Maybe you're trying to write an interesting and informative profile for a social media platform, like Facebook or Twitter. Or maybe you need to write a concise, well-written profile to apply for a job or college. Both types of profiles contain similar information, but social media profiles are not as formal as personal profiles for job applications.
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Method 1 of 3: Writing Personal Profiles for Social Media
Step 1. Determine how much space you have for each social media platform
While these platforms may provide word counts, the most effective profiles are concise and to the point.
- Facebook: An “About” section, including a place to write “Detailed Information About You”, Employment and Education, a “Professional Skills” field, and a “Favorite Quotes” section. No clue about the word count.
- Twitter: 160-character bio, plus spaces for your link and location.
- LinkedIn: Headline section and summary section. There is also a section for your resume and skills.
Step 2. Look at examples of strong social media profiles
Look for multiple social media profiles on multiple platforms that make the best use of word count limitations.
- Hillary Clinton's Twitter profile: “Wife, mother, lawyer, women & child advocate, FLOAR, FLOTUS, US Senator, MenLu, author, dog owner, hair icon, loves trousers, once broke the ceiling, TBD….” In 160 characters, Clinton manages to include factual details about herself in addition to hilarious details. His profile is informative as well as entertaining and unique.
- Short but interesting Facebook profiles: Look through your Facebook friends' profiles and look for straightforward examples in the “About” and “Detailed About You” sections. If a friend is trying to set up a professional profile on Facebook (which is smart, since job seekers can just search on Facebook), pay attention to whether he or she is using appropriate content that is both interesting and personal. Ask yourself: if I don't know this person yet, would I still want to be friends with them based on their Facebook profile?
- LinkedIn profile of a Corporate Communications specialist: “Although my profession is Public Relations, in my heart I will always be a journalist. I can't offer you something I don't believe in. I love finding unique and interesting ways to use a product, service or site and feel happy knowing I can help thousands of people tell their stories.” This introductory paragraph is specific, firm and professional. However, the author also includes personal details about him to add personality to his introduction.
Step 3. Be brief and informative
Most personal profiles for social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ only provide a limited number of characters to describe yourself. So maximizing your word count is important and don't forget KISS - Keep It Simple Sweetie.
A good profile for a site like Twitter, with its emphasis on short, concise tweets, can almost become a work of postmodern art. While cramming your personality into a very short profile can be challenging, think of it as a copywriting exercise. Or attempt to write a curriculum vitae in six words
Step 4. Include basic information about yourself
Start by listing basic information, such as your name, occupation (or skills), where you live, and links or tags to other social media sites, such as your blog. Keep in mind that readers want to know what they can expect from your social media accounts and what value you will bring to their Newsfeed, Twitterfeed, or LinkedIn news.
- If you're creating a profile for Twitter, be sure to include a handle for another Twitter account that you also own. For example, if you create a profile for personal Twitter, but also manage a Twitter account for your business, include a handle (@ExampleCompany) at the end of your Twitter profile.
- For example, a basic Twitter biography could be: “Jane Doe, California-based writer. Also tweeting for ABC press @ABCPress”.
Step 5. Add your interests, background, and a splash of humor
How much or how little personal details you include in your profile depends on the social media platform on which you are writing the bio. Often times, social media profiles are successful when they contain humor.
- The trick is to write witty descriptions, such as “love trousers” on Hillary Clinton's profile, or self-deprecating humor, such as writers who “regret/not sorry for correcting your grammar” or college students who are “caffeine addicts of all kinds.”
- Facebook doesn't limit the word count, so you can expand your posts about your interests and backgrounds. If you create a professional Facebook profile, it can be similar to your LinkedIn profile or Twitter profile. Don't be afraid to reuse well-written profiles on other sites.
- Twitter has limited space, so you want to say as much as possible in as few words as possible. You can create a brief profile, such as: “Jane Doe, California-based writer. Also tweeting for ABC press @ABCPress”. Or, you can extend it by including personal tastes and jokes, such as: “Jane Doe, text worker, living a dream in California. Check out another fresh (but clean) tweet on ABC press @ABCPress”.
Step 6. Make yourself unique but avoid market words or buzzwords
Once you've written down the basic information, edit it to give it personality. However, try to stay away from buzzwords, which are words that most readers think are overused.
- Recently, LinkedIn published a list of buzzwords to avoid. The danger of using buzzwords, such as “responsible”, “creative”, or “efficient” in your profile, is that it looks generic or boring.
- Think of another term or phrase that is more specific about who you are. For example, in LinkedIn's Corporate Communications biography, the author avoids buzzwords by extending his personal approach to public relations: “I love finding unique and interesting ways to use a product, service or site and am happy to know that I can help thousands of people tell their stories.” This sentence is more interesting than: "I am a responsible and creative PR person who is able to complete tasks well."
