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How to write an effective media bio.

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Helen Croydon is an author and former journalist who now specializes in personal branding. She is founder of Thought Leadership PR agency .

When putting yourself forward for media opportunities, speaking engagements, podcast interviews, etc., preparing a few different versions of a media bio to have on file should be one of your first steps.

I’ve helped scores of clients shape and raise their personal profiles, and I’ve also been a journalist being pitched bios for potential press interviews, so I’ve read many. Some have made me desperately want to talk to the person. Others have caused me to hit delete by the third line. And many have left me unclear on what they actually do!

Here are four tips for writing your bio to attract interest from the media:

1. Adapt the opening line for the context.

First, ask yourself who is reading this and what is the first piece of information they need to know? If you are writing a bio for your company website, for instance, you don’t need to start with "X is the founder of Y" because chances are, that will already be obvious from other pages on your site or it will be in the title. Your bio will just come across like a boilerplate with little consideration. Instead, it would be more informative to start with: "X founded Y because they had a vision for a fresher approach to Z." However, if you are writing a personal bio to go on a conference website ahead of a talk, then you absolutely need to start with your title—"X is founder of Y"—because it puts your expertise in context to the people who are deciding whether to buy a ticket for your talk. Context matters.

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2. Create different versions of your personal bio for different purposes.

On a similar note, adapt the style of your bio to the purpose. Some bios are written with the public in mind, in which case, yes, it’s fine to outline key qualifications or career milestones and proclaim some key achievements. But other times, bios are written simply to pique the interest of a journalist and are not intended to be published. In this instance, your aim should be clear, plain English that indicates what you do, not how great you are.

For example, these sentences may work well for a public bio but are not necessary—and, in fact, counter-productive—for a media bio:

“X designs websites in a uniquely innovative way.” (A journalist would simply say, “Doesn’t every web designer?!”)

“X helps teams apply these concepts in a practical fashion to achieve great business results” or “X delivers results in a strategic and efficient way.” (This is fine as a takeaway for a potential client, but a journalist will want to know why their readers need to know.)

As specialists in personal PR, we always create a "public bio" and a "media bio" for our clients. The public one usually reflects the information our clients want in the public domain. For example, it may proclaim that they are "values-driven" or that their career history is a "unique mix of academia and practical business experience." Then, we create a shorter media bio in which we omit any of these subjective statements. A media bio has one aim only: to convince the journalist there is a story to be told.

Let’s apply that mindset to the above phrases. Our version of a media bio would become less formal anecdotes such as:

"X designs websites from a beach in Marbella. She’s studied it since she was 16 and believes that the future of web design will be..." or "X has taught rooms full of up to 100 people and always starts with a two-minute meditation because he finds it creates a bond among the delegates."

3. Get rid of the marketing buzzwords that don’t mean anything.

No matter who your bio is for, there is one ubiquitous rule: Write in a way that has real-world meaning and ditch the marketing clichés. There are phrases—regularly found in LinkedIn profiles—that make me want to shout “What do you mean?!” Here are a few examples:

“I invest in key concepts that have the potential to continuously add value to brands.”

“I have a strong record in building and strengthening the strategic planning capabilities in the agricultural market.”

“I believe in building a culture focused on success and influencing a wide range of stakeholders.”

Also, be wary of superlatives that can’t be proven: “X is one of the most sought-after executive coaches….” “X is the go-to keynote speaker on....” This wording is better placed in a testimonial about you, written by someone else. It may come across as arrogant if included in a bio because it is assumed that it has been written by you or your team.

4. Know when to send a personal bio.

Finally, pitching yourself to the media doesn’t automatically mean you have to send a bio. A journalist may not care that you’ve had 20 years in the industry and have a Ph.D. when all they need is a quote.

Sending a bio is useful if they’ve agreed to feature you in a Q&A and they need a pre-prepared paragraph to place at the top of the article. But a rushed journalist just needs your insight, not your career history. So, for a reporter on a deadline, writing about, say, why startups are turning to sustainable finance, you’d be better off simply writing, “Hi. I’m X. I advise tech startups on how they can find sustainable investors. I also run my own consultancy, so I have lots of insight on this topic. Would you like to chat?”

In summary, start with the top line you want your readers to know, highlight what’s interesting about you—not what your career achievements are—and include anecdotes instead of empty marketing phrases. When in doubt, think Would this statement make someone want to invite me to coffee to find out more?

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184+ Best Journalist Bio For Social Media (Examples)

Journalism is the profession of gathering information and presenting it in the form of news. There are several platforms for a journalist to work. The bios of a journalist can be vibrant.

Journalist Bio For Facebook Bios

We research, write and report – that’s our job.

Interviewing various celebrities is an interesting part of my profession.

Journalism can’t be done from the comfort of the office room. #comfortoftheofficeroom

I’m assigned to a specific area of coverage.

Journalism is all about collecting interesting information and presenting them more interestingly.

We often expose ourselves to danger, particularly when reporting.

As a journalist, I am never afraid of exposing the truth.

Journalism is sometimes straining – both mentally and psychologically.

As a journalist, I am entitled to find out the truth behind every incident. #truthbehindeveryincident

The relationship between a journalist and their source is often complex.

I investigate, collect and present information as a news story.

I am a flexible person – my profession demands flexibility.

Truthful and thorough reporting of an incident is my responsibility.

We are the protectors of democratic public rule.

I’m very much happy with my job role.

It is very satisfying on providing information to others.

The world is changing fast – journalists are changing as well.

Want to be a journalist? Find out the real person hidden in your mind before you join the profession.

Truth is important to us at any cost.

We are storytellers.

We know the link between media and the public. #linkbetweenmediaandpublic

We give you information – you have to judge how good that is.

I have to be a good communicator in order to be successful as a journalist.

Journalist Bio For Twitter

Journalism is exciting and I love this adventure .

I create real art through my articles. #artthroughmyarticles

I can express the truth in the most attractive way.

I can influence and persuade through my works.

Digital media has opened a new front for journalists.

I don’t discriminate among news – I serve the best dish with the simplest of ingredients.

I understand what can be interesting for people.

We come up with well-researched stories on political topics.

I am here to tell you interesting stories backed with proper information.

A journalist never sleeps! #journalistneversleeps

As a successful journalist, I have to be well aware of the changes in media technologies.

Collection of World Sports Journalists Day Messages, Quotes Greetings and wishes shared on this important occasion.

Journalist Bio For Instagram

I observe – I study – I create – I follow.

Journalism is printing the truth that someone else hasn’t printed yet.

We think there’s nothing off-limits. #nothingofflimits

We work for the interest and benefit of the public.

Journalism is interesting – you just have to find the right ways to inspire interest among your audience.

Journalism taught me the ways to fight for the truth.

I wanted to become a writer – later I realized the importance of writing truth and thus became a journalist.

Personal communicative skill is my strength as a journalist.

I became a journalist to come close as possible to the matters of the world.

Journalism never admits that nothing wrong is ever happening.

Democracy is safe in the hands of journalists.

We read obsessively, write furiously, and edit carefully! #wereadobsessively

We don’t live by words alone, we sustain through them.

Journalism is a platform and forum for the truth.

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Journalist Bio For LinkedIn

Improving technology will continue to allow working journalists to be more efficient and to take on more assignments.

Competition for journalism jobs is generally intense and this trend will persist, particularly in traditional media like large newspapers.

Yes, I agree that journalism requires courage.

I am well aware of modern media trends – that’s helpful in making my career successful. #modernmediatrends

I chose my profession to let you know the truth and reality.

Words matter! Facts matter! Truths matter!

I always make sure to keep the trust and faith of the people.

New forms of reporting are always under our study.

We are not so very high-paid professionals — at least not in the beginning

Journalists often work long hours without much financial reward.

I travel to collect news – I travel to create stories.

We work hard for our entire life in order to bring out the truth to the public.

Journalism can kill us, but it’ll keep us alive when we’re at it.

Reporting is not easy – you have to have the guts to report the truth.

An exciting and rapidly evolving field, this field has a lot to offer recent grads.

Truth and absolute truth are what I excel at.

Elusion and problems are essential hazards of journalism.

Journalism is all about putting effort into presenting a simple incident in the most interesting way. #allaboutputtingefforts

You can’t define journalism in a few words – it’s actually the blend of several professions.

We are true to our profession. #truetoourprofession

Sourcing the correct information is our task to do.

I am a proud newsmaker.

Journalists don’t collect news – they are powered to create news from mundane matters!

I write nothing but pure truth.

Journalism is all about the flawless interpretation of an incident.

Top 10 Famous Journalists Who Helped Shape History

Discover our guide with famous journalists whose work has propelled them into the public sphere, ensuring they are discussed amongst the world’s best journalists.

Journalists’ role in informing society and holding those in power accountable cannot be overstated. When done right, journalism is there to inform, enlighten, and provoke change. The best journalists work to keep those in positions of influence accountable.

In fact, that is why the medium of journalism is often referred to as the “fourth estate” and often held up as the fourth pillar of society, alongside the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in this specialist field, check out our article on how to write like a journalist .

10 Famous Journalists Whose Legacies Live On

1. walter cronkite: the most trusted voice, 2. bob woodward and carl bernstein: unearthing watergate, 3. edward r. murrow: radio waves of change, 4. gloria steinem: championing equality, 5. hunter s. thompson: the gonzo maverick, 6. christiane amanpour: voice from the frontlines, 7. ryszard kapuściński: a global perspective, 8. ida b. wells: a crusader for justice, 9. nellie b. bly: breaking boundaries, 10. marie colvin: the fearless reporter, preserving the legacy of truth, who is the most famous journalist of all time, who was the most trusted journalist of the 1960s.

Since the origins of pamphlets to the transformation to the digital age, journalists have changed how they gather and distribute news. These changes have allowed us to get closer to global stories and made household names of some prominent news gatherers.

From war correspondents who risked their lives on the frontline to investigative reporters who unraveled corruption, each journalist on our list has contributed to bringing the news into the nation’s homes. Once you have finished here, have a look at our guide to the best books on investigative journalism .

Walter Cronkite was known as the ‘most trusted voice in America’ and what a voice it was, with his soothing baritone tones revealing the goings-on for millions of Americans. Born in 1916, he began his journalism career at the United Press before eventually transitioning to CBS News and becoming one of the most famous news anchors ever.

The news events he broke to the public read like a bullet-point history of the ’60s and ’70s. Among his most iconic reports were his emotional account of the JFK assassination, the moon landing, and his unwavering reporting on the Vietnam War.

Most famous work: Cronkite is most widely known for his coverage of major news stories like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Apollo 11 moon landing. He received a George Foster Peabody Award in 1968 for his coverage of the Apollo 11 mission.

Woodward and Bernstein weren’t household names when they broke the Watergate story in the early 1970s. Despite just being two young reporters, they were able to expose corruption within the Nixon administration, which eventually led to the then-US President’s resignation.

Their work demonstrated the importance of investigative journalism, keeping a check on those in power in the White House and ensuring that hidden truths are brought to light. Watergate is often cited when experts discuss the need for journalism to safeguard the foundations of democracy and protect the public interest.

Most famous work: They will always be remembered for their investigative reporting for The Washington Post that exposed the Watergate scandal. For this, they received the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 1973.

Edward R. Murrow is a vital name in the history of journalism. Born in 1908, he shared reports from London during World War II, uttering the iconic words “This is London” at the beginning of these.

Outside of reporting on the war, the American journalist also ran a brave exposé on Senator Joseph McCarthy’s witch-hunts, which underscored journalism’s vital role in confronting abuses of power. By scrutinizing government actions and presenting facts without fear, he was part of a broadcast journalist who helped prevent the erosion of democratic institutions and ensure the well-being of society.

Most famous work: Renowned for his radio broadcasts during World War II, notably the series “ This is London ” and his exposé on Senator Joseph McCarthy.

If you are looking for a journalist who championed change and who was a contributor to gender equality, then look no further than Gloria Steinem . Born in 1934, Steinem started Ms. magazine (where she was editor-in-chief) and is widely remembered for exposing storytelling.

One of her most renowned stories saw her highlighting what Playboy Bunnies went through and how this bred discrimination and inequality. She also contributed several articles to The New York Times and NBC News , particularly on issues related to feminism, women’s rights, and social justice.

Most famous work: Steinem co-founded Ms. magazine , focusing on women’s issues, and played a crucial role in the feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

Thompson’s life was illuminated in the classic work Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas , which displayed some of the writer’s madness. The Godfather of ‘gonzo journalism’ was more than capable of writing a critical essay, too, as his coverage of the 1972 Presidential campaign showcased.

Hunter’s ability to change how society saw journalism was his legacy, providing valuable insights and personal experiences when commenting on the world around him. For that, he is one of the most influential journalists ever.

Most famous work: Thompson is known for his book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and his “gonzo” journalism, which challenged norms and provided unique perspectives. Check out Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on Amazon; click here .

Amanpour has provided excellent wartime insights while working as CNN’s Chief International Anchor. She has also worked in this area for ABC News. If you are looking for an example of fearless reporting, look no further than her work on the Bosnian war.

Her dedication is proof of journalists’ dedication to their craft and how they often risk their well-being to highlight important issues. Amanpour reported from Iraq and Afghanistan during the conflict in those countries and was praised for her insights into the situation and its impact on civilians.

Most famous work: She covered global conflicts and crises for CNN , offering insights from the frontlines of international events.

Ryszard Kapuściński, born in 1932 in Poland, coverage of decolonization in Africa captured the continent’s struggles and transformations. His book The Emperor chronicled the fall of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie and gave the outside world an insight into a country that had not entered many people’s thinking.

In his book Another Day of Life , he also discussed his experiences in China during Mao Zedong’s Chinese leadership.

Most famous work: Reported from various countries and conflict zones, offering insights into the human condition through works like The Emperor and Shah of Shahs . Check out Shah of Shahs on Amazon; click here .

Wells was born into slavery in 1862 and became a fierce advocate for African-American civil rights and one of his generation’s top investigative journalists , fearlessly confronting racial injustice.

Her exposés on lynching in the southern United States during the 1890s challenged societal norms and changed society at a time when systemic racism wasn’t being highlighted. Wells opened a path for future news reporters who wanted to challenge power.

Most famous work: A fantastic activist who is known in the world of journalism for her anti-lynching crusades and writings.

Born in 1864 as Elizabeth Cochran Seaman , Bly’s daring undercover assignment in a mental institution pushed the boundaries of investigative journalism. This helped to expose the dire conditions faced by mental health patients at the time. Her deep dives into complex subjects encourage a more informed public, sparking conversations never had before.

Most famous work: Bly is best known for exposing the mistreatment of patients in mental institutions through her undercover work and the exposé Ten Days in a Mad-House . Check out Ten Days in a Mad-House on Amazon; click here .

Colvin is a conflict reporter whose work brought the realities of war to the public. Her dedication to telling the stories of those affected by conflict underlines her bravery in reporting war-torn areas.

Colvin died covering the Syrian conflict , being hit by a rocket in a makeshift media center. The British-American Colvin was posthumously awarded an Emmy Award for courageous reporting from conflict zones.

Most known work: Colvin is notable for covering the Syrian Civil War and bringing the truth from other conflict zones back to the newsroom. She also contributed to PBS programs like Charlie Rose and Frontline .

The above names will live on forever. Their reporting proves that journalism is not merely a profession but a force that empowers us to build a better future.

At its best, journalism allows us to hold the powerful accountable and bring essential truth to the masses. Going forward, it is hoped that ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’ will become things of the past, while brave journalism done with integrity will once again become the norm.

FAQ’s About The Famous Journalists

While there is no definitive answer on who is the most famous journalist of all time, many of the most iconic names associated with news are either anchors or co-anchors, such as Lester Holt and Anderson Cooper.

Walter Cronkite is widely considered the most trusted journalist of the 1960s. He served as a news anchor for 44 years and, during that time, built up a rapport with the American public.

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7 journalist Twitter bios we love (and why we love them)

Putting together a good Twitter bio is like writing an informational haiku. It has to be informative and informed by your personality, at once emotive and descriptive without being dense. Attracting followers is like speed dating, 140 characters at a time.

To showcase our favorite examples of this delicate art, we affixed our monocle and combed through Twitter lists from several publications and took submissions from colleagues. Here are our picks:

Everything seems impossible until it is done. Senior Vice President, Strategy, @NewsCorp. Formerly @rajunarisetti

At the opposite end of the spectrum is Narisetti, who eschews personal references and humor in favor of a stoic aphorism that promises to move mountains. Quick and simple, with no room for bloviating. Nice.

Who are your favorites? Let me know at [email protected] or @BenMullin .

An ambitious digital news philanthropy makes a sharp turn after just two years

The National Trust for Local News has found that the nonprofit sector ‘doesn’t need more coaches.’ Instead, it will send in a hands-on team.

Opinion | ‘Morning Joe’ becomes Angry Joe as the Biden debate continues

President Joe Biden gave a surprise phone interview to Joe Scarborough’s MSNBC show and didn’t hold back, goading Democrat ‘elites’ to run against him

Biden, the border and the ultimate hands-on workshop

A major policy shift brought reporters face-to-face with immigration realities

Comparing economic performance for Latinos under Trump, Biden

The presidential candidates are heavily courting Latino voters in a year in which their support may be more up for grabs than at any point in 20 years

The assignment: Build AI tools for journalists – and make ethics job one

A recent Poynter Summit on AI, Ethics and Journalism challenged leaders to dream big and solve ethical challenges

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Journalists

Right Icon This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

Hunter S. Thompson was an American author and journalist. He is credited with creating his own subgenre of New Journalism called the gonzo journalism . The author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas , which was later adapted into a film, Thompson was famous for his lifelong use of drugs and alcohol. His books have had a major impact on counterculture.

Barbara Walters is an American retired television personality and broadcast journalist. Renowned for her popularity with viewers, Walters appeared as the host of several popular TV shows. A pioneer for women in broadcasting , Walters became the first woman to co-host shows like Today and ABC Evening News . In 1996, she was named in TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Stars list.

William Randolph Hearst was an American newspaper publisher, businessman, and politician. He is credited with developing America's largest newspaper chain, Hearst Communications . Today, Hearst Communications has grown into a multinational business information and mass media conglomerate. William Randolph Hearst’s life and work inspired the creation of Charles Foster Kane , the main character in the 1941 drama film, Citizen Kane .

Renowned British-American documentary filmmaker, Louis Theroux began his career as a journalist with Metro Silicon Valley, Spy magazine and TV Nation series. He gained recognition with his documentary series When Louis Met... , and Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends . The two time BAFTA Award winner has also received appreciation for his documentaries The Most Hated Family in America and My Scientology Movie .

Lester Holt is an American journalist who is the face of 'NBC News' since 2000. He hosts and co-hosts some of NBC's important programs, such as Dateline NBC and NBC Nightly News . In 1990, he was honored with the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for his work. In 2015, he was made an inductee of the California Hall of Fame .

A former basketball and tennis player, Rubin Roberts began her career as a sports anchor and reporter for a Mississippi channel, WDAM-TV, eventually joining ESPN as sportscaster, concurrently serving as a featured reporter for Good Morning America . In 2005, she left ESPN to become a co-anchor for Good Morning America , currently serving as an anchor for the same program.

Canadian-American journalist Peter Jennings is best remembered for his stint on ABC World News Tonight , as its sole anchor. A high-school drop-out, Jennings became one of the U.S.’s Big Three news anchors, along with Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather. He was known for his meticulous coverage of breaking news stories.

The king of dystopia and satire , George Orwell, the pen name adopted by Eric Arthur Blair, was a well-known novelist and critic of the 20th century . A man with a strong mind of his own, Orwell never backed down from stating his views on the socio-political climate he lived in, which he expressed profusely through his influential essays and novels .

English journalist, short-story writer, poet, and novelist Rudyard Kipling is best remembered for his fiction work The Jungle Book. He was born in India and many of his works are inspired by his life in the country. He was one of the most popular English writers in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Jeremy Clarkson has come a long way from being a local journalist to becoming a recognized public personality, thanks to his appearance as a presenter in the popular TV show Top Gear . He is credited with making Top Gear one of the most successful shows in the UK. His tongue-in-cheek presenting style and writing often provoke a public reaction.

Christopher Hitchens was an advocate for New Atheism and a harsh critic of religion and of famous personalities such as Bill Clinton and Mother Teresa. He authored and edited many books on socio-political issues. As a journalist, he wrote for well-known publications such as New Statesman and The Weekly Standard .

Hailing from a humble background, Gloria Steinem went on to become a celebrated journalist and an iconic feminist. Founder of the New York magazine and Ms Magazine, her life has been dedicated to writing, talking and fighting for women’s rights, gender equality, legalisation of abortion, among other things. She brought issues like female genital mutilation to the forefront in America.

James May is an English journalist and television presenter. May is known for co-presenting the popular factual television show Top Gear alongside Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson. James May is credited with co-founding the independent TV production company W. Chump and Sons.

Famous American journalist, Maria Shriver, is recognised for her long association with NBC. Her documentary series The Alzheimer’s Project earned rave reviews and she later founded the nonprofit organization, 'The Women's Alzheimer's Movement'. As the former First Lady of California– she was married to Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was the governor of California– she involved herself in numerous charity works.

Known for her stints on Fox News and CBS News , TV journalist Gretchen Carlson made headlines when she accused Fox CEO Roger Ailes of having sexually harassed her earlier, eventually causing him to resign. The former Miss America is also a skilled classical violinist and a Juilliard alumna.

Walt Whitman was an American poet, journalist, and essayist. Also a humanist, Whitman played a crucial role in the shift between transcendentalism and realism. Often referred to as the father of free verse , Whitman is one of the most influential American poets of all time . Several decades after his death, Walt Whitman's poetry remains influential.

Jack London was an American novelist, social activist, and journalist. A pioneer of American magazines and commercial fiction, London was one of the first authors from the US to become an international celebrity. His life and work inspired several films, such as the 1943 movie Jack London and 1980 film Klondike Fever . He was also portrayed in several TV series.

Fareed Zakaria is an Indian-American journalist, author, and political commentator. He has been serving as an editor-at-large for Time and editor for Newsweek International . He has also been serving as a columnist for Newsweek . His show, Fareed Zakaria GPS , which he hosts for CNN, has won a Peabody Award .

The daughter of American publisher and financier Eugene Meyer, Katharine Graham later carried forward her family’s newspaper, The Washington Post . While the newspaper was initially handed over to her husband, Philip Graham, by her father, she took over as the owner, following Philip’s suicide. She later penned a Pulitzer Prize -winning memoir.

Broadcast journalist and television talk show host Tamron Hall is best known for her eponymous award-winning syndicated daytime talk show. She has previously worked for NBC News and MSNBC. An alumnus of Temple University, she is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. She is actively involved in anti-domestic violence campaigns.

As one of the leading television journalists for the past 10 years, Anderson Cooper has played a prominent role in influencing several important events in the United States of America. An openly gay man, Anderson Cooper has also served as an inspiration to the entire LGBTQ community.

Stephen A. Smith is an American sports journalist, sports radio host, and sports television personality. Known for his use of popular catchphrases, such as stay off the weed and blasphemous , Smith has been playing a major role in the success of ESPN's First Take . He also appears on SportsCenter and hosts his own radio show, The Stephen A. Smith Show .

Jesse Watters is best known for his aggressive ambush journalism and for his vox pop interviews featured in the "Watters' World” segment of the show The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News . A seasoned political commentator, he has also hosted the talk shows The Five and Outnumbered .

Jay Shetty is a British author and former monk who spent three years at a spiritual hermitage in India. Shetty is the host of one of the most popular health podcasts in the world, On Purpose , where he has interviewed personalities like Kobe Bryant and Alicia Keys. In 2017, he was named on Forbes magazine's 30 Under 30 Europe list.

Chris Hansen is an American YouTube personality and television journalist known for his work on the popular news magazine/reality legal show, Dateline NBC . The winner of eight Emmy Awards , Hansen's work on one of Dateline NBC's former segments To Catch a Predator , which focused on zeroing in on potential Internet sex predators, received much appreciation.

