questions to ask for profile essay

Questions to ask when Profiling Someone: Good Profile Interview Questions

by Leslie Bloom

Published on 30 May 2023

A well-written profile gives you insight about a person’s history, lifestyle and thoughts. It can also give you a sense of his personality and intellect. Whether you only have 300 words or three full pages for your profile, you want to make sure you have questions to ask when profiling someone so you get all the information you need to write the best possible profile.

Do Your Research

Before coming up with interview questions, be sure to do your research on her personal and professional life. Look online for any information about the person you’re profiling, including ‌ past profiles (like LinkedIn), her personal and professional websites and her social media ‌. Talk to people who know her or get historical information from a resource center.

The more information you have about your interviewee, the easier it is to come up with questions that are specific to her. It’s also helpful to come into a profile interview with some background information so you ask relevant questions that show you did your research.

Questions to Ask When Profiling Someone

In most cases, the questions to ask in a profile interview are specific to the person being profiled and the type of profile you are writing. For instance, if you are writing a profile focusing on a person’s professional success, you want to spend more time asking questions about that than his personal history. If you are instead writing a biography, you’ll want to ask more in-depth questions about a person’s family history as well as more personal questions.

When you are coming up with questions, it’s a good rule of thumb to only ‌ ask open-ended questions ‌ so you don’t simply get a “yes” or “no” answer. You should make a list of questions to ask for a profile essay that apply to the profile you’re writing. A few great questions to ask when profiling someone include:

Tell me about where you grew up and what your family life was like.
How did your parents influence you?
Where did you go to school?
Describe a typical day in your life.
Who have been your strongest influences in life?
How did you come up with the idea for your startup?
What led you to your career path?
What caused you to leave your last job?
What kind of personality or company culture do you most appreciate in your work environment?
How would friends and acquaintances describe you?
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Tell me about your first date with your partner/spouse.
What has been the biggest challenge for you to get where you are today?
What would you do differently if you had a chance?<
What are the most important things you’ve learned in life?
Share with me something about yourself that you want to improve.
Describe a scene of your vision for the future.

Remember that these questions will not apply to everyone, and that the questions you ask vary greatly depending on the type of profile you write. It is important to prepare at least 20 questions so that you can guide the interview to get the specific information you need to write your profile. While interview templates are a great way to get started, remember to personalize your questions to your interviewee.

How to Effectively Ask Questions

Coming up with good questions to ask in a profile interview is important, but you also need to know how to effectively ask those questions. Questions must be ‌ designed to elicit useful and engaging answers ‌, with an eye toward the intended audience. At the same time, you want the interview to be relaxed and informal so the person feels comfortable answering your questions and sharing anecdotes.

Effective interviewers allow the questions and answers to carry their own rhythm, which may lead to unanticipated information and life stories that can be rich in memory and details. Rather than just collect a list of such people and events, good interviewers dig deeper to reveal the "why" behind the answers to show how personal reactions can lead to lifelong influences. It’s important to push for answers and details only as much as the person being interviewed allows. Be sure to ask follow-up questions where appropriate.

Questions about personal character and perceptions are best for the middle or end of the interview after a comfortable rapport has been established.

Questions that elicit childhood memories and influences can be among the most revealing.

Whether you have 20 questions to ask for a profile essay or dozens more, take the time you need to have a good conversation with the interview subject. Make sure you aren’t rushing and don’t schedule appointments back to back. The more time you take asking questions and getting your answers, the better your profile will be.

Best profile essay questions

Home » Questions » Best profile essay questions

When it comes to writing a profile essay, having the right questions is crucial. A profile essay is a type of essay that provides an in-depth description of a person, place, or event. It aims to give the reader a deeper understanding and insight into the subject being profiled. To achieve this, the writer needs to ask thought-provoking and engaging questions that allow the subject to open up and share their experiences, opinions, and thoughts.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of profile essay questions that can help you create a compelling and insightful profile essay. Whether you’re profiling a public figure, a family member, or someone you admire, these questions will guide you towards capturing the essence of the person you’re writing about.

Remember, the key to a successful profile essay is to ask open-ended questions that encourage the subject to reflect and provide detailed responses. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list of profile essay questions:

See these profile essay questions

What is your background and upbringing?
What are your passions and hobbies?
Can you describe a significant moment or event that shaped who you are today?
How would you define success?
What challenges have you faced in your life, and how did you overcome them?
Who has been the most influential person in your life, and why?
What are your career aspirations?
How do you handle stress and pressure?
What is your favorite book and why?
Can you share a personal achievement that you are proud of?
What are your core values?
How do you define happiness?
What is your greatest fear and why?
Can you describe a time when you took a risk and what you learned from it?
What is your favorite quote and why?
How do you like to spend your free time?
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
What is your proudest moment in life?
What are some important lessons you have learned from your past experiences?
Can you discuss a time when you had to make a difficult decision?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What motivates you in life?
Can you describe a time when you had to overcome a conflict or disagreement?
What are your favorite subjects or topics to discuss?
How do you handle criticism?
What do you believe is your purpose in life?
Can you share a memorable experience that had a significant impact on you?
What are your goals for the future?
How do you handle failure?
What do you value most in your relationships?
What is your favorite quote or saying?
Can you discuss a time when you had to overcome a fear?
What are your favorite ways to relax and unwind?
How do you handle change?
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Can you describe a time when you had to work as part of a team?
What are your thoughts on personal growth and self-improvement?
How do you handle success?
What are your favorite movies and why?
What is your biggest achievement so far?
Can you discuss a time when you had to overcome a major obstacle?
What are your favorite ways to give back to your community?

These profile essay questions will help you dig deeper into the lives and experiences of the people you are profiling. Remember to listen actively and be open-minded during interviews, allowing your subjects to share their stories in their own words. With the right questions and a genuine interest in your subject, you can create a compelling profile essay that captivates your readers.

How to Write a Profile Essay: Comprehensive Guide

Table of contents

1 What is a Profile Essay?
2 The Purpose of a Profile Essay
3 Difference Between Profile Papers and Other Essays
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Body Paragraphs
4.3 Conclusion
5 Tips to Write an Outstanding Profile Essay
6.1.1 Early Childhood
6.1.2 Olympic Fame
6.1.3 Fighting for a Social Cause

Over their high school and college years, students have to write various essays on different subject matters. While some are narrative and literary, others are more technical and detail-oriented. However, be they persuasive, expository, or argumentative, papers follow specific rules of academic writing.

Among other types, profile essays are some of the most common that professors assign. These assignments come in almost all disciplines, so it’s vital to understand the basics of the writing process.

What is a profile essay, and what features does it cover? Why is it critical to observe and discuss various individuals, events, or places? How do these literary works differ from other essay types ?

This guide will help you grasp the fundamentals of profile essay writing and deconstruct its content with a clear overview of what each part contains. It will also highlight essential hacks you should consider when writing, plus a qualitative example.

What is a Profile Essay?

In short, writing profile essays focuses on a narrow-scoped description of a famous individual, location, event, or activity. Your work should profile the topic you selected and provide qualitative information about the importance of the subject. Therefore, the writer must present vivid descriptions and thorough explanations through various methods.

You may choose to interview your subject to collect the necessary data. Alternatively, you can survey or research the topic to gather relevant insight if the person you’re discussing died. Observing a fair or visiting a town and then writing about it is also viable. Another unusual aspect of a profile assignment is that you can include objective facts and subjective or interpreted ideas.

In most cases, the essay will be factual. It will introduce valid and relevant questions and answers. For example, you may write about a distinguished USA president, civil rights activist, or athlete. Similarly, you can depict an ancient city, historical landmark, or high-rated festival. Last, consider dedicating your work to a local business, musical performance, or community service project.

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The Purpose of a Profile Essay

This essay type aims to offer the audience a comprehensive perspective of a particular topic and help them understand the concept. Hence, all data must be well-structured and presentable not to confuse the reader and raise doubts.

Moreover, anyone reading your work must be able to make informed judgments on the theme. In many cases, writing a short essay is a wise idea to portray the case or individual you’re discussing. Besides your writing skills, you will also showcase your organization and presentation abilities.

Difference Between Profile Papers and Other Essays

Most importantly, writing a profile essay will rely on valid and accurate facts. In short, focus on using first-hand information by conducting an interview, survey, or personal observation and involvement. Presenting amusing and authentic ideas will urge your target audience to enjoy your piece.

Unlike other essay types, these avoid using a secondary source. For instance, while writing a good opinion essay will involve your standpoints on a topic, the profile paper will concentrate on genuine insight supported by evidence. However, biographies and studies written by others are helpful when verifying the facts you collected yourself.

Overall, finding secondary sources is less demanding and time-consuming than establishing your pool of bibliographical information. Still, primary materials are ideal for writing a profile essay. Also, you must draft it in the third person to maintain an unbiased perspective of your subject.

Comprehensive Profile Essay Structure

You probably wonder how to start a profile essay and keep your thoughts and ideas streamlined and concise. And while you can find online essay help , we prepared a detailed overview of the layout you should follow. Here are the roles of each part.

Introduction

Undoubtedly, the first section of your work will be the opening which typically consists of a single segment. Its primary role is to lay the foundations of the subject and hook the readers to explore until the end. Hence, share intriguing background details such as a quote or anecdote.

Moreover, the excellent thesis statement must reflect the subject you will write about later in your manuscript. It should be well-thought and concise. The introductory part shouldn’t exceed 15% of the entire essay length. Also, ensure you avoid in-text citations except to begin the introduction with a direct quotation.

Body Paragraphs

This part presents the main idea and answers the most important interview questions. It is also the most substantial segment in terms of word count. According to the PapersOwl writing service , the body section should consist of at least two paragraphs. The number of paragraphs will depend on the distinct points the essay writers plan to cover.

Also, there is no specific length for body paragraphs , but you should avoid walls of text. Another guideline for a successful piece is to write at least four sentences in each body segment.

The closing paragraph offers a concise overview of the body paragraphs. It will focus on restating your thesis statement in a final attempt to emphasize the role and value of the selected subject.

The ending should also revisit the topic sentences and demonstrate the impact on our society. Therefore, don’t write about something not mentioned before. This section takes about 10% of the total word count and can contain an in-text citation as a call to action.

Tips to Write an Outstanding Profile Essay

Below, we share a thorough list of advice to teach you how to write a profile essay worth your professor’s attention.

Read a few essays. You can look for quality articles in popular magazines that regularly publish interviews. A narrative essay might also prove helpful if you need to adjust your tone and language.
Ensure the subject of interest is easy to reach. If you get stuck with an unreachable goal, PapersOwl can write your essay for money in the shortest timeframe possible.
Study the topic by analyzing the background of your subject and focus on what makes their lives so unique. If it’s a place or activity, learn about its past and future.
The most impactful way is to write in simple language. Steer away from jargon or idiomatic phrases to avoid misunderstandings, particularly in the thesis.
Use vivid adjectives and transitions to convey your central point.
Each body paragraph shouldn’t exceed 150 words.
Keep your facts in check and avoid sharing your personal opinion unless based on authentic data.
Engage all senses by visualizing events, telling jokes, or describing sounds.
Follow a pre-defined structure where each body paragraph tackles a different point.
Proofread your work for grammar errors and typos.
Run your essay through an online plagiarism checker to avoid copied content.
Ensure your ideas are concise and clear and split run-on sentences.

Crafting a profile essay requires an in-depth understanding of the chosen topic, whether it’s a person, place, or thing. The writer must be able to convey clear and engaging information that fully describes and explains the subject. It’s essential to have a writing style that can capture the reader’s interest and keep them engaged throughout the essay. To make the process easier, working with a quick essay writer can be helpful, as they can provide the necessary expertise and experience to create a high-quality profile essay that stands out.

Your Qualitative Profile Essay Example

The best approach is to go with the standard 5-paragraph structure. Here’s an excellent profile sample.

The Incredible Story of Wilma Rudolf

“My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.” This famous quote by Wilma Rudolph, an African American athlete, tells tales about her life journey. She made history in the Olympic Games in Rome, becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals and break three world records. Her life, full of obstacles and hardship, took her to the throne of athletics and the heart of burning social issues.

Early Childhood

Born on June 23, 1940, in Tennessee, Wilma had 21 siblings. While she had the support and care from her extended family, it was challenging for the family to make ends meet. Things worsened when Rudolph contracted polio, double pneumonia, and scarlet fever. Though she survived the severe bouts, her illness left her paralyzed, and Wilma had to wear a leg brace. The doctor’s prognosis was grim, but with her family’s help, Rudolph started to hop on one leg in two years. Soon, she began to move, and by 12, Vilma regained her walking ability and took up basketball. She soon proved a natural athlete, challenging every boy in the neighborhood at running.

Olympic Fame

The Olympic Games were a pipe dream to young Rudolph. Yet, she caught steam and never lost a race in all high school track meets. At 16, Vilma brought a bronze medal from the Summer Olympics in Melbourne. In 1960 she participated in the Olympic Games in Rome, Italy, and won three gold medals. A striking fact about this triple victory is that in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, Wilma finished three yards before the closest contestant. In addition, her relay team won the 400-meter race thanks to her exceptional performance. Vilma attracted the world’s attention; the crowds cheered her and called her “La Gazelle.” However, she decided not to participate in the next Olympic Games, fearing that she won’t duplicate her success.

