Biodata is an abbreviation for the term biographical data. As a document format, it’s typically one to three pages long and is used to apply for employment.
Learn more about the differences between a biodata, resume and CV, and the sections to include in your biodata document. Browse a collection of biodata format templates you can customize to make your own.
Biodata format documents are not to be confused with biodata instruments, or biographical information blanks (BIBs). The former is a document typically prepared by the individual and, in some settings, can serve as a replacement for, or a supplement to, a resume or CV.
A biodata resume can be used for any of the following situations, depending on the context and setting.
If you’re creating a biodata to apply for employment, you may want to include the following sections:
For an employer, the biodata format serves as a personal and professional profile summary. It’s a window into the life of the individual that gives the reader insight into who they are. From the biodata, the recipient will be looking to answer questions like:
Some companies have very specific guidelines for how the biodata format is structured. In some cases, they will even provide their own pre-printed form for you to fill out during the application process. If you are not given a set format guideline, you can use any of our free general-purpose biodata templates provided below.
The biodata format is used for more than just a resume or CV replacement/enhancement. Marriage biodatas, also known as matrimonial biodatas, or marriage resumes, are often used in countries where arranged marriages are still common, such as India and Pakistan. A matrimonial biodata includes extensive information about the individual, and is designed to help the recipient determine whether or not the individual would be an appropriate marriage partner.
The marriage biodata should highlight the personal traits a potential marriage partner might find attractive. A typical marriage resume format may include the following:
Though our biodata templates are designed for individuals applying for employment, they can be tailored to fit the requirements of those looking to create a good marriage biodata. For further details on how to write a marriage resume,go here.
Below you’ll find several free editable and printable biodata templates that can be customized to fit your specifications. These format templates can be opened in either Microsoft Word or OpenOffice.
While biodatas, resumes and CVs are all used in certain settings to apply for employment, there are some distinct differences between these formats.
A biodata focuses on personal particulars in addition to educational and professional experience. It typically includes detailed personal information such as date of birth, gender, religion, race, nationality, marital status, residence, parents’ names, names of your children and siblings, languages spoken, etc. Some formats even call for a photo, as well as information about your physical characteristics, such as height, weight, hair and eye color, and complexion.
In various regions of South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India, a biodata is used instead of a resume. In other settings, a biodata may be used as a supplement to a resume or a CV when the employer is seeking more detailed personal information about the applicant.
Resume is the French word meaning “extract” or “summary.” The focus of a resume is on education, previous employment and skills that are relevant to the specific job you’re applying for. Though some biographical information is included, a resume doesn’t list all the details you would typically find in a biodata.
Curriculum vitae is a Latin word meaning “course of life.” A CV is more detailed than a resume, and it lists, in chronological order, jobs, positions held, degrees obtained (e.g., bachelor degree, master degree, Ph.D.), skills acquired, professional affiliations, achievements, published works and awards. CVs are widely used in academia. In a corporate setting, they can be useful in showing a prospective employer your career path in detail.