Regarded as “America’s Sweetheart”, Katherine Couric has been a familiar face on top US television networks for decades. The journalist and presenter had a long stint with NBC News before she switched over to CBS News and then to ABC News . She is also known for co-hosting programmes on Today . She co-founded multimedia news and production company Katie Couric Media.

Kaitlan Collins is one of the most popular and influential American journalists of the current generation. As a White House correspondent for CNN, Collins traveled to at least six different countries with Donald Trump. She made headlines when she questioned Trump about Vladimir Putin, for which she was forbidden from attending a Trump administration press conference in 2018.

Nellie Bly was an American industrialist, journalist, inventor, and charity worker. She is remembered for her circumnavigation of the world in 72 days. She is also known for pioneering a new kind of investigative journalism as she worked undercover from within a mental institution to report on the institution. Nellie Bly’s life and work have inspired several works of art.

Megyn Kelly is a well-known American journalist and political commentator. She had a successful career at Fox News and NBC News, where she did reporting and anchored many shows. She quit television and launched her media production company in 2020. She hosts the The Megyn Kelly Show podcast. She has also written an autobiography titled Settle for More .

Bill O'Reilly is an American author, journalist, and former TV host. The host of Fox News Channel's The O'Reilly Factor , O'Reilly played a major role in the success of Fox News Channel during his time at the channel. He is also credited with founding the No Spin News podcast, which he has been hosting since 2017.

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Guest Posts

30 Professional Bio Examples and Templates to Showcase Your Expertise

30 professional bio examples and templates to help you craft a compelling and impactful bio that showcases your expertise and personal brand

Your professional bio is more than just a few lines of text on a website or social media profile. It's your chance to make a strong first impression and tell your unique story to the world. Whether you're a job seeker, an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or a professional in any field, a well-crafted bio can make a significant impact on your personal brand.

But how to write a professional bio that stands out and accurately represents who you are and what you've accomplished? That's exactly what we'll explore in this blog post. We'll provide you with valuable tips and practical examples of professional bio to help you in writing a professional bio that captures attention, highlights your expertise, and leaves a lasting impression.

Let's get started.

How to write a professional bio

Writing a professional bio can be a valuable tool for various purposes, such as a website, social media profiles, speaking engagements, or professional networking. It provides a concise and compelling summary of your background, expertise, achievements, and aspirations.

Here are tips for writing a professional bio

1. Identify your purpose

Determine the specific purpose and target audience for your bio. Are you writing for a professional website, LinkedIn profile, or conference brochure? Understanding your audience and their expectations will shape the tone and content of your bio.

2. Start with a strong opening

Begin your bio with a captivating and attention-grabbing statement. This can be a notable achievement, an intriguing personal detail, or a unique selling point that sets you apart. It should quickly engage the reader and make them want to learn more.

3. Provide relevant background information

Offer a concise overview of your professional background and expertise. Highlight your educational qualifications, relevant work experience, and any specialized training or certifications you possess. Focus on the aspects most relevant to your target audience.

4. Highlight key achievements

Showcase your significant accomplishments and milestones. These could include notable projects, awards, publications, successful campaigns, or any other achievements that demonstrate your skills and expertise. Use quantifiable data whenever possible to provide tangible evidence of your success.

5. Showcase your skills and expertise

Discuss your areas of specialization, core skills, and unique abilities that make you stand out in your field. Emphasize how these skills align with the needs and interests of your target audience. Use specific examples or testimonials to illustrate your capabilities.

6. Demonstrate your value proposition

Clearly articulate the value you bring to your audience. Explain how your expertise, experience, or products/services can solve their problems, meet their needs, or provide valuable solutions. Focus on the benefits you offer rather than just listing features.

7. Incorporate personal elements

While your bio should primarily focus on your professional accomplishments, including some personal details can help humanize your profile. Mentioning relevant hobbies, interests, or volunteer work can create a connection with your audience and showcase your well-rounded personality.

8. Keep it concise and focused

Aim for a bio length of around 150-300 words, depending on the platform and purpose. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or technical terms that might be unfamiliar to your audience. Make every sentence count and ensure that each piece of information is relevant and impactful.

9. Edit and proofread

After writing your bio, review it carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that it flows smoothly and is easy to read. Consider seeking feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends to get a fresh perspective and make improvements if needed.

10. Update regularly

Your professional bio should be a living document that evolves as you progress in your career. Keep it up to date by revisiting and revising it periodically to reflect your latest achievements, skills, and goals.

19 Professional bio examples

Here are five professional bio examples for different fields and purposes

1. Business professional bio example

John Smith is an experienced business strategist and consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping companies drive growth and maximize profitability. As the founder and CEO of XYZ Consulting, John has advised numerous Fortune 500 companies on strategic planning, market expansion, and organizational development. His expertise lies in leveraging data-driven insights to identify opportunities, streamline operations, and deliver sustainable results.

John holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, playing the piano, and volunteering with local business mentoring programs.

2. Creative professional bio example of graphic designer

Sarah Thompson is a passionate graphic designer and visual storyteller known for her innovative and captivating designs. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of branding, Sarah has worked with leading global brands, creating impactful visual identities and marketing campaigns. Her work has been featured in several design publications and has earned her multiple awards, including the prestigious AIGA Design Excellence Award.

Sarah holds a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design. When she's not immersed in design projects, she can be found exploring art galleries, experimenting with new art techniques, or traveling to gain inspiration from different cultures.

3. Medical professional bio example

Dr. Emily Davis is a board-certified cardiologist with a specialization in interventional cardiology. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Davis is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to her patients. She is recognized for her expertise in complex coronary interventions and has performed hundreds of successful procedures, saving countless lives.

Dr. Davis completed her medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and pursued her fellowship training at the renowned Cleveland Clinic. She actively participates in medical research and has authored numerous publications in esteemed cardiology journals. Outside of her practice, Dr. Davis enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and advocating for heart health awareness.

4. Tech professional bio example

Alex Johnson is a seasoned software engineer and technology leader with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. With over 12 years of experience in the tech industry, Alex has led cross-functional teams in developing cutting-edge software solutions for global enterprises. His expertise spans full-stack development, cloud architecture, and machine learning.

Alex holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from Stanford University and has been granted several patents for his groundbreaking work. He frequently shares his knowledge as a guest lecturer at tech conferences and mentors aspiring developers through coding bootcamps. In his free time, Alex enjoys hiking, playing guitar, and experimenting with new coding languages.

5. Academic professional bio example

Dr. Jessica Rodriguez is a renowned professor of sociology and social justice advocate. With a Ph.D. in Sociology from Yale University, Dr. Rodriguez has dedicated her career to advancing research on inequality, race relations, and social change. Her scholarly work has been published in leading academic journals and has been influential in shaping public policy.

Dr. Rodriguez is a sought-after speaker at conferences and has delivered TEDx talks on issues of social justice and equity. She is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scholars and serves as a faculty advisor for various student organizations. Outside of academia, Dr. Rodriguez enjoys exploring new cuisines, volunteering at local community centers, and practicing mindfulness meditation.

6. Legal professional bio example

Elizabeth Davis is a highly accomplished attorney specializing in intellectual property law. With a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, Elizabeth has successfully represented clients in high-profile copyright and trademark infringement cases. Her expertise also extends to licensing agreements and intellectual property portfolio management.

Elizabeth is a partner at ABC Law Firm, where she heads the Intellectual Property Practice Group. She is a frequent speaker at legal conferences and serves as a mentor to young lawyers. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and volunteering with organizations that promote access to justice.

7. Marketing professional bio example

Jennifer Lee is a results-driven marketing strategist with a track record of driving revenue growth through innovative digital campaigns. With a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, Jennifer has helped numerous companies expand their online presence and optimize their marketing efforts. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from New York University and is certified in Google Analytics and Facebook Ads.

Jennifer is a regular contributor to marketing publications and is often invited as a guest speaker at industry events. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and exploring new cuisines.

8. Education professional bio example

Dr. Michael Thompson is a dedicated educator and thought leader in the field of educational psychology. With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Dr. Thompson has served as a professor at prestigious universities, where he specializes in child development, motivation, and educational policy. He is the author of several influential books on parenting and education, which have been featured on The New York Times Bestseller list.

Dr. Thompson is a sought-after keynote speaker at education conferences and has appeared as a guest expert on national television programs. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar, hiking with his family, and volunteering with local literacy programs.

9. Finance professional bio example

Sarah Johnson is a seasoned financial advisor with over 15 years of experience in wealth management. As the founder and CEO of XYZ Financial Services, Sarah has helped countless individuals and families navigate complex financial landscapes and achieve their long-term financial goals. She holds an MBA in Finance from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).

Sarah is a regular contributor to financial publications and has been featured in Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. Outside of work, she enjoys playing golf, practicing yoga, and serving as a board member for local nonprofits.

10. Journalism professional bio example

Emily Wilson is an award-winning investigative journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable. With a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, Emily has worked for leading news organizations, where she has covered a wide range of topics, including politics, social justice, and environmental issues.

Her in-depth reporting has led to significant policy changes and has earned her recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists. Emily is a regular contributor to national newspapers and frequently appears as a guest commentator on news programs. In her downtime, she enjoys hiking, reading non-fiction, and mentoring aspiring journalists.

11. Human Resources professional bio example

Michael Anderson is a seasoned human resources executive with a proven track record in talent acquisition and organizational development. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Michael has led HR teams at global companies, developing effective recruitment strategies and fostering a positive work culture.

He holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Michael is a frequent speaker at HR conferences and is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf, cooking, and volunteering with local career development organizations.

12. Healthcare professional bio example

Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a dedicated pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to children of all ages. With a medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Mitchell has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of pediatric conditions. She is known for her warm bedside manner and ability to establish strong relationships with her young patients and their families.

Dr. Mitchell is actively involved in medical research and has published articles in renowned pediatric journals. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing the violin, and volunteering at children's hospitals.

13. Sales professional bio example

David Turner is a dynamic sales executive with a proven record of exceeding targets and driving revenue growth. With a background in business development and relationship management, David has successfully built strategic partnerships and closed multi-million dollar deals for global corporations. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sales and Marketing and is certified in advanced sales techniques.

David is a sought-after speaker at sales conferences and has developed training programs to help sales teams improve their performance. Outside of work, he enjoys playing basketball, attending live music events, and mentoring young professionals interested in pursuing a career in sales.

14. Nonprofit professional bio example

Rebecca Nguyen is a passionate advocate for social change and the executive director of a prominent nonprofit organization focused on community development. With a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management, Rebecca has dedicated her career to addressing issues of poverty, education, and affordable housing. She has successfully led initiatives that have transformed the lives of vulnerable populations and empowered communities.

Rebecca is a sought-after speaker at nonprofit conferences and serves on the boards of several community-based organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing mindfulness meditation, exploring nature trails, and supporting local artists.

15. Entrepreneur professional bio example

Mark Thompson is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of a successful tech startup that specializes in artificial intelligence solutions. With a strong background in computer science and a passion for innovation, Mark has developed groundbreaking AI algorithms that have revolutionized industries such as healthcare and finance. His entrepreneurial journey has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Mark is an active mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs and frequently speaks at technology conferences. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess, attending hackathons, and supporting STEM education initiatives.

16. Real Estate professional bio example

Laura Johnson is a trusted real estate agent with extensive knowledge of the local market and a reputation for delivering exceptional service. With over a decade of experience in residential and commercial real estate, Laura has helped numerous clients navigate complex transactions and achieve their property goals. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Management and is a certified Realtor®.

Laura's commitment to excellence has earned her recognition as a top producer in her agency. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, painting, and volunteering with organizations that promote affordable housing.

17. Fitness professional bio example

Daniel Ramirez is a dedicated fitness coach and personal trainer, committed to helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals. With a background in exercise science and multiple certifications in fitness training, Daniel has guided individuals of all fitness levels to success. He specializes in weight management, strength training, and functional fitness.

Daniel's personalized and motivating approach has garnered him a loyal following and positive testimonials. He regularly conducts fitness workshops and contributes articles to health and wellness publications. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys practicing yoga, hiking with his dog, and experimenting with new healthy recipes.

18. Public Relations professional bio example

Rachel Anderson is a seasoned public relations strategist with a passion for building strong brands and fostering positive media relationships. With a Master's degree in Strategic Communication, Rachel has led successful PR campaigns for global corporations and high-profile individuals. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives, crisis management, and influencer partnerships.

Rachel's strategic approach and attention to detail have earned her recognition in the industry. She frequently shares her insights as a guest lecturer at communications conferences and mentors aspiring PR professionals. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys attending cultural events, exploring art museums, and volunteering with nonprofit organizations.

19. Culinary professional bio example

Chef Alex Torres is a highly acclaimed chef with a talent for creating culinary experiences that blend innovation and tradition. With formal training at prestigious culinary institutes and experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants, Chef Torres has elevated the dining scene with his exquisite dishes. He has been featured in prominent food publications and has received numerous accolades for his culinary prowess.

Chef Torres is dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients and promoting sustainable cooking practices. In addition to his culinary pursuits, he enjoys traveling, foraging for unique ingredients, and mentoring aspiring chefs.

Ensure to customize these examples to align with your own professional background, accomplishments, and aspirations. A professional bio should reflect your individuality and showcase your expertise and impact in your chosen field.

6 Short Professional Bio templates for experienced professionals

Here are 6 short professional bio example templates for experience professionals.

Professional bio template 1

With over 10 years of experience in the field, I am a seasoned marketing professional specializing in digital strategy and brand management. I have successfully executed numerous integrated marketing campaigns for both local and international clients, driving significant growth and revenue. I am highly skilled in market research, data analysis, and customer segmentation, enabling me to develop tailored marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences. Known for my creative thinking, strong leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills, I thrive in fast-paced environments and deliver results that exceed expectations.

Professional bio template 2

As a dedicated software engineer, I have a solid background in developing innovative solutions for complex business challenges. With expertise in multiple programming languages and frameworks, I have successfully delivered robust software applications for diverse industries, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. I am passionate about writing clean, efficient code and staying updated with the latest industry trends. With strong problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget, earning the trust and satisfaction of clients and stakeholders.

Professional bio template 3

With a background in finance and accounting, I am a highly skilled professional with a proven track record in financial analysis and risk management. Over the years, I have successfully guided organizations through complex financial landscapes, analyzing market trends, and identifying opportunities for growth. My expertise lies in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting, as well as in implementing robust internal controls. With a strong attention to detail and exceptional analytical abilities, I provide strategic insights that drive sound decision-making and contribute to long-term business success.

Professional bio template 4

With a background in human resources and talent management, I am a results-oriented professional specializing in recruitment and employee development. I have successfully sourced and placed top-tier candidates across various industries, utilizing innovative sourcing strategies and conducting comprehensive interviews. Additionally, I have designed and implemented training programs that enhance employee performance and engagement. Known for my strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport, I excel at fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Professional bio template 5

As a skilled project manager, I have a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. I possess a strong understanding of project management methodologies and tools, allowing me to effectively plan, execute, and monitor projects from initiation to closure. With excellent communication and leadership abilities, I thrive in cross-functional teams, coordinating resources and ensuring seamless collaboration. Known for my problem-solving skills and ability to mitigate risks, I consistently drive successful project outcomes.

Professional bio template 6

With a background in sales and business development, I am a dynamic professional experienced in driving revenue growth and building strategic partnerships. I possess a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer needs, enabling me to identify new business opportunities and develop tailored sales strategies. I excel at building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, utilizing strong negotiation and closing skills. With a passion for achieving sales targets and a proactive approach, I consistently exceed expectations and contribute to overall business success.

5 Short professional bio examples for freshers

Here are 5 short professional bio examples for freshers.

A results-oriented and enthusiastic entry-level professional seeking a challenging position in [industry/field]. With a strong educational background in [relevant degree/program], I possess a solid foundation in [key skills/competencies]. Eager to contribute my knowledge and learn from experienced professionals, I am a quick learner with excellent problem-solving abilities. I am committed to delivering high-quality work and thrive in collaborative environments that foster growth and innovation.

A proactive and detail-oriented recent graduate with a degree in [relevant field]. I am passionate about starting my career in [industry/field] and utilizing my strong analytical and communication skills to contribute to organizational success. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to continuous improvement, I am eager to learn from experienced professionals and adapt to new technologies. Seeking an entry-level position that provides opportunities for growth and development.

A highly motivated and adaptable professional with a degree in [relevant field] seeking an entry-level position in [industry/field]. Equipped with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, I am eager to apply my knowledge and contribute to a dynamic organization. With a passion for innovation and a willingness to learn, I am committed to delivering results and exceeding expectations. I thrive in fast-paced environments and possess excellent teamwork and communication abilities.

A dedicated and proactive recent graduate with a degree in [relevant field]. I am eager to kickstart my career in [industry/field] and make a positive impact. With strong problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail, I am committed to delivering exceptional work. Seeking an entry-level position where I can contribute my skills in [specific area] and learn from experienced professionals in order to grow and excel in my field.

A detail-oriented and ambitious graduate with a strong academic background in [relevant field]. Equipped with a solid foundation in [key skills/competencies], I am ready to embark on a successful career in [industry/field]. With a proactive and result-driven approach, I am eager to contribute my abilities in [specific area] to an organization that values innovation and growth. Seeking an entry-level position where I can apply my knowledge, learn from experienced professionals, and make a meaningful contribution.

A professional bio is a powerful tool for showcasing your skills, experience, and unique personality. By following the tips and examples we've provided in this blog post, you can create a compelling bio that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Remember to keep your bio concise and focused, highlighting your most relevant achievements and qualifications. Use a professional tone and tailor your bio to suit your target audience. Don't be afraid to inject a bit of personality and showcase your passions and interests.

Lastly, don't forget to update your bio regularly as your career progresses and new accomplishments come your way. A well-maintained and thoughtfully written professional bio can open doors, create opportunities, and help you stand out in a competitive professional landscape.

So, take the time to craft a bio that truly represents who you are and what you bring to the table. Invest in your personal brand and watch as your professional bio becomes a powerful tool in your journey to success.

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What Journalists Are Looking for in Your Staff Bio on the Website

Journalists on deadline are looking for the best experts to interview for their articles – and they want to find them yesterday. (Okay, quickly and easily.)

Make it too difficult to find key details, like your areas of expertise or your contact information, and the reporters will likely move on to the next source, rather than take additional time to hunt down important information.

One part of our top-requested training on Building Your Expert Profiles covers what to be sure to include in your staff bio on your organization’s website. (For another part, see What to Include in Your Twitter Bio to Look Like an Expert .)

Lucky for you, we’ll cover some of our top tips right here.

What to Make Sure to Include in Your Staff Bio (and Why)

1. your profile on the website.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but make sure that you have a bio on your organization’s website if you want to be promoted as an expert to reporters.

This enables reporters to find you, quickly associate you with the work of your organization, and verify that you are who you say you are.

Bonus points if your staff bio appears on its own page with its own URL, making it easy for reporters to find you, specifically, and not your whole staff page.

For example, if you visit America Votes' website, to read any of their spokespeople’s bios, you are directed to a landing page with ALL of the spokespeople’s bios.

America Votes.png

Comparatively, if you visit the Brennan Center for Justice website, clicking on an expert’s profile takes you to a webpage devoted entirely to that expert.

Brennan Center for Justice.png

2. A High-Resolution Photo

You should definitely have a professional photograph of yourself on your bio page, and it’s best if it’s high-resolution. (Bonus points if there’s a link to download a high-res version like Aba G. Blankson has on the NAACP website .)

This enables your media contact to download your photo to include with your commentary in a format that’s high enough quality that it can run in print.

Aba G. Blankson.png

It’s also best if your photo is a headshot, not a full-body shot. Think shoulders and above.

3. Contact Information

This is one of the most critical parts of your expert bio on your organization’s website, and amazingly, one that we see some people leave off.

This is so important because it is how reporters will be looking to get in touch with you after you have wowed them with your stellar experience.

Make this contact information too hard to find, and reporters on deadline will simply move on to the next potential source, without talking to you.

Make sure to include a phone number and an email address at a minimum.

Want to further display your expertise and increase your chances of a reporter getting in touch? Include links to your Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. (But then also set up notifications so you can be alerted when people contact you on these platforms.)

Check out the top of David Vance’s (Common Cause’s National Media Strategist) bio on the organization’s website:

David Vance.png

Notice how he has a direct email address and phone number clearly listed (as well as his Twitter handle).

If you don’t want to put your own phone number online for privacy concerns, you can list a media contact on the website – but be sure there’s a phone number.

For example, see how on the Brennan Center for Justice’s website, in place of contact information for Fellow Mike German, it directs reporters to a media contact .

Brennan.png

This is a perfectly acceptable option as long as whoever is listed as a media contact can easily reach you.

And as far as reporters go, they would prefer to see a name of a real, live human being as a media contact, rather than a generic media@yourorg or info@yourorg email address.

4. A Brief Biography

What’s your background? What perspective are you bringing to the field? These are great things to include in your staff bio, which lets reporters understand where you are coming from before they talk with you.

This doesn’t need to be long. A few sentences will do the trick (when combined with the other components of your staff bio).

Charly Carter.png

The highlighted portion above shows Charly Carter’s (Executive Director of Democracy Initiative) previous experience.

While I’d break this into shorter paragraphs to improve readability and quick scanning for reporters, the information is great. This is a terrific-looking expert bio.

5. Areas of Expertise

Here’s where you’ll quickly lay out for reporters the subjects you are able to speak about, being as specific as you need to be.

For instance, in addition to simply stating, “national security,” as an area of expertise, consider further detailing elements like, “nuclear security policy” or “domestic surveillance.”

The more specific you are when detailing your areas of expertise, the more likely reporters it is that reporters will know to come to you about these topics.

Additionally, if you list these areas of expertise in the terms you think reporters might use to search for experts on given topics, the greater the chance that your name will come up in their searches.

Though it isn’t required, it is great to have these areas of expertise called out in bullet points or other easy-to-read formatting, making it obvious to reporters at a quick glance what you can discuss.

Look how Vincent Warren, Executive Director at The Center for Constitutional Rights, has his areas of expertise listed under his photo:

Vincent Warren.png

George Perkovich does this more in a subheading:

Screen Shot 2022-01-13 at 4.12.43 PM.png

6. Academic Achievements

Here is where you will talk about your academic background, including what your degrees are in and from which academic institutions. If you had a particular focus or area of study, feel free to briefly cover that here.

Again, just a sentence or two. This is not the place to humblebrag or give a full account of your college glory days.

7. Media Experience

Where have you appeared? What have you been quoted in?

This section is useful because it tells reporters that you have experience talking to journalists on the record.

If you have done TV or radio interviews, it’s hugely helpful to include clips from these appearances, so producers and bookers can anticipate what you look and sound like on the air before they call – helping them determine whether they want to interview you or not.

Note how End Citizens United’s Tiffany Muller has these videos embedded right on the bio page:

Tiffany Muller.png

For major print/online hits, feel free to link to these in your bio. Daniella Gibbs Leger from the Center for American Progress has recent articles, new stories, podcasts, and reports linked on her bio page.

Screen Shot 2022-01-13 at 4.21.11 PM.png

For all of these media experiences, make sure to update this section of the bio periodically with your latest appearances, ensuring that your bio doesn’t look stale and underscoring that you are still a relevant, connected source for reporters.

8. Bibliography

Have you published any books or major reports? This is the place to name them (and, of course, this works best if they’re written about the topics you cover on the job).

Check out Vijay Gokhale, nonresident senior fellow at The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and how he features his books:

Screen Shot 2022-01-13 at 4.38.28 PM.png

Spencer Overton, president of The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, features links to his publications in his bio.

Screen Shot 2022-01-13 at 4.41.04 PM.png

Haven’t published anything? No worries. Just continue on to the next section.

9. Awards and Testimonials

Have you won any (work-related) awards or been given any incredible testimonials?

