WHY Xtra: 5 Tips for Writing a Short, Professional Bio

1. Start off with a bang. The first sentence of your bio should be strong and attention-getting, and give a clear description of what you do and the field you're in.
2. Less is more. Don't give your entire work history. Instead, touch upon your main accomplishments.
3. He said, she said. It is standard practice to write professional bios, even your own, in third person, unless the bio appears on your website and you're going for a more casual, folksy flavor.
4. All work and no play... Include some personal information, so that there is a sense of who you are beyond the boardroom. But keep this section short.
5. Include contact information. Excluding it is kind of like trying to sell a house without an address.

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