Fighting for a Social Cause

Rudolph dedicated the rest of her life to teaching the lessons she learned the hard way. She was particularly keen on coaching underprivileged children. Wilma even wrote her autobiography and worked in several community sports centers. She also gave numerous motivational speeches and founded the Wilma Rudolph Foundation to promote amateur athletics. Wilma died in 1994 of a brain tumor. Survived by two daughters and two sons, Rudolph has left a remarkable inspirational legacy.

Wilma played a critical role in the way we see sports today. Her poor health as a child instilled the “never give up” attitude in her mindset. Learning to overcome fear and weakness gave Rudolph the courage to aim high. Vilma’s personality proves that a strong will and perseverance can take you to stardom.

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Home ➔ How to Write an Essay ➔ Profile Essay

Profile Essay Guide

A profile essay is a type of essay that centers on one person, place, or event. One of the most common profile essay assignments is one in which the author “profiles” a certain person, offering information about who that person is and why they are important, so it is similar to an informative essay in its goals.

Main characteristics and purpose

The main purpose of a profile essay is to present an objective profile of a person, group, or basically anything in a way that readers find interesting and informative. The profile essay can be either factual, presenting information based on direct observation and research, or it can be fictional, presenting information based on the author’s imagination.

When you write a profile essay, present the subject in a manner that is both objective and subjective. Objective information presents the facts without any type of interpretation, while subjective information presents the facts with some type of interpretation.

The characteristics that make a good profile essay:

Focusing on a single individual, group, or place
Including a detailed description and explanations
Offering insight into the subject’s importance, meaning, or significance
Utilizing a variety of research methods (interviews, surveys, observation, etc.)
Showing behind-the-scenes information that others may not be aware of

If you want to find out more about essays in general, check our or other guide: Academic Essay Definition

How to write a profile essay

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing a profile essay. First, choose a subject that is interesting to you and that you have some knowledge about. It is also important to make sure that the subject is someone or something that can be adequately described in a short essay .

Next, you will need to do some research on your subject. This can be done through interviews, observation, or surveys. Once you have gathered your information, you will need to organize it in a way that makes sense and is easy for readers to follow.

Note: If you want to know how to write an essay in general, we suggest checking out our corresponding guide: How to Write an Essay .

Choosing a topic and developing a thesis statement

When writing a profile essay, you can choose not only a person as your profiling subject but also a place or an event. Profiling a place can be especially interesting, as it will allow you to explore the history and culture of the area. If you are profiling a person, you will want to focus on their personality, accomplishments, and any other unique characteristics that make them interesting.

However, before deciding on the final subject, consider if you have the time and resources to do the necessary research. You will need to have access to the subject in order to interview them and observe their behavior. In addition, you will need to be able to find enough information on the subject to write a comprehensive essay.

Ideas for profiling people:

A person with an unusual job (e.g., a professional clown, a pet psychic, etc.)
A person who has overcome adversity (e.g., a homeless person, a person with a disability, etc.)
A person with an interesting hobby or talent (e.g., a competitive eater, a quilter, etc.)
A prominent person in your community (e.g., the mayor, a police chief, etc.)

Ideas for profiling places:

A local business (e.g., a family-owned restaurant, a mom-and-pop shop, etc.)
A historical landmark in your town or city
A local festival or fair
A commonly unpleasant place (e.g., the DMV, the dentist’s office, etc.)
A rarely visited place in your town or city (e.g., an abandoned building, a remote park, etc.)
A place you like to go to (e.g., your favorite store, your grandmother’s house, etc.)

Ideas for profiling events and activities:

A sporting event (e.g., a marathon, a football game, etc.)
A musical performance (e.g., a concert, a school play, etc.)
A community service project (e.g., a food drive, a park clean-up, etc.)
A volunteer event (e.g., working at a soup kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, etc.)
An annual event in your town or city (e.g., a parade, a festival, etc.)

Various Essay Topics – here, you will find a list of different essay topics divided by essay type and educational level.

Once you have decided on a subject, you will need to develop a thesis statement . Your thesis statement should briefly summarize the main points you will be making in your essay. This should be a brief sentence that sums up the main point of your essay. For example, your thesis might be “John Doe is an interesting person because of his work in the community and his dedication to his family.”

Keep in mind that your goal is to provide an accurate and insightful portrayal of your subject. Avoid writing a paper that is purely flattering or one that only focuses on the negative aspects of your subject. Instead, strive to provide a balanced and fair portrayal to come up with a successful profile essay.

Creating an outline of the essay

Once you have decided on a topic and developed a thesis statement, you will need to create an outline for your essay . This will help you determine the main points that you want to include in your paper. An outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Here’s an example of a simple but detailed outline of a profile essay about a person:

Subject: A profile of my high-school History teacher, Mr. Smith.

A. Hook: Describing how Mr. Smith has impacted my life in a positive way.
B. Background information: When I first met Mr. Smith, I was a sophomore in high school. He was my History teacher, and I quickly developed a respect for him as an educator and a person.
C. Thesis statement: Through his teaching, mentorship, and personal example, Mr. Smith has instilled in me a love of learning and a desire to make a difference in the world.
A. Topic sentence : Mr. Smith’s dedication to his students is evident in the way he teaches.
B. Supporting details: He makes sure that we understand the material, but he also challenges us to think critically about the world around us.
C. Topic sentence: Mr. Smith is more than just a teacher; he is also a mentor.
D. Supporting details: He has taken an interest in my personal life and career goals, and he has helped me to stay on track when I’ve faced challenges.
E. Topic sentence: Mr. Smith is a role model to me in the way he lives his life.
F. Supporting details: He is a man of integrity who treats others with respect, and I strive to emulate his example in my own life.
A. Restating the thesis: I am grateful to have had Mr. Smith as a teacher and mentor, and I know that his influence will continue to be a positive force in my life.
B. Closing thoughts: Mr. Smith has made a lasting impact on me, and I will always remember the lessons he taught me both in and out of the classroom.

Writing the profile essay

The outline example above shows a simple essay structure consisting of five parts (an intro, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion). However, a profile essay can be written in a more free model of organization, which makes it somewhat similar to narrative or descriptive essays in this regard.

The main difference is that while narrative and descriptive essays are typically written in the first person, a profile essay is usually written in the third person. This is because you want to maintain an objective, unbiased perspective when describing your subject. However, if you are a part of the story, it is okay to write in the first person to show that you were involved in the scene.

Point-by-point approach:

Some profile essays will take the form of a point-by-point list of facts about the person, also known as a topical approach. This might be appropriate if you are writing about someone who has many different facets to their life (for example, a celebrity or public figure). The outline we presented earlier is an example of such an approach.

Narrative approach:

Another common way to structure a profile essay is to write it in the form of a story. This might be appropriate if you are writing about someone who has done something newsworthy or has an interesting backstory. In this approach, you will typically start with a brief introduction of the subject, followed by a series of events or anecdotes that illustrate its different aspects.

For example, if you are profiling an event, you might choose to write in chronological order, starting with the preparations and leading up to the event itself.

Or, if you are profiling a person, you might start with their childhood and then move on to their adult life.

In a profile essay about places, you can either write about different parts of the place in separate paragraphs (for example, the history, geography, and culture), or you can choose to write about the place as a whole.

Note: The number of body paragraphs is usually higher than three in such essays due to the narrative writing nature.

Introduction

The introduction of a successful profile essay should give the reader an idea of who you are writing about. You will need to provide basic background information about your subject, as well as any significant facts that will help to introduce it. You can also start with a hook , a good way to keep the readers interested in your essay.

Introduction example of a profile essay about a local Hippotherapy center:

Did you know that horses can help people with physical, emotional, and mental health problems? That’s what Hippotherapy is – using horses to help people heal. And there’s a place right here in our town where you can experience it. The Harmony Horse Center is a non-profit organization that provides Hippotherapy services to people of all ages. Founded in 2006, the center has helped countless people in our community improve their physical, emotional, and mental health.

Body paragraphs

Your body paragraphs will be the meat of your profile essay, so you will need to choose the most interesting and relevant facts about your subject. These should be arranged in a logical order – for example, if you are writing about someone’s life, you might start with their childhood and move on to their adulthood. Or, if you are writing about a place, you might start with its history and then move on to its present-day features.

Here’s what the first body paragraph of that Hippotherapy profile essay may look like:

If you’ve never heard of Hippotherapy, you’re not alone. I hadn’t either until I started researching for this profile and went to the center myself. Once it was in view, I saw the barn and the arena and knew exactly what it was. As I approached, I could hear the horses neighing and the sound of hooves against the ground. I walked in and was immediately greeted by the staff. They were all so friendly and welcoming, and they answered all of my questions about Hippotherapy.

To end a profile essay, write a conclusion that ties all of the different elements of your essay together and leaves the reader with a strong impression of your subject. You might want to reiterate and rephrase some of the key points that you made in your body paragraphs, or you might want to briefly describe what your subject’s life is like now. You might also want to include a call to action – for example, if you are writing about a cause that you care about, you might encourage the reader to get involved.

The conclusion of that Hippotherapy profile essay might look like this:

Hippotherapy is an incredible experience, and the Harmony Horse Center is a wonderful place to try it. I highly encourage anyone who is interested in Hippotherapy or who is looking for an alternative form of therapy to check out the center. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming, and the horses are absolutely gorgeous.

Key Takeaways

When writing a profile essay, remember to:

Choose an interesting subject: Your subject should be someone you’re curious about and want to learn more about.
Stick to a clear organizational pattern: The introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion should all serve a specific purpose and support your topic.
Show your role as a writer from the start: You should either write in the first person and show your direct participation or write in the third person to maintain a more objective perspective throughout the essay.
Interweave quotations and evidence with your narrative: Strengthening your argument with direct quotes from your subject or secondary sources will make your essay more convincing.
Conduct research: You will need to do some research on your subject in order to write a well-rounded essay. This can include interviews, observation, and secondary sources.
Create an outline: As with any type of essay, you will need to create an outline of your thoughts before you start writing. This will help you to organize your ideas and ensure that your essay flows smoothly.
Use details and sensory language: A profile essay should be written with plenty of detail and usage of descriptive and sensory language. This will help to paint a picture of your subject for the reader.
Reveal the significance of your subject: In addition to providing information about your subject, you should also explain why they are important or interesting.
Have a clear angle: Your profile essay should have a clear angle or focus so that it is not just a general overview of your subject. Analyzing what most people think about your subject will help you pick a good angle.
Cite your sources: Be sure to cite any interviews, observations, or secondary sources that you use in your essay, following the conventions of the situation style in the assignment.
Edit and proofread: As with any type of writing, be sure to edit and proofread your essay before you submit it. This will help to ensure that there are no errors and that your essay is well-written.
Anoka Ramsey Community College – Portfolio #1: Profile Essay
Washtenaw Community College – Profile Essay (Assignment Sheet)
Ohio State University – ENGL 1113 Essay 2: Profile (Assignment Sheet)

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How To Write A Profile Essay Like A Professional Writer

Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a journey to master the art of writing profiles essays. Whether you’re a high school or college student, understanding the critical components of a profile essay is essential for academic success. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the definition of a profile essay and provide practical tips, example of a profile essay, and expert advice to help you excel in this form of writing.

A profile essay is a captivating narrative that enables students to explore the lives and experiences of individuals. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, these essays offer readers a glimpse into the unique qualities and perspectives of the profiled subjects. By mastering the fundamentals of this writing style, you can effectively communicate your observations and insights, creating compelling and informative profiles.

In our blog, we will discuss the essential elements of a profile essay and emphasize the importance of high-quality writing and the benefits of expert guidance. Whether you’re a student aiming to improve your writing skills or a teacher seeking to enhance your students’ abilities, this guide is designed to provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to create exceptional profiles.

Join us on this enriching journey, where we share valuable knowledge, practical profile essay examples, and insider tips, empowering you to produce outstanding profile essays. Let’s unlock the secrets of this unique form of writing and achieve fast, awesome results together.

What is a profile essay, how to start a profile essay, profile essay structure guides, key considerations for writing engaging profile essays, crafting an outstanding profile essay: essential tips, profile essays in academic settings.

A profile essay is not just a collection of facts and figures; it is a powerful literary piece that delves deep into the essence of a person, place, or event. This form of writing goes beyond surface-level descriptions to create a vivid and engaging portrayal that captivates readers emotionally.

When crafting a profile essay outline, the writer aims to explore a specific individual’s life, personality, experiences, achievements, or unique qualities of a place or event. It seeks to paint a comprehensive picture, offering readers a window into the subject’s world and allowing them to connect with it on a deeper level.

A well-written profile essay immerses the reader in the subject’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions by employing descriptive language, storytelling techniques, and insightful observations. It evokes empathy and understanding, enabling readers to forge a connection and gain a deeper appreciation for the person, place, or event being portrayed.

In summary, a profile essay is a literary work that aims to go beyond superficial details and statistics. It is a means of conveying the essence of a subject through engaging storytelling, providing readers with a rich and immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact.

The beginning of a profile essay is vital in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the piece. It requires careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure a strong start. Here are a few practical ways how to write a good profile essay:

Look for unique qualities: Seek out subjects with unique backgrounds, experiences, or achievements. These aspects can add depth and intrigue to your profile essay.
Consider relevance: Choose a subject relevant to your intended audience or the purpose of the assignment. This will help create a stronger connection and interest among your readers.
Interview your subject: Reach out to the individual you are profiling and request an interview. Prepare a thoughtful question list about their life, experiences, and perspectives. These interviews will provide invaluable insights and personal anecdotes that can enhance the depth of your essay.
Read articles and books: Explore articles, books, and other publications related to your subject. This will provide a broader context and enable you to include relevant background information in your profile essay.
Explore online sources: Utilize reputable online sources such as websites, blogs, and academic databases to gather additional information and perspectives on your subject. Be critical of your authorities and ensure they are credible and reliable.
Be concise and specific: State your main argument or the central theme of your profile essay clearly and concisely.
Make it captivating: Use language that captures the reader’s attention and creates intrigue. A compelling thesis statement will generate interest and encourage readers to continue reading.
Provide a roadmap: Your thesis statement should act as a roadmap for your essay, indicating the main points or areas of focus you will cover. This helps readers understand the structure and flow of your essay.

