5 Tips for Perfecting your Professional Bio

October 30, 2019
Annette Maggi
Human ResourcesCommunications

By RDBA Executive Director Annette Maggi, MS, RDN, LD, FAND

Given the role of spokesperson for the retail, RDs in this environment must have a compelling and effective professional biography. With media outlets, for speaking engagements and on your retailer’s website, a bio markets you and contributes to advertising of your programs and services. It’s often used on your LinkedIn or Twitter profile, expanding the number of potential viewers.

Here are five tips for crafting an effective professional bio:

1. Kick It Off Right.  You want readers to remember your name as well as the name of your retailer, so start with these mentions at the beginning of your bio. If readers remember nothing else, it will be these two pieces of information, which are most important.
2. Use Third Person. While it may feel strange to talk about yourself in third person, this voice keeps your bio professional and formal. Consider the bio as an introduction to potential partner companies and prospective clients, and the formal tone of third person will feel right.
3. Brevity Matters. You know your awesome and I know you are, too. A bio is not the place to share all your accomplishments but is designed to hit the high points. Remember that readers are looking for a snapshot and that they have short attention spans. Many readers will be viewing your bio on a mobile device, making a short and to the point bio even more important.
4. Prioritize the Message. Most retailers offer health and wellness services as a competitive advantage, and it’s essential in your bio to focus on the unique role of you as a retail dietitian. Did you just launch a new program? Is there a service that you are really trying to push? Highlight programs and services of which you are proud and deem successful. Share special skills and experiences from past and/or volunteer roles that set you apart.
5. Consider Personal Information Seriously. In today’s marketplace, consumers may want to know the totality of who you are. At the same time, your bio is your professional representation. Given both sides of this topic, consider whether or not to include personal information in your bio. The most common advice here is to include it if it relates to your profession. If you do include, keep it brief and list at the end of your bio.

Your bio is an evolving summary of your professional accomplishments, so revisit it at least once a year, revising to best reflect your current status.