10 Tips For Writing a Well-Branded Executive Bio
- Understand the purpose or goal of your Executive Bio (e.g., obtaining a new position, personal branding, company branding).
- Understand your audience (hiring managers, CEOs, CFOs, human resources) and what they are looking for (e.g., a VP of Operations & Finance, a VP of Engineering with R&D background, a VP of Human Resources with experience in working with Unions).
- Use the positive feedback people have given you as quotes. Having someone else say you’re effective or visionary let’s you remain humble and lends credibility to the statements. Sources for quotes include: customers, vendors, board members, bosses, peers, and staff.
- Focus on results you’ve achieved and quantify them where possible and highlight your skills (click here for a list of tools to help you identify your skills).
- Include the achievement you are most proud of.
- Identify what differentiates you.
- Talk about your passion.
- Tell the story of your career.
- Use strong action verbs that show authority and responsibility, where possible.
- Include your credentials and education.
Here are some articles on writing an executive bio that may help you as well:
- The Art Of Writing Your Own Bio: How To Toot Your Horn Without Sounding Like A Blowhard
- Why Your Bio Is More Important than Your Resume
- 8 Steps to Writing a Bio Like a Pro (Chris Brogan in Fact)
- What Your Professional Bio Needs to Get Noticed
- 4 Steps to Writing a Professional Bio That Gets You Noticed