Biodata Format vs. Resume

Updated June 23, 2023

Although resumes and CVs are the most typical documents to use in the hiring process, you may have an occasion to use a biodata instead. A biodata is essentially a very thorough resume that you can use in a variety of employment situations. Since biodata forms are most common in India and South Asian countries, you may need some guidance to get started. In this article, we’ll define biodata and give you a sample to help craft your own.

What is biodata format?

Biodata, short for biographical data, is a one- to three-page document you use when applying for a job. Your biodata summarizes most aspects of your life, including personal details, education, skills and work experience. The biodata format is less popular than the common resume in the United States but still features prominently in other countries, such as Pakistan or India.

Biodata vs. resume

Biodata and resumes serve a similar function, but they have their differences. Resumes are the most common document used when applying for a job in the United States, and they summarize your professional life. A resume will include details about where you’ve worked, the skills you have, and your education. It’s usually only one page long and is intended as an overview of your career.

Biodata summarizes more, besides providing details of your personal life. On a biodata sheet, you would include things like your gender, religion, mailing address and hobbies, along with all your professional details. Biodata documents are a much more comprehensive summary of you as a person and not just your career. They are typically longer than a page.

Download Resume Template

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

When to use biodata format

Although biodata sheets are uncommon in the US, you may find some employers who request one to supplement your resume.

Outside the United States, you are more likely to encounter biodata documents. South Asian countries, in particular, prefer the biodata format, so if you are applying for a job in any of the following countries, submit a biodata:

Bangladesh
India
Pakistan
Sri Lanka

Formatting your biodata document

To create a biodata document, include the following categories of information.

Objective

Start by staying why you are submitting your biodata document. List your career and life goals and how this position factors in. Also include why you should be considered for the job or what makes you the perfect fit.

Personal details

A biodata document will include basic details such as your name, gender, date of birth, address, the names of your parents and your email address. You’ll also want to include information about your hobbies, passions, what you’re good at and anything else you think the employer might need to understand you as a person.

Work experience

Another major section to include on your biodata is your work experience. You should list each job you’ve had in chronological order, even if that job does not relate to the job you’re applying for. When listing the details of each experience, put down any awards you’ve won, the skills you obtained or other accomplishments you achieved while there. Also list your key responsibilities and day-to-day activities.

Skills

Next, you’ll want a section dedicated to any skills you have. If you have any certifications, are familiar with any software packages or can speak any other languages, list them here. If the skill relates to the job you’re applying for, make sure it’s listed in a prominent place.

Education

Finally, describe your educational background. This also should be listed in chronological order. Include any awards or other accomplishments you had while in school, especially if they relate to the job. This is a good place to list things like clubs you were in, your grade point average or anything else that stands out.

Biodata format example

To help you figure out what your own biodata should look like, here is a fictional example you can use as a template:

Objective: Experienced marketer looking to join Worldwide Marketing as its next inbound marketing manager

Personal Details:

Name: Luz Weston
DOB: 1/1/1970
Address: 1 Main St. New York, NY
Gender: Female
Email Address: LuzWeston@email.com
Phone Number: 555-555-5555

Education:

New York State College 1988-1992
Bachelor’s degree in Business Management
President of the NYSC Business organization
3.9 GPA

Work Experience:

Marketing Intern: Pinnacle Marketing 1992-1993

Assisted the head of marketing with day to day tasks
Learned how to develop a marketing strategy from the ground up
Interacted with clients daily

Marketing Associate: Pinnacle Marketing 1993 – 2003

Took on more responsibilities
Ran marketing strategies for several small clients
Increased revenue for clients by 10-20%

Marketing Manager: Redwood Industries 2003-2018

Managed a team of marketers for growing company
Increased engagement across all social media platforms
Developed and implemented an inbound marketing strategy that increased sales by 50%
Received the 2016 award for “Best Marketing Strategy: Inbound Marketing”

Skills:

Personal Accomplishments

Ran a marathon
Named captain of my high school track team
Launched a successful business which I ran from my dorm room
Reached B1 level in Spanish
Received a scholarship from my high school to help pay for college