Step 7. Customize your profile with readers
If you're creating a profile for your personal social media account, you can include humor, popular accents, and funny phrases. If you're creating a profile for a professional social media account, you may want to use more formal and polished language. Tailoring your bio to your readers is important, and think about how you want your followers or readers to see you.
- For example, a Twitter bio for a personal account could be: “Jane Doe, text worker, West Coast lifestyle buff, 24/7 sunshine, and tacos. Also in charge of putting out a fresh tweet on ABC Press @ABCPress."
- Twitter bios for professional pages can be more formal. However, most of the professionals on Twitter still keep their feel casual and lighthearted. For example: “Jane Doe, text worker, based in California, also tweets for ABC Press @ABCPress.”
Step 8. Rewrite your biography frequently
As your skills, interests and expertise change, so should your biography. Check it every few months to see if it still reflects you.
Improving your biography to include sharper, more humorous descriptions and language can also help you gain more readers and followers. Paying attention to your personal profile on social media will also show your current followers that you care about how you present yourself, and can do well
Method 2 of 3: Writing a Personal Profile for Job Applications
Step 1. Understand the role of a personal profile for an application
The purpose of a personal profile is to grab the reader's attention once they start reading your resume. Along with a cover letter, this profile is your opportunity to maintain their interest, reveal your key skills and accomplishments, and entice your employer or assessment committee to want to know more about you.
- Your personal profile is a brief introduction to the skills and experience outlined in your resume or CV. This profile should not repeat all the details contained in your resume or cover letter.
- The length of the profile should be between 50-200 words, or no more than four to six lines.
- Profile is placed at the beginning of the CV.
- If you are not sure about your career goals, it is better to avoid including your personal profile at the beginning of your CV. No personal profile is better than a vague or boring profile.
Step 2. Write the last personal profile
If you're having trouble summarizing your career experiences and goals into a few sentences, first focus on your resume and cover letter. Then, based on the information in the resume and cover letter, then take care of a personal profile. You will have a better idea of what your key skills, experience and goals are and your value as an applicant.
Step 3. Use the first person point of view
Third person point of view is always an option in personal profiles, using first person will create a stronger and more precise profile. Your personal profile should be about you and your specific skill set, so by using “me” instead of “he” the personal profile is clear and unequivocal. However, that doesn't mean you have to start every sentence with "I". A good personal profile will combine your skills and goals, but don't rely on overuse of "I".
- For example: “As a highly motivated copy editor at the leading publication ABC Press, I have experience providing expert editing services in a variety of fields and writing styles, including technical documents and educational texts.”
- Using “As…” as the first clause in a sentence avoids overusing the word “I” in a personal profile. That way you can also highlight your current professional role and the skills you have developed in your current job.
- If you don't have a job or role, you can adjust your opening sentence to show the past tense.
- Avoid mixing first and third person points of view in the same personal profile. Choose one and stick with it.
Step 4. List one major experience, achievement and contribution
Think about past experiences, such as work experience, school-related experience, awards, internships, etc. that you want to highlight. Don't be afraid to brag about your accomplishments, as this will entice readers to pay attention to your application.
For example, if you wanted to highlight a recently completed or ongoing internship, you might say: “During my internship at a non-profit Literary Arts organization, I worked with the School's Head of Writers program providing content for several projects, such as a reading series. award-winning and their educational outreach programs, and manage my own research by interviewing guest writers, creating online copy for their readers, and editing educational materials for their outreach programs. Thanks to excellent communication skills, I have developed and maintained successful working relationships with staff and participants at Literary Arts.”
Step 5. State your career goals or objectives
You should state what goals you are aiming for in your career and what you would like to gain from the position. Make sure your career goals or objectives relate to the position you are applying for. This shows that you understand the position and how it will help you achieve your career goals.
For example: “I want to land a position at a top publishing house, where I can provide direct strategic value and further develop my skills.”
Step 6. Avoid buzzwords
Check out our list of LinkedIn buzzwords to avoid. Replace buzzwords, such as “dynamic”, “extensive experience”, and “team player” with terms that are more specific to your resume and career goals or objectives.
- An example of a weak personal profile strewn with buzzwords might be something like this: “I am an energetic and dynamic person who likes challenges and achieves personal goals. My current career goal is to work in publishing because I love reading and writing.”
- A more specific, interesting and successful personal profile might be something like this: “I'm a motivated and detail-oriented professional editor, wanting a position at a top publishing house where I can provide direct strategic value and further develop my skills. During my internship at the Literary Arts organization, I worked with the head of the Writers program at the School providing content for several projects, such as their award-winning reading series and their educational outreach program, as well as managing my own research by interviewing guest writers, creating online copy for readers, and editing educational materials for their outreach programs. Thanks to strong communication skills, I develop and maintain successful working relationships with staff and participants at Literary Arts. I am a trustworthy, hardworking editor and eager to expand my skills at ABC Press.”
