• TRWCBlogger

How many times have you sat in front of a blank screen staring at the pesky cursor, wondering why it’s so hard to write about yourself? I’ll bet it’s been more than once.

Not to mention that the shift to online portfolios, tweets, and character-limited bios makes the process of branding yourself much more complicated. But it’s no less important: 93% of employers are checking you out online.

No, people probably aren’t screening your Twitter bio the same way they scrutinize your LinkedIn summary, but they are looking at both. And while typing up a few solid lines to use repeatedly may seem like a winning strategy, it’s not your best bet.

I’ve come up with templates to combat your page fright—and help you write a killer blurb—across four of the most important online platforms.

1. The LinkedIn Summary

Start by identifying how you use—or would like to use—LinkedIn. Are you content with your job, but looking to expand your network? Or are you aiming to get your foot in the door of your dream company? Are you trying to attract recruiters?

Whatever you’re seeking, your summary should support your activity on the site; a profile focused on networking within the industry will read differently than that of someone aggressively hunting for a new job. Once you’ve identified your purpose, it will be much easier to select which style is best for you.

Now, for the tricky part: interjecting your personal details. I suggest starting with a basic list of must-haves without worrying about how they fit together.

First, write out your title or a general explanation of your position’s purpose: “Field Sales Manager” or “drive market share growth in designated territories.”

Second, move to your most relevant specialities or a few accomplishments. Think: “pharmaceutical sales and territorial prospecting” or “selected as member of National Marketing Council.”

Third, share your goal. For example, “I’m aiming to meet and collaborate with other professionals in the pharmaceutical sales industry.”

After writing your key pieces of information, you can weave them into the following template:

You can add supporting content on either side of this skeleton paragraph, such as a personal anecdote, previous positions, or a mission statement. If you need a bit more inspiration, look to your referrals for objective opinions on what makes you special.

2. The Twitter Bio

Now that Twitter is fair game for colleagues and potential employers, a snappy, 160-character bio can help set you apart. I suggest thinking of yourself as an ambassador for your industry—but one with a punch line.

Start by succinctly writing what you do, who it’s for, and why your tweets could matter to followers. Then squeeze in your pizazz. Key word: squeeze. You shouldn’t focus on unrelated quirks or superfluous details.

This bio can use the same concrete details from your other personal sites without regurgitating them word for word. However, you could still incorporate the same information without trying to get your followers to crack a smile, which may appeal to more serious tweeters.

3. The Company Website Blurb

So, you’re part of a team and you all do exactly the same thing, yet you need to come up with a company profile that details your work. This is where you can opt out of some standard details, such as your title, in favor of things that distinguish you as a pro (or a person). If you’re drawing a blank or feel too modest to throw all of your accomplishments up in lights, try to answer these four questions before you start writing:

1. How have you personally helped your company or brand? Do phrases like “forecasting insights” or “sales force development/representative training” come to mind?
2. Which of your accomplishments would be most impressive to your entry-level self? Maybe you “exceeded all sales goals by 84%,” were “selected as member of National Association of Sales Professionals,” or were “named top CEM-seller?”
3. What makes you most valuable in this particular environment? Let’s say you’re most proud of your “ability to set new or improve existing standards to optimize performance.”
4. What’s one thing not in your job description that relates to why you’re so successful? Maybe you want to include a line about volunteering, about writing in your free time, or about a previous role.

The answers almost always include good meat for professional bios. Since you’ll likely be limited, try to keep it to a single, tight paragraph.

If that’s too formal for the culture of your office, and all your colleagues mention their favorite food trucks, aim for a 50-50 split that suits the company’s branding.

4. The Personal Website or Portfolio

This digital persona is where you want to lay it all on your audience in the “About Me” section. It can be tricky to produce personal content beyond the basics, so it’s helpful to remember that you’re aiming to sell your experience and skills as they apply to one industry or environment, not necessarily what defines your self-worth as a person.

If you’re struggling to communicate your value, ask yourself this question: Why do you do [whatever you do] and what is your impact?

Take the answer and work it into your “About Me” page so potential partners or employers understand what you can do for them and why you’re the person they should hire.

For example:

When you want to showcase yourself in a more unique or quirky light, opt for a first-person version with more light-hearted language.