Feel free to include them in your staff bio. But keep it short and relevant. Reporters don’t need to hear about your high school superlatives or eating contest prizes.

10. Keep It Updated

Finally, just make sure you periodically update your staff bio with your latest press hits, published reports, and other pertinent information.

This reinforces to reporters that you continue to be a leading expert in the field – and one they need to talk to!

BookBub Partners Blog

Book Marketing & Publishing Tips

Writing Your Author Bio? Here Are 20 Great Examples. (Plus a Checklist!)

October 15, 2020 by Diana Urban

Writing your author bio can be a daunting task, but a well-crafted bio can help readers learn more about what makes you and your books so interesting. You should regularly maintain your bio on places like your BookBub Author Profile so fans and potential readers seeking you out can learn more about you and why they should pick up your latest book.

Stuck on what to include? While there is no one-size-fits-all formula, here are some examples of author bios we love so you can get some inspiration when crafting your own bio. We’ve also created an Author Biography Checklist with recommendations on what to include, as well as where to keep your author bio up to date online.

Download a printable checklist!

Subscribe to the BookBub Partners Blog to download this checklist as a printable PDF, and keep it handy any time you want to write or update your author bio!

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1. Ramona Emerson

Ramona Emerson is a Diné writer and filmmaker originally from Tohatchi, New Mexico. She has a bachelor’s in Media Arts from the University of New Mexico and an MFA in Creative Writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts. After starting in forensic videography, she embarked upon a career as a photographer, writer, and editor. She is an Emmy nominee, a Sundance Native Lab Fellow, a Time-Warner Storyteller Fellow, a Tribeca All-Access Grantee and a WGBH Producer Fellow. In 2020, Emerson was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries for the State of New Mexico. She currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she and her husband, the producer Kelly Byars, run their production company Reel Indian Pictures. Shutter is her first novel.

Why we love it: Ramona makes a splash as a new author by detailing her extensive experience in both writing and filmmaking. Her background makes an effective setup for her debut novel about a forensic photographer.

2. Courtney Milan

Courtney Milan writes books about carriages, corsets, and smartwatches. Her books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly , Library Journal , and Booklist . She is a New York Times and a USA Today Bestseller. Courtney pens a weekly newsletter about tea, books, and basically anything and everything else. Sign up for it here: https://bit.ly/CourtneysTea Before she started writing romance, Courtney got a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from UC Berkeley. After that, just to shake things up, she went to law school at the University of Michigan and graduated summa cum laude. Then she did a handful of clerkships. She was a law professor for a while. She now writes full-time. Courtney is represented by Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency.

Why we love it: Courtney concisely leads with her accolades and bestseller status before diving into more personal information with a witty tone. She also includes a call-to-action for readers to sign up to Weekly Tea, one of her mailing lists.

3. Adam Silvera

Adam Silvera is the number one New York Times bestselling author of More Happy Than Not , History Is All You Left Me , They Both Die at the End , Infinity Son , Infinity Reaper , and—with Becky Albertalli— What If It’s Us . He was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start for his debut. Adam was born and raised in the Bronx. He was a bookseller before shifting to children’s publishing and has worked at a literary development company and a creative writing website for teens and as a book reviewer of children’s and young adult novels. He is tall for no reason and lives in Los Angeles. Visit him online at www.adamsilvera.com .

Why we love it: Adam begins his bio with his bestseller accolades and a list of his popular titles. But we especially love how he also includes his previous experience in children’s literature. It’s a fantastic way an author can craft a unique and credible bio using information besides accolades or bestseller status.

4. Farrah Rochon

USA Today Bestselling author Farrah Rochon hails from a small town just west of New Orleans. She has garnered much acclaim for her Crescent City-set Holmes Brothers series and her Moments in Maplesville small town series. Farrah is a two-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America and has been nominated for an RT BOOKReviews Reviewers Choice Award. In 2015, she received the Emma Award for Author of the Year. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading, cooking, traveling the world, visiting Walt Disney World, and catching her favorite Broadway shows. An admitted sports fanatic, she feeds her addiction to football by watching New Orleans Saints games on Sunday afternoons. Keep in touch with Farrah via the web: Website: https://www.farrahrochon.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farrahrochonauthor Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/FarrahRochon Instagram: https://instagram.com/farrahrochon/ Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2povjuZ Join my online Fan Club, the Rochonettes! https://www.facebook.com/groups/FarrahRochon/ Farrah’s Books In Order: The Holmes Brothers Deliver Me (Mar. 2007) Release Me (May 2008) Rescue Me (Jan. 2009) Chase Me (Jan. 2017) Trust Me (May 2017) Awaken Me (Jan. 2018) Cherish Me (Jun. 2018) Return To Me (Aug. 2019) New York Sabers Huddle With Me Tonight (Sept. 2010) I’ll Catch You (Mar. 2011) Field of Pleasure (Sept. 2011) Pleasure Rush (Mar. 2012) Bayou Dreams A Forever Kind of Love (Aug. 2012) Always and Forever (Jan. 2013) Yours Forever (Mar. 2014) Forever’s Promise (Apr. 2014) Forever With You (Feb. 2015) Stay With Me Forever (Aug. 2015) Moments in Maplesville A Perfect Holiday Fling (Nov. 2012) A Little Bit Naughty (Mar. 2013) Just A Little Taste (Jan. 2014) I Dare You! (Nov. 2014) All You Can Handle (June 2015) Any Way You Want It (Feb. 2016) Any Time You Need Me (June 2016) Standalones In Her Wildest Dreams (Jan. 2012) The Rebound Guy (July 2012) Delectable Desire (Apr. 2013) Runaway Attraction (Nov. 2013) A Mistletoe Affari (Nov. 2014) Passion’s Song (Feb. 2016) Mr. Right Next Door (Sept. 2016) Anthologies A Change of Heart (The Holiday Inn Anthology – Sept. 2008) No Ordinary Gift (Holiday Brides Anthology – Oct. 2009) Holiday Spice (Holiday Temptation Anthology – Sept. 2016) Christmas Kisses (Reissue–Contains Tuscan Nights and Second-Chance Christmas previously published by Harlequin Kimani

Why we love it: Farrah packs a lot of information into that first paragraph, elegantly describing the awards she’s received and has been nominated for. We also love how she makes it easy for readers to find her on whichever social media platform they prefer and to discover which book to start with for each series.

5. Angie Fox

New York Times bestselling author Angie Fox writes sweet, fun, action-packed mysteries. Her characters are clever and fearless, but in real life, Angie is afraid of basements, bees, and going up stairs when it is dark behind her. Let’s face it. Angie wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her books. Angie is best known for her Southern Ghost Hunter mysteries and for her Accidental Demon Slayer books. Visit her at www.angiefox.com

Why we love it: We love how Angie distinguishes herself from her characters, making herself relatable to readers. She also mentions her bestseller status and best-known works in a humble way.

6. Tiffany D. Jackson

Tiffany D. Jackson is the critically acclaimed author of Allegedly , Monday’s Not Coming , and Let Me Hear a Rhyme . A Walter Dean Myers Honor Book and Coretta Scott King–John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, she received her bachelor of arts in film from Howard University, earned her master of arts in media studies from the New School, and has over a decade in TV and film experience. The Brooklyn native still resides in the borough she loves. You can visit her at www.writeinbk.com .

Why we love it: This is an excellent example of a short, concise bio — a perfect snippet for journalists, bloggers, or event coordinators who need to grab Tiffany’s bio for their article or programming.

7. Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander is the New York Times Bestselling author of 32 books, including The Undefeated ; How to Read a Book ; Solo ; Swing ; Rebound , which was shortlisted for prestigious Carnegie Medal; and his Newbery medal-winning middle grade novel, The Crossover . He’s also the founding editor of Versify, an imprint that aims to Change the World One Word at a Time. Visit him at KwameAlexander.com

Why we love it: We adore how Kwame calls out his aim to “change the world one word at a time” along with a handful of his best-known books. Short and sweet!

8. Glynnis Campbell

For deals, steals, and new releases from Glynnis, click FOLLOW on this BookBub page! Glynnis Campbell is a USA Today bestselling author of over two dozen swashbuckling action-adventure historical romances, mostly set in Scotland, and a charter member of The Jewels of Historical Romance — 12 internationally beloved authors. She’s the wife of a rock star and the mother of two young adults, but she’s also been a ballerina, a typographer, a film composer, a piano player, a singer in an all-girl rock band, and a voice in those violent video games you won’t let your kids play. Doing her best writing on cruise ships, in Scottish castles, on her husband’s tour bus, and at home in her sunny southern California garden, Glynnis loves to play medieval matchmaker… transporting readers to a place where the bold heroes have endearing flaws, the women are stronger than they look, the land is lush and untamed, and chivalry is alive and well! Want a FREE BOOK? Sign up for her newsletter at https://www.glynnis.net Tag along on her latest adventures here: Website: https://www.glynnis.net Facebook: bit.ly/GCReadersClan Goodreads: bit.ly/GlynnisGoodreads Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/GlynnisCampbell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GlynnisCampbell Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GlynnisCampbell BOOK LIST: The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch: THE SHIPWRECK A YULETIDE KISS LADY DANGER CAPTIVE HEART KNIGHT’S PRIZE The Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch: THE STORMING A RIVENLOCH CHRISTMAS BRIDE OF FIRE BRIDE OF ICE BRIDE OF MIST The Knights of de Ware: THE HANDFASTING MY CHAMPION MY WARRIOR MY HERO Medieval Outlaws: THE REIVER DANGER’S KISS PASSION’S EXILE DESIRE’S RANSOM Scottish Lasses: THE OUTCAST MacFARLAND’S LASS MacADAM’S LASS MacKENZIE’S LASS California Legends: THE STOWAWAY NATIVE GOLD NATIVE WOLF NATIVE HAWK

Why we love it: Like other authors, Glynnis leads with her bestseller status, but not before making sure readers know to follow her on BookBub! We like how her personality shines through in her all-caps calls to action and that she includes the characteristics of her books in a fun way so readers will know what to expect from her work.

9. Laurelin Paige

Laurelin Paige is the NY Times , Wall Street Journal , and USA Today bestselling author of the Fixed Trilogy . She’s a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching edgy black comedy on Netflix or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio. You can connect with Laurelin on Facebook at facebook.com/LaurelinPaige or on twitter @laurelinpaige. You can also visit her website, laurelinpaige.com , to sign up for emails about new releases. Subscribers also receive a free book from a different bestselling author every month.

Why we love it: We love Laurelin’s bio because she lets her fun personality shine through! She also includes information about a monthly giveaway she runs through her mailing list, which is enticing and unique.

10. Mia Sosa

Mia Sosa is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic comedies. Her books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly , Kirkus Reviews , Booklist , and Library Journal , and have been praised by Cosmopolitan , The Washington Post , Buzzfeed , Entertainment Weekly , and more. Book Riot included her debut, Unbuttoning the CEO , in its list of 100 Must-Read Romantic Comedies, and Booklist recently called her “the new go-to author for fans of sassy and sexy contemporary romances.” A former First Amendment and media lawyer, Mia practiced for more than a decade before trading her suits for loungewear (okay, okay, they’re sweatpants). Now she strives to write fun and flirty stories about imperfect characters finding their perfect match. Mia lives in Maryland with her husband, their two daughters, and an adorable dog that rules them all. For more information about Mia and her books, visit www.miasosa.com .

Why we love it: This is such a well-constructed bio, with a paragraph for each (1) listing accolades and praise from trade reviews, (2) including a blurb about Mia’s overall author brand, (3) describing her previous work experience and how she became an author, and (4) sharing personal information and directing readers to where they could learn more.

11. Aiden Thomas

Aiden Thomas is a trans, Latinx, New York Times Bestselling Author with an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College. Originally from Oakland, California, they now make their home in Portland, OR. Aiden is notorious for not being able to guess the endings of books and movies, and organizes their bookshelves by color. Their books include Cemetery Boys and Lost in the Never Woods .

Why we love it: A well-known advocate of diverse books, Aiden leads with their identity markers to connect right away with readers of similar identities. The rest of their concise bio fits information about their bestseller status, education, location, personality, and popular titles into just a few short sentences!

12. Wayne Stinnett

Wayne Stinnett is an American novelist and Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Between those careers, he’s worked as a deckhand, commercial fisherman, divemaster, taxi driver, construction manager, and over the road truck driver, among many other things. He now lives on a sea island, in the South Carolina Lowcountry, with his wife and youngest daughter. They also have three grown children, five grand children, three dogs and a whole flock of parakeets. Stinnett grew up in Melbourne, Florida and has also lived in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico. His next dream is to one day visit and dive Cuba.

Why we love it: What better way to introduce an author of novels about travel, seafaring, and military adventures than to share his first-hand experiences! By weaving in relevant professional background and a glimpse of his home life by the sea, Wayne demonstrates deep knowledge of his subjects to his readers, as well as connecting with them on a personal level by describing his family and goals for the future.

13. June Hur

June Hur was born in South Korea and raised in Canada, except for the time when she moved back to Korea and attended high school there. She studied History and Literature at the University of Toronto. She began writing her debut novel after obsessing over books about Joseon Korea. When she’s not writing, she can be found wandering through nature or journaling at a coffee shop. June is the bestselling author of The Silence of Bones , The Forest of Stolen Girls , and The Red Palace , and currently lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter.

Why we love it: We love how June includes her background and what inspired her writing. Sharing a story’s origins is a wonderful way to meaningfully connect with readers.

14. Claire Delacroix

Bestselling author Claire Delacroix published her first medieval romance in 1993. Since then, she has published over seventy romance novels and numerous novellas, including time travel romances, contemporary romances and paranormal romances. The Beauty , part of her successful Bride Quest series, was her first book to land on the New York Times list of bestselling books. Claire has written under the name Claire Cross and continues to write as Deborah Cooke as well as Claire Delacroix. Claire makes her home in Canada with her family, a large undisciplined garden and a growing number of incomplete knitting projects. Sign up for Claire’s monthly medieval romance newsletter at: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/622ca9849b7136a9e313df83 Visit Claire’s website to find out more about her books at http://delacroix.net

Why we love it: While Claire has an extensive backlist, she succinctly describes her publishing success and subgenres. She also includes all of her pen names so readers can easily find her, no matter which name they’re looking for.

15. Vanessa Riley

Vanessa Riley writes Historical Fiction and Historical Romance (Georgian, Regency, & Victorian) featuring hidden histories, dazzling multi-culture communities, and strong sisterhoods. She promises to pull heart strings, offer a few laughs, and share tidbits of tantalizing history. This Southern, Irish, Trini (West Indies) girl holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a MS in industrial engineering and engineering management from Stanford University. She also earned a BS and MS in mechanical engineering from Penn State University. Yet, her love of history and lattes have overwhelmed her passion for math, leading to the publication of over 20+ titles. She loves writing on her southern porch with proper caffeine.

Why we love it: Vanessa launches into her bio by sharing the specific time periods she writes in, as well as the diverse characters and emotions her readers can look forward to, appealing directly to her ideal audience . She then shares a bit of personal info, leaving readers with an image of her in her element: writing on a porch while sipping tea.

16. April White

April White has been a film producer, private investigator, bouncer, teacher and screenwriter. She has climbed in the Himalayas, survived a shipwreck, and lived on a gold mine in the Yukon. She and her husband share their home in Southern California with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books. Her first novel, Marking Time , is the 2016 winner of the Library Journal Indie E-Book Award for YA Literature, and her contemporary romantic suspense, Code of Conduct , was a Next Generation Indie Award and RONE Award Finalist. All five books in the Immortal Descendants series are on the Amazon Top 100 lists in Time Travel Romance and Historical Fantasy. More information and her blog can be found at www.aprilwhitebooks.com .

Why we love it: April’s bio is short and sweet, but is packed with interesting information. She was a private investigator and survived a shipwreck? How can you not want to learn more about this author? She also elegantly includes her books’ status and subgenre in the last paragraph, along with a call-to-action for readers to learn more.

17. Julia Quinn

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance, and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code. On December 25, 2020, Netflix premiered Bridgerton , based on her popular series of novels about the Bridgerton family. Find her on the web at www.juliaquinn.com .

Why we love it: Julia takes a unique approach, making her bio more voicey and focused on her interests. Yet she keeps it up to date, including her latest news in the last sentence (above the call-to-action).

18. Rick Mofina

USA Today bestselling author Rick Mofina is a former journalist who has interviewed murderers on death row, flown over L.A. with the LAPD and patrolled with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police near the Arctic. He’s also reported from the Caribbean, Africa and Kuwait’s border with Iraq. His books have been published in nearly 30 countries, including an illegal translation produced in Iran. His work has been praised by James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen, Jeffery Deaver, Sandra Brown, James Rollins, Brad Thor, Nick Stone, David Morrell, Allison Brennan, Heather Graham, Linwood Barclay, Peter Robinson, Håkan Nesser and Kay Hooper. The Crime Writers of Canada, The International Thriller Writers and The Private Eye Writers of America have listed his titles among the best in crime fiction. As a two-time winner of Canada’s Arthur Ellis Award, a four-time Thriller Award finalist and a two-time Shamus Award finalist, the Library Journal calls him, “One of the best thriller writers in the business.” Join Rick Mofina’s newsletter from his website and receive a free eBook! You can also find Rick Mofina’s new exclusive serialized thriller, The Dying Light , by subscribing to Radish Fiction com For more information please visit www.rickmofina.com https://www.facebook.com/rickmofina or follow Rick on Twitter @Rick Mofina

Why we love it: Including Rick’s first-hand experiences as a journalist lends him credibility in his genres of Crime Fiction and Thrillers. He also includes a list of well-known authors who have praised his work, and these endorsements may encourage those authors’ fans to give Rick a try. The free ebook offer effectively sweetens the deal!

19. J.T. Ellison

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A Word on Words . She also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker. With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim, prestigious awards, been optioned for television, and has been published in 28 countries. J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Why we love it: This is a great example of a concise bio suitable for use in any blog or publication. J.T. keeps to just the essential ingredients of a professional author bio: accolades, genres, experience, and a bit of what she’s up to today for a personal touch.

20. James S.A. Corey

James S.A. Corey is the pen name for a collaboration between Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. James is Daniel’s middle name, Corey is Ty’s middle name, and S.A. are Daniel’s daughter’s initials. James’ current project is a series of science fiction novels called The Expanse Series. They are also the authors of Honor Among Thieves: Star Wars (Empire and Rebellion).

Why we love it: We love co-author bios that reveal how the duo came up with their pseudonym as a fun fact for readers! We also like that the reminder of this bio simply points readers straight to their buzziest works.

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Click to tweet: If you’re writing your author bio, these examples are so helpful! #writetip #pubtip http://bit.ly/1OSBcDO

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This post was originally published on October 15 2015 and has been updated with new examples and a PDF checklist!

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20 Short Bio Examples to Use for Inspiration

By Carla Deña
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Are you looking for short biography examples to inspire you as you create your own? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll count down 20 short bio examples that make an impact and introduce the person the best way possible. Let these pieces guide you as you write a bio that highlights your best skills and achievements and makes a great first impression.

Short Professional Bio 101

But before we look at short bio examples, let’s review the basics of creating a bio. Typically, bios are used for websites, social media accounts, or other professional documents. Similarly, it’s also typically a part of writing a resume or writing a pitch .

If you’re planning to Google “sample of biography about myself” and copy and paste the first template you find, then you’re doing it wrong. This document should be unique and personal. In the same vein, you must also customize it according to a purpose. So, it’s vital to avoid generic sample professional bio templates at all cost.

Most of the time, short biographies are best suited for websites. Just as with website copywriting and creating any other document for online consumption, readers best absorb a website bio if it’s short and sweet.

Generally, a short bio is limited to three to five short paragraphs or even less, if possible. One type of short biographies is called a micro-bio, which only includes up to three sentences. Social media accounts typically use micro-bios.

20 Short Bio Examples

Here are creative, short bio examples we found on the website and social media accounts. The list is divided into three sections: professional, creative, and funny.

Short Professional Bio Examples

1. mitch albom.

This bio from the website of best-selling author, journalist, and broadcaster, Mitch Albom, is the first of our short creative bio examples. Even if the bio is relatively short, it tells the readers just how impressive Albom is in his field.

2. Padma Lakshmi

The Top Chef host’s bio is four paragraphs long. Out of all the many hats she wears, however, the piece describes her as a “food expert, model, actress and best-selling author.” In the same vein, it showcases her most important awards in the first few sentences.

3. Gabby Bernstein

The life coach and author’s About page features a short intro: “Meet Gabby, #1 New York Times Best Selling Author, International Speaker, and Spirit Junkie.” Below is a longer piece about Gabby and her journey to where she is now.

4. Massy Arias

The Certified Personal Trainer’s bio is exactly only 51 words long. Consequently, she complements this short bio with another section that explains her mission to lead people to a healthier lifestyle.

5. Paula McLain

McLain’s bio showcases her New York Times bestselling novels right from the start, namely The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun. In the same way, it mentions her latest novel, Love and Ruin, subtly implying that it could also be a bestseller.

6. Tara Stiles

The New York City-based model turned yoga instructor has a short bio that summarizes her expertise in wellness practices. It also mentions the Strala Yoga founder’s bestselling book.

7. James Patterson

Readers know this American author for several novel series, as mentioned in the first few sentences of his bio. Aside from that, it also highlights his collaborations with former US President Bill Clinton and the Albert Einstein Estate.

8. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

This piece from the British Royal website shows how to write a concise bio without losing an ounce of elegance. The piece states when Duchess became a member of the Royal Family as well as the children she gave birth to, including the future king of the monarchy. Sections about his advocacies follow the bio.

9. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Similar to the bio of Duchess Catherine, Meghan’s bio on the Royal website mentions the year she became part of the monarchy. It also states her date of birth and the name of her parents. The short bio precedes sections about her education, career and charities.

10. Dan Brown

Dan Brown’s may be brief, but it’s far from being short on achievements. Not only does it mention his bestselling novels, but it also states his background, including how he became fascinated by science and religion.

11. Adriene Mishler

If you think you can’t create a great bio with less than 70 words, then check out this piece about Adriene Mishler. The bio highlights the yoga teacher’s achievements and the vastness of her community.

12. Mark Ruffalo

The actor’s Twitter micro-bio summarizes his most important roles in life: husband, father, actor, director, and a climate change advocate.

Creative Bio Examples

13. tim ferriss.

The author podcaster’s About page is creative and unique. He offers a short version of 110 words. And right below it is the “long-winded version” with details about his career, education, and experience.

14. Katie Wells (Wellness Mama)

Katie Wells is the blogger behind Wellness Mama, which aims to provide answers for healthier families. The lines in the bio include, “Katie Wells… wants to live in a world where laundry folds itself, moms get to wear the superhero costumes they’ve already earned…”

15. Lindsay (Pinch of Yum)

Lindsay of Pinch of Yum has a creative bio even if the word count is limited to 28. Furthermore, she made the bio personal by mentioning her favorite things: “camera, lake days, and dark chocolate.”

16. Ali (Gimme Some Oven)

Ali of Gimme Some Oven features a short, 25-word bio that starts with “My favorite thing in life is time spent around the table.” Indeed, the line aptly summarizes what the blog is all about.

17. Bobby Flay

If most celebrity chefs’ bios offer a boring enumeration of the restaurants they’ve handled, then Bobby Flay’s bio was made to stand out. The first line is quite warm and personal: “Food is the epicenter of my life – what inspires me every day.”

Funny Personal Bio Examples

18. trevor noah.

The bio of the South African comedian is as funny as his commentaries. The description says, “I was in the crowd when Rafiki held Simba over the edge of the cliff, like an African Michael Jackson.”

19. Ellen DeGeneres

Similarly, this TV host’s Twitter bio also banks on humor. She introduces herself as, “Comedian, talk show host and ice road trucker. My tweets are real, and they’re spectacular.”

