An executive bio describes your personal values, interests, career history and accomplishments. You’ll need a bio for your website, professional networks, and for the many applications and proposals that are submitted to raise funds for your business.
You should have two versions available:
Informal bio - short and written in first-person
Professional bio - longer, written in third-person narrative
Here are a few tips to writing a compelling and concise executive bio:
Be Consistent: your bio should reflect and summarize information on your resume, linkedin profile and other professional online channels
Focus on Action: be sure to explain both who you are and what you do.
Example: “Vanessa King is an experienced community advisor, known for educating and supporting students as they transition from high-school into post-secondary opportunities.”
What to include in your bio?
Share Your Passions and Personality: Let readers know what inspires you and how your interests and experience inform your current work
Summarize Your Career Path: tell a story about your professional experience including your current role, showing how it all hangs together
Share Professional Accomplishments: provide an account exemplary projects and the impact you’ve had on the organizations you’ve served
Include Relevant Qualifications: Describe significant educational experiences, degrees, professional memberships and other credentials
Get Personal: Briefly tell your readers who you are and what you enjoy outside of work