Starting a profile essay requires careful consideration of the subject, thorough research, and a well-crafted thesis statement. Choosing an intriguing topic, conducting a comprehensive analysis, and formulating a solid thesis statement can captivate your readers and set the stage for a compelling and informative profile essay. Remember, the start of your essay sets the tone for the entire piece, so invest time and effort into crafting a high quality and strong opening that engages and intrigues your readers.

Writing a profile essay requires a structured approach combining storytelling and factual information. Follow these steps to create a well-crafted profile essay:

Introduction: Begin your essay with a compelling opening sentence that hooks the reader. Provide some background information about the subject and introduce the main thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs: Divide your essay into multiple paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or theme related to the topic. Use a mix of narrative storytelling and factual information to engage the reader. Include anecdotes, quotes, and descriptions to bring your subject to life.
Organization and Flow: Ensure a logical progression from one paragraph to another. Use transitional phrases to maintain the coherence of your essay. Consider arranging your sections thematically or chronologically, depending on what suits your subject best.
Descriptive Language: Incorporate vivid and descriptive language to create a sensory experience for the reader. Use specific details and imagery to make your subject come alive.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points discussed in your essay and leave the reader with a lasting impression. Reflect on the significance of your topic and its impact on the reader.

A profile essay offers a comprehensive portrayal of a person or place, providing readers with a detailed understanding of the subject. Whether it’s about a place or a person, crafting an engaging profile essay requires careful planning and effective storytelling. Here are some key steps to consider:

How to Write a Profile Essay on a Place:

Choose an intriguing place: Select a location that is unique and holds significance for the readers. Observe and research: Immerse yourself in the place, exploring its history, culture, and physical aspects. Structure your essay: Begin with an engaging introduction, describe the place vividly, and provide personal insights. Incorporate sensory details: Utilize descriptive language to appeal to the readers’ senses. Conclude with a reflection: Share your overall impression and highlight the significance of the place.

How to Write a Profile Essay on a Person:

Select a captivating individual: Find someone with an interesting background, achievements, or experiences. Conduct interviews: Engage in in-depth conversations to gather firsthand information about the person. Organize your essay: Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction, present the person’s background and accomplishments, and delve into their personality traits and influences. Use anecdotes and examples: Illustrate the person’s characteristics through real-life stories and specific instances. Wrap up with a reflection: Offer your personal insights, reflect on the person’s impact, and conclude with a memorable ending.

Remember, in both types of profile essays, it is crucial to maintain a balanced blend of factual information and compelling storytelling to engage readers and leave a lasting impression.

When writing a profile essay, it’s essential to remember key elements that will enhance the quality of your work. Here are some essential tips to help you craft an outstanding profile essay:

Choose an Engaging Format: While there is no strict format for a profile essay, you can structure it to suit your subject and the narrative you want to create. You can opt for a chronological structure, a thematic approach, or a combination of both.
Conduct Thorough Interviews: Interviews are crucial in gathering firsthand information about your subject. Prepare a list of relevant questions and conduct interviews with the subject and individuals associated with them. These interviews will enrich your profile essay with unique insights and personal anecdotes.
Focus on Descriptive Details: Pay attention to descriptive details to bring your subject to life. Use sensory language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Describe the subject’s appearance, gestures, and mannerisms. Include details about the environment, sounds, and smells to transport the reader to the scene.
Utilize Direct Quotes: Direct quotes from your subject and others you interview add authenticity and credibility to your profile essay. Use quotes to highlight important points or capture the subject’s voice and perspective.
Show, Don’t Tell: Rather than simply stating facts, show the reader the subject’s personality, values, and experiences through storytelling. Engage the reader’s emotions by narrating impactful moments or sharing significant events that shaped the subject’s life.
Revise and Edit: Once you have completed your profile essay’s first draft, revise and edit it. Check for clarity, coherence, and grammar errors. Trim unnecessary information and ensure a smooth flow of ideas. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to gain valuable insights.

Profile essays are commonly assigned in various academic settings, including high school, college, and university. These assignments allow students to develop their research, writing, and storytelling skills while exploring diverse subjects and honing their analytical thinking.

Following Guidelines:

When working on a profile essay for school or college, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by your instructor. This ensures that you stay on track and meet the assignment requirements. Consider the following points:

Pay attention to specific requirements: Your instructor may provide instructions regarding length, formatting, citation style, and other essential details. Make sure to adhere to these guidelines to avoid any penalties.
Understand the objectives: Familiarize yourself with the purposes of the assignment. This will help you shape your essay and focus on the key aspects your instructor wants you to explore.
Align with learning outcomes: Consider how the profile essay fits into the broader learning outcomes of the course. This will enable you to approach the assignment with a clear understanding of its purpose and relevance.

Seeking Assistance:

If you struggle with the assignment or need extra support, online essay assignment help and custom writing services are available. These services offer expert guidance and assistance, ensuring you receive high-quality, well-crafted profile essays that meet your academic requirements. Here are some key points to consider:

Online homework helpers: These platforms connect you with knowledgeable tutors who can guide and answer your questions about profile essay writing. They can offer valuable insights and help you overcome challenges you may encounter.
Custom writing services: If you feel overwhelmed or lack time to complete the assignment, custom writing services can be a viable option. These services employ professional writers who can create custom profile essays tailored to your needs and requirements. However, it’s essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy service to ensure the quality and originality of the work.

Profile essays in academic settings offer students a valuable opportunity to develop their research, writing, and storytelling skills. By following the guidelines provided by your instructor and seeking assistance when needed, you can ensure that your profile essays meet the objectives of the assignment and align with the course’s learning outcomes. Remember, practice and persistence are crucial to mastering the art of writing compelling and informative profile essays.

Get Profile Essay Writing Help Today!

Mastering the art of writing a profile essay requires a combination of skill, guidance, and support. By following the guidelines and tips provided by experts, you can create captivating profiles that engage and resonate with your readers. Along the way, it’s essential to seek assistance when needed, and fortunately, there are affordable options available that provide class-leading customer support.

When embarking on the journey of writing a profile essay, remember to choose an intriguing subject and conduct thorough research to ensure the accuracy and depth of your piece. Craft a strong thesis statement that serves as a roadmap for your essay, guiding your readers through the main aspects you’ll be exploring.

In the process, it’s reassuring to know that expert guidance and support are accessible. Whether you require assistance structuring your essay, some college assignment help , or understanding the nuances of profile essay writing, affordable online platforms provide the expertise you need. These platforms offer friendly customer support to address your queries and provide valuable insights, ensuring you receive the guidance necessary to excel in your writing endeavors.

By availing yourself of these resources, you can enhance your profile essay writing skills, boost your confidence, and achieve outstanding results. So, embrace the art of writing profiles backed by expert guidance, affordable options, class-leading support, and friendly assistance. Let your words paint vivid portraits and create lasting connections with your readers through the power of the profile essay.

What is a profile essay, and what is its purpose?

A profile essay is a type of academic or journalistic writing that aims to provide a detailed description and analysis of a particular person, place, event, or organization. Its purpose is to present a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the subject, highlighting its unique qualities, experiences, and significance.

How do I choose a suitable subject for my profile essay?

When selecting a subject for your profile essay, consider individuals, places, or events that possess distinct characteristics, have a compelling story, or hold relevance in a specific context. It could be a notable figure in your community, a memorable travel destination, or an event with cultural significance. The key is to choose a subject that allows for rich exploration and offers an opportunity to captivate your readers.

What are the essential elements to include in a profile essay?

A profile essay typically includes several key elements to portray the subject comprehensively. These elements may include a vivid and engaging introduction, background information, descriptive details, anecdotes, quotes, and personal observations. It is important to capture the subject’s personality, experiences, and significance through a well-structured narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

How can I ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information in my profile essay?

To maintain accuracy and credibility in your profile essay, conducting thorough research and gathering information from reliable sources is crucial. This can involve interviewing the subject, conducting background research, and seeking multiple perspectives. Always verify the information you gather and cross-reference it with trustworthy sources to ensure the accuracy of your content. Remember to attribute any quotes or specific details to their respective sources.

Get on top of your homework.

How to Write a Good Profile Essay

By: Tasha Kolesnikova

Before you learn how to create your perfect profile essay, you need to master academic writing's necessary skills. You must understand from which parts the composition is formed, what must be included, what vocabulary for each type you need to use, etc. The essay typer should be professional and express thoughts correctly.

What Is a Profile Essay?

What are the main goals of profile essays, explore examples, choose a topic, find your writing style, look for reliable information, create a plan, write an introduction, describe vividly, write the final part.

To assess your writing skills, a professor or teacher can give an assignment in the form of a profile essay. Our article is based on what you learned to create essay introduction phrases , central part, conclusion, outline profile essay.

It is much easier for those students who have already read autobiographical articles or descriptive landscapes since this is all a profile essay. Agreeing to describe something in words is easy, but conveying thoughts on paper is much more difficult since the paper should be framed appropriately. Here we will give you step-by-step instructions, but you can contact StudyBay managers and receive professional help if you have any difficulties. Now let's get to the study of a profile essay and find out what details it will add up.

Profile essay

A profile essay is a type of descriptive writing that provides a detailed, in-depth look at a person, place, event, or thing, with formatting in APA style or ASA, Chicago or Harvard. The goal of a profile essay is to offer a vivid portrayal and comprehensive understanding of the subject through a combination of narrative storytelling, observation, and factual information.

The description text consists of the following parts:

general characteristics of the subject, general impression;
signs, details;
the general assessment of the subject.

For example, the description can be a portrait landscape. Anything can be the description's object - a person, his emotional state, an animal, a plant, a city, a house, a park, a village, and the weather. The speech feature predominates nouns, adjectives, adverbs, a minimum of action, and static text. The descriptive text answers the questions "what? what kind?". Let's see an example:

"The color of the fungus is yellowish-gray. It can be dirty brown and darker towards the middle of the cap. The stem is thin, dense, white at the cap, gray at the base, sometimes brown."

We also want to note that two concepts are similar to each other in the English language: "descriptive essay" and "profile essay." But there is a difference between them that you should be aware of when completing a task. A descriptive essay is a concise message about facts, events, and related phenomena. For example, a description of recent events or a book/ movie review essay . Usually, it contains not only the main idea but also may contain the opinion of the author. A profile essay is aimed more at describing in detail portraits, landscapes, and all the details, while the author brings new information but cannot express his opinion.

If you carefully study this type of essay's type, then it speaks for itself; that is, its basis includes describing the place, thing, event, occurrence, person. The profile essay is full of adjectives. Without them, we would not be able to describe the subject. They are keywords. When composing the text, you can use a dictionary of synonyms that will help you choose adjectives. Based on this information, several main goals of a profile essay can be distinguished:

A clear description of nature, phenomenon, person, with all the details.
The student should describe a person or place in his own words, using epithets, comparisons, antonyms.
The student must prove that he has the required academic writing skills.

There is a more demanding attitude towards college students since, with this type of assignment, the professor can evaluate the organization, presentation, and research skills. Many students think this is the most confusing essay, as it can be easily confused with other types. Therefore, you need to study the essay checklist and steps below to avoid getting lost in your thoughts.

How Do I Prepare to Write Profile Essays?

Of course, experience in writing essays is gained through constant practice. The more essays you have written, the higher the chance of getting a good grade. However, due to the large volume of the curriculum, many students have the so-called "short-term memory effect" - they write a paper using argumentation, but after a couple of months forget everything.

Therefore, we recommend starting your preparation by examining the directions for writing an essay proposed by the compilers this year. Then you need to carefully study each of them and understand what the essence of each is. So even at the initial stage, you will have meaning about a profile essay.

To prepare most effectively for this type of essay, we recommend compiling a list of topics that may be used in advance. Topic wording allows the student to choose the material on which he will base his reasoning. If such blanks are made in advance, then you will be able to compose the paper faster. We also made a step-by-step preparation instruction. Please read it carefully.

Before work, each student should carefully read the examples of profile essays to see the text's structure. To do this, you need to write an "example of a profile essay" in an Internet search engine, and you will immediately be given many sources of information. Still, you only need to choose those for which there are reviews or if you did not find mistakes there. Also, special magazines with examples of different types of essays are issued for students, so most likely, you can also find a profile essay there.

While reading the example, pay attention to the structure of the text, the design, the theme, built by the paragraphs, and what artistic techniques were used. Also, please keep track of what style the author used, what language he used, etc. And the last thing you should pay attention to is this introduction and conclusion. You must understand how the author grabs the reader's attention and what phrases he used for the final paragraph. You can write them out and do the same.

Read as much as possible because every author has his writing style, and you can see some details that the previous writer did not use. It is in the examples that you can find basic knowledge that the teacher will not tell you.

