Bio vs. Resume: What's the Difference?

A professional bio (biography) tells a story about you, whereas a resume gives a summary of your complete work history. Both describe your background but the level of detail and presentation are different. Between the two, a bio is less formal and easier to read than a resume.

A bio is:

• basically used as promotional material or as an introduction to the person

• often found in the "about me" or "profile" section of a website. Examples are found on printed and web materials for speakers, company personnel, business owners, and authors

• an overview of the person written in a narrative form (sentences and paragraphs)

• normally written in the third person

• usually includes includes years of experience, some well-known companies, recognized commercial awards

• may optionally include marital status, number of children, place of dwelling, and other personal  details

• basically a short story and more interesting to read than a resume

• not sufficient to submit for a job application

A resume is:

• normally required when applying for a job

• a summary of past work history

• provides in detail, the work experience, job positions and responsibilities, education with colleges attended, skill certificates achieved and trainings completed

• normally formatted in bullet form and chronological order

• more formal than a bio

• usually longer than a bio

• never includes marital status, number of children, place of dwelling or other personal details

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