how to make my own biography

7 Bio Examples and Templates: How to Write About Yourself

By Status.net Editorial Team on September 27, 2024 — 6 minutes to read

A well-written bio helps you make a great first impression, whether it’s for a job application, social media profile, or website about page. You want to highlight your key strengths and accomplishments without sounding boastful.

This article will give you helpful tips and examples for writing about yourself. You’ll learn how to structure your bio, what details to include, and ways to make your writing engaging. With these tools, you can create a bio that shows off your best qualities and grabs people’s attention.

Short Professional Bio Templates and Examples

Template 1:.

[Your name] is a [your job title] with [X years] of experience in [your industry]. I specialize in [your key skills] and have [a notable achievement]. In my free time, I enjoy [a hobby or interest].

Example: Jane Smith is a marketing manager with 8 years of experience in digital advertising. I specialize in social media campaigns and have increased client engagement by 50% on average. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my dog.

Template 2:

[Your name], a [your job title] based in [your location], is passionate about [your area of expertise]. I’ve worked with [types of clients/projects] and aim to [your professional goal]. Connect with me on [social media platform].

Example: John Adams, a freelance graphic designer based in New York, is passionate about creating eye-catching logos. I’ve worked with startups and small businesses and aim to help brands stand out. Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Template 3:

As a [your job title], I bring [your top skills] to [your industry]. My background includes [brief work history]. I’m always excited to [something you enjoy about your work].

Example: As a Marketing Coordinator, I bring strong communication skills, creativity, and a keen eye for detail to the advertising industry. My background includes three years of experience managing social media campaigns, organizing promotional events, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop compelling marketing strategies. I’m always excited to brainstorm new ideas and see them come to life, driving engagement and brand awareness.

Template 4:

[Your name] here! I’m a [your job title] with a knack for [your unique skill]. When I’m not [your main work activity], you can find me [a personal interest]. Let’s chat about [your area of expertise]!

Example: Sarah Johnson here! I’m a financial advisor with a knack for simplifying complex topics. When I’m not crunching numbers, you can find me teaching yoga. Let’s chat about smart investing strategies!

Template 5:

I’m [your name], a [your job title] who loves [aspect of your work]. My mission is to [your professional goal]. I’ve [a career highlight] and I’m always looking to [future aspiration].

Example: I’m Mike Brown, a chef who loves experimenting with fusion cuisine. My mission is to bring unique flavors to people’s plates. I’ve won a regional cooking competition and I’m always looking to learn new techniques.

Long Professional Bio Templates and Examples

[Name] is a [job title] with [X] years of experience in [industry/field]. I started my career at [Company], where I [key accomplishment]. Since then, I’ve [brief overview of career progression].

In my current role at [Company], I [description of responsibilities and achievements]. My expertise includes [list of key skills].

I’ve [mention any notable awards, publications, or speaking engagements]. When I’m not [job-related activity], you can find me [personal interests or hobbies].

Jane Doe is a marketing director with 15 years of experience in digital advertising. I started my career at AdTech Inc., where I led a team that increased client ROI by 40%. Since then, I’ve managed campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and tech startups alike.

In my current role at BrandBoost, I oversee a team of 20 creatives and strategists. My expertise includes social media marketing, content strategy, and data analytics.

I’ve spoken at SXSW and written for AdWeek. When I’m not crafting marketing plans, you can find me hiking with my dog or trying out new vegan recipes.

As a [job title] at [Company], I bring [X] years of experience in [field/industry]. My journey began [brief career start], and I’ve since [major career milestones].

I specialize in [areas of expertise] and have a track record of [key achievements]. Some of my proudest moments include [specific accomplishments].

Outside of work, I’m passionate about [interests/volunteer work]. I hold a [degree] from [University] and have [certifications/additional training].

As a Public Relations Specialist at BrightWave Communications, I bring 6 years of experience in the public relations and communications industry. My journey began as a PR Assistant at a boutique agency, and I’ve since advanced to managing high-profile accounts and leading successful media campaigns.