To successfully choose a topic for a profile essay, use the following tips:

You need to think about what exciting information you can choose for the topic and whether there is a source to write an interesting article.
Choose the closest to you that resonates with you because your task is to demonstrate personal interest. That is, to express your attitude to the chosen topic, your position on the problem, to give an individual assessment of the events, characters, and actions that will serve you as arguments. And this can be done most convincingly only if the experts feel your interest in the chosen topic.
It would help if you chose the topic to express your perspective and convincingly argue it based on literary material. This means that you know where to get an example to prove that you are good at describing the topic.

Your style is like your voice. You need to understand what only you can write about how you differ from everyone else. Here are some tips for finding your writing style:

Write a lot. It is corny but effective. Moreover, it is desirable to write in different genres, themes, and volumes. Keeping a journal is also a good idea.
Find an example for yourself, and understand why you like this particular writing style, but not wholly copy it, just choose the most significant moments for yourself.
Read classics and quality media.
Use the advice of the writers. Some of them may seem very strange, but they will still help. For example, one author calls for six months not to use the words: love, hate, be, have, know, think, believe, understand, remember, want, dream, and other mental verbs. It remains to describe feelings, not name.
Read books about language, writing skills, and journalism. They often contain useful exercises.
Identify and eradicate parasitic words.
Keep track of repetitions, pronouns, and the verb "to be" in all forms. They can almost always be removed.
Choose a priority genre and study its features. It is sometimes dull and dreary, but it isn't easy to move on without this.

While writing an article, many pitfalls arise in the path of the author. Sometimes information is difficult to consolidate with reliable sources of authoritative writers. The use of inaccurate data leads to the collapse of the student's reputation. This, in turn, leads to sad results: unprotected essay, loss of the teacher's or professor's trust.

We advise looking for official sources or use several independent ones. The reliability of facts and events can be found, first of all, in encyclopedias, monographs, narrow-profile reference books. Also, look for information on the official websites of figures and their pages on social networks. It is better to be wary of publications in scientific journals. Before using the information from there, make inquiries about this journal's authority and, in particular, the author of the article.

If the topic is controversial, it would be wise to ask for information from the educational institution teachers who hold different views. Thus, the author will objectively approach the description of such issues and avoid gross oversights.

The last thing to do when preparing to write an article or essay is to make a plan. You can improvise and write whatever comes to mind, but this will make it harder for readers to understand the text and reduce your ideas' accuracy. A structured message is much stronger and more reasoned than a continuous stream of consciousness.

Text written according to plan is more credible. The plan helps not only the author but also the reader. Thanks to the exact structure, it is easy to navigate the content, which means that the perception of information is much more comfortable.

A text plan is needed to write an article faster and better. When everything is structured and transparent, which parts of working on, work becomes more productive. The plan helps the author write the article qualitatively: this means that the reader will easily navigate the content and will find the answer to the question that has arisen - what he opened the material for.

Both the plan and the text itself are usually built based on the question asked. It is often included in the title. Therefore, the question must be answered in the text.

Steps to Writing a Profile Essay

Any essay has a particular structure (introduction, central part, conclusion) of the content's presentation, and this plan must be adhered to when writing. You cannot jump from one question to another and back. If the topic sounds like "Description of nature," you cannot write about how you spend the summer. It would help if you talked about a specific place. Each thought expressed in the essay should be comprehended by you, the expressions should not be twofold, and the images you paint should not be dull.

When describing, do not try to use abstruse words. Sometimes it takes a long time to find the right word. Try to start with a rough draft using the same words as discussing it with a friend. How would you describe something to him? Then you can edit the resulting text by removing the spoken parts and replacing them with more appropriate phrases.

After writing an essay on a draft, read it at least a couple of times, mentally speaking. Make sure the text is complete. Parts of the paper logically passed one into another, and there were no abrupt changes in the course of thought. Avoid repetitions. Check the volume ratio of the main parts of the essay so that you don't get the too long intro and out or insufficient volume of the central part. We've given you a few tips, now let's explore the specific steps.

The essay begins with an introduction, where the most important thing is the essay topic's relevance. The introduction contains a description of the importance of the chosen topic. This description should not be too long; 3-4 sentences are enough. Your introduction is a short article designed to grab the reader's attention. The introduction should tell the essence of the composition, what it is about.

There are several ways to write the beginning, first, with a description of the topic's relevance. Tell the reader why you are writing an essay on this particular topic, why it is exciting, and why it is worth writing about it at all. Even if you didn't choose the topic yourself, you could still think of something in this direction. Another way is to start the story with a topic that many writers and scientists discuss, that is, to indicate that this issue is relevant to this day.

Introductory phrase templates:

Everyone knows that...
Thousands of books have been written about this, and hundreds of films have been shot, and inexperienced adolescents and experienced people speak about this...
Probably, this topic interests each of us, so the text is dedicated to the topic

You have intrigued the reader. Now your task in this part is to reveal everything that you have written in the introduction. If you need to portray some personality, you should pay attention to the appearance and the character hiding behind it. For example, suppose what kind of person he is: big eyes - dreamy and sweet, stern look - stern and severe, kind smile, sympathetic. When writing a description, it is advisable to highlight different ideas in paragraphs: this way, you will show your literacy and knowledge. The central part should not be boring and complement the introduction. You have to put in a lot of effort to keep the reader's attention and make him read your text to the end.

A profile essay should be filled with encouraging words that describe your topic in detail. To do this, you need to use epithets to tell the reader how a person smells, looks, talks, or what kind of colors the place of events is filled with. Let's consider an example of a female student describing her friend:

"Frankly, I have many good, loyal friends. They are my classmates, boys, and girls from my city. But my best friend for more than five years has been Elizabeth. She looks nice, and she is 17 years old. Lisa is not very tall, but she has a beautiful body. Every day she goes in for sports and attends yoga classes twice a week, so her figure is gorgeous, athletic, fit. Of course, the ideal figure is only part of beauty. After all, only a combination of a beautiful body, spirit, and mind can make the person attractive, even if the facial features are generally typical.

Elizabeth has straight, long, blonde hair, which she often gathers in a bun. She has blue eyes and long dark eyelashes and large lips, which she always tints with a transparent gloss: oval face and a small nose. Lisa is still very elegant. She wears clothes in fashion. I can tell her charm is irresistible."

The last part of the profile essay is the conclusion. Here you need to set out similar information on the central role but in a short amount. The conclusion is intended to bring the reader to the end of the story and contain several sentences. In conclusion, you should write a few critical words about a place, a person, a phenomenon. This is necessary to make it clear to the reader how the described subject influenced you. Also, in the end, you can use quotes if you don't know how to choose the right words.

The conclusion should reflect your thoughts as well as other parts of the essay. In this paragraph, you will be able to tell whether you achieved the goal set in the introduction, whether you could describe the subject in a way that would inspire the reader. In conclusion, you can summarize all the information, but try not to repeat yourself, and perhaps give some advice for the future to the reader. This concludes the writing of the profile essay, and we wish you the best of luck. Take advantage of all the tips to achieve the goal of your profile essay.

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How to Write a Profile Essay from start to end like a pro

Many people do not realize that a biography is a profile essay, but it is. It is a profile essay because it is essentially the profile or the detailed description of a person.

You can be assigned to write an informative essay where you describe a person, place, event, or whatever subject. If that is the case, you should write a profile essay. A profile essay is basically a descriptive essay.

It is a common assignment in college for journalism and media studies courses. However, students pursuing other courses can also be assigned to write a profile essay. Although writing one can be challenging, we will show you in a bit how it can be enjoyable and what steps you need to take.

In this post, you will learn everything you need to know to write the perfect profile essay. Oh! You can buy a profile essay from us and have it customized to your instructions or rubric. Otherwise, let’s begin.

What is a Profile Essay?

The hallmark of writing a staller profile essay is knowing what it means.

In the academic context, a profile essay is basically a descriptive essay or informative essay about a person, place, location, activity, item, institution, organization, or event. Within the journalism context, profile essays refer to compositions about a person.

It is an essay that provides a detailed description of someone or something. The essay is usually between 600 and 850 words long and can be longer than 1000 words. The best way to write it is in such a way that it gives the reader a complete picture of the subject.

For example, if you are asked to write a profile essay on your best friend, you should write it so that when someone reads it, they will quickly gain a comprehensive understanding of your best friend.

There are two basic types of profile essays – descriptive profile essays and analytical profile essays .

Descriptive profile essays offer a comprehensive description of someone or something, while analytical ones provide in-depth analysis/evaluation of someone or something while describing it. The most common type of profile essay is the descriptive one. You can be asked to write a descriptive profile essay on a movie character, a story character, a politician, a celebrity, or someone you know personally. You can also be asked to write one on a location, an event, or even an idea.

What Is the Purpose of a Profile Essay?

The purpose of a profile essay is to provide a comprehensive view of a subject. The subject could be virtually anything.

When you are asked to write a profile essay, you should try to write it so that it leaves no important information.

For example, if you choose to write an essay on Barrack Obama, it should describe everything about the man from his origin to his Harvard experience, his senatorial experience, and finally, his presidency. This will help the reader to know everything crucial they need to know about Obama, including his life before the presidency.

When writing a profile essay, you should try as hard as possible to make it as interesting and informative as possible. Because profile essays that are not interesting tend to have too boring and too dull to read. So if you want the reader to read your essay from the first word in the introduction to the last word in the conclusion paragraph, ensure it is an exciting read.

The 6 main steps for writing a Perfect Profile Essay

Writing a successful, stellar, and grade-worthy profile essay needs some quality work. Here are some insights from our top profile essay writers who have completed many profile essays for clients. These essay writers are widely experienced in writing such essays and use these steps to produce the best profile essays.

When assigned to write a profile essay for your class assignment, follow these six steps: (1) get inspired by professionally done examples, (2) choose a topic and a subject of focus, (3) research, (4) plan your essay, (5) write the essay, and (6) edit and proofread the essay before submitting.

Now let’s expound on each point to make it further easier for you to write a profile essay that attracts the best grades/score.

1. Get inspired by Examples

You need to research, plan, and write it better to ensure that it has no flaws. To write better, you can get inspiration through reading professional profile essay examples . These professionally written profile compositions are common in magazines such as The New York Times, Esquire, Washington Post, and The Guardian, among others.

While reading these examples, note how the details are presented, the ordering technique used, the use of transitions, hooks, and other aspects of formal writing, formatting, paragraphing approach, and the general choice of words.

You could read as many examples of profile essays as you can. However, be keen on selecting the best to benchmark as you write your profile essay based on the prompt from your professor.

2. Choose a topic and the subject

When asked to write a profile essay, you will most probably be asked to choose a topic by your professor. If this is the case, you should choose a topic that is interesting to you. Sometimes you are given a topic and told to write about it.

Because by choosing an interesting story, you get a chance to tell this story in your essay.

Of course, telling an interesting story is something you should be greatly interested in doing because interesting profile essays are almost always excellent profile essays.

After selecting the topic, ensure that you also choose a subject (the person, place, activity, or event of interest). The subject you choose to write about in your essay can either make or break your profile writing.

3. Gather information about the subject

Once you have chosen a topic for your profile essay, the next thing you need to do is to gather information about the subject.

For example, if the subject is a person, you should research information about them online at this stage. Gather as many important details about the person as you can. These details will be useful in the next step. In some cases, if you have access to the person you want to write an essay on, you can organize an interview with the person to find out more about them directly from them.

If you are writing a profile essay based on an interview, be sure to capture some of the responses the subject gave. It would be best to have open-ended questions on the interview plan to find as much valid information as possible. You need to corroborate the information using information available from credible sources.

4. Create an outline

Although sometimes an outline is not mandatory for an essay, you need to have a quick outline to arrange the ideas and thoughts and define the structure of your paper. Stick to a specific outline format for your essay.

If you feel you have gathered as many details about the subject as possible, you should create a profile essay outline. The outline should highlight what you want to write in each essay section. It should be as comprehensive as possible to make the next step easier. There is a profile essay outline example later in this post. You should use its structure to create your own outline.

5. Write the first draft of your essay

With the nice profile essay outline, the next thing you need to do is to start writing your profile essay. You can do this easily by following your outline like a map.

You see, if you did your outline correctly, it should contain sentences or instructions on how to start each paragraph in your essay and what to include in the paragraph.

When writing the first draft, follow your outline to start writing your essay and write all the paragraphs. As you are writing, remember this is a profile essay. You should try to keep the tone conversational and be as descriptive, informative, or vivid as you can. Write first and edit later.

As long as the ideas are flowing, keep on writing.

6. Edit and Proofread your Essay

After you are done writing your essay, the next thing you need to do is to proofread and edit it. We always advise taking a break to cool off from writing, develop an objective mind, and be ready to self-critique as you edit.

When proofreading, read it twice or thrice to identify and edit errors, mistakes, and weak statements or arguments. Once you have edited your essay to the level where you feel it is perfect, send it to a friend to read it one more time and catch the mistakes you might have missed.

Ask them to highlight any mistakes or errors they see. When you get your essay back, edit it one more time to eliminate the mistakes and errors identified. You can also hire a professional proofreader if you need it done first and professionally.

After you are done editing as detailed above, your profile essay should be ready for submission.

The Structure and Format of a Profile Essay

You now know exactly what to do to write a profile essay. You know all the steps you need to take to write a good profile essay. In case you did not know the structure, it is presented below with its three key parts – the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

1. Introduction Paragraph

Like every other essay, the profile essay has an introduction. In the introduction part of the essay, you must present what you will talk about in the body part. And you must do it in a summarized manner. Two statements are very important when writing the introduction paragraph – the hook statement and the thesis statement .

