Every now and then someone writes to ask if I can write their real estate resume’. The answer is yes, of course. But then I seek to find out whether they really need a resume’ or a bio. There is a decided difference.
One is factual and dry. The other is factual, but conversational and friendly. One is written to be read by hiring executives at a company and the other is written to be read by real estate consumers.
A real estate resume’ is factual and (in my opinion) dry as dust.
It outlines a person’s primary skills, education, past employment, industry awards, etc. It presents this 
information in lists or blocks rather than in conversation. It does not attempt to tell readers what any of it might mean to them.
Since the resume’ is simply a recitation of facts, it doesn’t reveal an applicant’s personality. That detail is probably not of interest to a Human Resources director or anyone hiring for a large company. They only want to know if you have the knowledge and skills to get the job done.
A real estate bio is factual, but conversational and friendly.
A real estate bio lays out the facts in a completely different manner than a resume. They’re incorporated into a conversational narrative. In addition, a bio shares a different and more extensive set of facts. The head of an HR department isn’t interested in what led you to your current career or whether you adopted your dog from a shelter – but some clients will be interested.
Since the dry details are important, some of them are incorporated into a narrative, while others are relegated to a resume-like section at the end of the bio.
When do you need a real estate resume’?
When you want a job working for a real estate firm.
You might want to be hired as an office manager, a transaction coordinator, a secretary, an IT specialist, a marketer, an assistant – or some position I haven’t yet heard of.
Whatever it is, the person doing the hiring will want to know that you have the education and experience required for the position you seek.
If they’ll be working closely with you, they may hope to learn about your personality through the interview. However, if you have a bio posted anywhere, I’d bet that they would have read it – possibly even before calling you for an interview.
A real estate resume’ should be accompanied by a cover letter.
That letter, unlike the resume’, is not a “one size fits all” document. It should be written to a specific employer and mention those areas of expertise most relevant to the position you want.
When do you need a real estate bio?
When you want to be chosen to represent an individual or individuals in the purchase or sale of real estate.
Your real estate bio presents not just your credentials, but the personality and talents you bring with 
those credentials. Potential clients will look at those factors to determine whether you might be the best fit for them.
No two clients need exactly the same things, although many have similar needs.
For instance, heirs selling a house in probate need someone who understands the rules and will guide them through the process. But some of them need a bit more – such as a patient listening ear. Still others might need your expertise in explaining the financial aspects of a sale.
Some potential clients want an agent who is all business – no chit-chat. Others will choose you because you’ve stated that your clients always turn into friends.
And then there’s the “Like me” factor.
We humans are always drawn to people who are somehow like us. That’s why, along with where you grew up and where you were educated, I encourage you to include something about hobbies, pets, volunteerism, etc.
Some of that is directly related to real estate. Golfers, for instance, might assume that another golfer would know how to help them find a home with good access to a local golf course or two. Dog lovers know that a fellow dog lover would understand their need for a fenced yard and/or a nearby dog park.
The same can be true for horse lovers, boaters, gardeners, etc.
Aside from that, it’s a shared interest – and something prospective clients might enjoy discussing with you.
Both a real estate resume’ and a real estate bio are “choose me” documents.
The difference is that one is written to attract an employer and the other is written to attract a client.
If you need help with either one, get in touch…
Writing real estate bios is one of my specialties, as I love making my clients shine in the eyes of their prospective clients. And, while you don’t need help compiling your education and past employment statistics, should you need help with a resume’ cover letter – I’m here!
You can reach me at marte@copybymarte.com.
