft down, it’ll be easy to rework your professional bio.

Alex Honeysett , Adrian J. Hopkins , and Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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

Published: Dec 03, 2022 By Steven Weidinger

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

What is a professional bio?

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

Why should you write one?

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

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

How do you write a professional bio?

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

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

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

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

Your name, title, and the company you work for

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

How should you write about your responsibilities?

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

How should you write about your major, quantitative accomplishments?

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

How should you write about what makes you tick?

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

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

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

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

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How to Write a Professional Bio

• POSTED ON January 26, 2021
• by Esther Bilbao

A professional biography (or professional bio) is an important piece of copy that you write about yourself. It provides a description and summary of you, including your professional background, achievements, education history, and skill set. Learning how to write a professional bio is not that complicated. This article will teach you how to write a professional bio to showcase yourself, your competencies, and your expertise.

What is a professional bio?

Unlike  a resume , a professional bio allows you to briefly express your values, beliefs, and who you are as a professional, making you stand out from others in your industry or other people in general. It is a written way of representing yourself in the best and most interesting manner. 

Professional bios can be written in a short, mid, or long length format. Short bios are concise and usually 50 words long. It is similar to writing a resume as you want to highlight your professional accomplishments. You often find short bios in social media profiles and company directories. 

Mid-length bios could be a few lines long to few paragraphs long. This length is perfect to use in professional networking websites such as  LinkedIn ,  book blurbs , and  employee profiles or meet the team pages .  

The  Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile – Attract Jobs And Businesses  online course are for those interested in learning the basics of building a LinkedIn profile, writing your story, and a problem-solving tagline that will sell what you do best.

Lastly, a long-length biography can be a page long to a few pages long. It is lengthy as it includes more details, and at the same time, should be well-written. 

No matter how long your professional bio should be and what information you should include, there are important things that you should know so that your professional bio makes a statement. 

How to write a compelling professional bio

1. write in the first person.

Whether you are writing for your own bio, you should always refer to yourself in the third person. Instead of using “ I ” and “ me ,” you should use your name and third-person pronouns ( he ,  she ,  his ,  hers ,  him , and  her ). Like someone is describing and writing about you and even if you are writing your professional bio for yourself.

Writing your professional bio in a third-person context makes it sounds that your bio is objectively written and will help enable you to bring out more interesting aspects of yourself.

2. Begin your professional bio with your name

Begin your bio by stating your first and last name. Even if your name is already in your bio’s title, people can remember you more easily when you put your name first in the intro of your bio. 

3. Mention your company or brand name

Make sure that you mention your brand name or company you want to associate with in your bio. You can also mention the name of the company you have worked for, even if it is not your current company, which you would like to associate with your positive accomplishments.

4. Explain what you do

Get the attention of your reader by stating what you do, like your business or occupation. This will also help your readers, especially if they are an employer, find out if you are the one they are looking for. Your readers don’t know you personally, so explaining your responsibilities can help them see what you are and what you can offer. You should explain what you are in no more than two sentences.

5. Highlight your achievements and milestones

To make your bio stand out more, include your achievements and milestones. This shows how well you performed and what more you can achieve. Even if you haven’t won an award or gained external recognition, you can discuss what you have contributed to your professional role — as well as for others — that makes you a valuable person in your industry.

6. Describe your passions and personal values

Ask yourself, “Why do you do what you do and how you contribute to your role differently than your colleagues?” You need to focus on this and try to explain it briefly. Think about what gets you up in the morning and the driving force of your actions. 

Think of this part as your mission or  professional statement  on a resume. It should identify your purpose, how you pursue your purpose, and how that matters to you. It should be a statement that defines you as a person in your organization or in life. 

7. Consider mentioning your personal interest

Although you are writing a professional bio stating professional experiences, adding a touch of who you are outside a professional setting can help the readers understand you better as a well-rounded individual. This may include:

• Unique personal history
• Sports you play
• Your family
• Your hometown

This shows that you are transparent and that you are comfortable connecting with people.

Recommended courses for you

Ready to learn how to write a bio? Click here to get started.

Esther Bilbao

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PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY EXAMPLES

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

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

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

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

Biography Examples From Our Portfolio

Sample executive bio.

Learn more about the above executive bio example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the above executive bio rewritten into a short bio format

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Executive Board Bio

Learn more about the above executive board bio example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the above bio repurposed into a short bio for LinkedIn

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

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

The Value I Bring:

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

Areas I Excel In:

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

What Drives Me:

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

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

Sample Professional Biography

Learn more about the above professional bio example

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

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

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

See this professional bio rewritten into a short bio

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

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

Problems I Fix:

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

My Top 5 Competencies:

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

My Passion:

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

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

Executive Leadership Bio Example

Learn more about the above sample leadership bio

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

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

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

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

See the short bio for this executive leader

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

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

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

A Few Achievement Highlights:

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

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

Example Professional Bio

Learn more about the above sample professional bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Added Value:

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

What I Am Passionate About:

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

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

A FEW WORDS ABOUT OUR PORTFOLIO OF EXAMPLE RESUMES:

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

More About Our Biography Examples

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

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

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

We Are Here to Help You!