The hook statement is the opening statement. It should be interesting to grab the reader's attention and make them want to read your essay. And the thesis statement should be the last statement in your introduction paragraph. It should contain your main argument or the position you support in your essay.

2. Body Paragraphs

The body part of the profile essay is usually made of three or more body paragraphs.

When writing body paragraphs in your profile essay, you should ensure each body paragraph describes or analyzes a different part or aspect of the subject of your essay.

Furthermore, you should ensure a good flow between your body paragraphs and the sentences that make them up.

The most important thing to remember when writing this part of your profile essay is to present your ideas chronologically. This will make this part of your essay easy to understand. Use sensory details to relate to your readers' senses and create a vivid picture.

3. Conclusion Paragraph

At the end of the profile essay, there is a conclusion paragraph . The purpose of this part of the essay is to wrap it up.

So, after providing a detailed description of your subject in the body paragraph, you should summarize everything and then provide a powerful closing statement. This is the most effective way to conclude a profile essay or any other type of essay for that matter.

Remember, the conclusion part is only supposed to contain your conclusion or and not any new argument, evidence, or claim.

Profile Essay Outline Example

Follow the example profile essay outline below to discover how exactly to create a profile essay outline.

Title: My best friend

I. Introduction

Hook sentence: My best friend has always stood up for me from the very first day.
Background info: What makes your friend special and unique? And my friend’s biographical information.
Thesis statement: My best friend is someone I can count on even if the whole world is against me.

II. First body paragraph (Appearance and personality)

Major point: My best friend is a tall, well-built, and laidback person.
Description and evidence: Provide a comprehensive description of the major point above and use evidence such as quotes and examples.
Concluding sentence

III. Second body paragraph (Major event in your friend’s life)

Major point: My best friend lost his younger brother at age 10, hugely impacting his life.

IV. Third body paragraph (What distinguishes your best friend from others)

Major point: My best friend is loyal to the core and very dependable.

V. Conclusion paragraph

Thesis restatement
Restatement of major points
Closing sentence

Topic ideas for a Profile Essay

When tasked with choosing a profile essay topic to write about, consider choosing an interesting topic, has a favorite subject, and something that has information in case you need to corroborate facts.

Below is a list of profile essay topic ideas. Use the list as inspiration to develop your profile essay topic.

President Obama’s Profile: His early life, his senatorial career, and his presidency
Turkey and its place in Middle Eastern politics
Africa: A continent with resources but also with global poverty
Europe: A cycle of war and devastation
King Solomon and his mighty empire
Mandela: The man who changed the world
Adolf Hitler: His ideology and his beliefs
My dog is my best friend
UNHCR: A history of taking care of refugees
United Nations: Successes and challenges over the years
Why Zanzibar is a must-visit country
My favorite movie
The diet of the residents of Loma Linda
The best celebrity role model
The best summer camp for kids in the USA
The most stunning animal park in the USA
Stalin: How the Russian leader helped defeat the Nazis
Moscow: The capital of the Russian Federation
The United States: the greatest economy in the world
MV. Aurora: The conqueror of the seven seas
Adidas: A history of challenges and successes
Jane Austen: A high-achieving woman
Nike Success’s Story
The best Air Jordan Stores
The real personality of Princess Diana
The US Senate and its responsibilities
Queen Elizabeth: The longest serving female head of government
The sport I love the most
Stephen King: The most elegant writer of our time
The best classic car ever

Example of a Process Essay

My favorite elementary school teacher A few years ago, I ran into Mrs. Penny while escaping some school bullies who gave me a hard time. When I ran into her, I just burst into tears, and she did not know what to do. She just hugged me. She later escorted me to a small bench and asked me to tell her everything. I did exactly that, and she made sure the boys were suspended. I did not know it then, but she was about to play a key role in molding me into who I am today. Mrs. Penny was a tall, big and strong woman. She always walked with authority about her. Some students said she was into powerlifting, but I don’t think she was. While she had a big physique and she was very kind and motherly. Everyone loved her for this. She always treated every single student with respect and tried to listen and reason with you rather than impose her beliefs. For example, she once talked to our class and convinced everyone to stay in class for about five minutes long to finish explaining something. This is something that had never happened before, yet she achieved it. One day while in class, Mrs. Penny caught another student in the middle of a nasty fight. Since the last time she had saved me from bullies, she had always thought I was a well-disciplined boy. So she was very disappointed when she caught me fighting as it was strictly against school rules. We were sent to detention and then came back to class later. As everybody was leaving class in the late afternoon, she asked me to stay behind and told me to sit down. She talked to me, motivated me, and told me that I could only succeed in life by being disciplined. I promised her always to be disciplined, which has helped me in life. It has helped me to become a much better person. If other teachers found me fighting or doing something else, they probably couldn’t have cared. This is because they could have simply assumed I was a bad kid. However, Mrs. Penny was not like other teachers. She was kind, empathetic, and motherly. She saw me as someone I was not and took her time to help show me the right direction in life. I believe I am now in college because of what she told me, especially about discipline being the key to success. As you can see, Mrs. Penny played a very important role in molding me into who I am today. She helped me to become a better person and to take discipline as one of my guiding principles. It is my hope that Mrs. Penny is still alive and is still helping guide elementary students to become better versions of themselves.

Tips to Use when Writing a Profile Essay

By now, you can already see that writing profile essays can be fun; it is fun! When you select a subject of interest, you can only write the best things about them as long as you meet the scope of the rubric. Like any other comprehensive academic essay , a profile essay has three sections: the introduction, body, and conclusion. And for you to write one that appeals to your readers and markers, here are some tips and tricks that actually work:

Edit your work. After you are done writing your essay, you should thoroughly edit it to ensure it has no grammatical errors, punctuation errors, and so on. This will ensure it gets a good grade.
Show respect. When writing a profile essay about someone, you must show respect even if you hate them. You must strive to be objective and to use objective language. This will make your essay to sound more professional than an anger-ridden essay.
Try to balance your paragraphs. This may seem trivial, but it is not. You must try to balance your paragraphs to make your essay appear structured and organized. This will increase your probability of getting a good grade.
Create an outline before you start. Creating an outline before writing an essay will help you stay focused and organized.
Keep your tone professional. You should strive to keep your tone professional throughout the essay. This is especially true when you are writing about someone close to you. Keeping your tone professional will help you get a good grade on your essay.
Watch your tone and style . As you compose the paragraphs of your profile essay, you should use both formal and informal approaches. It should not be written in the second person. Rather, use first-person and think of creative ways to make your written piece fun to read. Although you are writing an academic piece that should be done professionally, you have the flexibility of flouting the academic writing rules. Describe the subject and maintain a tone that creates a vivid image of the subject.

Final Words

We are sure that by now, our professional writers at EssayManiacs, through their insights, have made composing a profile essay as simple as it should be. The knowledge we have shared in this post is enough to enable you to write the perfect profile essay or composition.

Remember to bring in your creativity, presentation, and organization skills when writing. Write preferably in the first person and have the flexibility of expanding your creativity. That said and done, you should now be able to get an excellent grade whenever you are asked to write a profile essay.

If you need help writing and polishing a profile essay, you should know that we are here for you. We have a team of English essay writing experts who can write a profile essay on virtually any topic. Order your essay from us to get a high grade on your essay assignment.

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How to Write a Profile Essay (+ Examples to Check)

In the article, you’ll find the profile essay definition and structure. Several examples are also here to help you see how to create a brilliant one.

What is a Profile Essay?

Such papers have two primary goals:

Stay informative
Provide as many exciting details about the subject as possible

Another essential detail is that you shouldn’t stray from the topic. Mention only the relevant things, and don’t be afraid to keep the focus as narrow as possible.

That’s the point of any profile essay.

Profile Essay Example

Profile essays look personal, but their style is matter-of-fact and academic. It seems challenging, but you can do that with appropriate examples at hand.

There are two common types of such papers: on a person and a place . Since each has its specifics, let’s jump right into the samples!

Profile essay example on a person

Lucky you are when a professor assigns an essay about yourself. After all, it’s a person you know best, right? When writing about someone else, the key is to treat them how you’d treat yourself if you wrote your story.

Here’s an example of a profile essay on a person :

Ernest Hemingway, the iconic American author, is a profound figure in literature, etching his mark through terse prose and vivid storytelling. His impactful narratives, notably characterized by their conciseness and deep themes, have profoundly influenced my perspective on life.

Hemingway’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of adventure, resilience, and profound introspection. Born in 1899 in Oak Park, Illinois, he grew up amidst the specter of World War I, an event that would later serve as a significant backdrop in his literary works. His experiences as an ambulance driver during the war engendered a deep understanding of the human condition in him, inspiring his themes of stoicism and existentialism.

The hallmark of Hemingway’s writing lies in his mastery of the minimalist style—a technique that captivated me from the moment I encountered his works. His use of sparse language, punctuated by powerful imagery, forces readers to feel his stories. Through his novels like “The Old Man and the Sea” and “A Farewell to Arms,” Hemingway imparts life lessons on resilience, the struggle against adversity, and the enduring human spirit, which shaped my outlook on life.

Moreover, Hemingway’s adventurous spirit resonates with me. His zest for life, evident through his love for travel, bullfighting, fishing, and other pursuits, has instilled in me the belief that life’s richness lies in embracing experiences wholeheartedly. His portrayal of characters grappling with internal conflicts amidst external chaos highlights the importance of confronting one’s inner struggles — it has become a guiding principle in my life journey.

However, Hemingway’s complex persona, marked by his public image of rugged masculinity and private battles with mental health, illuminates the fragility of human existence. His struggles with depression and alcoholism remind me of the imperative to seek balance and self-care amid life’s challenges. Understanding the duality of his persona, I’ve learned to appreciate the vulnerability inherent in all individuals, recognizing the importance of empathy and support in our interactions.

In conclusion, Ernest Hemingway’s literary legacy extends far beyond the words on the page. His ability to distill the human experience into poignant narratives has left an indelible mark on my perspective of life. His themes of resilience, introspection, adventure, and the human spirit have enriched my understanding of literature and become guiding principles shaping my outlook on navigating the complexities of life. Ernest Hemingway remains a timeless beacon whose influence continues to resonate in the hearts and minds of readers, shaping and inspiring generations to come.

Profile essay example on a place

Another profile paper is the one describing a specific location. It can include its history, spots, and the famous people who visited it.

Choose the places you find exciting, but consider how much information you can dig up. Remember that a stellar profile essay must be informative. Put your emotions about what you’re describing aside. Example:

Nestled within the expansive landscape of the American Southwest lies a natural wonder that beckons explorers, nature enthusiasts, and dreamers alike—the Grand Canyon. This geological marvel stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature and is the place I fervently yearn to visit.

Stretching majestically across Arizona’s terrain, the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking beauty has held a magnetic allure for me. Its colossal dimensions, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, reveal a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, painting a vivid portrait of Earth’s history. From the rugged cliffs to the intricate maze of rock formations, each layer whispers stories of time immemorial, stirring a sense of wonder and reverence.

The allure of the Grand Canyon transcends its mere physical grandeur. It embodies a sense of timelessness and spiritual depth, inviting introspection and reflection. By imagining standing on its rim, witnessing the interplay of light and shadow across the vast chasm, I envision a profound connection with the natural world—a fleeting glimpse into the sublime.

Moreover, the Grand Canyon isn’t merely a geological spectacle; it’s a thriving ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The prospect of hiking along its trails, encountering ancient juniper trees, or glimpsing the flight of majestic condors fills me with an eagerness to immerse myself in the canyon’s rich biodiversity and witness nature’s resilience firsthand.
The Grand Canyon isn’t just a destination; it represents an odyssey, promising an experience that transcends the confines of ordinary travel. Its unparalleled beauty, rich history, and spiritual essence beckon me to embark on a pilgrimage—a journey of self-discovery and connection with the marvels of our planet.

The Grand Canyon is more than a mere geological formation; it embodies an embodiment of wonder, a testament to the Earth’s enduring magnificence. It remains the place I yearn to explore, where the convergence of nature’s grandeur and spiritual introspection promises an unforgettable odyssey of discovery and reverence.

How to Write a Profile Essay: Outline and Tips

One of the profile essay challenges is making it long enough to meet the word count.

You can do it through research and adding extra info during the writing process. Imagine you’re a detective compiling a case file!

More details:

Craft a profile essay outline before writing. It’s a plan for an intro, a body, and a conclusion [1]. Important: Outline the thesis and topic sentences for each paragraph. That way, you’ll get a template for your essay to fill in with relevant information.

How to start a profile essay

The best way to start your essay is a so-called attention grabber. Tell the most intriguing fact about your topic and elaborate on it in the following sentence.

As a finishing touch, focus on a thesis statement. That last sentence reveals all the details you’ll discuss in the upcoming paragraphs.

Body paragraphs

You need several main points, whether writing about a personality or describing a location. Derive topic sentences (your paragraphs’ first sentences) from research and make them informative.

The last sentence of each section should be a transition to the next one. It will make your essay easy to read.

Writing a profile essay conclusion

Unlike an interview or expository essay , your conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the core info from your paper.

While it sounds simple, this part of your paper is the most significant. Ensure you end it with a relevant sum-up.

Practical tips on writing profile papers

Profile papers are all about research and editing your essay to perfection. Below are three fruitful tips [2] on how to do that.

Use a reference finder . This tool works like a filter, removing all irrelevant sources from your search. It will help you invest less time in finding the materials you need.
Spend several hours resting before editing your paper . If you look for mistakes in your essay right after you’ve finished the draft, you’re likely to miss them. Give your brain time to refocus, and you’ll find more typos and inconsistencies.
Ask parents or friends how informative it is . If unsure about how your paper turned out, ask someone who doesn’t know much about the topic. If they find your draft engaging, it’s a success.

