If you’re updating or building a portfolio as a medical writer or editor, one section can feel disproportionately difficult: the bio.
The bio only includes a few paragraphs—and yet somehow, the hardest thing to write is about yourself.
What do you include? (Including everything but the kitchen sink is, apparently, not the answer.) How do you avoid sounding generic? And how do you strike the right balance between expertise and approachability?
Whether you’re entering the field and pulling together your first portfolio or updating a seasoned portfolio, the “About Me” section plays a vital role in shaping a potential client’s first impression. Let’s break down what makes a great portfolio bio—and a few common missteps to avoid.
Tip 1: Make It Relevant to the Work You Want
Just as you are told to dress not for the job you have but for the job you want, make your portfolio relevant to the work you want.
Your portfolio isn’t a résumé—it’s a sales tool. That means your bio should focus on the skills, experiences, and industries that match the employers or clients you want to attract.
For example, if you’re pivoting into medical education, highlight your understanding of learning objectives and audience engagement. If you specialize in regulatory editing, foreground your precision, familiarity with guidance documents, and past success in that space.
Avoid:
“I’m a versatile writer with a background in science and a passion for clear communication.”
Try instead:
“As a former lab researcher turned regulatory editor, I help pharma teams meet ICH standards through clear, compliant documents.”
Tip 2: Add Specifics—Without Adding the Whole CV
Clients and employers want to know what you’re good at and how that translates into solving their problems. But they don’t need (or want) your full career timeline.
Instead of leading with how long you’ve been in the field, focus on what’s most relevant to the work you want. Highlighting recent certifications, specialized training, or niche skills you’ve acquired through upskilling can be especially powerful. It shows you’re not just experienced—you’re invested in staying current.
And in an era where generative AI is reshaping expectations, upskilling helps signal that you’re the human in the loop—reviewing and refining AI outputs with the professional judgment that tools alone can’t deliver.
Pro tip: Rather than opening with “Over the past 20 years…,” highlight your depth of experience through specifics. It’s more compelling—and helps sidestep potential age bias.
Avoid:
“Over the last 20 years, I’ve held positions in academia, publishing, sales training, and CME. I’ve worked with dozens of companies and covered countless therapeutic areas.”
Try instead:
“I specialize in oncology sales training and CME needs assessments, with a strong grounding in clinical trial data and FDA labeling. I’m currently expanding my scope through structured upskilling in AI-assisted writing workflows.”
Tip 3: Let Your Personality In—a Little
A touch of voice helps your bio feel human. This is especially important if you’re a freelancer, where clients are hiring you, not a team. A short sentence about your values, approach, or working style can create connection—as long as it doesn’t overwhelm the professionalism.
Avoid:
“I’m a coffee-loving, yoga-practicing night owl who loves grammar and hates jargon.”
Try instead:
“Clients say I’m a calm, collaborative partner who can wrangle even the messiest draft into shape.”
Ready to Polish Your Bio?
If your portfolio bio still feels off, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Let The Evergreen Portfolio Package guide you through the process and start making your digital portfolio work for you. Purchase here.