I specialize in media relations, crisis communication, and brand management and have a track record of securing top-tier media coverage and enhancing client reputations. Some of my proudest moments include orchestrating a nationwide product launch that garnered extensive media attention and managing crisis communications for a major client, effectively mitigating negative publicity.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about environmental advocacy and volunteer with local conservation groups. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Riverside University and have completed additional training in crisis management and strategic communication.

Structuring Your Bio: Example Phrases

1. starting with a strong introduction.

“I’m a creative problem-solver with a passion for…”
“With over 10 years of experience in…”
“As a dedicated professional in the field of…”
“I thrive on turning ideas into reality…”
“My journey in this industry began when…”
“I’m known for my innovative approach to…”
“Combining my love for technology and art, I…”
“I’ve built my career on a foundation of…”
“My mission is to make a positive impact through…”
“I bring a unique blend of skills to the table, including…”

2. Detailing Work Experience and Job Titles

“I led a team of 10 developers to launch…”
“As a marketing manager, I increased sales by 30%…”
“I created a new system that improved efficiency by…”
“In my role as project coordinator, I…”
“I’ve worked with Fortune 500 companies to…”
“My experience includes developing strategies for…”
“I’ve held positions ranging from junior analyst to…”
“As a freelance consultant, I’ve helped clients…”
“I’ve been responsible for managing budgets of up to…”
“My current role involves overseeing operations for…”

3. Outlining Skills and Expertise

“I’m skilled in […], […], and […]”
“I have a strong background in […] and […]”
“My technical skills include […] and […]”
“I excel at problem-solving, team leadership, and…”
“I’m known for my ability to communicate complex ideas…”
“My strengths lie in […] and […]”
“I have extensive knowledge of […] and […]”
“I’m adept at […] and […]”

4. Incorporating Achievements and Certifications

“I hold certifications in […] and […]”
“I was awarded Employee of the Year for…”
“My team won the industry’s top award for…”
“I completed my MBA with honors from…”
“I’ve been featured in industry publications like…”
“I’m a licensed practitioner in…”
“My research has been published in…”
“I’ve given keynote speeches at conferences such as…”

5. Adding a Personal Touch with Hobbies and Interests

“When I’m not working, you can find me hiking…”
“I volunteer regularly at the local animal shelter…”
“I’m passionate about sustainable living and…”
“In my free time, I enjoy learning new languages…”
“I’m a hobby photographer and love capturing…”
“I’m a foodie and enjoy exploring new cuisines…”
“On weekends, I coach a youth soccer team…”
“I’m a tech enthusiast and love tinkering with…”
“My creative outlet is playing the guitar in a local band…”
“I’m an avid reader and enjoy books on…”
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Personal Profiles

How to Write Engaging Personal & Professional Bios (with Examples)

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 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 5,742,955 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.

How to Write a Biography About Yourself

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.

Step 1 Identify your purpose for writing the bio and your potential audience.

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.

Step 2 Write in the third person unless you’re writing for social media.

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."

Step 3 Begin with a brief introduction citing your name and claim to fame.

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.

Step 4 Explain your professional role, skills, and attributes in more detail.

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.”

Step 5 Write about your greatest professional achievements to date.

“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.

Step 6 Come up with a mission statement that sums up your personal values.

For example, “Dan is committed to helping people understand and embrace the true power of technology.”

Step 7 Include personal details, interests, and passions to intrigue readers.

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.

Step 8 Summarize any projects you’re currently working on, if applicable.

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.

Step 9 Leave your contact information at the end of your bio.

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.

Step 10 Edit, revise, and get feedback on your bio before publishing it.

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.

Step 1 Tell a story with your bio instead of listing facts about yourself.

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.

Step 2 Focus on yourself and explain why you’re a good fit for the college.

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."

Step 3 Write in your own voice without trying to squeeze in fancy words.

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!

Step 4 Include concrete details to help readers get a sense of your abilities.

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."

Step 1 Keep the bio concise and consider any word count restrictions.

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.

Step 2 Use humor to give your writing a personal touch.

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?”

Step 3 Use active verbs, so your writing sounds more alive and interesting.

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.

Step 4 Be authentic and let your content speak for itself.

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."

Step 5 Link to your social media profiles or professional website in the bio.

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.

Step 6 Use best SEO practices for your bio and optimize your online visibility.

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

↑ 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