Bonus: Profile Essay Topics Ideas

If a tutor doesn’t provide a specific topic for your profile essay and you struggle to find one, try any of these:

My Hometown’s History: The Hero of People
The Writer Who Shaped My View of Life
The Best Five-Star Hotel In Our Country
An Unusual Millionaire With a Kind Heart
A Touching Story of a Famous Animal
My Favorite Painter: A Biography
My Favorite Touristic Location
The Spookiest Location I’ve Ever Visited
The Teacher Who Was My Role Model
The Landmark I’ll Never Forget
My Pet Animal: Facts and Stories
My Hero: The Person I Want to Become
The Most Impressive Water Body I’ve Seen
The Place I Dream to Visit
The Fictional Character I Learned Most From

Profile essays can be challenging. Yet, they’re great for training your writing and research skills. You pay attention to details so that a text flows and presents information logically.

It’s okay if you don’t create a masterpiece on your first try. Just remember to have fun in the process.

References:

https://www.adelaide.edu.au/english-for-uni/essay-writing
https://www.wccnet.edu/webfiles/writing-center/web/essay-structures/ProfileEssay.pdf
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Essay writing
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Sample Interview guide

Here's a sample interview guide that Professor Peters and his students use in developing profiles of community educators.

Pre-interview Questions

Spend some time introducing yourself to the educator, and ask the educator to do the same.

"We’re glad you’ve agreed to be interviewed. I want to explain how this will work. We’ll do about a 90-minute interview that will be tape recorded, transcribed, and then edited into something we call a "profile" that will include only your words, with my questions edited out. In the interview, we’d like to focus on a particular project or piece of your work that really shows the challenges and possibilities of what you do as a community educator. It’s important that we focus the interview on a specific piece of work, so we can get a close look into what makes what you do so rewarding and challenging. We want to understand what you do as a community educator as you work with others in promoting learning and action around public issues or problems. We’d like you to focus on a project that you've learned a lot from, something that others who want to do this kind of work might find instructive. You’ll have the option of choosing whether or not you want to be identified or remain anonymous in the final profile. We’ll send you a permission form where you can indicate the level of confidentiality you want to secure. We won’t use your profile in any way that you don’t personally approve."

Do you have a specific project that comes to mind that might serve as the focus for our interview? Can you give me a quick overview of it? What was your specific role or roles in the project? (Ask prompting and clarifying questions to see what the story is and how they tell it.)
(IF THE STORY IS GOOD AND STRONG) That sounds like a great story. Let’s set up a time for the interview.
(IF THE STORY IS WEAK) What other projects might fit what we’re looking for?
Once you agree on the practice story, explain to the educator that the interview will be divided into three roughly equal parts: (1) an overview of their life story and experiences, (2) the practice story, and (3) reflections. Make sure they get a chance to ask any clarifying questions they might have. Finally, schedule the interview.

Interview Questions

Note: The following description of process and questions is presented as a guide. Except for the background questions, you are unlikely to ask every question in every interview. Further, while the conversation should flow according to the three main sections (background first, then the practice story, then reflections) the questions within each section do not need to be asked in the order listed. Rather, they should follow the flow of the conversation as naturally as possible. It may be helpful to think of the interchange as a “structured conversation” with someone whose story you are interested in learning, rather than as a formal “interview.”

Part One: Life Story and Experiences

What’s your current position? How long have you been in this position? Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?
What would you say most motivates you to do what you do? What are you most excited or passionate about? What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work? Not so much the goals that are in your job description, but the goals you hold personally?
I want to understand how and why you ended up here working as an educator in_______. What led you to this job? What were you doing before you came here? What attracted you to work for ________?
Now if we can, I’d like to go way back for a little while. Where did you grow up? What was it like to grow up in _______? Did you go to college? Where did you go, and what was that like?
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them.

Part Two: The Practice Story

So let’s move on now to the story you’re going to tell. What’s the specific project you’re going to be telling us about today? Give us a brief overview of it.
Tell us about your specific role and contributions in this project. Let’s start with the first thing you did. What was it? (Use lots of prompting questions to get the story out and keep it focused on what they did. REMEMBER THAT THIS IS THE HEART OF THE INTERVIEW!)
Were there any key turning points in this project?
Were there any surprises?
What were the key relationships that mattered most? What were the key sources of support or resistance you encountered?
Tell me about some of the memorable characters in this story, the ones that give this story color, or brought in drama, comedy, conflict, etc.
What was most difficult or challenging? What did you do to deal with these challenges?
Did the work fail in some ways? How? What might you have done to prevent those areas of partial failure?
What was most rewarding

Part Three: Reflections and Lessons

What are the lessons for someone like me, or for a junior colleague, who might be embarking on a project similar to this one?
If you could do this project over again, would you do anything differently? Why, and what would you do?
What did you learn from the people you worked with in this project?
What do you think you taught them?
Do you view your contributions as successful? In what ways? What specifically was accomplished?
Do any metaphors come to mind to describe the kind of work you do, especially in this project? (If needed, give examples like “orchestra conductor,” “coach,” etc.)
What were the skills you had to have to do the work you just told me about? Where and how did you learn those skills?
What does the project you’ve just talked about tell us about adult/community education? What exactly is community education to you? Who taught you what community education means and how to do it? What did you learn from them? How did they teach you?
What does the project you’ve just talked about tell us about the central benefits and challenges of community education and development?
When you think of the future of the kind of work you’ve talked about here, what gives you a sense of hope? What makes you concerned or worried?
What’s next for you in your work? What are you looking forward to?

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» Writing A Compelling Profile: Interview Questions

Writing A Compelling Profile: Interview Questions

Thanks to John DeGroot, a writing coach and a former staffer at the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for sharing these questions at one of his workshops. -- Dick Weiss

1. What is your earliest memory?

2. Tell me about your mother and father - what were they like?

3. Who had the greatest influence on you during your childhood?

4. Describe a typical day in your childhood.

5. Do you remember your first day of school?

6. What teacher had thee greatest impact on you?

7. What was the happiest day of your childhood?

8. What was the saddest day of your childhood?

9. What was your first personal experience with death?

10. Did you have pets?

11. When did you get your first doll?

12. When did you learn there was no Santa Claus?

13. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

14. Who were your childhood heroes?

15. Were you popular as a teenager?

16. Did you feel different as a child?

17. What were your favorite books, movies, movie stars, sports heroes, singers during your childhood?

18. Do you remember the war?

19. How did you meet your spouse? Describe your first date; your marriage proposal; your wedding and honeymoon.

20. Tell me about the birth of your first child?

21. If you could be or do anything else - what?

22. If you could live in any other time, when might that be?

23. If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be?

24. What one word would you use to describe yourself?

25. What one word would your friends use to describe you?

26. If you could change one thing in your past, what might that be?

27. What are you most proud of?

28. How would you like to be remembered?

29. What's the one thing about you few people know?

30. What do you dislike most about yourself?

31. What do you dislike most in others?

32. Do you talk about religion or politics?

33. If they made a movie of your life story... would it sell?

34. What do you like most about your job? What do you like least?

35. Would you want your children to be like you when they grow up?

36. What has been the happiest day of your life?

37. What has been the saddest?

38. When did you find out life is not fair?

39. Do you believe in life after death? Good and evil? God?

40. Why are we here?

41. Ann Frank once said that in spite of everything, she believed people were basically good. Do you agree? Disagree? Why?

Add Project Key Words

36 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing Your Personal Statement

April 25, 2017

Phase I of Writing Your Personal Statement: 36 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Begin

In less than 650 words, you have to persuade a stranger to care about you and your application. That’s why the Common App personal statement is one of the most discussed aspects of the college application. Think about how much time you spend on homework, standardized testing, and extracurriculars. This single essay will influence admissions officers as much as these other factors. You could be the perfect applicant, but if your reader doesn’t get to know you and CARE about YOU, you won’t be admitted.

There is no formula for creating the perfect personal statement. The best personal statement topic for your friend might not work well as a topic for you. The topic that might inspire your friend to show his most unique thoughts, the challenges he’s overcome, and the maturity he has gained, might not help you reveal what’s most interesting and compelling about you.

So, how can you write the best possible personal statement for you and your application? Here are the first steps in the process.

1. Start early!

The worst thing you can do is rush the creation of your personal statement. The next two steps below might take weeks...and these occur before you even have a good first draft and can start multiple rounds of edits. You should edit your personal statement multiple times. You should get feedback from as many family members, friends, and teachers as you can.

But, before you get to this stage, you need to choose the perfect topic (and the best Common App essay prompt ) for you .

So, when is the right time to start the process of writing your personal statement ? You should start brainstorming for your personal statement as early as the spring of your junior year and as late as the summer between junior and senior year.

Why shouldn’t I start earlier? A successful personal statement relies on having a strong and mature sense of yourself. It can also rely on your understanding of what you’d like to do in college, what type of college community you’d like to be a part of, and why you care about your education. Starting too soon might mean you need to start over (see step 3) after you really do some soul-searching about college.

There is a lot of thinking and planning that happens before you start writing, so that’s why you should start early. You will complete your best work when you’re not up against a deadline and you’ll be able to start over (again, see step 3) if this is in your best interests.

2. Brainstorm

If you complete this stage of the process with care and attention, you won’t be faced with Step 3. This step in the process helps you pinpoint that perfect topic for you... which won’t be the same perfect topic for someone else.

To start the process of writing your personal statement , ask yourself the series of 36 questions below. These will help generate topics that will be important and meaningful to you. Keep a written list of possible topics you could choose.

What’s your main academic area of interest?
Why does this matter to you?
When did this interest first start to matter to you? Was there a specific event that sparked your interest?
How did your interest evolve over time?
Did you ever face a really big challenge in continuing to learn about or study this topic?
Was this challenge the result of your gender, race, or religion?
Was this challenge the result of your family’s socio-economic background or the result of the culture of the place you lived?
Would you still pursue this academic interest if you earned a very small income with your future job in this area?

Activities:

What’s an extracurricular activity you do that’s incredibly rare?
What’s an extracurricular activity that has shaped your personality and character?
Why does this activity matter so much to you?
When did this activity first start to matter to you? Was there a specific event that sparked your interest?
How did your interest in and commitment to this activity evolve over time?
Have you done something with this activity that no one else you know has done?
Did you ever face a really big challenge in continuing to pursue this activity?
Was this challenge the result of your family’s socio-economic background?
Was this challenge the result of the culture of the place you lived?

Life-events:

Is there something you’ve done or experienced that changed you forever in a positive way?
How did this event make you more mature, compassionate, self-aware, determined, or strong?
Is there a day from your life that you reflect on often? Why is this day so memorable to you?
Are you similar to or different from your parents / siblings? What made you this way?
When did you feel like you didn’t fit in with a group of people? What made you different than others?
Is there something (non-academic / extracurricular) that you devote A LOT of time to? Why do you do this?
What have you done that didn’t earn you praise, attention, or success?
What makes you feel like your life is meaningful and important to you?
What is one thing that you would never change about yourself or your life experiences?

Once you’ve created your list of topics, you’ll need to start narrowing them down. For each topic, ask yourself:

Is this a topic I care about?
Is this a topic that I’ve cared about for more than 1-2 years?
Is this a topic I think shows something about my character and personality?
Is this a topic that shows something impressive and / or unique about my achievements or activities?
Is this topic memorable to me? Do I think about this fairly often in my life?
Am I the only student in my high school class who would write about this topic?
Does this topic show only positive things about my character, maturity, and perspective on life?
Would I be interested in reading about this topic if someone else wrote about it?
Could I write 10 pages about this topic (far more than you’ll need to write, of course)?

If the answer to most or all these questions is “yes!” you’ve probably landed on an ideal topic for you! And get started with writing your personal statement !

I talk more about choosing your personal statement topic, as well as some of the best topics and worst topics here:

3. Start over?

Have you already written your 650 words? Ask yourself: is this best possible story I could tell about myself to admissions officers? What does this story show about me? Is there anything that’s negative in this essay? Is there anything that would make me appear privileged, immature, irresponsible, unfriendly, boring, or unmotivated?

One of the best skills you can develop while writing your personal statement is not to be too attached to your writing. Good editors make BIG changes. And sometimes “big change” means starting over from scratch.

I’ll share my story as a cautionary tale. After careful planning, I wrote the first draft of my personal statement during the summer before my senior year of high school. I was really proud of it. I’d developed a (I thought) complicated and literary metaphor throughout the personal statement. I printed it off. I gave it to my dad to read. He read it through once and said, “you should start over from scratch.”

I was shocked and horrified. What about the more than 5 hours I’d spent planning and writing this essay? My dad pointed out to me the ways in which my personal statement didn’t show the most impressive things about me. It was fine. But it wasn’t unique. It wasn’t personal.

Writing your personal statement is a very strategic part of your college application. There are many "bad" topics you should avoid , there are many “good” topics you could choose, but there are a few that are “outstanding” because they bring a new, personal, thoughtful, and insightful angle to your application and your personal story. This is the personal statement you want to write! Your personal statement needs to engage your readers in less than 650 words in a way that convinces them to believe in you. Your admissions officer will need to advocate for you in order for you to be admitted. You want this person on your side.