20. Thomas Frank (College Info Geek)

Indeed, funny biographies don’t only grace the description sections of Twitter accounts. In particular, Thomas Frank of College Info Geek does a great job at this. Instead of putting a generic intro heading such as “About” or “Bio,” he used the headline, “Just Who The Heck Are You, Dude?”

Whether you go for a professional, creative, or funny bio, make sure that it reflects who you are and what you have to offer. Keep these in mind when you write short bio examples yourself. Remember, the goal is to create a piece that will make a good impression and allow you to put your best foot forward. Good luck!

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211+ Best Instagram Bios For Journalists [2024]

If you're looking to up your Instagram game, it's imperative that you have a great Instagram bio.

Your Instagram bio is the first thing your followers will see - it should be unique and tell users exactly what you do and who you are.

We understand how difficult it can be to craft a compelling Instagram bio, which is why we curated a list of the best freelance journalist Instagram bios.

Additionally, we provide you with examples of the best freelance journalist bios on Instagram and a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Looking to generate your own bio? Check out our free Instagram bio generator here .

Creative Journalist Instagram Bios

We are true to our profession.
Don't oppose mass surveillance for your own sake. Oppose it for the activists, lawyers, journalists, and all of the other people our liberty relies on.
No custodian of the truth should have to fear their deliverance of the facts.
Personal communicative skill is my strength as a journalist.
I roll into the Land of Lightning with a honey bear under my arm and a storm at my heels.
anybody worth a shit gets fired from those places.
A cynical, mercenary, demagogic press will produce in time a people as base as itself.
I became a journalist because I did not want to rely on newspapers for information.
Truthful and thorough reporting of an incident is my responsibility.
Journalism justifies its own existence by the great Darwinian principle of the survival of the vulgarest.
New forms of reporting are always under our study.
I'm sure it's all journalism It means it's true enough for now.
Journalism is printing something that someone does not want printing. Everything else is public relations.
Factual reporting is all too often propaganda designed to provoke certain reactions from the masses.
Journalism is the art of coming too late as early as possible. I’ll never master that.
The trouble with free speech is that it insists on living up to its name.
I'm a professional journalist. Making up lies to fit the facts - it's what we do.
Let's be honest about journalists: We find a lot of ways of being wrong.
We work hard for our entire life in order to bring out the truth to the public.
Freedom of expression is a basic expression of freedom.
The pen has always been mightier than the sword but sadly in today's journalism, the ink is sponsored.
You have to get up pretty early in the morning to invent the news.
There is nothing to fear except the persistent refusal to find out the truth.
But while a photograph may tell a thousand words, it doesn't tell the full story.
I create real art through my articles.
A good journalist must be neutral.
Journalism is all about collecting interesting information and presenting them more interestingly.
I investigate, collect and present information as a news story.
Sometimes, it is not you who finds good ideas when you are seeking them. Instead, good ideas find you in the most unexpected circumstances.
It was breathtaking. It felt like being inside the beating heart of that pulsating, exotic nation.
I am a proud newsmaker.
We are led to believe that we are in a democracy with a free press. When the evidence shows that we have neither. We're in a very serious situation.
The relationship between a journalist and their source is often complex.
You cannot put yours and yourself in danger just to overcome your fear.
Journalism is a platform and forum for the truth.
The pen had been mightier than the sword but then the tongue took over.
Journalism is all about headlines and deadlines.
Enlighten the people, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.
All things must be examined, debated, investigated without exception and without regard for anyone's feelings.
Journalists must uphold democracy; they are its fourth and last pillar.
If the one who is to get us the news is in chains, the news may get to us but with chains!

Cute Journalist Instagram Bios

Truth is important to us at any cost.
The future of journalism is in all of us.
Fearlessness can be its own form of power.
Journalism, look you, is the religion of modern society.
Journalists from the future would appear as history was made. He got nervous as a crowd of them filmed his blind date from outside the cafe.
Better a good journalist than a poor assassin.
We give you information – you have to judge how good that is.
It's not the news that makes the newspaper, but the newspaper that makes the news.
You can’t define journalism in a few words – it’s actually the blend of several professions.
Journalism, like English, is about the pursuit of truth in storytelling, not presenting information with the absence of judgment.
Sourcing the correct information is our task to do.
Only when the media shines a spotlight can people know and decide whether to act.
You bury your lede in a hail of bullets, and no one will care enough to dig it up.
We know the link between media and the public.
When journalists are 'accused' of being 'advocates', that means: challenging and deviating from DC orthodoxies.
I understand what can be interesting for the people.
I'm an unabashed elitist. Everyone needs a good editor, and there is peril in worshiping amateurism and the unedited in science, art, and journalism.
I've always been fascinated by the weather.
We read obsessively, write furiously and edit carefully!
Journalism can be lethal.
Interviewing various celebrities is an interesting part of my profession.
Magazines all too frequently lead to books and should be regarded by the prudent as the heavy petting of literature.
I think I know what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.
There is no room for discussing a creed, and mine is the freedom of the press.
We don’t live by words alone, we sustain through them.
I’m very much happy with my job role.
The history of GDR journalism is a story of partisanship.
It is not the job of the media to try to skew events but to report on events honestly. Anything else is journalistic malpractice.
Journalists don’t collect news – they are powered to create news from mundane matters!
Believe nothing until it has been officially denied.
You want to evaluate musical art on its own terms, first. It is only when you have a solid grasp of that, that you can start to speculate.
I became a journalist to come close as possible to the matters of the world.
What matters is the information, not what you think about it.
The power to mold the future of the Republic will be in the hands of the journalists of future generations.
The rules were clear then. If you once crossed the line from journalism into partisan politics, you could not return. They were them and we were us.
If you're not pitching, stop bitching.
We are storytellers.
Democracy is safe in the hands of journalists.
The image of the journalist as a wallflower at the orgy has been replaced by the journalist as the life of the party.

Cool Journalist Instagram Bios

I want to be a journalist again. I want to make a difference in the world.
Our understanding of what is really newsworthy is a misunderstanding.
Journalism is an act of faith in the future.
As a successful journalist, I have to be well aware of the changes in media technologies.
It’s the great flaw of journalism. The more something happens, the less newsworthy it is.
Here we are in the century of information, that is to say, the unformed. Every kind of literature will be journalistic, with science for ballast.
As a journalist, I am never afraid of exposing the truth.
Most journalists are impatient to get their legwork done and to start the actual writing.
The cleverly expressed opposite of any generally accepted idea is worth a fortune to somebody.
News is only the first rough draft of history.
Quit your bitching, if you're not pitching.
Since they dared, I too will dare.
Improving technology will continue to allow working journalists to be more efficient and to take on more assignments.
We come up with well-researched stories on political topics.
Newspapers, of course, need both news and fanfare. A blending of gossip and truth.
We think there’s nothing off-limits.
The journalist must strive to find out what is going on and tell it, not neuter the truth in the name of equal time.
The Times is a paper which is seldom found in any hands but those of the highly educated.
Journalism is not a precise science, it's a crude art.
I can influence and persuade through my works.
Everything you read in the newspapers is absolutely true except for the rare story of which you happen to have firsthand knowledge.
It's great being a journalist because our office is the world.
It’s the press, sister dear. They can print whatever they’d like, but that doesn’t make it the truth.
The false promise of objectivity in journalism reinforces white supremacy.
I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.
We work for the interest and benefit of the public.
The truth will set you free, Jeff, whether it saves you or not.
Myth is much more important and true than history. History is just journalism and you know how reliable that is.
Make journalism the vanguard of information.
All photos speak a thousand words. This one contained a library.
Journalism is literature in a hurry.
Equal time is not necessary when dealing with evil. Nazis do not merit equal or fair treatment.
Journalism never admits that nothing wrong is ever happening.
More and more people are saying no to government lies, corporate greed, and slavish media.
It is not a commercial success but originality and proof of autonomy that are admired.
Journalism taught me the ways to fight for the truth.
Modern current affairs journalism is a diabolical slurry of political corruption and the flimsy whims of narcissistic millennials.
Journalism is printing the truth what someone else hasn’t printed yet.
Ah well, to the journalist every country is rich.
If you don't hit a newspaper reader between the eyes with your first sentence, there is no need of writing a second one.
neutrality only helps the oppressor, never the victim. And I think you can apply that to journalism.
Everything is in the way the material is composed.

Unique Journalist Instagram Bios

Truth and absolute truth is what I excel at.
It is in the combination of words and visuals that the magic of understanding often happens.
Effective and ethical journalism is destroyed when journalists aspire to become celebrities and when celebrities aspire to be journalists.
Journalism can’t be done from the comfort of the office room.
Journalists often work long hours without much financial reward.
In addition to curiosity and a passion for innovation, the most successful journalists are also knowledgeable, creative, and open-minded.
Only two professions allow you to know it all – creative writing and journalism.
Gone are the days when media reported now they are reported.
I think journalism gets measured by the quality of information it presents, not the drama or the pyrotechnics associated with us.
Journalism is all about putting efforts into presenting a simple incident in the most interesting way.
Free and independent media underpin any vibrant democracy.
The act of speaking out makes you alone.
Journalism is exciting and I love this adventure.
Reporters trade in pain. It sells papers. Everyone knows that.
Words matter! Facts matter! Truths matter!
Journalism is sometimes straining – both mentally and psychologically.
I’m assigned to a specific area of coverage.
Achieving the right balance is all part of programming a news magazine.
Journalism is interesting – you just have to find the right ways to inspire interest among your audience.
Nothing happens till a Great Man says it happened.
If it's not written, it never happened. If it is written, it doesn't matter what happened.
Yes, I agree that journalism requires courage.
Uncertainty is as good a way as any to kill a story.
Journalism delivers news, but not necessarily relevance.
Les secrets rendent le desir encore plus fou.
Sadly, the news media has largely become propaganda, not journalism. Journalists tell, not sell.
I was a journalist and I liked to watch. I was in awe.
For the love: a poet. For romance: a journalist.
They were the paper of record, which meant they were in the business of protecting the system.
Journalism is all about flawless interpretation of an incident.
Unanimity makes me itchy. It almost always hides a grave. I started digging.
Digital media has opened a new front for journalists.
I observe – I study – I create – I follow.
The essence of our industry is to be able to present something to somebody in the most concise form and in the quickest way possible.
The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.
It’s true that journalism in reality is not the journalism that we learned in the university. It is far from it.
It is very much satisfying on providing information to others.
Journalists should be watchdogs, not lapdogs.
The job of a journalist is to amplify the voices of the marginalized. To do that, you have to hear those voices in the first place.
Journalism and popular fiction have merged, and the graphic and the plausible have become an end in themselves.
Progress occurs where truths are questioned.
The world is changing fast – journalists are changing as well.
War correspondents share something with soldiers; when they opt for this profession they know the dangers.
I always make sure to keep the trust and faith of the people.

Funny Journalist Instagram Bios

A journalist never sleeps!
An editor is someone who is paid to tell a writer what she thinks about how he wrote what he thinks about.
There are no mathematical equations for good citizenship.
History always misrepresents the past, just as journalism always misrepresents the present.
The media, like anything else, can be bought. Everything, it seems, has its price. Even the free press.
It's easy to explain why you like something. But love? That's tricky. That's a story, not a sentence.
We are not so very high-paid professionals - at least not in the beginning.
Manipulating the media is akin to poisoning a nation’s water supply – it affects all of our lives in unimaginable ways.
I have to be a good communicator in order to be successful as a journalist.
We often expose ourselves to danger, particularly when reporting.
I realize that I am not a journalist. So anything I say is not important.
I write nothing but pure truth.
As a journalist, I am entitled to find out the truth behind every incident.
Elusion and problems are essential hazards of journalism.
You're miserable, edgy, and tired. You're in the perfect mood for journalism.
I chose my profession to let you know the truth and reality.
We journalists make it a point to know very little about an extremely wide variety of topics; this is how we stay objective.
I am a flexible person – my profession demands flexibility.
I wanted to become a writer – later I realized the importance of writing truth and thus became a journalist.
I don’t discriminate among news – I serve the best dish with the simplest of the ingredients.
I tried to make my body as heavy as possible as I lay there on the frozen river.
As touchy as cabaret performers and as stubborn as factory machinists.
Journalism can kill us, but it’ll keep us alive when we’re at it.
An exciting and rapidly evolving field, this field has a lot to offer recent grads.
We are the protectors of the democratic public rule.
Authentic journalism is telling people something that the government doesn't want them to know.
journalism, the job of telling the stories power and money do not want to be told, of giving a voice to the voiceless, does not exist.
A free press doesn't mean it's not a tame press.
I don't think a tough question is disrespectful.
Having a free press doesn’t mean anyone cares.
You still need to be able to write, and to have a habit of writing - and if you can do this creatively, so much the better.
It was electric. It was journalism. And it was spectacular. We were all in.
Journalists need experts as badly as experts need journalists.
By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, journalism keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community.
When words lose their meaning and their capacity to bind those who use them, neither democracy nor the rule of law can long survive.
Reporting is not easy – you have to have the guts to report the truth.
If it’s true that nothing is more potent than an idea, then those who control the media can direct minds en masse.
I am well aware of modern media trends – that’s helpful in making my career successful.
We research, write and report – that’s our job.
I am here to tell you interesting stories backed with proper information.
I travel to collect news – I travel to create stories.
The truth is usually somewhere in the gray turbulent eddies set in motion by the mixture of black and white.
The only objective of journalism is that nothing happened.
Fighting for truth is not a sentimental act based on emotion but an act of courage based on clarity.
I can express the truth in the most attractive way.
Journalism largely consists in saying Lord Jones is dead to people who never knew Lord Jones was alive.

Learn more about starting a freelance journalist :

Where to start?

-> How much does it cost to start a freelance journalist? -> Pros and cons of a freelance journalist

Need inspiration?

-> Marketing ideas for a freelance journalist

Other resources

4-Step Guide: How To Create The Perfect Instagram Bio For Your Business

Instagram gives you 150 characters to tell your followers what your business is about.

This is where you are given the opportunity to summarize your company, engage your audience, and leave a great first impression.

We will break down the qualities and aspects of Later's Instagram bio, as a template for you to use.

Step 1: Highlight Exactly What You Do

Your Instagram bio should be a place where you tell your readers exactly who you are.

This should be brief, clear, and to the point. Explain what makes you unique and what you can do for your audience.

In the Later example, they do this in two different ways:

In their profile name, they showcase their company name with a clear description of what they do
They provide even more explanation and boost their brand up, saying they are the #1 marketing platform for Instagram

Step 2: Pitch Your Service [And Use Relevant Keywords]

While it's important to explain what type of company you are, it's also critical to pitch your product or service.

When creating a website, this is often the first thing people see on your site to really understand what you are offering and what makes you stand out from the rest.

Later does this using one line on their bio, and 8 relevant keywords:

Step 3: Provide A Clear Call To Action

Your call to action should be something you are encouraging your audience to do.

This could be in the form of a recent promotion you are offering, a link to a specific article you want eyes on, or just a way for users to get directed to your website.

In any case, you should always provide the user with easy access to whatever it is you'd like them to do. You can do this by providing a direct, embedded link on your bio.

For the Later example, they encourage users to check out their blog where they showcase tips and guides. This is a common strategy that brands use to get more traffic to their blog, and eventually, turn leads into customers.

Step 4: Use Emojis

Lastly, emojis are a great way to break up any text-heavy sections in your Instagram bio.

Be sure to use emojis that are relevant to your brand or to highlight the items you are discussing in your bio.

Later adds emojis to draw the readers eyes to certain aspects of their bio, such as what they do and their call to action:

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The Journalist Biography in an Age of Crisis

Nicholas Kristof started his journalism career as a teen-age reporter for the News-Register , an Oregon county newspaper where he was paid twenty-five cents a column inch. He spent his pocket money on books about how to turn that gig into a career: a textbook on news editing, “ The Best of Life ,” accounts of White House reporters and foreign correspondents. The latter was particularly fascinating to him; the books claimed that foreign correspondents had “the authority and expense account to jump on a plane and go wherever they think best,” Kristof recalls in his new autobiography, “ Chasing Hope: A Reporter’s Life .” But how could he join their ranks? He went back to look for clues. “One book noted that some of them are Rhodes Scholars; I decided I had better be a Rhodes Scholar.” So he became one, and went to Oxford after graduating from Harvard, in 1981. On breaks between terms, he sent himself on assignments to Eastern Europe and West Africa, racking up freelance clips that helped him get hired, at the age of twenty-five, by the New York Times , where he would spend most of his career.

Though Kristof’s story is one of singular—at times nauseating—meritocratic prowess, his impulse to study his predecessors’ paths is not unusual. Journalism is a relatively young profession whose norms have changed constantly; journalism schools started only in the early twentieth century, and many practitioners never formally study the craft. I’m no exception, as I was reminded when I read two new books about the lives of illustrious journalists: Kristof’s memoir and “ The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters ,” by Susan Page, a D.C.-based journalist. Old habits insisted that there was something to learn from careers as disparate as those of Walters, who dominated what her biographer calls the “big TV interview”—her sitdown with Monica Lewinsky, in 1999, was watched by some seventy million Americans—and Kristof, who pioneered the modern human-rights beat and embodied an idealistic, internationalist early-millennium Zeitgeist. Each was indisputably great at their job, but their sensibilities are polar opposites. Walters championed an enduring mashup of facts and entertainment which brought personal and sentimental elements into the fold of news. Kristof, meanwhile, admits that he views journalism “not just as a technical craft but as one with an ethical mission: a better world,” and he pushed the profession’s norms with an activist’s zeal.

Although the contents of both books can be reasonably called current events, they also read like history. Walters died in 2022, but her career milestones are already blurry; when she retired from “The View,” the talk show she co-created, in 2014, so many female correspondents had already followed her example that there was a “high-heeled traffic jam” to honor her. It’s no longer remarkable to be a woman journalist, or unusual for journalists to have an activist bent. But it is, increasingly, somewhat incredible to be a journalist at all. During a particularly despairing moment for the field, how should we read these exemplary careers?

Kristof’s early life was largely one of virtue rewarded: before Harvard and Oxford, he sailed through public school in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where he also worked on his family’s sheep farm and cherry orchard. Although Kristof’s Oregon classmates were mostly white and working class, his father came from a noble Armenian family and fled Iron Curtain Romania, eventually becoming a political scientist in the U.S. Kristof’s parents, both university professors, co-founded a chapter of Amnesty International, and their dining table was “cluttered with appeals for political prisoners around the world.” As an aspiring reporter in this cosmopolitan household, Kristof was entrepreneurial from the start. He broke into a local newspaper at age fourteen by covering a field trip to Seattle, which occasions one of his few admissions of impure motivation: “the ego thrill of the byline.” When that publication went bust, he and his classmates started mailing out his high school’s paper to neighbors. After a brief interlude at Harvard’s student newspaper, Kristof spent his early twenties reporting on conflicts in Ghana, Sudan, and Poland, for outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post , sometimes through exigent means, like getting American tourists leaving Warsaw to smuggle handwritten stories to editors. If he faced any of the typical obstacles of the early-career journalist—pitching editors, reporting in a foreign language, competing with more established journalists—we don’t hear about them.

Kristof landed at the Times in 1984, as a business reporter—though he didn’t yet know what the Nasdaq was. He was rapidly promoted and became the paper’s youngest national correspondent, in L.A., and then its youngest foreign correspondent, in Hong Kong, at twenty-seven. Kristof recalls it as the “golden age of foreign correspondence.” The Times flew him business class, paid for a six-bedroom apartment, gave him a company credit card, and floated “intimations that expense accounts were not closely monitored.” At twenty-eight, he was tapped for Beijing bureau chief, which he made an even better deal by negotiating a role for his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, as the second Times China correspondent. Arthur (Punch) Sulzberger , part of the family that owns the paper, personally intervened to help her get accredited—one of many details from these years that follows the logic of a fairy tale.

How would Kristof return this astounding investment in human capital? He turned thirty in April, 1989, during the student protests in Tiananmen Square . He and WuDunn covered them around the clock and were there when the Chinese government declared martial law, and Kristof raced to the scene on June 3rd, when the Army opened fire on thousands of civilians. “In the midst of a massacre,” he writes blithely, “I had found my place.” In 1990, Kristof and WuDunn became the first married couple to win a Pulitzer. Kristof’s rise was dizzying, but his sense of his own life is too picaresque to convey what it felt like.

That same year, he fatefully encountered a study estimating that thirty-nine thousand infant girls died in China each year because they weren’t given the same food or health care as boys. It was a watershed. “The number of girls who died of gender discrimination every month was far greater than the number of people killed in the Tiananmen crackdown,” Kristof writes. “Yet . . . I hadn’t written a single column inch about these girls.” He mobilized this guilt in his subsequent role as Tokyo bureau chief, a staid posting that he disrupted by assigning himself to cover grittier stories, farther afield, such as sex trafficking in Cambodia and the Congo civil war. In the process, he formulated his signature journalistic posture: explicitly engagé , and focussed on intractable social issues, not just sexy headline events. It helped, when developing this beat, that the news business wasn’t yet beholden to readership metrics. There was no way to know, Kristof writes, which stories people actually read, unlike today, when we “know just how much better a story about Meghan Markle will do than one about famine in Somalia.”

He returned to the U.S., and a changing industry, in 1999. Gone were the lavish expense accounts; news organizations were being pressured to squeeze out more shareholder value as the Internet collapsed advertising revenue. Kristof became ensconced as a Times opinion columnist in late 2001, and used his inaugural pieces to report from Iraq and Afghanistan in the lead-up to, and early days of, the forever wars. But pretty soon, like other globally minded liberals of the era, he shifted his attention to places where the U.S. military had fewer interests and leaned into his niche in global health and development. His classic body of reporting from the late nineties and early two-thousands dovetailed with a heyday of development economics— Amartya Sen ’s “ Development as Freedom ” was published in 1999—and an era of technocratic optimism that, if we diligently applied the resources of the rich world, many problems in the developing world could be solved.

Kristof’s role in this panorama was spotlighting issues most people hadn’t even heard of, such as diarrhea from contaminated water, which killed more than three million children a year. (Kristof writes that his reporting on the subject reached Bill and Melinda Gates, who have donated millions to the cause.) His broader theories can be somewhat banal—“I came to think that the two crucial factors for development are mass education and good governance and leadership”—but he’s at the height of his powers on subjects like child malnutrition. Even his retelling in the book is striking: “Children dying of starvation are eerily quiet. They are in enormous pain but they don’t cry. Their hair has fallen out, they have sticks for limbs, they suffer painful skin rashes, yet they are almost completely passive. . . . [The body] doesn’t waste energy on tears.”

After a decade as the world’s most famous journalist on the development beat, Kristof’s brand started to plateau. His readers may have changed, too. The idealism of the early millennium petered out in the Trump years, the recounting of which also introduces a sneering register to Kristof’s narration. In 2021, he left the Times to run for governor of Oregon and “quickly became the state’s first Democratic candidate to raise $1 million, in just a month.” But the campaign ended anticlimactically when he was disqualified because of residency requirements, and the paper welcomed him back in 2022: somewhat the prodigal son, but still “the quintessential trusted voice.” His idealistic world view does not seem fundamentally dented. You can see how his life story came to be narrated with chapter titles like “Covering Genocide and Poverty Left Me an Optimist.”

It wasn’t idealism but raw determination that propelled Barbara Walters to the forefront of her field. “She interviewed a wider range and a larger number of the world’s political leaders than anyone else, before or since, giving Americans a personal introduction even to despots and dictators,” Page, her biographer, writes. The book’s opening anecdote revolves around the forty-six-year-old Walters getting a record-setting salary of a million dollars a year from ABC, in 1976. Page draws attention to a derisive comment from a senator who lamented how “this little girl” was making five times more than the President. Even if you don’t scale that figure—some $5.5 million today—Page’s note of indignation rings a little false. Then again, the often-mercenary Walters was never easy to cheer for, even as she careened through glass ceilings in real time.