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

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

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

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Professional Biography

A professional biography is a summary of who are you as an employee, business person, or professional..

When it comes to a professional biography, there are three different lengths, each for a different use.

• Long – one page, typically used for the homepage of your professional website
• Short – no longer than 100 words, generally used as your “default” bio, as well as for programs
• Micro – two lines, mostly used for others to succinctly present you to an audience

Although not set in stone, professional biographies are typically written in this order:

• Introduction
• Education and Credentials
• Notable Achievements
• Closing Statement
• Long Bio Example
• Short Bio Example
• Micro Bio Example

HEATHER LEE POLLAK is a recent honors graduate of Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Her previous coursework included Ballet, Modern, Dance Improvisation, Laban Movement/Bartenieff Fundamentals, Production Elements, Rhythmic Analysis, Choreography I, II & III, Dance History I & II, Dance Methods, and The Danceaturgy Workshop.

Heather also pursued a minor in Psychology and studied courses such as Abnormal Psychology, Psychological Foundations of Personality, Psychology of Judgment & Decision Making, and Psychology of Aggression. Additionally, she studied the culture and language of American Sign Language for two years.

Heather has performed multiple roles in various productions of The Nutcracker. Her dance training highlights include summer intensives with Paul Taylor, Parsons Dance, José Limón, Bolshoi Ballet, the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Point Park University, Life Dance Company’s Winter Workshop under Fredrick Earl Mosley with Ellenore Scott, and Giada Ferrone’s Toscana Summer Dance Hub in Florence, Italy.

Heather has most recently performed at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, Italy, and the Joyce Theater in New York City with the Montclair State University Repertory Company.

Some of Heather’s related skills include many years of pointe work, partnering, voice, and sight-reading. Heather was an active member of the Montclair State University Dance Department by holding the titles: Dance Department Open House Representative, Senior Class Dance Department Fundraising Coordinator, and Audition Day Registration Assistant for four years. She has worked as a Child Performer Supervisor for New York City Ballet’s productions of The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, La Sylphide, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Heather’s passion for Performing Arts Administration guides her future career in managing the arts.

HEATHER LEE POLLAK is a recent honors graduate of Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Her passion for Performing Arts Administration guides her future career in managing the arts. Heather has performed multiple roles in various productions of The Nutcracker. Her dance training highlights include summer intensives with Paul Taylor, Parsons Dance, José Limón, Bolshoi Ballet, the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Point Park University, Life Dance Company’s Winter Workshop under Fredrick Earl Mosley with Ellenore Scott, and Giada Ferrone’s Toscana Summer Dance Hub in Florence, Italy. Heather has most recently performed at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, Italy, and the Joyce Theater in New York City.

HEATHER LEE POLLAK is a recent honors graduate of Montclair State University with a BFA in Dance. She is predominantly trained in multiple techniques of ballet and various styles of modern dance. Heather is continuing her education in pursuit of a career in Performing Arts Administration.

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What Your Professional Bio Needs to Get Noticed

• Meredith Fineman

How to make that little blurb work harder.

A professional bio is something that everyone needs, but not everyone bothers to write one. Or they write one once, and then never update it. Or they wait until a conference organizer asks them to send one in, and just jot down the first few things that occur to them.

• Meredith Fineman is the founder of FinePoint , a company that empowers leadership through public relations tactics. Her latest program is a bootcamp called Do You (But Better) , a primer for personal brand and professional confidence via PR practices. You can read more of her writing here .

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20 of the Best Professional Bio Examples We’ve Ever Seen [+ Templates]

• Share This: Share 20 of the Best Professional Bio Examples We’ve Ever Seen [+ Templates] on Facebook Share 20 of the Best Professional Bio Examples We’ve Ever Seen [+ Templates] on LinkedIn Share 20 of the Best Professional Bio Examples We’ve Ever Seen [+ Templates] on X

Lindsay Kolowich Cox | HubSpot | October 13, 2022

Your professional bio is not only relevant when applying for jobs, seeking new clients, or networking — it also gives the world a brief snapshot of who you are and your professional ideals.

To help you author one that packs a punch, we’ll teach you how to write a professional bio and leverage professional bio templates with the best professional bio examples we’ve ever seen to draw inspiration from.

What is a Professional Bio?

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 who you are, and what you’ve done, and also hints at what you are capable of doing. It can help potential employers, fans, or customers get a sense of your personality and what you stand for.

That may be hard to achieve without a starting point. Below, we’ve included professional templates to expedite the process of writing a great resume bio.

Read the full article and access templates here .

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, creating a professional biography for scholarships.

I'm applying for scholarships and some applications require a professional biography. What should I include and how do I write one that really stands out?

A professional biography is an opportunity to showcase your achievements, experiences, and skills in a concise manner. To create an effective and memorable biography, consider the following elements:

1. Start with a strong opening sentence: Begin with a compelling statement that captures the reader's attention and gives a clear idea of your strengths and goals. For example, "As a dedicated and ambitious student, I am driven by my passion for environmental conservation and sustainable living."

