Career Biographies serve both as a more personal Curriculum Vitae or as a profile of an employee, for example on a company website. Despite the name they are most often written by the subject themselves so are perhaps better described as an autobiography. The term biography is most often used because the profile will be written in third person and can be written by the subject or by someone else.
Who Should Write a Career Biography?
A Career Biography is a more interesting, reader friendly way for a job seeker to present themselves to a company. Especially if the job seeker has a lot of impressive achievements which read less impressive in a CV style. At the other end of the scale it can be a good tool to use for anyone with little recent work history which, if written in a CV, would look unimpressive. People who would benefit from a Career Biography are:
- Anyone struggling to decide what they want to do or unsure about what they have to offer
- Anyone wanting to create an internet presence or get work via the internet
- Anyone with an impressive portfolio which would seem long winded in normal CV form
- Anyone who has been out of work for a while but has been keeping busy with other things e.g. a student, stay at home mom, someone who has been doing charity work or travelling or a home husband.
- All freelancers. This provides a good opportunity to outdo the big businesses by showing potential clients a personal profile of the person they will be hiring
- Freelance writers – an excellent opportunity to demonstrate those writing skills!
- Anyone wanting to prove their credibility in their field in a memorable way
How To Write a Career Biography
To write a punchy and memorable Career Biography make every word and sentence count. To maintain a biography style rather than a CV style don't use bullet points or numbers.
For shorter Career Biographies intended for on-line or brochure publication avoid headings and subheadings and try to limit it to 400 words. Where a subheading would usually be used just begin a new paragraph instead.
For longer Career Biographies created to submit with job applications go up to 1000 words and use two to three subheadings. Be sure to include an application form or traditional CV if it has been requested in a job advert.
Career Biographies can be written using these prompts:
- One to two sentences of introduction including the subject's level of education and main previous employment history and future goals (keeping it brief).
- A paragraph on the purpose of the biography e.g. Looking for a career change, looking to move up the ladder, returning to work. Then go on to say what the subject is currently doing within their work life and what experience or skills this has equipped them with.
- A paragraph or two on various previous work and training along with what the subject's strengths are. Next the immediate and then future goals and aims of the subject within their working life. This is the place to put any impresive or outstanding accomplishments
- A final paragraph with the subject's unique selling points and personal philosophy in a working environment.
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