interview questions for a 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.

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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?

Essay Papers Writing Online

How to write an engaging and informative interview essay that captivates readers.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of words and emotions? Do you yearn to bring real-life stories to life on paper? If so, then the art of conducting an interview essay might just be the path for you. Through a delicate amalgamation of acute observation, introspection, and empathetic listening, you can unravel the intricacies of a person’s life and translate their experiences into a captivating piece of writing. Discover the key steps and techniques that will help you become a master of the interview essay genre.

Imagine yourself as a literary detective, armed with a notepad and pen, delving into the depths of someone’s thoughts and experiences. Your duty is to uncover the hidden layers of a person’s soul and translate them into a narrative that captivates the reader from the very first word. The interview essay offers a unique opportunity to break through the boundaries of traditional storytelling and delve into the realm of intimate conversations. Using skillful questioning and active listening, you can extract stories that will resonate with readers and give them a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Crafting a successful interview essay requires the delicate balance of objective reporting and subjective interpretation. It is a dance between the facts and the emotions, the words spoken and the unspoken truths. As an interviewer, your role extends beyond mere transcription; you are an interpreter, a curator of stories, and a storyteller. By carefully selecting the most powerful quotes, weaving them into a coherent narrative, and providing insightful context, you can create a compelling tapestry of human experiences that will inspire and enlighten your readers.

Overview of Interview Essays

In this section, we will explore the fundamental aspects of conducting and presenting an interview essay. By delving into the art of conversation and storytelling, interview essays provide a unique opportunity to capture the essence of an individual’s experiences and perspectives. These essays allow readers to gain insight into a person’s life journey, accomplishments, and insights on various topics, offering a glimpse into their world.

Interview essays go beyond the realm of traditional journalistic interviews, offering a more personal and in-depth exploration of the interviewee’s thoughts and emotions. Unlike a standard news article or report, interview essays focus on the individual and their unique perspective, providing a platform for their voice to be heard.

Throughout the essay, the interviewer must skillfully navigate the conversation, asking thoughtful and probing questions to elicit meaningful responses. It is crucially important to establish a comfortable and trusting environment, allowing the interviewee to open up and express themselves authentically. The interview process requires active listening and keen observation, ensuring that the essence of the interviewee is accurately portrayed.

The structure of the interview essay typically begins with an engaging introduction that introduces the interviewee and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Following the introduction, a series of questions and answers, presented in a logical and coherent manner, form the body of the essay. This section should highlight the most compelling and enlightening aspects of the interview, showcasing the interviewee’s unique insights and experiences.

As the interview draws to a close, a well-crafted conclusion synthesizes the main points discussed during the interview, providing a final reflection on the interviewee’s thoughts and perspectives. This section should leave the reader with a lasting impression of the interviewee and their story.

In summary, interview essays offer a captivating and rich exploration of an individual’s life and experiences. Through thoughtful questioning and careful listening, these essays provide a platform for the interviewee’s voice to be heard, shedding light on their unique perspective and contributions to the world.

Choosing an Interviewee

When embarking on the task of conducting an interview essay, one of the most crucial decisions to make is choosing the right interviewee. This individual will be the subject of your essay and plays a significant role in shaping the overall narrative and content. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider several factors when selecting an interviewee.

First and foremost, it is essential to choose an interviewee who possesses expertise or experience in the subject matter you wish to explore. The interviewee should have valuable insights and a deep understanding of the topic, ensuring that the interview will provide meaningful and informative content. Consider professionals, experts, or individuals who have unique perspectives that align with your essay’s theme.

In addition to expertise, it is crucial to select an interviewee who is willing and enthusiastic about participating in the interview. Look for individuals who are open to sharing their thoughts and experiences, and who express genuine interest in engaging in a conversation about the chosen topic. This will ensure that the interview is engaging and that the interviewee is willing to provide detailed and insightful responses.

