From the Expert: A biography is an excellent way to paint a coherent picture of yourself to someone other than a potential employer. While a résumé screams “I’m looking for a job,” a bio is a subtler way to introduce yourself to a networking contact or as read-ahead for a meeting or an engagement with someone you might not know well (for example, an informational interview).

What you choose to include depends on what you want to accentuate and how you want to be perceived by those who are reading your bio. Biographies can raise your visibility and establish your credibility. 

Biography Best Practices: 

• Include a photo taken in business attire.
   

• Do not try to hide your military experience by using civilian job titles (e.g., CEO, COO, etc.).
  
  

• Don’t burden your reader with lengthy sentences of personal information unless it applies directly to the subject for which the biography has been prepared. 
  
  

• Avoid excessive acronyms and military jargon, and keep your background brief. 
  
  

• Focus on your achievements and accomplishments rather than past jobs.  
  
  

• Write in third-person voice (e.g.: “Steve has extensive experience as a project manager”).
   

• Use a conversational tone. 
  
  

• Keep the bio to approximately a half page, or less.