http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/
career-services/
updated 9/18
Professional Biography Guide
What is a professional biography?
A professional biography is a summary of who you are as a professional, based upon your education, experience, and
unique skillset (what you do and how you do it). It also should include your purpose (why you do what you do) and
impact (what you aim to solve or transform for your patients/clients, organization, and/or in the world). More than that,
it offers an opportunity to tell your story in an engaging way to capture your audience and promote your “brand” as a
professional.
Similar to crafting your resume for different purposes and audiences, you must tailor your professional biography
accordingly. Unlike your resume, you may wish to include a photo (professional headshot), and share more about your
personal hobbies, interests, and family. Doing this well shows your personality and your interests beyond your work
environment.
How to tailor your professional biography
There are different lengths of professional biographies to use in different settings. Therefore, it is wise to craft your long
bio first, and use it as a basis for writing the other versions, which are typically shorter.
The long biography is typically used as a more complete professional introduction of yourself. Long bios are
used as an author bio in book writing, as an introduction for speakers/presenters, or as a board
director/leadership team description in organizations, among other uses. The long bio is typically between 3-5
paragraphs, varying from 3-5 sentences each.
The short biography is typically used in other publications, print or online, as author bios at the end of articles or
blogposts, in the “About” section of company or personal websites, or as listing in a professional directory. It
can also be used as a professional summary statement in social media accounts (i.e. LinkedIn or Alumni
database). The short bio is generally between 1-2 paragraphs, varying from 2-4 sentences each.
The pitch or professional statement is a brief description, typically no more than 2-4 sentences, that highlights
your professional experience and qualifications. A simple formula to craft this is present-past-future.
Example: Global Health MD/MPH with 5 years international clinical research experience in hospital and
government settings. Expertise in childhood diseases and specialization in prevention. Strategic leader eager to
bring multi-cultural communication excellence and crisis management to an NGO field officer role.
The headline/tagline is a very brief “bulleted” list that describes you in a few words or phrases.
Example: Emerging Global Health Professional |Expert Data Analyst| Triathlete
Examples of different biography lengths and styles can be found through a simple internet search. Look at an
organization’s “About” and “Staff/Team/Leadership” pages. Read author blurbs at end of articles or in books to get a
sense of how they describe themselves, their work and purpose, and how they may feature achievements and interests.
Office for Alumni Affairs & Career Advancement