Ask your family, friends, and teachers to read your personal statement or consider the topic you’ve selected. Do they feel like this piece of writing or this topic shows the person they know and love? Could this topic make a stranger care about you in the way that your family, friends, teachers care about and support you? This is your personal statement topic selection goal!

Tags : common app , common app essay prompts , personal statement for college , writing your personal statement , college application , applying to college , college application essay , common app personal statement , Personal Statement

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Writing a Bio: My 20 Favorite Questions to Ask

Writing a concise bio for a business website may seem like a no brainer. A few paragraphs, hit all the usual points like schools, charity work, career highlights and then, BAM! Bio, check.

The problem with that approach? There’s a high likelihood you’ll churn out super boring bios, fast. When I think of old school bios, I think of a stuffy headshot accompanied by a few paragraphs of text that no one wants to read. But the days of stale bios are over. Believe it or not, people actually want to learn about you and your company, and they’d rather not fall asleep while doing it.

A well-written bio will combine the overall company culture and voice with that of the profiled team member. While website bios are generally concise—anywhere from Twitter-short to a few paragraphs—choosing the particulars to highlight can be tricky. Gathering the right information up front, in a 15-20 minute interview, is key.

Here are my favorite questions to ask when writing a bio. Note: these don’t include the usual slew, like general career experience and education.

1. Who is someone you admire, and why?

2. Tell me three pet peeves.

3. What’s a typical day like for you?

4. Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

5. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? (Don’t overthink it!)

6. Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?

7. If we went to happy hour, what would you order?

8. Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...

9. How do you want people to remember you?

10. What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?

11. Name three words that you describe you.

12. How do you think your colleagues would describe you?

13. What do you want to make sure you do before you die?

14. What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year?

15. Name a few of your daily habits (other than a shower and brushing your teeth).

16. What publications do you regularly read?

17. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?

18. What are some causes you care about?

19. What do you do with friends in your spare time?

20. What would be your personal motto

Joanna Furlong

Profile Essay

Profile essay generator.

Let’s take a look at a profile essay. In order to understand what it means, you may allow yourself to engage in an interview where you are able to read a person’s autobiography . As you go long into this article, you will be able to know more about what a profile essay is and how to write a good profile essay.

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What is a Profile Essay?

A profile essay is a form of literary writing that tells about a person, place or event. This is intended to provide a detailed profile of something that offers every reader to make a certain perspective or judgment over a subject. This is different from a descriptive essay. It does not only entails description of a subject, rather it is designed to answer questions to identify something.

How to Start Writing a Profile Essay?

Step 1: get the right information.

Doing research is the most important thing to do before you begin writing your research profile. This will help you get a detailed information about your subject. Always make sure that you are using trusted sources like library materials, online articles, etc.

Step 2: Validate Your Information

Check the release date of an article as well as have comprehensive the contents are. Avoid getting information from outdated sources.

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Always prepare with you a profile essay outline. Essay outlines help in making it easier for you to pinpoint the first idea and what should follow next. This will help you organize your gathered data appropriately.

Step 4: Revise or Proofread Your Profile Essay

Once you have followed the three steps meticulously, you are also well aware that you will need to revise anything that needs to be revised. This includes proofreading any mistakes you may have made throughout. In order to present a good profile essay, you must also make sure it is presentable. No erasures and no mistakes as much as possible.

Do we still have to apply writing style in making a profile essay?

It is advisable to practice yourself to pay attention with the tone and style of your essay. This will make your piece engaging and interesting to read.

What is the purpose of making a profile essay?

The purpose of an essay is to give the readers a full description of your chosen topic. Aside from that, it is also for you to be able to express something about the subject, may it be an argument in response to a certain issue or question and on what you have learned about it. You may also use an essay to persuade your readers that your stand is reasonable.

What to do when picking for the right title of your essay?

Think about what you want to make in your essay. You should reflect on the main idea of your essay. Make it as the basis of creating a unique title for your piece.

What are some things to consider when choosing a subject for profile essay?

You should always choose a reasonable subject and don’t forget to research something about it.

What are the elements of a profile essay?

The elements of a profile essay starts with the introduction paragraph , followed by the body of the paragraph, and ends with the conclusion paragraph .

Before we are able to learn how to do essay writing , we always seek for mastery skills in it. We all know that an essay is composed of the three basic parts namely the introduction, body paragraph, and the conclusion. You may see examples from different essays like argumentative essay , informative essay , career essay and more.

Text prompt

Instructive
Professional

Write a Profile Essay on a community leader who has made a difference in your area.

Discuss the achievements and challenges of a local entrepreneur in your Profile Essay.

The Personal Statement: Questions to Ask Before Writing

Written by Lisa Bleich.

As we meet with our clients to brainstorm for their personal statements (or college essays), it reminds us how much we enjoy delving into the depths of our clients and helping them think about how best to tell their story. We are always amazed by their unique experiences and how they approach their lives differently depending on their interests or background.

However, it is also the most challenging part of the application process for most students. Up until now the bulk of their writing has been in the form of a non-fiction, analytical essay about a book they read or a history paper. Many struggle with what they should write about because they don’t know exactly what they want to communicate. And for those 17 year olds who know what they want to write about, very few know how to tell it in a compelling, interesting way. The personal statement must not only be compelling and interesting, but it should also convey the writer’s voice and personality in approximately 650 words.

I was reading a Forbes interview with Ryan Blair about how he became such a successful entrepreneur and it made me think how his story had all of the elements of a great personal statement.

So what are some keys questions to ask yourself before you sit down to write to get at your own unique story?

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? Most people have something to overcome, something that makes them different from their peers. How did you grapple with a weakness or accommodate for a weakness with your strengths? The specifics of a story are what make for an interesting essay. Blair shows how he identified his strengths and weaknesses and used them to his advantage. He describes how what he learned in jail made him a successful businessman. After reading this description, we care less about the fact that he was in jail and more about his business acumen.

What Are Your Key Themes? Everyone has certain themes that run through his or her life. Whether it’s that you enjoy working with kids, that you never quite fit in with your peers, or that you seek and enjoy challenge in academics and athletics. Think about themes that cross over into various parts of your life and find a way to illustrate that theme through a particular story or series of events. In Blair’s instance it was his ability to take risks and own his past mistakes.

What Is Your Inciting Incident? In the literary world, every story has an inciting incident. This is the incident that sets the story in motion. So think about your own life and identify if there is one event that caused you to think about yourself or the world differently. It could be suffering an injury that prevented you from playing sports, almost losing your first job because you forgot to tell your boss you wouldn’t be in, or something as seemingly mundane as watching a program on television that sparked your interest. The key is to show the reader how and why this event impacted you. In the Blair example, he had two inciting incidents, the first was a guidance counselor who told him had no real future and the second was his time in jail. Each one impacted him to take risks and prove that he could be successful.

What Do You Want to Communicate? Once you determine your topic, think about what you want the admissions person to say about you after he or she has read your application. It should tie back to your strengths and weaknesses. The personal statement is the opportunity to go beyond what is listed in your application and learn more about you. What drives you? What makes you tick? Why do you think the way to do? What anecdote will best communicate how you approach the world? Blair believes passionately in fighting instincts and the willingness and ability to change and adapt to any environment as the key to success. He illustrates this by describing anecdotes about playing Connect Four before hiring employees and (not) writing a business plan.

Good luck writing your story. We welcome suggestions for writing the personal statement from those in the trenches!

Is Profile Essay Writing Hard?

Completing a profile essay can be relatively simple for many students, assuming that they choose an interesting subject and have enough time to conduct a thorough investigation. However, some students find this type of essay writing more challenging than others.

One of the main reasons some students struggle with profile essays is that they don’t fully understand what this type of assignment is asking of them. Another common issue has to do with choosing an appropriate subject. Some students select a topic that is either too broad or too narrow in scope, making it challenging to write a well-rounded essay.

Ultimately, by sticking to the following guidelines, any student will be able to create an interesting profile essay that will stand out from the rest.

Instructions for Writing a Profile Essay

You need to follow three main steps to write a successful profile essay. These include:

Select an appropriate subject
Conduct research on your subject
Write your essay

Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps in more detail.

1. Select an appropriate subject

When it comes to choosing a subject for your profile essay, it’s essential to select someone or something that you are familiar with and that you can write about in an interesting way. For example, your subject could be a famous person, a politician, an artist, a musician, or even a local business owner.

2. Conduct research on your subject

Once you have selected your subject, it’s time to start conducting research. This will involve reading articles, watching videos, and interviewing people familiar with your topic. When doing your research, it’s important to take notes so that you can later reference this information in your essay.

3. Write your essay

After gathering all of the necessary information, you can start writing your essay. Begin by introducing your subject and providing some background information. Then, focus on including specific details to help readers understand your subject better.

Essential Writing Tips for a Profile Essay

When writing your profile essay, there are some helpful tips that you can follow to ensure that your essay is well-written and engaging for readers. These tips include:

Write in the third person

Avoid using personal pronouns such as “I,” “me,” “we,” and “us.” Instead, always refer to your subject by their name or use third-person pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “they,” and “them.”

Use strong verbs

When describing your subject, use strong verbs that will help bring your essay to life for readers. Some examples of strong verbs include:

Avoid overusing phrases

When writing your essay, avoid overusing phrases meant to be used as transitions between sentences such as “in conclusion,” “to sum up,” and “as a result.” These phrases can make your writing sound choppy and distract readers. Instead, opt for more original and interesting language that will help make your essay stand out. Some additional phrases to use in your writing include:

In order to
For the purpose of
With the goal of
The aim/objective of
As a result of
Consequently

Include quotes

In order to add more depth to your essay, consider including quotes from people who know your subject well. These could be quotes from interviews that you conducted or from articles that you read. Just be sure to properly cite any quotes you include in your essay.

Writing a Thesis for a Profile Essay

Like any essay writing assignment, your profile essay will need to have a clear and concise thesis statement. This statement should be included in your introduction, and it should briefly describe what your essay will be about.

A strong thesis statement for a profile essay should include:

The name of the person or thing that you are writing about
A brief description of what you will be discussing in your essay
The main reason why you are writing about this subject

Here is an example of a strong thesis statement for a profile essay:

“John Smith is a successful businessman who has created and maintained a successful business despite challenges in the current economy.”

As you can see, this thesis statement includes the name of the subject, a brief description of what will be discussed in the essay, and the main reason for writing about John Smith.

With the above guidelines for crafting a well-written profile essay in mind, you may now be wondering what topics you could write about. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, here are 100 profile essay topics to get you started:

Profile Essay Topics About People

A close friend
A family member
A classmate
The cashier at your local grocery store
The barista at your favorite coffee shop
A famous actor or musician
A politician
A historical figure
Your doctor
Your dentist
Your teacher
The CEO of a company
A celebrity chef
A fashion designer
A web developer
A veterinarian

Profile Essay Topics About Places

Your hometown
A small town that you have visited
A large city that you have lived in or visited
Your favorite vacation spot
An amusement park
A national park
An art gallery
A music festival
A carnival or fair
Your church or place of worship
Your favorite restaurant
Your favorite store
A local business in your hometown
A farmer’s market
A movie theater

Profile Essay Topics About Things

Your house or apartment
Your favorite possession
An heirloom that has been passed down in your family
A piece of jewelry
A painting or photograph
A concert ticket
Your favorite book
Your favorite movie
Your favorite musical album
Your cellphone
Your computer
Your television
Your gaming console

Profile Essay Topics About Events

A wedding that you have attended
A birthday party
A baby shower
A retirement party
A holiday celebration
An anniversary party
A graduation ceremony
A sports tournament or game
A dance performance
A musical concert
A comedy show

Profile Essay Topics About Activities

Rock climbing
Playing an instrument
Drawing or painting
Bird watching

Profile Essay Topics About Concepts

Profile essay topics about social issues.

Immigration
Global warming
Child labor
Gun violence
Animal cruelty
The death penalty

Any of these 100 profile essay topics are sure to get you started on the right foot! Just remember to choose a subject that you’re passionate about, and you’ll be well on your way to writing an engaging and informative profile essay.

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A job interview isn’t just an opportunity for a potential employer to learn about you; it’s also your chance to understand the people that you are hoping to devote half of your waking hours to. So, while an interview might seem to be all about an interviewee answering interviewer’s questions, it offers you a chance to pose questions back at the interviewer. So, it’s important to prepare a list of the right Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview because those will deliver the perfect finishing touch.

But the chance usually comes at the end of an interview. This means that when you’re given the opportunity, the queries you pose can significantly influence your interviewer’s perception. Smart and thoughtful Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview can set you apart from other candidates, showcasing your genuine interest and proactive approach.

This blog offers a curated list of 13 insightful questions, designed to leave a positive impression on your employer and gather crucial information about the company and role.

Table of Contents

1) Questions to Ask at the End of Your Interview

a) What is Your Timeline and What are The Next Steps?

b) Do you need me to elaborate on anything regarding my suitability for the position?

c) Is there anything else I can provide to help you with your decision?

d) Has this company changed your original career path?

e) What's one of the most interesting projects you've worked on here?

f) How do you typically measure success in this role?

g) What traits have people that have been successful in the position demonstrated?

2) Conclusion

Questions to Ask at the End of Your Interview

The following 13 questions will help you be well equipped with the potential interviewer’s questions and take you to closer towards securing your dream job role. Let’s explore them below.

1) What is Your Timeline and What are The Next Steps?

When you have the chance to ask questions during an interview, make sure to prioritise this question. Inquiring about what to expect in the subsequent stages of the process will help you paint a better picture of your prospect in the organisation.

