Biodata, or “biographical data,” is a personal document that lists your detailed information when applying for a job, for marriage, or for college admission. It is primarily used in South Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka.
🔍 What is the difference between resume, CV, and biodata?
📍 “Resume” is a concise summary that lasts about one page. The resume focuses on work-related information that includes education, work history, and other accomplishments or skills.
It’s the most common document requested for a job application to show one’s competency.
📍 “CV (curriculum vitae)” is for jobs or advanced studies in academia, scientific research, and medical fields. It’s typically lengthier than a resume and can take up to 3-5 pages.
CV provides a detailed list of comprehensive education, certifications, research papers, teaching experience, professional affiliations or memberships, to show one’s credentials.
📍 “Biodata” might serve similar functions but highlights one as a person. Biodata lists the more physical and personal side of a person, all along with education and professional experiences.
With all the information about you, it exceeds one A4 and is usually 1-3 pages.
Biodata helps the recipient understand your personality, characteristics, and your life in general. As for what to write in a biodata, it’s similar to a resume.
Aside from biodata for jobs, there’s also biodata for marriage and biodata for college admission. Matrimonial biodata typically includes extra personal details that are not on usual biodata for job application, such as family background, hobbies, and spouse expectation.
Before you dig straight ahead into writing your biodata, see some standard formats to save your time & energy, and understand how to make biodata for jobs.
There are 4 basic biodata formats, each with particular emphasis:
See the pros and cons comparison below, and select the biodata format that suits your needs most.
Reverse-chronological is the most common biodata format embraced by companies. A chronological biodata format sorts your work experience in biodata with a timeline manner.
In a reverse-chronological format, list your latest experiences first, so the employer knows what you're doing recently with a general idea of your work history and professional foundation.
