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How to write a killer bio

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For a growing swath of the workforce the resume has been replaced, or at least supplemented, by the bio. If you’ve ever had to be introduced by someone at a conference, you know it’s wise to give the person introducing you a written bio rather than sit back and hear how she decides to describe you. Written bios are posted on websites; abbreviated bios show up on sites like LinkedIn; even shorter ones appear next to our profiles on Twitter; and snappy taglines trail the bottoms of our emails.

With the bio in full bloom right now, it pays to take some time to write yours in a way that that reflects how you want to be perceived. Perhaps you want to show a sense of humor or wit. Maybe you want to show your technical prowess by delivering your bio in a video format. And while you're at it, why not let your bio accomplish some personal branding for you. As you write yours, consider a few things.

Volunteering your way into a job

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When I wrote about searching for salary information online, I missed a new player in that market, Jobnob, which says it has collected and posted salary information on close to three million jobs.

But that’s not what caught my eye about Jobnob. For a site all about making salary information more transparent, the founders are doing something surprising -- encouraging people to work for free. Just as I’ve been plugging adult internships as a way to build skills, connections and experience, Jobnob has organized happy hours in San Francisco to bring together jobseekers with cash-strapped startups looking for part-time help.

Chic fashion finds for $10 and under

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Ten of our very favorite new things—that happen to be jaw-droppingly affordable.