Another factor to consider when choosing an interviewee is their accessibility. It is important to select someone who is readily available and willing to commit the necessary time for the interview. Consider individuals who have a flexible schedule or who are willing to accommodate your interview request. This will help ensure that you can conduct the interview within your desired timeframe.

Lastly, consider the diversity and representation that the interviewee can bring to your essay. Aim for inclusivity and diversity by selecting individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, or perspectives. This will enrich your essay and provide a broader range of insights and experiences to draw from.

In conclusion, choosing the right interviewee is a critical step in writing a successful interview essay. It requires careful consideration of factors such as expertise, willingness to participate, accessibility, and diversity. By selecting the most suitable interviewee, you can ensure that your essay will be engaging, informative, and provide a unique perspective on the chosen topic.

Tips for selecting the right individual to interview for your article

Choosing the right person to interview for your essay is a crucial step in ensuring that your piece is insightful and engaging. The individual you select should have firsthand knowledge or experience related to your topic, offering unique insights and perspectives. Taking the time to carefully select the right person will not only enhance the quality of your interview essay but also lend credibility to your work.

Firstly, consider the expertise and background of the person you are considering interviewing. Look for individuals who have extensive knowledge and experience in the field you are focusing on. This could be a subject matter expert, a professional in the industry, or someone who has had personal experiences relevant to your topic. These individuals can provide valuable insights and opinions, allowing your essay to delve deeper into the subject matter.

In addition to expertise, it is essential to choose someone who is articulate and can effectively convey their thoughts and experiences. Good communication skills are a vital aspect of a successful interview. Look for individuals who can express themselves clearly and concisely, ensuring that the information they provide is easy to understand and engaging for your readers.

Another important factor to consider when selecting an interviewee is their availability and willingness to participate. Ensure that the person you choose is willing and able to commit the necessary time and effort to the interview process. This could include conducting in-person interviews, phone interviews, or even email correspondence. Being flexible and accommodating to the individual’s schedule is key to obtaining the information you need for a compelling interview essay.

Finally, aim for diversity when selecting an interviewee. Consider individuals from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This will not only provide a well-rounded view of your topic but also make your essay more relatable and interesting to a wider audience. Including diverse voices and opinions will enrich your work and make it more impactful.

By following these tips and selecting the right person to interview, you can ensure that your essay is informative, engaging, and offers a unique perspective on your chosen topic.

Preparing for the Interview

Getting ready for an interview is a crucial step towards a successful conversation that will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. Adequate preparation is important as it helps you feel confident and ready to showcase your skills and qualifications. In this section, we will discuss the key steps to take before an interview to ensure you are well-prepared and can present yourself in the best possible light.

• Research the company: Before attending an interview, it is essential to research the company you are interviewing with. This includes understanding their mission, values, products or services they offer, and any recent news or projects. This knowledge will not only demonstrate your interest in the company but also allow you to ask relevant questions during the interview.
• Analyze the job description: Take the time to thoroughly analyze the job description for the position you are applying for. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned in the description. This will help you tailor your answers during the interview and showcase how your experience aligns with the requirements of the role.
• Prepare your answers: It is a good idea to anticipate some of the questions that may be asked during the interview. Practice your answers to common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This preparation will help you showcase your skills and qualifications confidently and concisely.
• Prepare questions to ask: In addition to answering questions, you should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your enthusiasm and interest in the role and allows you to gather more information about the company and the position. Consider asking about company culture, team dynamics, or opportunities for growth.
• Dress appropriately: First impressions matter, so it is important to dress professionally for the interview. Research the company’s dress code and aim to dress slightly more formal than what is expected. Ensure that your attire is clean, ironed, and appropriate for the industry.
• Practice good body language: During the interview, your body language can speak volumes. Practice good posture, maintain eye contact, and use confident and friendly gestures. This will help you appear engaged and interested in the conversation.
• Gather necessary documents: Before the interview, gather all necessary documents, such as copies of your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references. Organize these documents neatly in a folder or portfolio, so they are easily accessible during the interview.
• Plan your route and arrive early: Before the day of the interview, plan your route and ensure you know how to get to the location. Consider traffic or public transport delays, and aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This will give you time to relax, collect your thoughts, and make a good first impression.