The brand of infotainment that Walters pioneered succeeded the dispassionate broadcasts of Walter Cronkite and dominated what Page calls the “golden age of television journalism.” Walters likely would have found a way to hack whatever objective most counted for success in any era: page views, clicks, scoops. In mid-century broadcast news, it was big-name interviews, and she raised the art of getting them “to a contact sport.” Walters had a sixth sense for sound bites, as when she got Richard Nixon to say that he “probably should have” burned the Watergate tapes, or Monica Lewinsky to admit she had experienced sexual pleasure. She prepared for these by writing out dozens of questions on index cards, and she booked many of her high-profile guests herself.

Walters was born in September, 1929, and grew up during the Great Depression shuttling between Massachusetts, New York, and Florida, where gangsters like Al Capone patronized her father’s night club. In 1955, she was hired as a writer at “The Morning Show” on CBS—“mostly,” per one of the producers, “because she had a darling ass.” Though women were undermined and sidelined in the newsroom, Walters pushed for on-air assignments and revealed her skill at getting tragedy victims to talk on live television. In 1961, she was hired to help produce the much bigger “Today” show on a thirteen-week contract, and stuck around for more than a decade. A producer flatly told her that she didn’t have the “right looks” to be on the air, and her “easy-to-mock lisp had resisted the corrective efforts of voice coaches,” per Page. Nevertheless, Walters “badger[ed] everyone half to death” to get on air covering stories like Jackie Kennedy’s tour of South Asia. A couple of years later, she beat out more glamorous candidates to become a full-time “Today” anchor.

Walters herself has narrated these heady years in a memoir, “ Audition ,” from 2008, and Page doesn’t dramatically enrich that self-portrait in her workaday third-person account. Seemingly through sheer force of will, Walters expanded her remit beyond what one executive called “girl-type subjects” to harder news. And a spot of luck, when a male colleague died in 1974, got her promoted to co-host on “Today”—making her the only woman to co-host any network-news program. Suddenly, she was such hot talent that ABC wanted to poach her; her eventual first day there was such a milestone that President Gerald Ford telegrammed his congratulations.

“None dare call it show biz,” Time wrote, warning that the “new and less hard-newsy combination of interviews, news-you-can-use features and ad libbing is being watched closely by CBS and NBC.” This was the pre-cable age, when some forty million Americans tuned in for the evening news on the three big networks. After a rough start, Walters played fast and loose to court big names. “I love to flirt and be flirted with,” she admitted in a 1970 book—“an approach that made some more traditional female journalists cringe,” per Page. Feminine wiles aside, there were also long hours (she described her work as a “five to nine” job), extensive correspondence (writing to John Lennon’s killer for a decade until he agreed to an interview), subterfuge (swiping interviews from rivals, especially her younger colleague Diane Sawyer), gimmicks (hiding in the bathroom of Camp David), and literal athleticism (crossing a Cairo airport “like a football player going into the play” to join Walter Cronkite in Anwar Sadat’s plane). Walters steadily expanded her Fifth Avenue apartment’s “Wall of Radicals” with mementos from interviews with the likes of Yasir Arafat and Fidel Castro. Her 2011 sitdown with the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad , won after years of networking and resulting in a minor favor-trading scandal, was praised by the stodgy foreign-policy press, and her interview with Lewinsky was dissected in the American Bar Association Journal as a case study in effective questioning.

In 1965, Gloria Steinem wrote that “the shift from the old ‘Today Girl’—who was usually a coffee-server and amiable lightweight—to Barbara Walters is the television industry’s change of attitude in microcosm.” But Walters was, as Page writes, “determined to win the game, not change its rules.” Walters once remarked, “I think that a little of a woman goes a long way on television . . . our voices are different and can easily become tiresome.” And she declined to join a gender-discrimination lawsuit initiated by female colleagues at NBC. (A contemporary remembered that Walters “occasionally chipped in for fundraisers for the litigation, but she largely kept her distance when it mattered.”) Page’s biography argues, somewhat artlessly, that Walters nevertheless advanced women’s prospects in the workplace by example. It remains sobering to clock the sexism that she put up with, like a provision demanded by her “Today” colleague that he could “ask the first three questions without interruption during remote interviews from Washington” before Walters was allowed to speak. In the nineties, an ABC executive remarked that Walters’s career was almost over, because “nobody wants to see a woman over sixty on television.” She soon had the idea for a panel show featuring women from different generations. “The View” premièred in 1997, and Walters hosted it until she was eighty-four.

Both of these books invoke a lost “golden age,” whether of foreign correspondence or TV news. For most journalists today, hardened by precarity, the lives of Kristof and Walters likely seem as distant as the Bronze Age, and the elements of their careers—million-dollar salaries, elaborate schemes to get quotes from dictators, cloying declarations of admiration for their employers—like shards of ancient pottery. You could try to reconstruct their careers, but to what end? It hardly bears repeating that both journalism and media today are much changed, even existentially challenged. Yet I was surprised to feel, after several hundred pages tracking the vertiginous ascents of both Walters and Kristof, a creeping sense of relief: thank God we have other sources of news today. Their era of vast expense budgets and network-executive wars was also the era of torturous gatekeeping; it’s no surprise that one wunderkind was handed such enormous resources, or that a network’s few female correspondents were encouraged to fight to the death. Today, far more people can practice journalism—can record and convey factual information—than when either Walters or Kristof got their starts. Although the field’s jobs and gigs are in a sorry state, I hope we don’t call time on the profession right when it’s opening up to so many new voices. Women today can look back on the sexism of Walters’s era as dated and, often, illegal; Kristof writes that his wife was the first Chinese American reporter at the Times , indicating just how homogenous newsrooms were in the recent past.

Walters once wrote, “No matter how high my profile became, how many awards I received, or how much money I made, my fear was that it all could be taken away from me”—a broadly relatable sentiment today, when the scarcity and uncertainty once imposed on women is now imposed on just about everyone. The journalistic careers of the twenty-first century will probably be more like patchworks than the long, continuous arcs of the twentieth: funded by other income streams and other jobs; increasingly reliant on grants; with freelance as a rule, not a way station. (Again, I’m no exception.) Those who manage to endure the field’s long, difficult growing pains will have substantive legacies to advance, such as Kristof’s powerful evangelism for covering global health or even Walters’s mercenary pursuit of talking heads, which seems freshly relevant in the age of the no-news Presidency . From where I stand, the traits that once made Kristof and Walters soar—doggedness, enterprise, ingenuity—are widely distributed among those who have stuck it out this far; everyone now works “five to nine,” everyone who has survived layoffs has the courage once demanded of a select few. Anyone reading these books didactically can take heart that they already have what it takes. ♦

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Journalist Portfolio Examples

This page showcases some of the best examples of journalist portfolio website examples. get ideas and inspiration for your own portfolio..

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Freelance journalist/journalism student.

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I'm an Undergraduate student at High Point University, studying English with a minor in Advertising, Public Relations, and Strategic Communications. This is just where I keep all of my work, …

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Do journalists need a portfolio.

A portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and abilities to potential employers. It is a collection of your best work that demonstrates your writing style, reporting techniques, and knowledge of the subject matter. You can use this to show potential employers that you have the skills and experience necessary to be a successful journalist. It also helps you to stand out and gives you more control over your content and brand.

What should be included in a journalism portfolio?

A journalism portfolio should contain a variety of work samples that demonstrate a journalist’s writing and reporting skills. Examples could include published articles, opinion pieces, investigative stories, or multimedia content. The portfolio should also outline your experiences, such as the types of publications you have contributed to, a bio, your resume and any other relevant credentials.

What is a writing portfolio?

An online writing portfolio is a digital space where writers can showcase their writing skills and experiences by displaying samples of their work. This can include samples of published articles, blog posts, creative writing, professional copywriting, and more. An online writing portfolio can help writers to attract new clients, showcase their writing abilities, and prove their expertise.

Tips and advice for portfolio builders from our blog..

Jamie Mendes

How to succeed as a freelance journalist in the fake news era.

Robyn Petrik

Our favourite online portfolios by journalists.

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7 Different Ways to Write a Great Biography

Ever considered writing a biography? Individual decisions and circumstances shape life stories, but so do biographers. By adapting set patterns, writers determine public opinion of their subject’s lives. Draw inspiration for a future project from this roundup of common approaches.

Journalists and media outlets love biographies, particularly when relatives or academics dispute the most controversial claims.

Some of the favorite topics are instantly familiar: Napoleon’s downfall, Churchill’s leadership, Diana’s letters and her lovers, Sylvia Plath’s relationship with Ted Hughes, the genius of Steve Jobs, and Alan Turing’s sexuality. Each worthy of separate, in-depth discussion. Each a delicate balance between sensationalism and historical interest.

Of course, the trademark combination of gossip and mythmaking has given biography a bad reputation. For some, it seems too much like rummaging through the paper bin, looking for someone’s bank statements or the shreds of a discarded missive.

Or else it seems like a dubious exercise in trying to draw life lessons from someone else’s fame and success, which might have been coincidental or undeserved.

Laying the Groundwork

Researching a biography involves a lot of borrowing and persuading. Anecdotes, interviews, letters and public records are the standard ingredients of every book biography, film biopic, or feature ‘based on a true story’. Getting hold of information may be difficult.

Relatives of the deceased may block access to the diary, friends of the family may demand cash for answering your questions, and obtaining permission to reproduce images will give you grey hairs. You may be overwhelmed by the quantity of books to plough through, or frustrated by the lack of data at your disposal.

“Composing the life requires speculation and interpretation. At times, you’ll marvel at what your subject achieved. Sometimes you’ll be disappointed by their actions, maybe even shocked.”

Composing the life requires speculation and interpretation. At times, you’ll marvel at what your subject achieved. Sometimes you’ll be disappointed by their actions, maybe even shocked. If you’re writing about a dictator or a criminal, you may struggle to strike a balance between humanizing and demonizing them.

If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble across something no-one else has found before and hope it makes waves. If you’re underhand, you’ll make an unverifiable claim and wait for the public outrage.

But let’s assume that you’ve been principled. You’ve found a worthy subject, done the laborious work of searching through the archives and ringing through the phone book, read the relevant literature and thought about the ethical dilemmas. Now it’s time to write, but where should you begin? How do you bring order to the chaos of a life?

1. Cradle to Grave

If in doubt, the ‘cradle to grave’ approach is your fallback option. Put your notes in order, get the chronology sorted, and start work. One by one, tick off the following from your list: birth, family background, childhood influences, schooling and education, early career, professional successes and setbacks, twilight years, death. Choose a first sentence a bit like this:

“Napoleon Buonaparte was born at Ajaccio in the island of Corsica, on the fifteenth day of August, 1769. He was the son of Charles Buonaparte, an advocate in the royal court of assize, and of Letitia Ramolini, a Corsican lady of great beauty, and of a good family, descended from that of Colalto at Naples.” William Hazlitt, The Life of Napoleon Buonaparte , 1828

As the conventional approach in Western book biographies for hundreds of years, this may sound like the easy option. Yet a chronological biography has its pitfalls. Expect gaps in the story, mysteries you’ll never solve, and conflicting accounts.

Establishing causality is another dilemma and not only because it’s tricky to prove links between particular experiences and later events. Strands of the story developing in parallel, encounters that only obtain significance many years later, and the after-effects of major turning points all pose a challenge to the apparent simplicity of this approach – also see our biographical piece on Emmeline Pankhurst for an example of the pitfalls and opportunities of a ‘cradle to grave’ story.

2. The Deathbed Departure

Like Agatha Christie, many biographers hold off checking the birth certificate by beginning at the end. Opening with a deathbed scene or the public announcement of the death is a ubiquitous variation on the ‘cradle-to-grave’ structure.

Think of the exaggerated public mourning in a Buenos Aires cinema at the beginning of the film adaptation of Evita , followed immediately by sepia-coloured evocations of Eva’s provincial childhood.

By contrasting a dramatic demise with humble beginnings, you can immediately establish both suspense and a narrative arc.

3. Trace Your Steps

If your research process deserves a book of its own, or if your subject was hard to track down, you may want to put the biographical mechanics on display. Documenting the process of biographical research also allows you to write someone else’s story in the first-person. By revealing your techniques and the problems you faced, you can mitigate for the inevitable causal leaps or puzzling gaps.

Literary historians like to cite A. J. A. Symons’s The Quest for Corvo (1934), but it’s a technique found in other genres, such as documentary theatre. For example, Ivna Žic’s play Blei (2017) sees a young woman enlist her friends to reconstruct her grandfather’s experience of the disputed Bleiburg repatriations of 1945, including video interviews, excerpts from books, and taped phone calls.

4. Make It Up

Plenty of would-be historical biographies contain made-up stories impossible to verify, such as the wholly speculative story of Shakespeare’s encounter with Elizabeth I at Kenilworth, enthusiastically mythologized by nineteenth-century biographers.

“A short time previous to this, when our poet was in his twelfth year, and in the summer of 1575, an event occurred which must have made a great impression on his mind; the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the magnificent Earl of Leicester, at Kenilworth Castle.” Nathan Drake, Shakespeare and His Times , 1838

Given biography’s tendency to improvise with anecdotes and dodgy causal connections, critics say it’s a kind of fiction masquerading as history.

You can make a virtue of a necessity by augmenting the historical sources, as in Edmund Morris’s Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan (1999). Or else turn the practice of biography on its head by writing it as historical fiction, as in Hilary Mantel’s bestselling Wolf Hall (2009). Familiar representatives of the genre include the films Amadeus (1984) and Shakespeare in Love (1998), both inspired by long-standing myths associated with the lives of Mozart and Shakespeare.

If you aim to popularize a life or just to convey the atmosphere of the times, then so-called ‘biofiction’ allows you to indulge your imagination and free the life story from the strictures of the historical record.

5. Change the Received Wisdom

Myths and legends proliferating? Promise a glimpse behind the scenes and unmask your subject with a revisionist biography. Celebrities’ public personas – historical or contemporary – can easily deceive. By deconstructing appearances and identifying discourses, you can add academic sobriety to fiercely contested terrain, as in Sarah Churchwell’s The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe (2004).

You can also throw caution to the winds with a thorough debunking. This is the kind of biography that likes to offend. You can do damage to the subject’s reputation (and possibly your own) by focusing on character flaws or allegations of a moral nature. You’ll need persuasive evidence and a biographee long since deceased – that or a good lawyer.

“No man knew better than Johnson in how many nameless and numberless actions behaviour consists: actions which can scarcely be reduced to rule, and which come under no description. Of these he retained so many very strange ones, that I suppose no one who saw his odd manner of gesticulating, much blamed or wondered at the good lady’s solicitude.” Hester Lynch Piozzi [Hester Thrale], Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson , 1786

6. The Life of the Mind

Select a scientist or a philosopher for your project and chances are you’ll be writing an ‘intellectual biography’.

Following the development of ideas across a life, biographies of great minds can play an important role in public understandings of science. You’ll also be looking at how institutions or cultural and historical contexts influenced your subject, how networks champion or resist particular ideas, and how even the best ones are greeted with scepticism.

Challenges include making the material comprehensible for a non-specialist and turning the genesis of complex thoughts into a compelling narrative. Feel free to do something inventive – Darwin’s great-great-granddaughter Ruth Padel wrote a biography of her forebear in poems.

“In the brown-black gloam of closing-time he meets his future colleague, a published entomologist. ‘I had no idea! So many thousand different beetles within ten miles of home!” Ruth Padel, Darwin: A Life in Poems , 2009

7. A Single Chapter

Very often, society values a given life for a single episode within it. In ‘History as a Poetess’ (1943), Stefan Zweig calls these history’s ‘heroic, poetic moments’.

Reducing a life course to a representative year or two may depart from the genre’s established conventions. But as James Shapiro has demonstrated in two books on Shakespeare, it gives you the chance to focus on what was most important in a life – or at least to make that case.

Collective biographies can do the same for groups. As in Lara Feigel’s The Love Charm of Bombs: Restless Lives in the Second World War (2013), seeing how people’s lives interweave and diverge enables a more personal and unexpected take on familiar historical events.

[Title Image by Ehud Neuhaus via Unsplash]

Edward Saunders

Edward Saunders was Deputy Director of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for the History and Theory of Biography, Vienna until August 2017. His research interests are in biography and life writing, as well as urban history and cultural memory. Learn more about him on his website.

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

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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.

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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.

The 100 Outstanding Journalists in the United States in the Last 100 Years

In March 2012, the faculty at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University, together with an Honorary Committee of alumni, selected “the 100 Outstanding Journalists in the United States in the Last 100 Years.” The list was selected from more than 300 nominees plus write-ins and was announced at a reception in honor of the 100th anniversary of journalism education at NYU on April 3, 2012. – Mitchell Stephens, Professor of Journalism, NYU

Full Biography Here.

Christiane Amanpour: long-time and distinguished international reporter for CNN; now also works for ABC News.

Hannah Arendt: a political thinker, author of The Origins of Totalitarianism , who reported the Eichmann trial for the New Yorker ; those articles were turned into the book Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil in 1963.

Russell Baker: a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and humorist who wrote the popular “Observer” column in the New York Times from 1962 to 1998.

James Baldwin: an essayist, journalist and novelist whose finely written essays, including “Notes of a Native Son,” “Nobody Knows My Name” and The Fire Next Time , made a significant contribution to the civil-rights movement.

Donald L. Barlett: an investigative journalist who, along with his colleague James B. Steele, won two Pulitzer Prizes and multiple other awards for his powerful investigative series from the 1970s through the 1990s at the Philadelphia Inquirer and later at Time magazine.

Meyer Berger: a fine columnist and feature writer for the New York Times , where he worked, except for a short stretch at the New Yorker , from 1928 to 1959; Berger won the Pulitzer Prize for his report on the murderer Howard Unruh.

Carl Bernstein: while a young reporter at the Washington Post in the early 1970s broke the Watergate scandal along with Bob Woodward.

Herbert Block (Herblock): a clever and creative Washington editorial cartoonist who coined the term ‘McCarthyism’ and worked for the Washington Post for 55 years, until his death in 2001.

Margaret Bourke-White: a photographer who was among the first women to report on wars and whose pictures appeared on the cover of Life magazine, beginning in 1936.

Ben Bradlee: executive editor at the Washington Post from 1968 to 1991, who supervised the papers revelatory investigation of the Watergate Scandel.

Ed Bradley: a reporter who covered the Vietnam War, the 1976 presidential race, and the White House at CBS and who was a correspondent on 60 Minutes for 26 years.

Jimmy Breslin: street-wise, storytelling, Pulitzer-Prize-winning New York City columnist for the city’s tabloids over many decades in the second half of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first.

David Brinkley: co-anchor of the top-rated Huntley-Brinkley Report on NBC from 1956 to 1970, which he followed by a distinguished career as an anchor and commentator at NBC and ABC News.

David Broder: influential Pulitzer Prize-winning political reporter and columnist, who joined the Washington Post in 1968.

Tom Brokaw: anchored NBC’s Nightly News and the network’s special-events coverage, including elections and September 11, from 1982 to 2004.

Art Buchwald: a Pulitzer Prize-winning satirist whose humor column, which began in the International Herald Tribune in 1949, was eventually syndicated to more than 550 newspapers.

William F. Buckley, Jr.: editor, columnist, author, and TV host who founded the National Review in 1955.

Robert Capa: a photographer who documented major historic events including the D-Day landings and the Spanish Civil War; Capa became an American citizen in 1946.

Truman Capote: a novelist whose exhaustively reported and lyrically written 1965 “nonfiction novel,” In Cold Blood , was one of the most respected works of “new journalism.”

Rachel Carson: a science writer whose 1962 book Silent Spring called attention to the dangers of pesticides and helped inspire the environmental movement.

Howard Cosell: an aggressive, even abrasive, sports broadcaster, Cosell was one of the first Monday Night Football announcers in 1970 and was on the show until 1983; he was known for his unvarnished commentary and sympathetic reporting on Muhammad Ali.

Walter Cronkite: a reporter who became the best known and perhaps most respected American television journalist of his time as the anchor of the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981.

Joan Didion: a literary journalist, novelist and memoirist, who helped invent “new journalism” in the 1960s and whose judgmental but superbly written articles have become standard texts in many journalism departments.

W.E.B. Du Bois: a sociologist, civil rights activist, editor, and journalist who is best-known for his collection of articles, The Souls of Black Folk , and for his columns on race during his tenure as editor of The Crisis , 1910–1934.

Barbara Ehrenreich: a journalist and political activist who authored 21 books, including Nickel and Dimed , published in 2001, an expose of the living and working conditions of the working poor.

Nora Ephron: a columnist, humorist, screenwriter and director, who wrote clever and incisive social and cultural commentary for Esquire and other publications beginning in the 1960s.

Walker Evans: a photographer who reported Let Us Now Praise Famous Men along with James Agee and earned acclaim for documenting of the faces of the Great Depression.

Jane Mayer: an investigative reporter who has been a staff writer for the New Yorker since 1968; her 2008 book The Dark Side exposed the Bush administration’s more questionable tactics in the war on terror.

Mary McCarthy: a novelist and critic, McCarthy’s essays appeared in publications like the Partisan Review , the Nation , the New Republic , Harper’s , and the New York Review of Books from the 1940s through the 1970s

John McPhee: a staff writer for the New Yorker since 1965, his detailed, discursive portraits – often explaining some aspect of the earth or its inhabitants – helped expand the range of journalism.

H. L. Mencken: a tough, judgmental, impeccably literate and hugely influential journalist, cultural critic, essayist, satirist and editor, he reported on the 1925 Scopes “Monkey” trial.

Joseph Mitchell: a staff writer for the New Yorker from 1938 until his death in 1996, who won acclaim for his off-beat profiles, collected in the book Up in the Old Hotel and Other Stories .

Bill Moyers: an award-winning public-broadcasting journalist since 1971 and former White House press secretary under Lyndon Johnson, who also worked as the publisher of Newsday and senior analyst for the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather .

Edward R. Murrow: an influential television and radio journalist who covered the bombing of London, the liberation of Buchenwald, and helped expose Sen. Joseph McCarthy and, in the 1960 documentary “Harvest of Shame,” the plight of American farm workers.

Adolph Ochs: the New York Times , when he purchased it in 1896, had a circulation of about 9,000; by 1921 Ochs’ paper, increasingly known for its nonpartisan reporting, had a staff of 1,885 and a circulation of 780,000.

Gordon Parks: an activist, writer, and photojournalist, Parks became the first African-American photographer for Life in 1948.

George Polk: a journalist and radio broadcaster for CBS who insisted on finding his own information, Polk was killed while covering the Greek Civil War in 1948; his colleagues established an award in his name.

Gabe Pressman: a senior correspondent at WNBC-TV, he helped pioneer local television journalism and has been a New York City reporter for over 60 years.

Ernie Pyle: renowned wartime journalist whose folksy, poetic, GI-centered reports from Europe and the Pacific during World War II earned him the 1944 Pulitzer Prize; Pyle was killed while covering the end of the war.

Anna Quindlen: a novelist, journalist and columnist, her path-breaking New York Times column “Public and Private,” won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992.

Dan Rather: a journalist who covered the Kennedy assassination and the Nixon White House for CBS and was the longest serving anchor of an American network newscast, the CBS Evening News , from 1981 to 2005.

David Remnick: Remnick, a former Washington Post reporter, won the Pulitzer Prize for his book Lenin’s Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire and in 1998 became the editor of the New Yorker , for which he also writes and reports.

A. M. Rosenthal: a Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter, then the commanding executive editor of the New York Times from 1977 to 1986 – a period of growth and transition; later a columnist.

Carl Rowan: the first nationally syndicated African-American columnist; he wrote his column, based at the Chicago Sun-Times , from 1966 to 1998.

Mike Royko: a Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago columnist since the early 1960s and author of an unauthorized biography of Mayor Richard J. Daley, Boss .

Marlene Sanders: the first female television correspondent in Vietnam, the first female anchor on a US network television evening newscast and the first female vice president of ABC News.

William Shawn: an editor who worked at the New Yorker for 53 years and ran it for 35 years, beginning in 1952; he is given much of the credit for establishing the magazine’s tradition of excellence in long-form journalism.