Additionally, use this opportunity to discuss any time-sensitive matters, such as other job offers or logistical arrangements including for relocation, transportation or just adjusting to a new schedule.

2) Do you Need me to Elaborate on Anything Regarding my Suitability for The Position?

When you show willingness to provide additional details about your answers listed on your resume, it demonstrates your drive to go beyond the surface level. Interviewers appreciate candidates who are proactive about sharing relevant information and elaborating on their experiences. It shows that you’re invested in the conversation and eager to contribute valuable insights.

3) Is There Anything Else I Can Provide to Help you With Your Decision?

This question highlights your initiative to address any potential uncertainties during the interview process. It not only spotlights your thoroughness but also provides assurance to the interviewer. This way, you convey that you have made every effort to showcase your suitability for the job.

4) Has This Company Changed Your Original Career Path?

This question offers the interviewer an opportunity to share their own experiences, creating a more engaging and personable conversation. People generally appreciate the opportunity to discuss their journey and perspectives. By showcasing genuine interest in their story, you can build a strong rapport and make the interview feel more like a two-way exchange.

5) What's One of the Most Interesting Projects You've Worked on Here?

By asking for a specific example, it allows you to gain insight on what the job entails. The example will shed light on how each role’s function contributes to the overall objectives. It will help you better evaluate how you might fit within the organisation.

6) How do You Typically Measure Success in This Role?

Since every job role has performance metrics it’s useful to know them and the associated expectations upfront. Employers often use a mix of quantitative and qualitative measures. For example, sales teams may have sales quotas, while other roles prioritise project deadlines. Additionally, you can inquire about performance review frequency and formal feedback from managers.

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7) What Traits Have People That Have Been Successful in the Position Demonstrated?

Now that you are familiar with the job description and performance metrics, it’s time to delve deeper and understand what it takes to excel in the job role. This question will shed light on the required job traits that may include strong communication skills, proactivity, writing skills etc.

8) What Are The Opportunities for Professional Development at The Company?

Employers generally prioritise the continuous development of their employees' skills and experiences. So, it’s highly recommended that you ask the interviewer if any formal professional development programs are in place.

Professional development can take many forms including:

a) Mentorship programs

b) Shadowing opportunities

c) Lunch and learns (Brown bag sessions)

d) Tuition remission for relevant coursework

e) Support for attending industry conferences

f) Subscriptions to e-learning programs

9) Where do People Who Have Held this Position Typically end up Next?

This question will help you understand what career progression look like for individuals in this role. Some organisations provide a clear pathway where an entry-level employee can gradually take on bigger responsibilities and earn promotions.

In other companies, career growth is less clearly defined. This question also works well if the interviewer enquires about your career goals with questions such as “Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years?”

10) How Do I Compare with Other Candidates you've Interviewed for This Role?

This question is awkward but it’s okay to ask only if you have established a good rapport with the interviewer. The response can reveal any concerns or issues the interviewer might have about your suitability for the role. This gives you the opportunity to address and alleviate those hesitations.

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11) Is There Anyone Else at the Organisation you'd Like me to Meet With?

This question is a great way to gauge how much the organisation values teamwork and collaboration. Additionally, the answer might possibly reveal how many more interviews are to come in the recruitment process.

12) Is There Anything We Haven't Yet Covered That You Think is Important to Know About Working Here?

This is a 'catch-all' question that wraps up the interview nicely. This question provides an opportunity for the interviewer to address any topics you might not have thought of enquiring about. It allows the interviewer to share additional insights about the role, company culture, or team dynamics that could drive decision-making process.

13) Do You Have Any Hesitations About my Qualifications or Experience?

This question demonstrates your self-awareness and confidence. However, you must frame this question it positively. Instead of asking directly about the interviewer’s hesitations, you might consider inquiring about areas for improvement or growth.

For example: "Could you share any feedback for how I can enhance my qualifications or skills for this role?”. This approach maintains a positive tone while still inviting constructive suggestions.

Avoid asking questions that a Google search can easily answer or you can find on the company website. Instead, use your pre-interview research to ask contextually relevant questions that highlights your genuine interest and understanding of the organisation.

Conclusion

Armed with the right questions to ask at the end of an interview can make a significant difference in your job search. These questions help demonstrate your interest and preparedness while offering valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your career. After all, an interview is a two-way street, and your questions can leave a lasting impression on your potential employer.

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Essays and Short Answer Prompts

The Penn application process includes a personal essay —which is sent to most schools you apply to—as well as a few short answer prompts . We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. Through your writing, we get a glimpse of what you might bring to our community—including your voice and creativity.

Remember, you are the expert on your story. This is an opportunity for you to reflect and understand who you are now, and who you want to be in the future. You have the agency to choose the information you want to share. This is your story: your experiences, your ideas, your perspective. 

A Few Writing Tips

Review the prompts thoroughly.  Be sure you’re answering the question or prompt being asked. Topics are chosen because the Admissions Committee wants to know specific things about you. If you don’t address them directly, we are left to make decisions regarding your application with incomplete information.
Consider your response carefully.  We understand that you may be writing responses for different schools and you may want to reuse material, but be sure to read through your response to make sure it is relevant to the prompt.
Double-check your writing.  Give yourself time to revisit your response. Try to avoid rushing your writing process so you have time to revise your work. Ultimately, it is up to you to polish and proofread your writing before you submit.
Do your research. Are there classes you’re eager to take? Research opportunities you’d love to pursue? A group or club you want to be a part of? This kind of specificity shows us you’re serious about Penn and have thought about how you’d spend your time here.

2023-24 Short Answer and Essay Prompts

When answering these prompts, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to that specific undergraduate school. Some of our specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the  Penn short answer prompts should address your single-degree or single-school choice.

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, not required for transfer applicants)
How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)
The school-specific prompt is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section). Considering the undergraduate school you have selected for your single-degree option, please respond to your school-specific prompt below.

Transfer Essay (required for all transfer applicants): Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution. (4150 characters)

Undergraduate School-Specific Short Answer Prompts

For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question about your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  Penn Nursing’s mission and how we promote equity in healthcare . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of our values and how they align with your own goals and aspirations.

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the  academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences .  This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of how the study of the liberal arts aligns with your own goals and aspirations.

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.  (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  the foundations of a Wharton education . This information will help you better understand what you could learn by studying at Wharton and what you could do afterward.

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  Penn Engineering and its mission to prepare students for global leadership in technology . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of academic pathways within Penn Engineering and how they align with your goals and interests.

Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Program Essay Prompts

For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer the program-specific essay below.

** Numbers marked with double asterisks indicate a character count that only applies to transfer students applying through Common App.

Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words / 3575 characters**)

We encourage you to learn more about the DMD: Digital Media Design Program .

The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words)

The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing, and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words)

Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)
Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words)

Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words / 3575 characters**)

Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words)

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words)

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Questions to ask when Profiling Someone: Good Profile Interview
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Profile essays provide insights into the lives of individuals, capturing their experiences, achievements, and unique perspectives. These essays go beyond surface-level information, delving into the essence of a person and their impact on others. ... To create a compelling profile essay, it is essential to ask thought-provoking questions that ...
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A profile essay is a type of essay that provides an in-depth description of a person, place, or event. It aims to give the reader a deeper understanding and insight into the subject being profiled. To achieve this, the writer needs to ask thought-provoking and engaging questions that allow the subject to open up and share their experiences ...
How to Write a Profile Essay [Example Inside]
6 Your Qualitative Profile Essay Example. 6.1 The Incredible Story of Wilma Rudolf. 6.1.1 Early Childhood. 6.1.2 Olympic Fame. 6.1.3 Fighting for a Social Cause. Over their high school and college years, students have to write various essays on different subject matters. While some are narrative and literary, others are more technical and ...
How to Write a Successful Profile Essay
A profile essay is a type of informative essay describing a person, place, or event. Get a step-by-step guide for how to write a profile essay that will be a hit with your readers. ... In an interview, make sure to ask questions they can expand on. Avoid yes and no style questions, which don't seek in-depth information. With a famous person ...
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An outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here's an example of a simple but detailed outline of a profile essay about a person: Subject: A profile of my high-school History teacher, Mr. Smith. I. Introduction. A. Hook: Describing how Mr. Smith has impacted my life in a positive way.
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10 profile interview questions and sample answers. During a job interview, an interviewer may ask you questions to establish your professional profile as an employee. The following example questions and answers can help you be prepared for your interview: 1. Imagine you're the CEO of our company.
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1. Think about your essay's purpose. The first step is to think about your essay's purpose. This consideration can help you determine what questions to ask during the interview, how to conduct it and how to write the resulting essay. For example, you may want to write an interview essay as an informative, factual piece for others to educate ...
How to Write a Profile Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide
When writing a profile essay, students can follow these tips to ensure a well-planned and effective writing process: Planning the Writing Process: Students need to plan their writing process to avoid skipping or rushing through any step. This includes brainstorming ideas, outlining the structure of the essay, and allocating sufficient time for ...
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A profile essay is a type of descriptive writing that provides a detailed, in-depth look at a person, place, event, or thing, with formatting in APA style or ASA, Chicago or Harvard. The goal of a profile essay is to offer a vivid portrayal and comprehensive understanding of the subject through a combination of narrative storytelling, observation, and factual information.
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When assigned to write a profile essay for your class assignment, follow these six steps: (1) ... It would be best to have open-ended questions on the interview plan to find as much valid information as possible. You need to corroborate the information using information available from credible sources. ... Ask them to highlight any mistakes or ...
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Bonus: Profile Essay Topics Ideas. If a tutor doesn't provide a specific topic for your profile essay and you struggle to find one, try any of these: My Hometown's History: The Hero of People. The Writer Who Shaped My View of Life. The Best Five-Star Hotel In Our Country. An Unusual Millionaire With a Kind Heart.
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Once you agree on the practice story, explain to the educator that the interview will be divided into three roughly equal parts: (1) an overview of their life story and experiences, (2) the practice story, and (3) reflections. Make sure they get a chance to ask any clarifying questions they might have. Finally, schedule the interview.
WeissWrite: Writing A Compelling Profile: Interview Questions
» Writing A College Admissions Essay » Writing A Compelling Profile » Writing A Compelling Profile: Interview Questions; Writing A Compelling Profile: Interview Questions . Thanks to John DeGroot, a writing coach and a former staffer at the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for sharing these questions at one of his workshops. -- Dick Weiss
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Here are my favorite questions to ask when writing a bio. Note: these don't include the usual slew, like general career experience and education. 1. Who is someone you admire, and why? 2. Tell me three pet peeves. 3. What's a typical day like for you? 4. Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? 5.
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Profile Essay
Step 1: Get the Right Information. Doing research is the most important thing to do before you begin writing your research profile. This will help you get a detailed information about your subject. Always make sure that you are using trusted sources like library materials, online articles, etc.
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The personal statement must not only be compelling and interesting, but it should also convey the writer's voice and personality in approximately 650 words. I was reading a Forbes interview with Ryan Blair about how he became such a successful entrepreneur and it made me think how his story had all of the elements of a great personal statement.
100 Profile Essay Topics
Gun violence. Animal cruelty. The death penalty. Any of these 100 profile essay topics are sure to get you started on the right foot! Just remember to choose a subject that you're passionate about, and you'll be well on your way to writing an engaging and informative profile essay. ← Previous Next →.
What questions should I ask a business professor and world traveler for
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Essays and Short Answer Prompts
Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Program Essay Prompts For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer the program-specific essay below. ** Numbers marked with double asterisks indicate a character count that only applies to transfer students applying through Common App.

Questions to ask when Profiling Someone: Good Profile Interview Questions

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Questions to Ask When Profiling Someone

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Best profile essay questions

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How to Write a Profile Essay: Comprehensive Guide

What is a Profile Essay?

The Purpose of a Profile Essay

Difference Between Profile Papers and Other Essays

Comprehensive Profile Essay Structure

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

Tips to Write an Outstanding Profile Essay

Your Qualitative Profile Essay Example

The Incredible Story of Wilma Rudolf

Early Childhood

Olympic Fame

Fighting for a Social Cause

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Profile Essay Guide

Main characteristics and purpose

How to write a profile essay

Choosing a topic and developing a thesis statement

Creating an outline of the essay

Writing the profile essay

Introduction

Body paragraphs

Key Takeaways

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How To Write A Profile Essay Like A Professional Writer

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How to Write a Good Profile Essay

What Is a Profile Essay?

How Do I Prepare to Write Profile Essays?

Steps to Writing a Profile Essay

How to Write a Profile Essay from start to end like a pro

What is a Profile Essay?

What Is the Purpose of a Profile Essay?

The 6 main steps for writing a Perfect Profile Essay

1. Get inspired by Examples

2. Choose a topic and the subject

3. Gather information about the subject

4. Create an outline

5. Write the first draft of your essay

6. Edit and Proofread your Essay

The Structure and Format of a Profile Essay

1. Introduction Paragraph

2. Body Paragraphs

3. Conclusion Paragraph

Profile Essay Outline Example

Topic ideas for a Profile Essay

Example of a Process Essay

Tips to Use when Writing a Profile Essay

Final Words

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How to Write a Profile Essay (+ Examples to Check)

What is a Profile Essay?

Profile Essay Example

Profile essay example on a person

Profile essay example on a place

How to Write a Profile Essay: Outline and Tips

How to start a profile essay

Body paragraphs

Writing a profile essay conclusion

Practical tips on writing profile papers

Bonus: Profile Essay Topics Ideas

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Sample Interview guide

Pre-interview Questions

Interview Questions

Part One: Life Story and Experiences