By following these preparation steps, you will increase your chances of success during the interview. Remember to stay calm, be yourself, and let your qualifications and enthusiasm shine!

Steps to take before conducting the interview to ensure its success

Prior to conducting an interview, there are several key steps one should take to ensure its success. By carefully preparing and organizing beforehand, you can maximize the outcome of the interview and gather the most valuable insights and information from your subject.

• Research your subject: Take the time to thoroughly research your subject before the interview. Familiarize yourself with their background, achievements, and any relevant work they may have done. This will not only help you ask informed and insightful questions but also demonstrate your interest and preparedness during the interview.
• Define your goals: Determine what specific information or insights you hope to gain from the interview. Clarify your objectives and the overall purpose of conducting the interview. This will help you structure your questions and guide the conversation in a focused and meaningful direction.
• Prepare a list of questions: Create a list of questions that will prompt your subject to share their experiences, opinions, and expertise. Mix open-ended questions with more specific ones to encourage thoughtful and detailed responses. Consider the flow and order of your questions to ensure a smooth and logical conversation.
• Consider the logistics: Plan and organize the logistics of the interview in advance. Determine the best format for the interview, whether it is in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. Confirm the date, time, and location if applicable. Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary equipment ready, such as recording devices or notepads.
• Establish rapport: Building a rapport with your subject is crucial for a successful interview. Prior to the interview, introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the interview. Create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere during the actual interview to allow your subject to feel at ease and open up more naturally.
• Anticipate challenges: Anticipate potential challenges or obstacles that may arise during the interview. Prepare alternative strategies or questions to handle any unexpected circumstances. By being flexible and adaptable, you can ensure the smooth progression of the interview.
• Respect confidentiality: If your interview involves sensitive or confidential information, assure your subject of confidentiality and obtain their consent to share certain details. This will help establish trust and encourage them to share more freely and openly.

By following these steps before conducting an interview, you can set the stage for a successful and valuable exchange of information. Proper preparation and organization will ensure that you extract the most meaningful insights and present a well-rounded and informative interview.

Conducting the Interview

During this phase, you will have the opportunity to engage in a face-to-face conversation with your interviewee. This is a crucial step in gathering valuable information for your interview essay. The interview allows you to unravel the unique perspectives, experiences, and insights of your subject, bringing depth and authenticity to your writing.

Before the interview, it’s important to research your interviewee and become familiar with their background and work. This preparation will enable you to ask informed questions and show respect for their expertise. Showing genuine interest in their work will make them more willing to open up and share their insights during the interview.

When conducting the interview, create a comfortable and relaxed environment for your interviewee. Establishing a friendly rapport will help them feel at ease and encourage thoughtful responses. Begin by asking a few general questions to ease into the conversation and then gradually move into more specific topics of interest. Active listening is key during the interview; pay attention to not only the words spoken but also the tone, body language, and emotions conveyed.

As you progress through the interview, probe deeper into the interviewee’s thoughts and experiences. Ask open-ended questions that invite detailed and reflective responses. Be prepared to adapt your questions based on their responses to keep the conversation flowing naturally. It’s important to strike a balance between guiding the conversation and allowing your interviewee to express themselves freely.

Remember to be respectful and considerate throughout the interview process. Avoid interrupting and allow your interviewee to fully express their thoughts. Take notes during the interview to capture important details and to ensure accuracy in your essay. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or additional information if needed.

By conducting a successful interview, you will gather rich material to create a compelling and engaging interview essay. The insights and personal anecdotes shared by your interviewee will add depth and authenticity to your writing, making it a truly captivating piece.

Techniques and strategies for effectively interviewing your subject

When conducting an interview, it is important to have a set of techniques and strategies to ensure a successful and insightful conversation with your subject. By employing these techniques, you can gather valuable information, establish rapport, and make the most out of your interview.