Neil Sheehan: covered Vietnam for UPI, obtained the Pentagon Papers in 1971 for the New York Times from Daniel Ellsberg and won the Pulitzer Prize for his book examining the failure of US policy in Vietnam: A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam .

Randy Shilts: one of the first openly gay mainstream journalists; devoted himself to covering the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s for the San Francisco Chronicle ; his book examining that epidemic, And the Band Played On , was published in 1987; Shilts died of AIDS at the age of 42 in 1994.

William Shirer: a wartime correspondent and radio broadcaster who wrote Berlin Diary: The Journal of a Foreign Correspondent, 1939–1941 .

Susan Sontag: an essayist, novelist and preeminent intellectual, among her many influential writings was “Notes on ‘Camp,’” published in 1964; a human-rights activist, she wrote about the plight of Bosnia for the Nation in 1995 and even moved to Sarajevo to call further attention to that plight.

James B. Steele: an investigative journalist who, along with his colleague Donald L. Barlett, won two Pulitzer Prizes and multiple other awards for his investigative series from the 1970s through the 1990s at the Philadelphia Inquirer and later at Time magazine.

Lincoln Steffens: while Shame of the Cities was published, in book form, in 1904 – more than 100 years ago – Steffens career as an influential journalist certainly continued, and included an interview with Lenin after the revolution and reporting from Mussolini’s Italy.

John Steinbeck: a Nobel-Prize-winning novelist and journalist who exposed the hardships of Okie migrant camp life in the San Francisco News in 1936, covered World War II and wrote newspaper columns in the 1950s.

Gloria Steinem: a social activist and writer, Steinem co-founded the women’s magazine Ms. in 1972.

I. F. Stone: an investigative journalist who published his own newsletter, I. F. Stone’s Weekly , from 1953 to 1967.

Gay Talese: a literary journalist; author of the renowned 1966 Esquire profile, “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold” and of many thoroughly reported, gracefully written books.

Dorothy Thompson: her reporting on Hitler and the rise of Nazism led to her being expelled from Germany in 1934; also a widely syndicated newspaper columnist, a rare female voice in radio news in the 1930s and the “second most influential woman in America,” after Eleanor Roosevelt, according to Time magazine in 1939.

Hunter S. Thompson : created the uninhibited, self-parodying ‘gonzo’ style of journalism in the 1960s and 1970s, covered the 1972 presidential campaign for Rolling Stone , and wrote the book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas .

Garry Trudeau: the creator of the Doonesbury cartoon, in 1975 he became the first person to win a Pulitzer Prize for a comic strip.

Barbara Walters: a journalist, known for her interviewing skills, and host of many influential ABC programs, including the ABC Evening News and 20/20 .

“Weegee”: the pseudonym of Arthur Fellig a prominent photojournalist who focused on New York’s Lower East Side in the 1930s and 1940s.

Ida B. Wells: prominent civil rights activist whose 1892 editorial on the lynching of three black men earned her popularity; she wrote her autobiography Crusade for Justice in 1928.

E. B. White: the author of the popular children’s books Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little , and the co-author of The Elements of Style , White contributed to the New Yorker for about six decades, beginning in 1925.

Theodore White: a political journalist and historian who pioneered behind-the-scenes campaign reporting in his book The Making of the President: 1960 , the first of many in the series.

Walter Winchell: a powerful and widely read newspaper gossip columnist who also had the top-rated radio show in 1948.

Tom Wolfe: a popular journalist and novelist who helped invent “new journalism” in the 1960s and 1970s with his well reported and kinetically written articles and books, including The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and The Right Stuff .

Bob Woodward: a reporter and editor at the Washington Post whose investigative articles with Carl Bernstein’s helped break the Watergate scandal in the early 1970s; Woodward went on to write a series of book detailing the inner workings of Washington.

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Enchanting Marketing

Writing advice for small business

How to Make a Rip-Roaring First Impression, With Only a Few Words

by Henneke | 95 enchanting opinions, add yours? :)

How to Write a Short Professional Bio (And Make a Strong First Impression)

Even if you don’t need a short bio right now, writing one is a great exercise. You learn how to say more with fewer words. You learn how to position yourself and how to make a big impression from the get go.

But last week, when I started preparing this post, I made a big mistake.

I looked for inspiration on Twitter.

I scrolled through hundreds of Twitter bios, and I almost gave up on this post because most Twitter bios are utterly dull. And they say almost nothing, like this:

If you try to explain a lot about yourself in a few words, you end up saying nothing. No personality. No big impression. No sense of connection. You sound the same as everyone else.

So, I decided to look for inspiration elsewhere. How do fiction writers introduce their characters in a few words?

4 examples of saying a lot with a few words

I skimmed through the books I’ve read recently to look for powerful descriptions of people.

For instance, here’s how William Kent Krueger typifies an FBI agent in “Boundary Waters:”

How powerful is that comparison to a pit bull! In only 11 words, Krueger gives us a picture of an aggressive guy who’s persistent, too.

It made me wonder, if I were a dog, what dog would I be?

Here’s a longer example by the same author, from “Iron Lake:”

Why is this description powerful? Because the author focuses on one aspect of the person and he gives specific examples. The description is visual, so we can picture this guy sparking fires, tying knots and shooting arrows.

The description may be a little long, but you can cut it easily by 50% and still make a strong first impression.

Here’s a shorter character description from “Force of Nature” by Jane Harper:

Three specific details (jogging, yoga, deep-conditioning her hair) help us visualize Breanne, and we can imagine how she glows even in the unflattering office light.

And here’s one last example, from “The Keeper of Lost Things” by Ruth Hogan:

Again, three specific details express a lot: Prozac, Pinot Grigio, and pretending things weren’t happening. The words even alliterate for extra flair.

When you focus on one character trait or skill, you make a strong first impression and you invite readers to learn more. In contrast, if you try to say too much too quickly, a description of a person falls flat and nobody gets a feel of who they really are.

Choose what to tell in your professional bio

Of course, the fiction examples above are different—you wouldn’t write about Prozac in a professional bio.

But the principles of what makes a good bio remain the same. Choose what to tell and, even more importantly, what to leave out. You can’t cram your whole resume into one sentence. You have to be ruthless.

Twitter bios, for instance, are so short, you can only communicate one or two things. That’s it.

The Twitter bio of Unbounce’s Twitter bio explains what their software can do for you plus invites you to try it for free:

Casa Collective’ s bio is similar:

If you Tweet as a person rather than a company, I like bios that show personality, like this one from Haemin Sunim :

Or this bio from John Espirian :

Or this bio from Kitty Kilian is one of my favorites (the original is in Dutch, I’ve translated it):

A Twitter bio is super short, and you can only make a strong impression if you choose carefully what to write.

The 3-step professional bio

If you have three sentences, for instance for an author bio, then you can say a little more. But be careful, the same rule applies as with the one-sentence Twitter bio. Keep it short to make a strong first impression.

For a three-sentence bio, consider these three objectives:

Tell readers who you are and what you do
Reveal a glimpse of your personality
Encourage readers to find out more

For instance, my author bio is:

In three sentences, I explain what I do (writing), what I’m passionate about (stamping out gobbledygook), and I invite you to join my course so you can learn how to write more persuasively.

Jessica Blanchard’s bio follows a similar pattern:

And Ry Schwartz’ bio:

Ry’s call to action isn’t very strong, but “More reclusive than J D Salinger on a rainy day” is a superb way to sketch a personality in a few words.

How to write a short professional bio

Want to make a big impression with only a few words?

Communicate less instead of more:

Start with answering the question “What do you do for your clients?” or even better, finish this sentence suggestion from Mark Schaefer : “Only I …”
Think about an adjective describing you well; Ry Schwartz uses “reclusive,” John Espirian uses “relentlessly helpful” and I use “irreverent” to present a quick glimpse of who we are
Consider a metaphor to communicate more with fewer words, such as the “pit bull” or “delicate as a hand grenade”
If you have space, have a clear call to action

In short, communicate what makes you different, and tell clients what you can do for them.

Because a professional bio is not only about you.

It’s about your clients, too.

Books mentioned in this post:

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment and join the conversation cancel reply.

October 31, 2022 at 6:47 am

I love the way you gave perspective from books you read. Very relative and helpful. You keep giving me hope. Thanks.

October 31, 2022 at 11:56 am

Thank you, Andrea. Happy writing!

April 12, 2022 at 4:47 pm

Thank you! You helped me make mince-meat out of a project I always dread – writing about myself. I did a quick search for “how-to write a short bio” and found my favorite writing coach.

April 12, 2022 at 4:52 pm

Wow. So, great when Google delivers exactly what you need 🙂

And thank you also for your lovely compliment, Amy.

April 28, 2021 at 6:50 am

Yet another comment, after reading close to a couple of your blogs. l was asked for a CV today.

Definitely l had to make a search. These days whether its something about writing or not, l first input the search topic with Enchanting marketing.

Sometimes , l don’t really get anything but when l do like today, l get so thrilled like a 5 yr old with a favourite toy.

Let me stop gaping at your writing talent and get on with this CV. Thank you & Cheers Henneke.

April 28, 2021 at 3:14 pm

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Emily. I’m happy to read that Enchanting Marketing has become your #1 source for writing advice. Good luck with your CV!

April 18, 2021 at 2:34 am

I just landed a new job and it asked or a bio. Google search presented me this page. What an inspiration… I am awestruck with all the wisdom in such a simple article, yet as mentioned in several of the conversations below, writing something in a couple of sentences is far from easy. I admire your patience in responding to every individual comments. I have to get to work in crafting something, which is creative and succinct.

April 18, 2021 at 2:40 pm

I’d say clarity is more important for a bio than being creative. Being creative is a bonus but not a requirement. Have fun!

September 17, 2020 at 4:17 pm

Thanks so kindly, Henneke. This is quite helpful. How does this sound? …a necessity entrepreneur, an avid supporter of women entrepreneurs, helping small business owners fall in love with their business.

September 17, 2020 at 6:38 pm

I don’t know what a necessity entrepreneur is. But maybe your potential clients know what it means? That’s more important than that I understand it.

Also, it’s unclear whether you help women entrepreneurs or all small business owners. Better to focus on one option instead of risking confusion.

May 23, 2020 at 2:17 pm

If you are guest posting, and the host allows for a much larger word count, do you include more information about yourself? Or do you include more about your results? Or maybe 50/50? Or do you keep with the short version and resist the temptation to change it any? I’ve revisited all mine and realize how many I’ve written, each one different. I did not even notice until now, so thanks for that! Also, I totally missed this post when it first came out and I love the tulips! 🙂

May 25, 2020 at 5:54 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed the tulips!

The bio I used for guest posts is the one I’ve quoted above—it’s relatively short: Henneke Duistermaat is an irreverent writer on a mission to stamp out gobbledygook. Get your free 16-Part Snackable Writing Course for Busy People and learn how to enchant your readers and win more business.

Even if the host allowed a longer word count, I haven’t made the bio longer because I was always afraid people might lose interest. Also, they’ve already read a whole blog post so I’ve already built up some credibility with the advice shared in the blog post. But this is not something I’ve tested. It’s mainly based on gut feeling.

May 26, 2020 at 2:20 pm

Thanks! I think you’re right!

January 24, 2020 at 7:46 am

Am still kind of confused but am sure I will get the hang of it. And thanks a lot.

January 24, 2020 at 10:54 am

What are you confused about?

January 9, 2020 at 1:28 am

Wow! I stumbled upon this article and you have successfully provided the unique kind of ideas I was looking for : ) Thank you Henneke

January 9, 2020 at 7:17 pm

Great 🙂 That makes me happy. Have fun writing your bio!

November 29, 2019 at 5:40 am

Oh my goodness! marvellous bio! Thanks.

Thank you so much, Henneke.

November 29, 2019 at 10:02 am

Thank you, Abhinav. Happy writing!

November 12, 2019 at 3:01 pm

You play a dangerous game when you automatically assume the author who used the pit bull reference intended to self describe as aggressive. Pit bulls are smart, loyal, and most of all affectionate. People like you spread bullshit and add fuel to the stereotype of pit bulls being aggressive. I highly suggest you educate yourself before making a blanket statement about an entire breed of animal. Do better.

November 13, 2019 at 12:24 pm

The example you refer to is from the book Boundary Waters, a thriller, in which the author describes one of the characters as a pit bull. He’s an FBI agent who comes as aggressive in the remainder of the book—a fighter.

April 2, 2019 at 8:06 pm

Hey, Henneke

Really amazing content. You’re right a bio define a person and about their profession. So, it’s really important to write an awesome bio.

I will surely use your tips to write a bio of my social media accounts.

March 11, 2019 at 4:15 am

Marketer ExtraOrdinaire, like a stick of dynamite, I blow up old ways of doing things, bringing fresh ideas. The pink bunny can’t keep up with me.

September 13, 2018 at 2:21 pm

Indeed, First impression last. Making an impressive bio needs to convey both professional status and personality in just one or two sentences which creates a great impact to the clients. I sometimes say or write too much and with no idea where I was going or how to make the points I wanted to make. It felt like I was writing in circles, as a result, I was saying nothing. Now I know what to do. Great tips, Henneke.

September 16, 2018 at 1:10 pm

I sometimes write in circles, too, as I don’t always know exactly what I want to say. The writing (even when it seems to lack purpose at first) somehow brings clarity.

Thank you for stopping by to leave a comment, Rebecca 🙂

September 4, 2018 at 11:12 am

September 4, 2018 at 11:33 am

My pleasure 🙂

September 1, 2018 at 10:08 am

I like this. Always playing around with my Short bio for social platforms. What do you think of my twitter bio? @davidgcant Could be improved? Give it your best shot..

A risk savvy health and safety consultant extraordinaire. Cuts through the red tape (with a safety blade of course).

September 2, 2018 at 10:09 am

I like it! I’d be tempted to shorten it a little: A health and safety consultant who cuts through the red tape (with a safety blade of course).

(To me the phrase “risk savvy” doesn’t add a lot as it feels kind of obvious that a health and safety consultant would be risk savvy; that’s what the job is about.)

September 2, 2018 at 4:04 pm

That reads much better. I was thinking of replacing risk savvy with refreshingly practical. What do you think? Or is that too much?

September 2, 2018 at 7:06 pm

The idea of cutting through the red tape already indicates that you’re a practical person rather than a rigid you-must-follow-the-health-and-safety-bible type of person. So, I’d say adding “refreshingly practical” doesn’t really add anything new as you’re already telling me you’re practical—you understand client’s objections to health and safety, plus you have a sense of humor.

August 30, 2018 at 11:44 pm

Succinct and thereby excellent, Henneke. Have to say that I’ve read words of many copywriters down through the years – some good, some not so, even if near-legendary. In my view your writing surpasses most. Please keep it up because I’ve learned more from your posts than I have from anyone else’s. Thanks.

August 31, 2018 at 6:27 pm

Thank you for your lovely compliment, Paul. I appreciate it! 🙂

August 25, 2018 at 5:37 am

Helpful post, as always, but I really just wanted to say I love that drawing of Henrietta with the tulips, on a grey cold day like this it warms the brain. Not that I can complain about the greyness, NSW where I live is 100% in drought. I hope the clouds are not just teasing. Best wishes.

August 26, 2018 at 6:09 pm

Thank you for your lovely compliment on my drawing, Susan. That means a lot to me! I hope the rain will soon ease the drought.

August 22, 2018 at 11:16 pm

Hi Henneke, Thank you for a great article. I remember when I first came across your website (last year, I think), I was impressed with your bio and made a note to myself to use that as inspiration for mine. Of course that mental note was long forgotten! This time I’ve already made a first attempt for my social media profiles. I’ve been a longtime lurker, this is my first comment and is well overdue. Thank you, I can hands down say I learn and apply something useful from each of your articles.

August 23, 2018 at 9:27 pm

That is a lovely compliment. Thank you so much, Sonna.

My own default position is also as a lurker. I appreciate you stepped out of the shadows to leave a comment. Have fun with writing your bio! 🙂

August 22, 2018 at 5:19 pm

Insightful and incisive Love the bonus recommended reading 😉

August 22, 2018 at 5:59 pm

Thank you, Hendel. I started adding the bonus reading recommendations recently as I was asked so often 😉

August 22, 2018 at 9:54 pm

Henneke: Few weeks back, I came across your blog and book.. I not only like the content and but also the presentation style… I really enjoyed reading this article and response to the many comments. I drafted by first short Bio.. could you please review.

Chandra is a Meditation teacher who conducts group meditation sessions in-person and on-line. Her Smile and her energy is contagious. Her mission is to encourage many human beings e discover their SacredSpace with in them through powerful meditations. To know more about her journey visiti https://cvelpula.wixsite.com/mysite/blog/journey-of-discover-sacredspace-within-you

August 23, 2018 at 9:05 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed this blog post, Chandra.

Great start on your bio! You may want to consider tightening it a little as you use the phrase “meditation” three times which is usually a sign that you can make it more concise. Also, what is the ultimate aim of your clients? Do they want to discover their SacredSpace or is their a deeper purpose? This depends on who you’re targeting.

August 22, 2018 at 4:07 pm

Henneke, this was very helpful. I always have trouble writing shorter than longer. Thanks.

August 22, 2018 at 4:19 pm

I find it hard, too. And it takes more time than writing longer!

Thank you for stopping by, Anita. It’s always good to see you 🙂

August 22, 2018 at 11:38 am

Now this is powerful stuff Henneke and thanks to Lisa for sharing.

My bio is not more than 2 sentences but this post just gives me a lot of meat.

I hope you are having a great week

August 22, 2018 at 1:46 pm

I’m glad you found it useful, Enstine! Thank you for stopping by.

August 22, 2018 at 11:12 am

Hi Henneke – I hadn’t thought about writing my bio until I read your article. I’ll certainly follow your excellent advice when the time comes. All the best from sunny Sydney

I hope you’ll have fun writing your bio, Paul!

Still cloudy here 🙂

August 22, 2018 at 1:43 am

Ooh! Henneke, I love this post. And who is Henrietta’s new friend? (or did I miss a post?) I love these smart, smooth, silky, bio’s and would love to add my own. I dream♡ This is my first attempt. Your comments would be sooooo valued. Thanks for all your gorgeous posts Henneke.

Like Columbo shelling his morning egg Joan reveals you to yourself; then helps you delete what no longer serves you and install what does. Joan is an NLP Master Practitioner and Professional Coach working with coaches and service professionals. …… this would be followed with a short CTA

August 22, 2018 at 1:43 pm

Henrietta’s puppy is called Arthur. He’s been around for ages, but often I’m too lazy to draw him! 🙂

You can probably take one step further with your bio, by defining the real benefit of what you do. You can find the real benefit by finishing the sentence: she helps you delete what no longer serves you and install what does, so ….. What is it your clients really want to achieve?

August 23, 2018 at 2:20 am

Thanks, Henneke, that helps. I did add that initially but thought it made it too long – I wrote – “so that you can make a difference and make money as you grow your Lifestyle-Biz.”

I’ll keep playing with it. Now I’m thinking the Columbo piece sounds a bit ‘cheesy’.

August 23, 2018 at 9:33 pm

I’m not sure the Columbo reference adds a lot. I do like the phrase “reveal you to yourself.” I also like “make money as you grow your Lifestyle-Biz” as it’s a true benefit and it’s also specific to your audience. “Making a difference” is a little abstract. So, I’d be tempted to leave that out, or to make it more specific (but that might make it even longer).

August 23, 2018 at 11:26 pm

Terrific, just leave that Columbo piece out. I’ll play with the rest of it. Thanks for the extra input Henneke. ♡

August 21, 2018 at 11:28 pm

The short takes are never easy. How to sum up Hetty in 3 sentenceso ha! So…. Easy going until taken for granted. Lover of stationery, determined to be a success in business. Express your thoughts in our Ankara Fabric Covered Notebooks

August 22, 2018 at 1:41 pm

Great start on your bio, Hetty. It makes me wonder what’s special about your notebooks and why are you passionate about them?

August 21, 2018 at 6:14 pm

Brilliant and enchanting as usual! Thanks for confirming how difficult it can be to engagingly summarize one’s life in two sentences. I get to put a short bio on most of the articles I write for magazines and I am so disappointed in the various versions I have come up with over the years. Now I see why, I conveniently left out my real personality. Shoot.

August 21, 2018 at 8:58 pm

Don’t beat yourself up over it, Thea. Most people leave their personality out of their bios. It IS a tough challenge.

Thank you for your lovely comment. I appreciate it! 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 5:33 pm

To be honest, I skimmed your initial email the first time and, because my day is the usual crazy, didn’t click through initially. But I’m so glad I made the time to do it now. This was an absolutely genius post—and the examples were outstanding! I’ve added a note to do some brainstorming on my bio next week. As always, thank you for the inspiration and the easily digestible and actionable advice!

August 21, 2018 at 8:56 pm

You know, it really humbles me when you make time on a crazy busy day to not only read my post but also leave a comment. You’re a star. Thank you 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 4:41 pm

Thank you for the valuable insights.

August 21, 2018 at 4:47 pm

Thank you, Mohsin. Was there anything in particular you found valuable?

August 21, 2018 at 3:43 pm

Hi Henneke:

For me the fight to find the perfect bio is unending…seems like I’m forever tweaking. Also, in my constant state of evolving (or is it experimenting?) I’ve taken to changing my bio for different places I publish! Oh Henneke, why can’t I just do one perfect one like you and it’s everywhere!!! Geez. P.S. But, don’t forget you need to add “illustrator” to yours!!! Bi Oh My!! Take care, Sue-Ann

August 21, 2018 at 4:43 pm

I don’t have one perfect bio either. I don’t think the perfect bio exist. Unless you’re Andy Murray whose Twitter bio simply says: “I play tennis.” How brilliant is that? Unfortunately, that doesn’t work for mere mortals like you and me.

And you see … you already mention “illustrator,” but somehow it didn’t feel right. Also, I have a different bio on Instagram because I mainly share my drawings there. My Insta bio is: I play with words and colored pencils.

Perfection doesn’t exist. Experimentation is what life is about, isn’t it?

August 22, 2018 at 8:34 am

Ha ha! I always laugh at Murray’s twitter bio as it’s so deceptively simple yet at the same time understated. I like how he doesn’t feel the need to list out all his achievements. By the way, I missed my flight home from NYC in 2012 to see him win the US Open, which was amazing.

Anyway, back on topic, trying to do a short About section for my new “personal branding photography” landing page. Trying to work in something like my “hobbit-like stature and tenacity”, along with being eco-friendly and helping businesses save time by creating images for their online content. It’s still a work in progress.

August 22, 2018 at 1:45 pm

Murray’s bio is brilliant. I love how understated it is. And lucky you for seeing him play (and win!) live!

I like “hobbit-like tenacity” 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 3:02 pm

Thanks, Henneke. I’m honoured to get a mention here – much appreciated!

I hate it when all those letters, spaces and punctuation marks don’t amount to anything meaningful.

August 21, 2018 at 4:51 pm

It was rather demotivating to read through all those Twitter bios!

Thank you for stopping by, John.

August 21, 2018 at 2:33 pm

Great post and I loved the examples you gave.

I find writing bios very hard. I have this instinct to look at what others in my field are writing and try to find something that would work for me. It’s insane! I know it’s wrong, I know it’s useless and yet, I’m attracted to it.

What’s with the copycatting? I have a strong identity, I know what I want and who I am. Why does it all go to smoke when writing things like bios on social media?

I’m going to get to work in a dark room with no phones or internet and write away. Well, scratch the dark room part. You know what I mean. 😀

August 21, 2018 at 4:38 pm

I think most of us look at what others in our niche are doing, and there’s nothing wrong with trying to learn from others. I’ve found it’s often easier to look outside our own niche for inspiration.

And out of all the different writing tasks, writing a bio is probably one of the most difficult. Play for a while, then let it simmer for a while, and then play a little more. Have fun!

Thank you for stopping by, Elfin!

