I cannot begin to tell you how many of my apps want me to update my profile, especially the “about me” blocks. This includes everything from LinkedIn and other social media accounts to email marketing services and meeting schedulers. I am sure that you have had the same experience. They believe a bio is important to attract followers and build one’s reputation. And they are right! Fortunately, as I am a big believer in the value of a good bio, these requests are simple ‘cut and paste’ activities.
I recommend that you have a complete and current bio. It is a useful networking tool. As you know, networking is the key to building your career. Whether you are in job search, trying to gain more customers, or building your brand, networking is how it’s done. I recommend having a bio because it is more likely to be read than a resume. Whereas resumes are scanned, at best, bios are read because they tell a story, especially if your story is interesting. Throughout history and across cultures, storytelling has been a treasured, universal concept. People like stories. We all like to read stories. A bio is perfectly suited to tell your story. It’s hard to argue with the concept. That is why I am an enthusiastic supporter. I often speak to the importance of telling your story, whether networking or in job search.
You still need a resume; however, a bio is more likely to generate interest with a prospective employer. A bio is less threatening from a networking perspective. Whereas handing someone your resume screams “I am looking for a job,” a bio is more subtle. It says, “Hey, I want you to know about me in the event you learn of an opportunity that is appropriate for me.” A bio is a better vehicle to help you build a relationship with the reader.
How to write an interesting bio:
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- Begin with your overview – your positioning statement
- Write in the third person
- Make it personal – more than just about your career
- Talk about your accomplishments, training, and key learnings
- Keep it interesting – use active voice, mix up sentence structure, use short paragraphs
- Write it like a short story – what is the theme of your career?
- Two pages or less
- Include a photo.
Early in my career, I learned that the secret to an effective presentation is to tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them. In other words, begin with an overview of the message, provide the message in detail, and then summarize the message. So, begin your bio with an overview of your career. My preference is a three-sentence personal positioning statement. (Review last week’s blog post). The first is about what you do, who you do it for, and how do you do it. Secondly, speak to the towering strength you bring to the table. Finally, speak to your value system, leadership style, and the way you conduct your work. This provides the reader with an inventory of attributes that formed the foundation for your career.
The body of a bio chronicles your work history starting at the beginning of your career then moving forward. Some people have bios that begin before their formal career as their experiences while maturing created a foundation for their career. This is always useful information if it is relevant.
The body of a bio provides an opportunity to talk about significant accomplishments, skills learned, and reasons for job changes. It can also explain breaks in employment for personal or developmental reasons. Be sure that every paragraph supports the first paragraph, your positioning statement. The body of your bio provides depth and explains how you acquired your skills and experience.
The final paragraph can be entirely personal. Lead with your education and awards, certifications, publications, etc. Talk a little about your family, where you live, and any hobbies or interests that may be compelling. If you are involved in community service or charitable work, include those interests as well. Remember, use a conversational tone with an active voice. Alternate between short and compound sentences. Use short paragraphs. Minimize the use of buzzwords and business jargon. Above all, make it an interesting read.
The point of any career document is to be invited for an interview. You want the reader to become interested enough to learn more about you. A bio is an excellent tool to begin a discussion. Create several versions, each emphasizing a different primary skill stack.
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Jim Weber – Managing Partner, ITB Partners
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