2. Highlight your education and academic achievements: Mention your school, grade level, or graduation year, and any notable accomplishments, such as special awards, high GPA, or impressive coursework. Provide context on how your education has shaped your interests and goals.

3. Emphasize your extracurricular activities: Detail any relevant clubs, competitions, or organizations you are involved in that showcase your dedication and leadership skills. Include any volunteer work or community service activities that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in your community.

4. Describe your professional goals: Briefly outline your career aspirations, as well as any internships, part-time jobs, or other relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to achieving those goals. Tie this section to the scholarship you're applying for by explaining how the funding will help you achieve your objectives.

5. Keep the focus on your unique attributes: Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead, focus on what sets you apart from other candidates, such as personal experiences, specific skills or abilities, or your unique perspective.

6. Write concisely and professionally: Your professional biography should be no more than a few paragraphs long, ideally between 150-250 words. Be concise, avoiding unnecessary details, and be sure to proofread and edit your writing to ensure it is polished and error-free.

7. Tailor your biography to the scholarship: Each scholarship may have different requirements or interests, so it's important to tailor your biography to emphasize the relevant aspects of your background, goals, and experiences that align with the scholarship's criteria.

By following these guidelines and incorporating your unique experiences and goals, your professional biography will not only be effective, but also help you stand out to scholarship committees.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Questions about application for the VA

Specialties Government

Published Mar 24, 2012

nursetaminator

Hello! I have a few questions about applying for the VA if anyone has any insight. My apologies ahead of time if some of these seem dumb.

1. Do I need a professional biography? Or what is that? I did some looking around but can't seem to find a firm answer.

2. References: It says to list people who have been in a position to judge your professional qualifications during the past five years. OK - I have not worked as a nurse since 2005. It doesn't specifically say they have to be nursing references so will people I currently work with (in law enforcement) suffice?

2a. I would assume these are normal questions asked of references: how long you've known this person, their strengths/weaknesses, etc?

3. What exactly is Vetpro and what do I have to do for that? The initial application seems really short.

4. For the nursing experience (from 2003 to 2005) I'm not sure I remember the nurse manager's name or how I could even find that out (and for 2 of the jobs they are no longer employed with the hospital). It says to provide name and title of director of nursing or of other department where assigned. If I can't find their names will the department be OK?

5. I've read some previous posts about going in person to inquire about jobs. Is this a good idea? The closest VA to me is about an hour away. Should I still apply on line?

6. I've been putting off applying bc I have a 4 week commitment in June/July that I'll be out-of-state but I noticed on the application it says date available for employment. Should I go ahead and apply for jobs now and list my start date in July? I know the whole application process can take a while.

I'm sure I'll have more questions but this will get me started. I am just so nervous about going through all the ups and downs of job hunting! But I finally got my RN license and am really excited to get back into nursing. I'd like to work for the VA or find a federal job (VA most of all). And have to find the hubby a new job too. He's ready to retire from law enforcement after 20 years but has no clue what he wants to do when he grows up. ;-)

Thanks for your help!

• + Add a Comment

See this thread:https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/va-hiring-process-657587.html

Thank you! Yes I've seen that thread.

Got my questions answered from a friend who'd applied with them before.

I'll try to answer everything here but you are welcome to PM me. First, going to the VA about the position is a waste of time. You can only apply through the USAJOBS - The Federal Government’s Official Jobs Site web site. Make SURE you submit EVERYTHING that applied to you in the description. This will include a copy of your transcipt - at this point it does not have to be official - most colleges you can go online and d-load a copy of your own to attach. All you need is a resume - which I guess would be the same thing as a professional biography. It can take weeks or months, to hear anything. If you are granted an interview you will provide references to the hiring manager then. If the hiring manager wants to move forth, this is where the real fun begins...you will have to have official transcripts sent to the HR dept. You will be fingerprinted and given a full physical. Once you pass this you will be given access to VETPRO. This is a background check..it takes time to complete - 1-2 hrs - and nothing can be left blank or skipped. If you haven't worked for a period of time it will ask this, ask why and who can verify you were unemployed. VETPRO also will ask for references. You have to have 3 respond so place more on the site. Depending on this getting VETPRO taken care of can take 1-2 months. After all this is completed, you will be offered the position w/salary or hourly rate. This is not discussed at the interview because the nursing board for the VA meets, looks at each nurse, experience, degrees, certifications etc and your salary is determined from there. After you are offered the job you are scheduled for orientation. It last 1-2 weeks. Shortly before orientation you will complete something called E-qip, which is very much like VETPRO but only goes back 5 years. Nurse for the VA are on probation for 2 years. Reimbursement for travel, overnight accommodations are offered to some employees depending on where you live etc. It's a LONG process and many people give up or end up taking other jobs because they can't wait. When I applied in Nov. I was interviewed in Dec. Went through the VETPRO, physical in Jan. and started in March. You can always apply, get the process rolling and if offered the position, let them know you can't start until whatever date. Don't think it would be a problem.

Thank you for the info! I started filling out my application today. Glad to know going to the VA directly isn't necessary. Guess I'm fortunate I'm not in a pinch to change jobs and can wait out the long process. It will all be worth it in the end!