August 21, 2018 at 2:16 pm

You’re inspired me! Awesome post – and glad you said it took weeks to come up with your bio. These examples make it look easy.

August 21, 2018 at 4:36 pm

Writing so often looks easy, but we don’t see how much effort has gone into it. For me, the biggest challenge was to decide what I wanted to say. I was just starting out and I hadn’t figured out my positioning yet.

Thank you for stopping by, Cathy. I appreciate it 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 2:08 pm

Great advice Henneke! I took notes and will check out some of your examples!

August 21, 2018 at 4:34 pm

Yay! Happy bio writing, Kim 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 1:59 pm

Hi Henneke,

Thank you for this post. It came just in time as I am currently trying to re-do my website about page and social profiles.

Here’s what I came up with after reading your post. What do you think? Storytelling is my superpower, so I thought to highlight that. So how’s this for a try:

Enamored with writing. I spin engaging stories about your brand so your clients don’t have to shop elsewhere. Just call me your Fairy Wordmother.

August 21, 2018 at 4:45 pm

I’m glad this post came at the right time, Zika 🙂

Using a positive is often stronger rather than a negative. So, for instance, instead of “so your clients don’t have to shop elsewhere,” you could have: “so your clients fall in love with your brand.”

August 21, 2018 at 4:57 pm

Thank you so so much, Henneke.

August 21, 2018 at 1:38 pm

I read your post not for my own bio actually but because I need help writing one and two sentence introductions for 40 – 50 historical puzzle pages. And it works for that! Where yesterday I was plodding through it like an elephant in quick sand this morning I’m inspired to have more fun with my project. Especially love the suggestion to use metaphors. That would make a whole blog on its own. Maybe you already have?

August 21, 2018 at 4:33 pm

Yay! I’m so glad you feel inspired, Patty 🙂

I wrote about metaphors here and here . But I could probably write another one 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 1:37 pm

Brilliant and not boring bios. That draw you in.

Excellent article Henneke.

August 21, 2018 at 4:31 pm

Thank you, Ray. I appreciate your comment 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 1:26 pm

I’ve rewritten my Twitter bio using this post as inspiration! It originally said;

#Blogger & #copywriter for #software & #tech (esp #IoT). Loves #design, productivity & mindfulness. Newcastle upon Tyne. Ravenclaw. INTP. Chocoholic.

I was clearly so very guilty of trying to say as much as possible in a short space of time. Now it says this;

Chocoholic copywriter LJ enjoys making tech sound fun, not scary. She’s also as subtle as a sledgehammer and wants to help startups build brilliant blogs. Start here; http://eepurl.com/cS8g99

My dad is the one who describes me as being as subtle as a sledgehammer 😉

I love the changes you’ve made! 🙂

I wonder whether you can connect “subtle as a sledgehammer” somehow to building blogs. Something like: Subtle as a sledgehammer, she helps startups build blogs that rip through online noise. Maybe not quite, but it’d be great if you could show the advantage of being like a sledgehammer 🙂

What do you think?

August 21, 2018 at 1:23 pm

One of your best Henneke!

I’ve long felt the same about “elevator speeches” — the reason they don’t work is we try to jam too much information into what should be a single thought-provoking nugget.

August 21, 2018 at 4:27 pm

Yep, I agree with you. The idea of elevator speeches makes me roll my eyes. But that’s silly because a good elevator speech is fab. As you say, you need just one thought-provoking nugget, something to connect with your audience.

August 21, 2018 at 1:16 pm

Great tips and examples Henneke!! It’s awesome to see examples that are different from the norm. Love the visuals.

You’ve inspired me to improve my byline. What do you reckon?

Cynthia is a copywriter powered by chai lattes, rockclimbing, and remedial massages. She’s on a mission to draw out personable, reputable, small health and fitness businesses from the shadows. Grab her free guide on how to sound intelligent by writing in plain English.

August 21, 2018 at 4:25 pm

I like it. You can probably still improve the second sentence a little more. Try to find a stronger phrase than “draw out from the shadows”—something that sounds more positive, and reduce the number of adjectives as “personable, reputable, small health and fitness businesses” is quite a mouthful.

I love the idea of a free guide on sounding more intelligent 🙂

September 11, 2018 at 5:38 am

Thanks for the feedback. I find it tough to keep it simple sometimes! 🙂

How about this version? Cynthia is a copywriter powered by chai lattes, rockclimbing, and remedial massages. She’s on a mission to help small health and fitness businesses connect with clients through writing that sticks in their reader’s minds. Grab her free guide on how to sound intelligent by writing in plain English.

September 12, 2018 at 2:09 pm

Yes, I like it. If you like, you can consider making your mission more specific to your audience. For instance: help small health and fitness businesses inspire their clients to lead a more healthy lifestyle.

August 22, 2018 at 1:53 am

I like it! And Henneke’s suggestions.

August 21, 2018 at 12:27 pm

Hi Henneke, Another great of your posts here. The goal of every writer is to have their target audience read through to the last word. That said, it is genius to be artistic if a writer has to stand out of the crowd. This is where you have touched best ~ Use of a BIO ~ and a captivating bio for that matter. Most of the time readers will look at the bio of an author before they could dedicate their time to read the author’s article. You nailed it as always. I always read your articles to enrich my knowledge Keep doing what you do BEST 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 12:43 pm

Thank you for your lovely comment, Tony. A dash of creativity can definitely make a bio more captivating.

August 21, 2018 at 12:23 pm

‘More reclusive than J D Salinger on a rainy day,’ >> yes! Jealous of that.

And thanks for including me 😉 Interesting that the second sentence translates from 6 words in Dutch to 11 in English – usually it’s the other way round.

August 21, 2018 at 12:42 pm

Yes, I found it also weird that I ended up with more words. I somehow couldn’t make it shorter and it doesn’t feel as good as the Dutch version (probably because that one is shorter).

I love “delicate as a hand grenade,” too! 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 12:18 pm

Henneke, I love this one: “Because a professional bio is not only about you. It’s about your clients, too.” We have to think more like our own client to help us create a catchy bio that will work and answer “what’s in it for me?” Thanks for the info and the great examples here Henneke. I’ll be playing around with mine in the coming days.

August 21, 2018 at 12:40 pm

“Playing around” is a good phrase for writing a bio!

I can’t remember how long I played around with mine, but it was weeks rather than days (and writing this post makes me wonder whether I have to revisit my Twitter bio again!).

Happy playing, Lisa, and thank you for stopping by.

August 22, 2018 at 10:48 am

Oh yes, I try to update my Twitter bio every month or so. Things change, you know? You are most welcome. Love your mugs by the way as I’ve seen them via Sue-Ann.

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How to write a brief author biography for a journal article?

One of my papers has recently been accepted! We received an e-mail informing us that we have a short time frame in which we need to do a bunch of work to get the paper ready for publication. In particular, one of the components which we need to submit is a brief author biography for each co-author.

I have had a few papers published before, but none of these papers has required me to provide a brief author biography. What information should I include in this biography? Can someone provide a sample of his/her biography for me to use as a reference or template?

publications

9 Can't you look at author biographies from other papers in that journal ? – Raghu Parthasarathy Commented Oct 7, 2016 at 15:52
@RaghuParthasarathy Now that you mention it, that does seem to be the best approach. I wonder why I hadn't thought of that. Could you submit this comment as an answer? – I Like to Code Commented Oct 8, 2016 at 8:31
Certainly -- glad to be of help! – Raghu Parthasarathy Commented Oct 8, 2016 at 18:47

2 Answers 2

Can't you look at author biographies from other papers in that journal ?

3 This doesn't answer the question. The question asks what information should be included and you've just pointed to a resource that would allow the asker to answer their own question. IMO, this was correctly posted as a comment and shouldn't have been reposted as an answer. – David Richerby Commented Oct 8, 2016 at 19:20
2 @DavidRicherby While this isn't a real "answer", I decided to accept because other papers in the same journal is the best source of author biographies for me to copy from. – I Like to Code Commented Oct 9, 2016 at 13:48

My experience in this field is the next.

university and specialty that you graduated
your current position
scientific interests
Usualy, it have to be a very-very short version of your bio (several sentences).

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Short Professional Bio Examples for work

Walle ai-writer

Table of Contents

How to Write a Professional Bio on Yourself – 50+ Examples Below

Writing a professional bio about yourself can be challenging, but it’s essential for creating a strong personal brand. Here are some tips and examples to help you get started:

1. Start with a Template

Using a template can help provide structure and ensure you include all the necessary information. You can find professional bio templates online or create your own based on the format you prefer.

2. Include Essential Information

Your professional bio should typically include your name, current position or area of expertise, relevant work experience, education, and notable achievements. Make sure to highlight your skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to your professional goals.

3. Keep it Short and Concise

A short professional bio is usually preferred, so aim to keep it between 150-250 words. Focus on the most impactful information and avoid unnecessary details. Remember, brevity is key!

4. Write in the Third Person

When writing your professional bio, it is conventional to use the third person perspective. This helps create a sense of professionalism and objectivity.

5. Showcase Your Personality

While maintaining professionalism, it’s important to infuse your bio with your unique personality. This showcases your authenticity and helps you establish a connection with your audience.

6. Craft a Strong Opening Statement

Your opening statement is crucial in capturing attention. Use this space to highlight your expertise or share a compelling story that reflects your professional journey.

7. Use Action Verbs

Make your bio engaging by using action verbs that showcase your achievements and capabilities. This adds dynamism and keeps the reader engaged.

8. Tailor it for the Purpose

Create different versions of your professional bio to cater to different platforms and audiences. Customize it as per the requirements of your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, website, or professional blog.

9. Proofread and Edit

Before finalizing your professional bio, carefully proofread and edit it to ensure correct grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Ask a friend or colleague to review it for feedback.

Examples of Professional Bios

Here are a few examples of professional bios to give you an idea of how you can structure yours:

Remember to personalize these examples based on your own experiences, skills, and aspirations. Your professional bio should reflect your unique qualities and value proposition. Good luck!

Short Professional Bio Examples

A short professional bio is a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers, clients, or colleagues. Whether you’re writing compelling professional bios for a job application, networking event, personal brand or a professional website, it’s important to keep your information short and sweet.

Accomplished Customer Retention Expert | Human Resources Specialist Bio Example

Emily roberts, accomplished customer retention expert.

Emily Roberts is an accomplished human resources professional with expertise in customer retention. She has a proven track record of implementing effective strategies to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, resulting in improved customer service and increased retention rates. With her strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships, Emily has successfully managed diverse workforces and ensured a positive and inclusive workplace environment. Her dedication to creating a motivated and productive workforce has earned her recognition within the industry.

Creative Consultant | Graphic Designer | Copywriter Bio Example

Mark thompson, creative consultant.

Mark Thompson is a creative consultant with a diverse skill set in graphic designing and copywriting. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling, he has created impactful designs and engaging content for various clients across different industries. Mark’s expertise in executing cohesive branding strategies, combined with his strong communication skills, has helped his clients effectively communicate their message to their target audience. His creative flair, professionalism, and ability to think outside the box have made him a sought-after consultant in the industry.

Experienced Chiropractor | Holistic Healing Specialist Bio Example

Dr. jennifer evans, experienced chiropractor.

Dr. Jennifer Evans is an experienced chiropractor with a passion for holistic healing. With years of practice and a dedication to improving the well-being of her patients, Dr. Evans has helped numerous individuals find relief from chronic pain and achieve optimal health. She utilizes a combination of chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle modifications to address the root causes of discomfort and support overall wellness. Dr. Evans believes in empowering her patients through education and personalized treatment plans to achieve long-lasting health and vitality.

Instagram Influencer | Lifestyle Blogger | Content Creator Bio Example

Jessica adams, instagram influencer.

Jessica Adams is a popular Instagram influencer, lifestyle blogger, and content creator. With her vibrant personality and eye-catching visuals, she has amassed a large and engaged following across various social media platforms. Jessica shares her passion for fashion, travel, and self-care through her captivating content, inspiring her audience to live a life filled with adventure and authenticity. Her unique perspective, creativity, and relatable approach have made her a sought-after collaborator for brands seeking to reach a wider audience.

Healthcare Executive | Strategic Planner | Change Agent Bio Example

Dr. michael anderson, healthcare executive.

Dr. Michael Anderson is a seasoned healthcare executive with a proven track record of strategic planning and implementing transformative changes in the industry. With his deep understanding of healthcare systems, regulations, and emerging trends, he has successfully led organizations through complex challenges and positioned them for sustainable growth. Driven by his commitment to improving patient outcomes and enhancing operational efficiency, Dr. Anderson has spearheaded innovative initiatives that foster collaboration, streamline processes, and promote excellence in care delivery. His visionary leadership and ability to navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape have earned him recognition as a change agent within the industry.

Journalism and Media Specialist Bio Example

Emma roberts, journalism and media specialist.

Emma Roberts is a talented journalism and media specialist with a passion for storytelling. With a strong background in journalism and experience working with reputable media outlets, Emma has honed her skills in reporting and content creation. She has a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging her audience through captivating narratives. Emma stays updated with the latest trends and technologies in the media industry, ensuring that her work is innovative and impactful.

Facebook Advertising Expert | Digital Marketing Consultant Bio Example

Robert thompson, facebook advertising expert.

Robert Thompson is a Facebook advertising expert and digital marketing consultant. With his extensive knowledge of social media advertising and years of experience in digital marketing, Robert has helped numerous businesses achieve their marketing goals. He specializes in creating targeted advertising campaigns on Facebook that generate high-quality leads and drive conversions. Robert stays up-to-date with the ever-changing algorithms and best practices of social media platforms, ensuring that his clients’ advertising strategies remain effective and results-oriented.

Freelance Photographer | Visual Storyteller Bio Example

Sophia davis, freelance photographer.

Sophia Davis is a talented freelance photographer and visual storyteller. With her creative eye and passion for capturing beautiful moments, Sophia’s photographs evoke emotions and tell compelling stories. She specializes in portrait photography, landscape photography, and event photography, utilizing her technical skills and artistic vision to deliver stunning visuals. Sophia’s dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with her clients make her a sought-after photographer for various projects and occasions.

Executive Producer | Film and Television Specialist Bio Example

John johnson, executive producer.

John Johnson is an accomplished executive producer with a wealth of experience in the film and television industry. With his keen eye for talent and strong project management skills, John has successfully produced numerous critically acclaimed films and television series. He is known for his ability to bring creative visions to life while maintaining high production standards. John’s expertise in budgeting, negotiation, and team management has made him a respected figure in the industry, with a reputation for delivering exceptional content.

CRM Specialist | Customer Relationship Management Expert Bio Example

Linda sanchez, crm specialist.

Linda Sanchez is a customer relationship management (CRM) specialist with extensive experience in optimizing customer interactions and enhancing client satisfaction. She has worked with large corporations to implement robust CRM systems that streamline processes, increase efficiency, and improve customer retention. Linda is skilled at analyzing data and identifying customer trends to develop targeted strategies and personalized experiences. With her expertise in CRM software and her ability to build strong client relationships, Linda drives business growth and helps organizations create a customer-centric culture.

Blog Writer | Content Marketing Strategist Bio Example

David wilson, blog writer.

David Wilson is an experienced blog writer and content marketing strategist. With his exceptional writing skills and in-depth knowledge of various industries, David crafts engaging and informative blog posts that drive traffic and engage audiences. He understands the importance of creating value for readers and tailors his content to resonate with target audiences. David also excels in content marketing strategy, utilizing SEO best practices and data-driven insights to optimize blog content and improve visibility. His dedication to producing high-quality content and his expertise in content promotion make him a valuable asset in boosting online presence and brand awareness.

Lawyer | Expert in Intellectual Property Rights Bio Example

Julia thompson.

Julia Thompson is a skilled lawyer specializing in intellectual property rights. With her comprehensive understanding of copyright, trademark, and patent laws, Julia provides expert advice and representation to individuals and businesses seeking to protect their creative and innovative assets. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. Julia’s commitment to providing the highest level of service and her effective strategies for resolving legal disputes have earned her respect and trust among her clients.

Opinionated Philosopher | Advocate for Critical Thinking Bio Example

Robert johnson, opinionated philosopher.

Robert Johnson is an opinionated philosopher and advocate for critical thinking. With a deep passion for exploring complex ideas and challenging conventional wisdom, Robert stimulates intellectual discourse and promotes open-mindedness. His thought-provoking articles, speeches, and discussions encourage individuals to question their beliefs, broaden their perspectives, and develop a more nuanced understanding of the world. Robert’s unique blend of philosophy, psychology, and social commentary inspires others to engage in critical thinking and question the status quo.

Videos and Podcasts Producer | Multimedia Storyteller Bio Example

Emily peterson, videos and podcasts producer.

Emily Peterson is a skilled multimedia storyteller, specializing in producing compelling videos and podcasts. With her creative vision and technical expertise, Emily brings stories to life through captivating visuals and immersive audio experiences. She has worked on various projects, including documentaries, interviews, and branded content, collaborating with talented individuals to create engaging and impactful multimedia productions. Emily’s passion for storytelling, attention to detail, and ability to connect with her subjects make her a sought-after producer in the industry.

Zumba Instructor | Fitness Enthusiast Bio Example

Alicia garcia, zumba instructor.

Alicia Garcia is a passionate Zumba instructor and dedicated fitness enthusiast. With her energy, positivity, and love for dance, Alicia creates a fun and uplifting atmosphere in her Zumba classes. She is certified in various dance styles and combines them with fitness elements to offer a dynamic and enjoyable workout experience. Alicia’s motivational teaching style and ability to connect with her students make her classes highly popular among people of all fitness levels. Her mission is to inspire others to embrace an active lifestyle and find joy in staying fit.

Creative Consultant | Branding Strategist Bio Example

Samuel jackson.

Samuel Jackson is a creative consultant and branding strategist with a passion for helping businesses establish a strong and distinctive brand identity. With his expertise in design, marketing, and consumer behavior, Samuel guides clients in developing comprehensive branding strategies that resonate with their target audience. He offers personalized solutions, including visual design, messaging, and brand positioning, to create a cohesive brand presence across various channels. Samuel’s creativity, attention to detail, and strategic thinking have successfully guided numerous brands towards success.

Entrepreneur | Founder of Sustainable Fashion Brand Bio Example

Olivia baker, entrepreneur.

Olivia Baker is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of a successful sustainable fashion brand. With her passion for both fashion and environmental sustainability, Olivia has created a brand that offers stylish and eco-friendly clothing options. She ensures that every aspect of her business, from design to production, follows sustainable practices, promoting ethical fashion choices. Olivia’s dedication to making a positive impact and her innovative approach to sustainable business models have gained recognition within the industry.

CRM Specialist | Data Analyst | Customer Insights Expert Bio Example

Mark Davis is a CRM specialist with expertise in data analysis and customer insights. With his strong analytical skills and knowledge of CRM software, Mark helps businesses utilize customer data to gain valuable insights and drive strategic decision-making. By interpreting customer behavior and preferences, he assists in developing targeted marketing campaigns, optimizing sales strategies, and enhancing customer experiences. Mark’s ability to extract meaningful insights from complex data sets and his passion for understanding customer needs make him a valuable asset in optimizing business performance.

Journalist | Investigative Reporter Bio Example

Emily larson.

Emily Larson is a dedicated journalist with a passion for investigative reporting. With her commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable, Emily has covered a wide range of topics and exposed critical issues. She uses her excellent research skills and attention to detail to conduct in-depth investigations and interviews, presenting factual and well-rounded stories. Emily’s dedication to ethical journalism and her ability to shed light on important matters have earned her respect and recognition within the industry.

Facebook Advertising Expert | Digital Marketing Specialist Bio Example

Michael johnson.

Michael Johnson is a Facebook advertising expert and digital marketing specialist with a proven track record of driving results for businesses. With his extensive knowledge of Facebook ads and the ever-changing digital landscape, Michael helps businesses create effective ad campaigns that generate high-quality leads and drive conversions. He specializes in targeting, ad optimization, and analytics, ensuring that his clients’ advertising strategies are data-driven and ROI-focused. Michael’s passion for digital marketing and his ability to stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic field make him a sought-after professional in the industry.

English Literature Scholar | Author | Literary Critic Bio Example

Thomas parker, english literature scholar.

Thomas Parker is a renowned English literature scholar, author, and literary critic. With his extensive knowledge of classic and contemporary literature, Thomas has published numerous scholarly works that have contributed to the field of literary studies. He specializes in analyzing narrative structures, exploring thematic motifs, and offering insightful interpretations of literary works. Thomas’s deep understanding of literary theory and his articulate writing style make his works highly regarded among academics and literature enthusiasts.

Anthropologist | Cultural Researcher | Global Perspectives Advocate Bio Example

Laura thompson, anthropologist.

Laura Thompson is an anthropologist and passionate cultural researcher advocating for a deeper understanding of diverse global perspectives. With her extensive fieldwork and cross-cultural studies, Laura seeks to bridge gaps and promote cultural appreciation. She aims to challenge stereotypes and foster empathy by shedding light on the rich tapestry of human experiences. Laura’s research findings and insights are essential in shaping discourse and policy-making in today’s interconnected world.

CRM Specialist | Marketing Automation Expert | HubSpot Certified Bio Example

Andrew wilson.

Andrew Wilson is a CRM specialist and marketing automation expert, certified in HubSpot. With his expertise in CRM systems and marketing automation tools, Andrew helps businesses streamline their marketing efforts and enhance customer engagement. He designs and implements automated campaigns tailored to target specific customer segments, driving lead generation and nurturing prospective customers along the sales funnel. Andrew’s ability to leverage data and technology to optimize marketing outcomes makes him an invaluable asset in achieving marketing goals.

Healthcare Consultant | Strategic Planner | Process Improvement Specialist Bio Example

Michelle davis, healthcare consultant.

Michelle Davis is a skilled healthcare consultant, specializing in strategic planning and process improvement. With her knowledge of healthcare systems, regulations, and quality improvement practices, Michelle collaborates with healthcare organizations to develop strategies that enhance patient care, optimize processes, and achieve sustainable outcomes. She combines her analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to identify areas for improvement and devise innovative solutions. Michelle’s dedication to advancing healthcare delivery and her expertise in change management have resulted in tangible improvements for the organizations she has worked with.

Executive Director | Nonprofit Leader | Social Impact Advocate Bio Example

Emily anderson, executive director.

Emily Anderson is an experienced nonprofit leader and passionate advocate for social impact. As an executive director, she has successfully led nonprofits in achieving their missions and making a positive difference in the community. Through strategic planning, fundraising efforts, and community engagement, Emily has helped organizations grow and expand their impact. Her empathy, leadership skills, and commitment to social justice have made her a respected figure in the nonprofit sector.

Customer Experience Strategist | Voice of the Customer Specialist Bio Example

David thompson, customer experience strategist.

David Thompson is a customer experience strategist specializing in gathering and analyzing the voice of the customer. With his expertise in customer feedback management and data-driven insights, David helps businesses understand their customers’ needs, expectations, and pain points. Through various customer research methodologies, he uncovers valuable insights that inform strategic decision-making and drive improvements in product and service offerings. David is passionate about creating meaningful customer experiences that strengthen brand loyalty and drive business success.

Marriage and Family Therapist | Relationship Expert Bio Example

Dr. sarah williams, marriage and family therapist.

Dr. Sarah Williams is a skilled marriage and family therapist with expertise in improving relationships and fostering emotional well-being. Through her compassionate approach and evidence-based techniques, Dr. Williams helps individuals and couples navigate challenges, strengthen their relationships, and achieve personal growth. She creates a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions and develop effective communication and coping strategies. Dr. Williams is committed to helping her clients build fulfilling and lasting relationships.

Project Manager | Agile Methodologies Practitioner Bio Example

John thompson, project manager.

John Thompson is a seasoned project manager with a wealth of experience in implementing projects using agile methodologies. With his strong leadership skills and attention to detail, John has successfully managed complex projects and delivered high-quality results within budget and timeline constraints. He is adept at coordinating cross-functional teams, facilitating communication, and adapting to changing project requirements. John’s ability to foster collaboration, ensure transparency, and drive project success has consistently earned him accolades from clients and stakeholders.