• Prepare: Before the interview, do thorough research on your subject to familiarize yourself with their background, expertise, and accomplishments. This will enable you to ask informed and relevant questions during the interview.
• Establish rapport: Building a connection with your subject is crucial to create a comfortable and open atmosphere during the interview. Begin by introducing yourself, showing genuine interest, and actively listening to their responses.
• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” focus on open-ended questions that encourage your subject to provide detailed and insightful responses. These questions often start with “how,” “why,” or “tell me about.”
• Active listening: During the interview, give your full attention to your subject and demonstrate active listening. This involves maintaining eye contact, nodding, and providing verbal cues to show that you are fully engaged in the conversation. Avoid interrupting and allow your subject to complete their thoughts.
• Probing and follow-up questions: To dig deeper into a topic or clarify any ambiguous answers, ask probing questions. These questions can help you extract more specific details and provide a more comprehensive understanding of your subject’s perspective.
• Keep it conversational: While it’s important to maintain a professional approach, aim to make the interview feel like a conversation rather than an interrogation. Use a friendly tone, ask follow-up questions, and be empathetic to create an environment where your subject feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.
• Record or take notes: To fully capture the interview, consider recording the conversation with your subject’s permission. Alternatively, take detailed notes during the interview to ensure accuracy when transcribing and referring back to the interview later.
• Thank your subject: Once the interview is complete, remember to express gratitude to your subject for their time and insights. Sending a follow-up message or a handwritten note as a token of appreciation can leave a positive impression and may result in future interview opportunities.

By utilizing these techniques and strategies during your interview, you can obtain valuable information, establish meaningful connections, and create a successful and insightful interview essay.

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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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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.

10+ Profile Essay Examples

1. composition courses profile essay.

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2. Profile Essay of a Soldier

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3. Profile of a Good Essay

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4. Proficiency Profile Essay

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5. Profile in Courage Essay Contest

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6. Checklist for the Profile Essay

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7. Student Writing Profile Essay

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8. Profile of an Expository Essay

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9. Profile Essay Example

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10. Interview Profile Essay

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11. Composition 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.

• Creating Profiles
• Using Profiles
• Special Projects
• Collections
• Choosing a Case
• Preparing for the Interview
• Sample consent forms
• Tips from students
• Creating questions
• Eliciting a story
• On "double vision"
• Handling challenges
• Listening: Other interviewers
• Transcribing
• Editing Transcripts
• Editing Audio
• Analyzing and Writing Up

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?

Profile Essay: Guidelines for an A+ Paper

• Icon Calendar 3 August 2024
• Icon Page 4518 words
• Icon Clock 21 min read

Students may encounter profile essays in nearly all disciplines, which makes it essential for them to understand profile essay writing. Basically, this guide commences with a definition of a profile essay and highlights its traits. Then, the manual discusses the significance of interview or observation sessions in profile essay writing and elaborates on the differences between a profile text and other forms of academic papers. Further on, a specific format and structure of a profile composition provides clear directives on the writing of each part. In turn, the manual contains an outline template, what to include, an example of a written profile essay, and common mistakes to avoid, which exemplify the content of this guide. Hence, students need to learn how to write a profile essay and develop their academic skills in organizing such a document correctly.

What Is a Profile Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a profile essay is a type of academic paper that presents a detailed description of a person, event, place, or phenomenon by using a well-organized structure. The main purpose of writing a profile essay is to offer readers a comprehensive and engaging understanding of a specific subject under review by combining factual information with the writer’s personal insights, involving direct observations, interviews, and background research (Early, 2023). Basically, authors spend a significant amount of time researching a particular topic to collect the less obvious information that a reader cannot acquire through a simple web search. In this case, a profile essay contains vivid descriptions and clear explanations that students derive from various reliable sources. Therefore, a profile essay is an expository composition, which implies that authors write such papers with a sole purpose of informing a target audience regarding a given topic by using facts, examples, and other relevant evidence (Warburton, 2020). In terms of pages and words, the length of a profile essay can vary based on academic levels, specific course requirements, topic complexity, and key expectations of instructors or institutions, and general guidelines are:

