Why Your Bio Matters More Than You Think
In today’s interconnected world, your bio is often the first introduction someone has to you whether they’re a recruiter, university admissions officer, or potential collaborator. It’s not just a summary of facts; it’s a story that positions you in the reader’s mind.
For international students and professionals alike, a strong bio can open doors long before you meet someone face-to-face.
Step 1: Know Your Audience
A great bio is tailored. The same text you use for your LinkedIn profile shouldn’t be copied word-for-word into your university application or portfolio website.
Ask yourself:
- Who is going to read this?
- What do they care about most — your achievements, your technical skills, your leadership qualities?
- How do you want them to remember you?
Example:
If you’re applying for an MSc in Cyber Security at UWS London, your bio should emphasise your IT skills, interest in threat prevention, and awareness of industry trends. If you’re applying for a creative role, you might instead lead with innovation, problem-solving, and portfolio highlights.
Step 2: Start with a Strong First Line
Your opening sentence should act like a headline — clear, concise, and impactful.
Weak: “I am a student who wants to work in business.”
Strong: “Business student with a passion for sustainable entrepreneurship and a proven track record in project leadership.”
The first line is what hooks the reader. Make it count.
Step 3: Balance Facts with Personality
A bio is not just a CV in paragraph form. It’s a blend of what you’ve done and who you are.
Structure it like this:
- Current position/status — “Final-year Data Science student at UWS London…”
- Key achievements/skills — “…skilled in Python, machine learning, and data visualisation…”
- Purpose or passion — “…driven to use AI for social good and ethical innovation.”
Step 4: Keep It Platform-Friendly
- LinkedIn: More formal, 3–5 short paragraphs, with keywords for search optimisation.
- CV: Two to three sentences, aligned to the job description.
- University applications: Reflect academic achievements and clear career direction.
- Personal websites/social media bios: Short, punchy, and memorable.
Step 5: Update Regularly
Your bio is not “set and forget.” As you gain new skills, projects, or qualifications, refresh it to reflect your growth.
International students in particular should update bios to include:
- Courses completed
- Internships undertaken
- New certifications (AI, Cyber Security, Project Management, etc.)
This keeps your profile relevant for post-study work opportunities and employer searches.
Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes
- Being too vague: “Hardworking student” tells nothing about you.
- Overloading with jargon: Avoid unnecessary technical terms unless the audience will understand them.
- Forgetting the call-to-action: Add a line on how people can connect or collaborate with you.
Step 7: Align with Your Career Goals
If your long-term goal is to secure a UK work permit after your Graduate Route visa, make sure your bio clearly connects your current education with the skills employers want in your sector.
Example:
“MSc Information Technology with Cloud Computing student at UWS London, specialising in scalable architecture and cloud security. Passionate about helping organisations migrate to secure, cost-efficient cloud systems.”
This alignment shows employers you are already thinking ahead.
Final Thought
Your bio is not just a paragraph — it’s your positioning statement. A good one can influence first impressions, shape opportunities, and help you stand out in competitive academic and job markets.
If you’re unsure where to start, Erudmite offers 1-on-1 career counselling to help you craft a bio that works across platforms and audiences.
FAQs:
Q-1. Should my LinkedIn and CV bio be the same?
A-1. No they should be consistent but tailored for different audiences.
Q-2. How often should I update my bio?
A-2. At least every 6 months, or after a major career or academic milestone.
Q-3. What’s the ideal bio length for LinkedIn?
A-3. Around 3–5 short paragraphs, optimised for keywords in your industry.
Q-4. Should I include personal hobbies?
A-4. Only if they add to your professional story or highlight transferable skills.
Q-5. Can Erudmite help me write my bio?
A-5. Yes we provide career counselling sessions where we guide you through crafting impactful, platform-ready bios.