Accountant | Financial Analyst | Microsoft Excel Expert Bio Example

Michael davis.

Michael Davis is an experienced accountant and financial analyst with expertise in utilizing Microsoft Excel to streamline financial processes. With his strong analytical skills and attention to detail, he ensures accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Michael is proficient in using Excel’s advanced functions and macros to analyze data, create financial models, and improve efficiency. His ability to leverage technology to optimize financial operations makes him a valuable asset in ensuring financial stability and driving business growth.

Executive Assistant | Administrative Professional Bio Example

Sarah thompson, executive assistant.

Sarah Thompson is a highly skilled executive assistant with a proven track record of supporting senior executives and managing complex administrative tasks. With her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, Sarah ensures seamless operations and smooth workflow. She is adept at managing calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, and preparing executive-level documents. Sarah’s professional demeanor, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to handle confidential information with discretion make her an invaluable asset to executives and organizations.

Here are some tips for writing a great short professional bio:

Start with your name and job title.
Include a brief description of your professional background and experience.
Focus on your most recent or relevant experience and professional accomplishments.
Use simple language that can be understood by everyone.
Keep it short! A short professional bio should be no more than a few sentences long.

Bio examples for work

Here are a few short professional bio examples to help you get started:.

I’m Jane Smith, a web developer and designer with over 10 years of experience crafting beautiful and user-friendly websites. I have a passion for problem-solving and creating simple, elegant solutions to complex problems.

I’m John Doe, a sales executive with 15 years of experience driving revenue growth and market share expansion. I’m a results-oriented leader with a proven track record of success in highly competitive industries.

I am an experienced project manager specializing in event planning and logistics. I have a successful track record of organizing and executing large-scale events from start to finish. I am detail-oriented and thrive in fast-paced environments.

John Doe, Data Scientist

John Doe is a data scientist with over 10 years of experience in the field. He has a background in mathematics and computer science, and has worked with data of all types during his career. John has experience with data mining, machine learning, and statistical analysis, and is always looking for new ways to improve his skills.

Example 5: Alice Smith, Data Scientist

Alice is a data scientist with a background in mathematics and statistics. She has experience working with data from a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. Alice is skilled in data analysis and visualization, and is passionate about helping organizations use data to drive decision-making.

John Doe, Data Scientist John Doe is a data scientist with experience in the financial and healthcare industries. He has a background in mathematics and computer science, and has worked with data for over 10 years. John is skilled in data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling. He has a passion for finding meaning in data and helping others to do the same.

Data Scientist Short Bio Example :

I help companies make better decisions with data.
I am a data scientist with a passion for turning data into insights that help businesses make better decisions.
I am a data scientist and business analyst who helps companies make data-driven decisions.
I am a data analyst and business consultant who helps companies make better decisions through data-driven insights.
I specialize in data analysis and machine learning. I have a strong background in mathematics and statistics, and I use these skills to find hidden patterns in data. I have worked with many different types of data, including financial data, social media data, and sensor data. I am always looking for new ways to extract insights from data.
I am a data scientist with a passion for finding hidden insights in data. I have a strong background in mathematics and statistics, and I use these skills to find patterns in data. I have worked with many different types of data, including financial data, social media data, and sensor data. I am always looking for new ways to extract insights from data.
I am a data scientist with a background in mathematics and statistics. I use these skills to find hidden patterns in data. I have worked with many different types of data, including financial data, social media data, and sensor data. I am always looking for new ways to extract insights from data.

Remember, a short professional bio is not an autobiography! Be sure to focus on the most relevant and recent information about yourself, and avoid including superfluous details. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to writing a great short and compelling professional bio!

Short Professional Bio Examples data scientist 3

Short Bio Example Yourself

A short bio should include an overview of your career and professional accomplishments. For example, you might mention where you work, what your job title is, and what kind of work you do. You might also mention some of your most significant accomplishments, such as awards or promotions. In addition, a short bio should briefly mention your personal life, such as your hobbies or interests. By including this information, you can give readers a better sense of who you are as a person. Ultimately, a short bio should give readers a snapshot of your life and work, helping them to understand more about you and what you do.

Creative Bio Examples

Writing a creative bio can be a challenge. You want to capture your essence in a way that is both true to who you are and engaging for your audience. At the same time, you don’t want to sound like you’re bragging or come across as too self-promotional. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but it’s important to put your best foot forward when representing yourself professionally.

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One great way to get started is by looking at creative and short bio examples from other people in your field. See how they introduce themselves and what information they include. What experiences do they highlight? What makes their approach unique? As you look at creative bio examples, consider what elements you might like to incorporate into your own bio.

Ultimately, the goal is to write a creative bio that accurately reflects who you are as a person and as a professional. By looking at creative bio examples, you can get a better sense of how to craft your own unique and effective bio.

Personal Bio Examples

A personal bio is a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers, clients, or other professionals. A personal bio should include an overview of your professional experience, education, and skills. It can also be a good idea to mention any awards or accolades you have received. In addition, a personal bio should give a sense of your personality and interests. For example, you might mention that you enjoy hiking in your free time. By including this personal information, you will give readers a more well-rounded picture of who you are. Ultimately, a personal bio should give readers a snapshot of your professional life and accomplishments.

Fun Bio Examples

A fun bio can be a great way to introduce yourself to potential new friends or colleagues. It can also be a great icebreaker at parties or other gatherings. However, writing a fun bio is not always easy. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Keep it short and sweet. A fun bio should be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling on and on about your life story.

2. Use humor. A fun bio is an excellent opportunity to inject some humor into your life story. Don’t be afraid to be funny!

3. Be creative. Think outside the box when it comes to your fun bio. Be creative and have fun with it!

4. Use positive language. A fun bio is a chance to put a positive spin on your life story. Focus on the good times and avoid negativity.

5. Be yourself. Ultimately, a fun bio should be an accurate reflection of who you are as a person. Be authentic and let your personality shine through!

Short Bio Template Copy And Paste

A short bio should be short and to the point – after all, it is a short personal biography! However, there are a few key elements that should always be included. Firstly, a short bio should always include your full name. Secondly, you should mention your current job or occupation. Thirdly, you should briefly mention your qualifications or experience. Finally, you can include a short sentence or two about your hobbies or interests. A short bio should be no more than a few sentences – if you need more space, try using a longer professional biography template.

Short Professional Bio Examples Healthcare

A short professional bio is a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers, clients, or colleagues. If you’re a healthcare professional, your bio should highlight your experience and expertise in the field in the company website.We compiled a variety of professional biographies and explain why they are effective to give you an idea of how to structure yours. Here are some short professional bio examples for healthcare professionals:

Dr. Smith is a board-certified internist who has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. He completed his residency at Harvard Medical School and has since worked in both private practice and academic settings. He is currently the Chief of Medicine at XYZ Hospital.

Dr. Nguyen is a pediatrician who has been practicing for 15 years. She completed her residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and has worked in both private practice and community health settings. She is fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese and specializes in the care of children with chronic illnesses.

Dr. Perez is a family medicine physician who has been in practice for 10 years. She completed her residency at UCLA Medical Center and has worked in both primary care and urgent care settings. She is currently the medical director of a community health center serving low-income families in Los Angeles County.

How to Write a Professional Bio for LinkedIn

Writing a professional bio for LinkedIn is crucial for building your personal brand and making a strong impression on potential connections or employers. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft an effective LinkedIn bio:

1. Start with a Summary Statement

Your LinkedIn bio should begin with a compelling summary statement that highlights your key skills, experience, and professional goals. Use this section to convey the unique value you bring to the table and what sets you apart from others in your industry.

2. Showcase Your Professional Accomplishments

Incorporate specific examples of your professional accomplishments within your bio. Highlight significant projects you’ve worked on, impressive metrics you’ve achieved, or any recognitions or awards you’ve received. This helps build credibility and demonstrates your expertise.

3. Keep It Concise and Targeted

A LinkedIn bio should be concise, typically between 2-3 paragraphs. Focus on the most relevant information that aligns with your career goals and the audience you want to target. Tailor your bio for the specific industry or job roles you are interested in.

4. Utilize Keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your LinkedIn bio to improve its visibility for recruiters or employers searching for specific skills or qualifications. This can increase your chances of appearing in relevant search results and getting discovered by the right people.

5. Include Testimonials or Endorsements

If you have received positive testimonials or endorsements from colleagues, clients, or supervisors, consider incorporating them into your LinkedIn bio. This adds credibility and can help validate your skills and expertise.

6. Update Your Profile Picture and Background Image

Ensure your LinkedIn profile picture presents a professional image of yourself, and consider adding a background image that represents your personal brand or showcases your industry. These visual elements can enhance your profile’s overall appeal.

7. Share Relevant Links or Publications

If you have authored articles, blog posts, or whitepapers relevant to your industry, consider including links to these publications in your LinkedIn bio. This demonstrates thought leadership and positions you as an authority in your field.

8. Regularly Update Your Bio

Keep your LinkedIn bio updated with your latest accomplishments, certifications, or job responsibilities. Regularly review and revise your bio to ensure it accurately reflects your current professional status and goals.

Examples of LinkedIn Professional Bios

Results-oriented marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing and social media management. Skilled in creating impactful marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness, lead generation, and customer engagement. Proven track record of delivering measurable results and exceeding targets. Certified in Google Ads and HubSpot Inbound Marketing. Passionate about leveraging data and consumer insights to optimize marketing strategies. Currently seeking new opportunities to apply my expertise in a dynamic organization.

Motivated cybersecurity professional with a strong background in IT risk management and network security. Experienced in conducting vulnerability assessments, implementing security policies, and leading incident response efforts. Certified in CISSP and CompTIA Security+. Dedicated to staying updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and technologies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Actively seeking opportunities to contribute my expertise and protect organizations from cyber threats.

Highly skilled graphic designer with a passion for creating visually compelling designs. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Experienced in designing marketing collateral, logos, and user interfaces. Collaborative team player with excellent communication and project management skills. Recognized for delivering quality designs within tight deadlines. Currently open to freelance opportunities and collaborations with brands that value creativity and innovation.

When writing a professional bio, it is important to consider what personal details to include. While disclosing everything about your personal life is not necessary, it is important to provide potential clients with enough information to get a sense of who you are as a person. A professional bio should also include a list of your professional skills and accomplishments. If you have a personal website, you can also include a link to it in your bio. When writing in first or third person, be sure to use language that is appropriate for a professional setting. You can also include links to your social media accounts in your bio.

Regarding professional development, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about improving your skills. It’s also about marketing yourself to potential employers and networking with professionals in your industry.

Your LinkedIn summary is a great place to start. In just a few sentences, you can give readers an overview of your career history and highlight your skills and experience.

Columbia University has a great bio example that you can use as a professional bio template. Just remember to tailor it to fit your own personal brand.

And don’t forget about personal websites and social media. These days, potential employers will often check out your online presence before considering inviting you for an interview. So make sure your personal brand is strong and consistent across all platforms.

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How to Write a Short Professional Bio

U.S. News & World Report

June 25, 2024, 8:00 PM

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A professional bio can help you stand out from the crowd by showcasing who you are and what you strive for in your work. However, writing a professional biography for potential employers, clients, colleagues or networking is easier said than done. It can feel awkward to write about yourself and fluently express your contributions.

Here are essential elements for any professional bio:

— Your name and professional title

— What you do in your current position

— Your branding statement

— One to two outstanding professional accomplishments with measurable results

— One to two details to describe your personality

You may post your professional bio on your personal website, your personal blog, your company’s website, your professional portfolio, your LinkedIn “about” section, your Facebook business page or another social media site such as Instagram.

While the length of your bio will vary depending on where you aim to publish it, this outline of elements will help you create a complete bio. For example, if you post your bio in your “about” section on LinkedIn , you are limited to about 2,000 characters. Your website might include a lengthier bio, but a short professional bio works best on social media pages.

[ READ: Job Skills to List on Your Resume (And What to Exclude) ]

How to Start a Biography

You may know who you are professionally, but it can be hard to articulate this clearly and precisely, especially in writing. To start, outline what you want to include in your bio using the elements above. You can use your resume and other documents where you’ve tracked professional accomplishments to help you, but avoid copying and pasting.

You can also look up the professional bios of successful professionals whom you admire. What impresses you about their bios? Take note of the elements that stand out to you and use them as inspiration for your own bio.

To help you come across authentically, think about what you would say out loud to someone if they asked you about the items on the list above. For example, how would you explain your job or branding statement? Write it down. This can help you to “see” your voice on paper.

Generally, a professional bio should be written in third person , especially if it’s for a company website. However, there are exceptions. For example, your “about” section on LinkedIn should be written in first person.

Here are some additional details to include on your professional bio.

Your Name and Professional Title

Include your full name and your title. For example: John Doe, Marketing Director. If you don’t have a job, list your last job title or certifications .

What You Do in Your Current Position

This helps the reader understand if your experience would be a good fit for their organization. For example: John specializes in all forms of digital marketing, including social media marketing, online advertising and search engine optimization.

Your Branding Statement

A branding statement is a sentence or two that reflects your professional values and how you stand out from others in the industry. For example: John is diligent and adapts seamlessly to evolving processes and technologies. This allows him to provide the best service to his customers.

Outstanding Professional Accomplishments

Listing a few accomplishments allows readers to understand your level of expertise and how you positively contribute to your organization or industry. Examples could include how you helped your company save money, increased visibility or attained positive results for your clients.

Personal Details

Including a few personal details can help a reader connect with you on a more personal level. This may make them more likely to reach out to you. Examples could include hobbies, pets or interesting details about your background that you feel comfortable sharing.

[ See: Red Flag Phrases to Leave Off Your Resume. ]

How to Write a Bio for Work

If your company has asked you to write a professional bio for its website, make sure you include the requested elements. If you are unsure, ask your supervisor for additional information. Also, check your company’s “about” page and note what others have included in their bios. Try to follow the same format and order of information. Once you have finished your professional bio, ask someone you trust to proofread it for grammatical errors and clarity.

Sean McLoughlin, vice president of operations at the executive search firm HireMinds, recommends always writing your corporate bio with the company in mind. “If you have been with the company for a significant amount of time, your short professional bio should highlight achievements within the company. If you’re new to the organization, they should be written highlighting why you’re going to be successful in your new role,” he said in an email.

Professional Bio Examples

Here are a few examples of what a short professional bio could look like:

1. Physician Sample Bio

James Oliver is an empathetic family medicine physician leveraging 10-plus years of experience promoting health and improving the quality of patients through changes in research, medical education and patient care across organizations and the community. He’s known for his innovative, tactical thinking and authentic, influential leadership style. He’s also skilled in building the relationships, consensus and strategic partnerships needed to move large-scale and challenging initiatives forward.

2. Graphic Designer Sample Bio

Amy Lin is a freelance graphic designer known for her creative thinking and attention to detail. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Amy specializes in translating complex ideas into compelling visual narratives. She has a background in visual arts and has worked on diverse projects ranging from logo designs to website layouts. In her free time, Amy likes to find inspiration for her art in nature, travel, dance and music.

3. Software Engineer Sample Bio

Lucy Michaels is a senior software engineer at Meta who works closely with product and design teams to build innovative application experiences for the iOS platform. Her technical prowess spans from backend systems architecture to frontend user interface design, with a strong focus on optimizing performance and usability. She’s also well-versed in various programming languages and frameworks like C++, Ruby on Rails, Python and Java. On the weekends, Lucy enjoys going on hikes and training Muay Thai.

4. Human Resources Sample Bio

Michael Sanchez is a human resources professional with three years of experience in talent acquisition and HR operations. His empathetic approach and strong communication skills make him a go-to person for resolving issues and boosting team morale. He’s also played a key role in building high-performing teams and is known for his strong interpersonal skills and ability to create a supportive work environment. With him on board, you can expect a workplace where people feel valued and empowered to shine.

5. Sales Sample Bio

Sarah David is a tech sales specialist known for her talent in building strong client relationships and driving revenue growth. She has a solid background in the tech industry and excels at understanding customer needs and consistently exceeding quota each month. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys doing yoga and roller skating.

6. First-Person Sample Bio

Hi! My name is Tracy Jones. I’m a content marketing specialist passionate about helping brands connect authentically with their audiences through compelling storytelling and well-defined content strategies. Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of working with leading brands, including tech giants like Microsoft and startups like Airbnb, to help them create engaging blog posts and social media campaigns. In my free time, I enjoy learning Spanish and spending time with my three cats.

[ Read: How to Highlight Interpersonal Skills in Interviews and Resumes. ]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Professional Bio

— Being too generic. Always tailor your bio to reflect your unique skills and avoid using clichés or generic statements that don’t differentiate you from others in your field. “Nobody expects a generalist to solve their issues,” Sharon Rose Hayward, a women’s career coach and founder at Winning at Work, said in an email.

— Exaggerating or misrepresenting. Exaggerating your accomplishments or misrepresenting your achievements won’t do you any good and could damage your reputation. Be truthful when describing your skills and experiences.

— Not updating regularly. Don’t use outdated information that no longer reflects your current professional status and make sure to update your professional bio periodically.

— Committing grammar mistakes. A bio riddled with errors gives the impression that you’re careless and lack attention to detail. Always triple-check your professional bio before publishing, and consider asking a friend or colleague to proofread it.

— Using industry or location-specific abbreviations or acronyms. Industry jargon and location-specific abbreviations or acronyms likely mean nothing to your readers. “Leaving someone wanting to know more because they’re interested is different than creating confusion,” Hayward said.

— Making your bio too long. Laurie Cure, executive coach and CEO at Innovative Connections, a consulting company that provides organizational solutions, warns against writing a long bio. “Have you ever sat at a conference and spent the first five minutes of a session listening to the moderator read a two-page bio of how great someone is? It’s a bore. Always keep your bio short and sweet,” she said in an email.

Be Authentic

Focus on highlighting your unique strengths and showcasing your personality. “Your word choice and language will say a lot about who you are and how you want to be represented,” Cure said. “Your personality will show in how you describe yourself and your experiences, as well as what you choose to highlight.”

Don’t be afraid to embrace your individuality and emphasize what truly matters to you. Whether you choose to tell your story with a polished professional tone or a more conversational approach, always let your bio reflect your authentic self.

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Make sure your bio won't make you squirm if asked about it during an interview. Show a little of your personality. Use every character afforded. Don't stop at 135 just because you have cited ...
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Wells opened a path for future news reporters who wanted to challenge power. Most famous work: A fantastic activist who is known in the world of journalism for her anti-lynching crusades and writings. 9. Nellie B. Bly: Breaking Boundaries. Nellie B. Bly is best known for her undercover exposé journalism.
7 journalist Twitter bios we love (and why we love them)
This Twitter bio elegantly combines Seddon's job reporting foreign news with an homage to comedian Yakov Smirnoff and alludes to the dangers that involve reporting on Russia. Russian ...
Famous Journalists
A pioneer for women in broadcasting, Walters became the first woman to co-host shows like Today and ABC Evening News. In 1996, she was named in TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars list. 3. Dan Rather. (Journalist and News Anchor of the 'CBS Evening News') Birthdate: October 31, 1931. Sun Sign: Scorpio.
30 Professional Bio Examples & Templates Elevate Your Profile
Journalism professional bio example. Emily Wilson is an award-winning investigative journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable. With a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, Emily has worked for leading news organizations, where she has covered a wide range of topics, including ...
Journalist Bios
Sample Journalist Bio. Amber Lemiere is the founder and editor for Ex-Changers Magazine, but she also teaches writing full-time at Lower Columbia College where she has worked for the last sixteen years. She lives in Longview, Washington, with her husband Eric, their almost-four-year-old boy named Helo (pronounced Hee-Low), and their less wild ...
Copywriting Journalist Cv Examples for 2024: Templates & Tips
Journalist CV example (text version) Amy Lewis. Decatur, GA 30031. (555) 555-5555. [email protected]. Summary Statement. Talented and creative journalist committed to high-quality research and writing. Proven industry achievement history with more than 10 years of professional experience. Dedication to sound investigative research methods and ...
What Journalists Are Looking for in Your Staff Bio on the Website
10. Keep It Updated. Finally, just make sure you periodically update your staff bio with your latest press hits, published reports, and other pertinent information. This reinforces to reporters that you continue to be a leading expert in the field - and one they need to talk to! Journalists on deadline are looking for the best experts to ...
Writing Your Author Bio? Here Are 20 Great Examples. (Plus a Checklist!)
J.T. keeps to just the essential ingredients of a professional author bio: accolades, genres, experience, and a bit of what she's up to today for a personal touch. 20. James S.A. Corey. James S.A. Corey is the pen name for a collaboration between Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck.
20 Short Bio Examples to Use for Inspiration
Short Professional Bio Examples. 1. Mitch Albom. This bio from the website of best-selling author, journalist, and broadcaster, Mitch Albom, is the first of our short creative bio examples. Even if the bio is relatively short, it tells the readers just how impressive Albom is in his field. 2.
Research & Subject Guides: Journalism: Journalist Biographies
Resources for Journalism, Communication, and Media Studies
211+ Best Instagram Bios For Journalists [2024]
Additionally, we provide you with examples of the best freelance journalist bios on Instagram and a step-by-step guide to get you started. ... You can do this by providing a direct, embedded link on your bio. For the Later example, they encourage users to check out their blog where they showcase tips and guides. This is a common strategy that ...
The Journalist Biography in an Age of Crisis
Kristof landed at the Times in 1984, as a business reporter—though he didn't yet know what the Nasdaq was. He was rapidly promoted and became the paper's youngest national correspondent, in ...
Journalist Portfolio Examples
A journalism portfolio should contain a variety of work samples that demonstrate a journalist's writing and reporting skills. Examples could include published articles, opinion pieces, investigative stories, or multimedia content. The portfolio should also outline your experiences, such as the types of publications you have contributed to, a ...
7 Different Ways to Write a Great Biography
6. The Life of the Mind. Select a scientist or a philosopher for your project and chances are you'll be writing an 'intellectual biography'. Following the development of ideas across a life, biographies of great minds can play an important role in public understandings of science.
Professional Bio Guide: Template and Examples
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.
The 100 Outstanding Journalists in the United States in the Last 100
Full Biography Here. David Broder: influential Pulitzer Prize-winning political reporter and columnist, who joined the Washington Post in 1968. Full Biography Here. Tom Brokaw: anchored NBC's Nightly News and the network's special-events coverage, including elections and September 11, from 1982 to 2004.
How to Write a Short Professional Bio (with 8 Bio Examples)
If you have three sentences, for instance for an author bio, then you can say a little more. But be careful, the same rule applies as with the one-sentence Twitter bio. Keep it short to make a strong first impression. For a three-sentence bio, consider these three objectives: Tell readers who you are and what you do.
How to write a brief author biography for a journal article?
Can someone provide a sample of his/her biography for me to use as a reference or template? publications; Share. Improve this question. Follow asked Oct 7, 2016 at 15:34. I Like to Code I Like to Code. 19.5k 25 25 gold badges 79 79 silver badges 119 119 bronze badges. 3. 9.
Short Professional Bio Examples: 50+ Compelling Professional Biography
Journalist | Investigative Reporter Bio Example Emily Larson Journalist. Emily Larson is a dedicated journalist with a passion for investigative reporting. With her commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable, Emily has covered a wide range of topics and exposed critical issues. She uses her excellent research ...
Journalism Biography Examples That Really Inspire
Biography On Rachel Carson. 'Rachel Carson was born in the year 1907, on 27th of May at a place called Springdale in Pennsylvania.'1 He grew up in a rural home with her mother who inspired her to like the nature. The fact that she grew up in a farm found in Pennsylvania made her to better understand and like nature and the wild animals that ...
How to Write a Short Professional Bio
Sales Sample Bio. Sarah David is a tech sales specialist known for her talent in building strong client relationships and driving revenue growth. She has a solid background in the tech industry ...