High School:

• Length: 2-4 pages
• Word Count: 500-1,000 words

College (Undergraduate):

• Length: 4-6 pages
• Word Count: 1,000-1,500 words

University (Upper-Level Undergraduate):

• Length: 5-8 pages
• Word Count: 1,250-2,000 words

Master’s:

• Length: 8-12 pages
• Word Count: 2,000-3,000 words
• Length: 12-20 pages or more, depending on the depth of research and analysis required
• Word Count: 3,000-5,000 words or more

Distinct Traits

During a preparation stage of a profile essay, students do not need to write a position or present an argument concerning a topic of interest. However, an angle in a profile essay is a specific perspective or focus that a writer chooses to highlight about an assigned subject, providing a unique and compelling viewpoint to engage readers (Early, 2023). Among other types of essays , a particular authorship style that learners use in writing a profile paper should not lead a target audience toward any predefined conclusion regarding a topic. Instead, authors present readers with facts or evidence and provide them with adequate ‘space’ to reach individual conclusions. For example, to write a profile essay on a place, authors gather detailed observations and descriptions, incorporate personal experiences and interviews, and organize their content to convey a location’s atmosphere, significance, and impact on people (Early, 2023). In this case, a profile essay of a place provides a detailed description of a specific location, capturing its atmosphere, significance, and the experiences of people who inhabit or visit it. Moreover, a thesis statement of a profile essay does not announce a central claim. In turn, profile documents have a high demand for objectivity because any attempt to persuade a specific audience to support a perspective undermines the purpose of a paper.

Intrinsic Value of Interviews and Observations

Interviews and direct observations are critical to the formation of a profile essay. Mostly, interviews or observations are the main sources of information for a profile document. In particular, students should plan to interview or observe an assigned object, place, phenomenon, or event because it is the only way to write unique content for a profile essay (Early, 2023). Further on, learners must be prepared adequately for an interview or observation session to ensure they can acquire the necessary information to complete their papers. During interviews or observation sessions, documentation is essential because it provides authors with an accurate record of the information (Roberts, 2017). Specifically, any record is useful when writers need to verify some facts they choose to include in a profile paper. In turn, video recordings, tape recordings, and notetaking are the preferred means of capturing information from interviews and observation sessions.

How Does a Profile Essay Differ From Other Papers

Profile papers are different from other types of essays because they have a low reliance on secondary sources. Basically, the use of secondary sources is widespread in academic writing because it is easy to locate and access such articles and establish their reliability from bibliographical information. For example, a profile essay provides a detailed portrayal of a subject through descriptive and personal insights, while a biography is a comprehensive writing about a person’s lifespan from birth to the present or his or her death (Roberts, 2017). However, authors of secondary sources may skew the meaning of information to achieve a specific purpose or exclude critical details that have no relevance to a source’s central claim. In consequence, secondary sources are rarely comprehensive articles, and writers use them to verify facts rather than collect evidence (Fleckenstein et al., 2020). Moreover, primary sources are suitable for writing a profile document, but the acquisition of credible sources is quite challenging, which causes students to conduct interviews or observe a place, phenomenon, or event.

Note: Some sections can be added, deleted, or combined in a single paragraph. Moreover, the number of paragraphs depends on assignment instructions. In turn, a typical format above is only for using it as a guideline in direction.

Structure of a Profile Essay

Introduction.

An introduction part of a profile essay sets the stage by introducing a specific subject, providing necessary background information, and presenting a thesis or main point to engage a reader’s interest. Mostly, a typical introduction has only one paragraph. In this case, the primary role of any opening part is to set the context of an entire composition and provide a target audience with a reason to continue reading the remaining sections of a paper (Roberts, 2017). Moreover, a corresponding introduction can become longer with an increase in a profile essay’s word count. Nonetheless, an introduction’s word count should not exceed 10% of an paper’s word count. In turn, this section should not contain any in-text citations except for a situation where students use a direct quotation to begin a paragraph.

