Member Login Build a Resume

Biodata Resume Templates

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.

employment-biodata-hero-imageUse This Template

Rate This Template

lower_banner_image

  • Featured In:

  • Forbes
  • Huffpost
  • Buzzfeed
  • WashingtonPost
  • Lifehacker
  • Glassdoor
  • TheMuse

Table of Contents

Here are more resources that can help you

What is the Purpose of Biodata Resumes?

The employment biodata resume, or marriage biodata, acts as a personal profile for seeking a job or a prospective marriage partner, respectively. The biodata format includes relevant factual information about an individual, such as:

Resume Sections

(e.g., date of birth, gender, marital status, religion, height, complexion, father’s name, etc.)

    Example

    Personal Information

      Example

      Educational background

        Example

        Occupational history

          Example

          Skills sets

            Example

            Interests and hobbies

            • 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.

              • A criterion-related validity assessment used by employers for personnel selection
              • An antiquated term that means resume
              • A supplement to a resume or CV
              • A resume replacement in some South Asian regions
              • For applying to government jobs in India
              • To apply for temporary and/or skilled labor jobs in some countries
              • As a marriage resume in India or Pakistan

            Employment Biodata Format

            If you’re creating a biodata to apply for employment, you may want to include the following sections:

            Biodata Resumes
            • Objective: Let the recipient know your overall career/life objective, and why you should be considered for the position.
            • Personal Details: Includes general information such as your name, postal address, date of birth, gender, parents’ names, religion, etc. Also list your hobbies, interests, passions, strengths, characteristics and anything else that helps the recipient understand who you are and what you want to accomplish in life.
            • Educational Background: List, in chronological order, your academic profile and achievements, particularly those that are relevant to what you are applying for.
            • Experience: List, in chronological order, your occupational history, as well as skills obtained, awards received and other professional achievements.

            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:

            • Is this candidate a good fit for the position?
            • Does this candidate have the personal and psychological characteristics to work well with other team members?
            • Does this candidate have the personal qualities to be successful?
            • Do they have the potential to grow and enhance their skill set?

            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.

            Marriage Biodata Format

            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:

            Biodata Resumes
            • General Information: Name, parents’ names, date of birth, family details, caste, educational background and profession.
            • Appearance: Height, weight, build, hair and eye color, facial appearance and complexion. Also be sure to insert your best photograph into this section.
            • Contact Information: Postal address, email address, landline and mobile phone numbers, and social media information.
            • Lifestyle: Hobbies, interests, values, beliefs, opinions, favorite foods and drinks, likes/dislikes, smoker/non-smoker, religious/non-religious, etc.
            • Ambition/Life Goals: Your desires and the things you want to achieve in life.
            • Partner Expectation: Qualities you hope to find in a partner; such as age, family type, educational background, looks, facial appearance and many others.

            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.

            Free Biodata Templates

            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.

            Biodata vs. Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

            While biodatas, resumes and CVs are all used in certain settings to apply for employment, there are some distinct differences between these formats.

            Biodata Resumes
            Biodata Resumes
            Biodata Resumes

            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.

            popup image
            popup-image
            popup-image