Step 7. Check if your personal profile matches your resume and cover letter
Re-read the completed personal profile to make sure it matches the skills and experience outlined in your resume and cover letter. Your personal profile should serve as a summary of your career goals and skills, not repeat bullet points on your resume.
- Read it aloud to get a feel for its flow and tone, and check if it's less than 200 words in length.
- Put it at the top of your resume and send it with a cover letter.
Method 3 of 3: Writing a Personal Profile for a Dating Site
Step 1. Use a recent photo that shows your face
You don't have to spend money to hire a professional photographer, but sending a sketchy cell phone shot or a photo of yourself as a child doesn't tell people who view your profile much about your current appearance.
- Ask your friend to take a picture, preferably on a sunny day. Do not wear sun glasses, hats or stand in the shadows.
- Don't forget to smile and look at the camera as if you're happy to see the person behind it. You want a profile picture that looks great and shows your best.
- Photos in action are also good because they show your interest in an active and direct way. Choose a photo of you playing your frisbee in the park or dancing at a concert.
Step 2. Choose a profile name that is not too silly or childish
Names like "SpunkyHunk" or "HotMinx" might have been funny in high school, but they're silly or overly sexual profile names and will only signal that you're not interested in a serious relationship.
Choose a profile name that shows your personality but still seems mature. You can also abbreviate the name to a simple profile name. For example: “SuperSiska13” or “BudiW.”
Step 3. Ask a close friend to help you write a profile
Describing yourself well in words can be difficult. Close friends may know you better than you know yourself and may add details about you that you may not be aware of or be afraid to include on their profile.
Step 4. Be specific about the hobby
Don't just write down hobbies like “walking the beach” or “drinks on the weekends.” This is cliché and will not help your profile stand out. Think of an interesting hobby that can be a conversation starter, like “2015 Cards Against Humanity Champion” or “Adult exploring South America” or “Battlestar Galactica Fan.”
- Also try to include social hobbies. Hobbies such as being "a nerd" or "an internet junkie" show that you are not a very sociable person and don't go out often. Play with your passion for anything sports, outdoor, or public, such as concerts and art exhibitions.
- Focus on concrete, specific details, such as your favorite book, movie, celebrity or sport. Replace mentioning "hockey" as a hobby by listing your favorite hockey team, or replace mentioning "thrillers" with a list of your favorite action novels.
Step 5. Be honest and brave
Honesty is the best policy in any dating situation, especially online dating. Lying on your profile will make face-to-face meetings awkward if things don't progress with your potential partner. So, be honest about yourself from the start.
- Be bold in profile about what you're looking for. Avoid sending a very specific and inflexible list of demands. Instead, try writing simple statements that begin with "I believe…" or "I'm looking for…"
- It's best not to: "I'm looking for a tall, strong, outdoor, vegetarian and gluten-free man to make me crazy and the father of my three (not four) children in the future." Instead, try: “I believe in love, mutual respect and honesty with my partner. I'm looking for people who share the same interests and want a serious relationship."
- Include a simple question or statement in your profile. This will make your profile more attractive and attract potential dates. For example, “If you decide to call me, I want to know: What made you happiest today?”
Step 6. Keep the profile short and light
Imagine that you're going to meet someone at a bar and only have five minutes to tell them about yourself. Keep the main points of your biography and hobbies or interests in mind. Avoid rambling on in a few paragraphs about yourself.
Step 7. Stay positive
While sarcasm in someone can be fine, the tone can be a bit misleading in online profiles. Avoid a negative or cynical tone and try to always be positive about yourself. Profiles with bitter, resentful, hateful tones can instantly eliminate people's interest. So focus on what you want, and not what you don't want.
It's best not to: “I'm NOT looking for a casual relationship or an open relationship, whatever that means. Get out of the way, commitment phobics and celebrity people.” But try it: “I believe that relationships can mean different things to each person, but monogamy is the kind of relationship I'm looking for. It's the only kind of relationship I want to build. You, too?"
Step 8. Check grammar and spelling
Many people are immediately disinterested when they read bad grammar and spelling, or take it as a sign that you are not devoting enough time and effort to your profile.
- Before submitting your profile, copy and paste it into Word and use the spell checker to make sure your profile's grammar is correct.
- Be careful when using dating acronyms, such as WLTM (Would Like To Meet) and LTR (Long Term Relationship). Not all users know what that means. If you want to use them in your profile, here's a list of some commonly used terms:
- WLTM: Would Like to Meet
- GSOH: Good Sense of Humor
- LTR: Long Term Relationship
- F/ship: Friendship – Friendship
- R/ship: Relationship – Relationship
- F2F: Face to face – Face to face
- IRL: In Real Life
- ND: Non-drinker – Not a drinker of alcohol
- NS: Non-smoker – Non-Smoker
- SD: Social drinker
- LJBF: Let's just be friends
- GTSY: Glad to see you
- GMTA: Great minds think alike
Step 9. Update your profile regularly
Try to review your profile regularly and add new information about yourself to keep your profile up to date.