A body part of a profile essay is the most substantial because it takes up approximately 80% of the word count. Basically, a body section consists of at least two body paragraphs with no maximum number of paragraphs. For example, the appropriate number of paragraphs is dependent on the number of distinct points that writers intend to present to a target audience (Grogan, 2020). In this case, there is no specific length for a body paragraph, but students should strive to have no paragraphs that are longer than half a page. Besides, it is an excellent practice to ensure that each paragraph has a minimum of four sentences. As a result, in a profile essay, writers should avoid including irrelevant details, biased perspectives, or excessive personal opinions that overshadow a subject’s portrayal.

A conclusion part is a one-paragraph section, which appears at the end of a profile essay. Basically, a conclusion section of a profile composition is a concise overview of an entire content of a body section (Penders, 2018). Moreover, a closing sentence focuses on revisiting a thesis statement and topic sentences as a final effort to emphasize the value of a profile essay. In turn, a typical ending should not be longer than 10% of a whole word count. Mostly, a conclusion does not contain any in-text citations.

Organizing an Outline

A profile essay’s outline is a hierarchical layout of the main points of body paragraphs and annotations of the information that students intend to write in introduction and conclusion sections. Primarily, an outline acts as a guide for the drafting stage of the writing process, which ensures learners do not unintentionally exclude a point that is crucial to a profile (Warburton, 2020). Furthermore, such an outline allows authors to document the specific evidence they plan to use to support the main point of each argument. In turn, students should allocate adequate time to the writing and reviewing of an outline to ascertain the compatibility of the evidence and central point of each paragraph, which prevents false starts and reduces the likelihood of extensive revision (Roberts, 2017). As a result, to organize a profile essay, writers structure a paper with a compelling introduction, detailed body paragraphs, each focusing on different aspects of a particular subject, and a strong conclusion that reinforces the main points and provides closing insights.

Sample Outline Template

I. Introduction

A. Hook. B. Background information. C. Thesis statement.

A. First body paragraph

• Write the main point of the first paragraph.
• Provide evidence supporting this paragraph’s main point.
• Write explanations of the evidence.
• End with a concluding statement.

B. Second body paragraph

• Write the main point of the second paragraph.

C. Third body paragraph

• Write the main point of the third paragraph.

III. Conclusion

A. Restatement of a thesis statement. B. Summary of the three main points in a body section. C. Closing remarks emphasizing the significance of a profile essay.

Step-by-Step Writing of a Profile Essay

Step 1: research.

Research after interviews or observation sessions is vital to making any paper. To write a profile essay, people gather detailed information through interviews and observations, organize their content with an engaging introduction, informative body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion, and blend factual details with personal insights and vivid descriptions (Early, 2023). Typically, a student conducts some research before interviews or observation sessions to identify areas of interest that are worth investigating. After collecting information, authors must engage in research to develop a deeper understanding of responses or actions of a subject. In turn, this research stage ensures an author’s unfamiliarity with specialized vocabulary and conventions of discipline-specific discourse does not result in incorrect interpretations or summaries.

Step 2: Writing an Introduction

A hook sentence is a first statement of an introduction section. In this case, to start a profile essay, writers begin with an engaging hook that introduces a particular subject and captures a reader’s interest, followed by background information and a clear thesis statement (Early, 2023). Basically, an engaging sentence serves the purpose of triggering an audience’s interest in a subject of a review. In this case, students may use a variety of strategies to develop a hook, for instance, making a comparison, using a vivid quotation, mentioning a surprising fact, and asking a question (Warburton, 2020). In turn, if learners know how to write a hook, they ensure this sentence relates to a reader’s knowledge or experience, which allows it to be an impactful statement on its own. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a profile essay are:

• From the moment I met [Name], I knew [he/she] was someone worth profiling because … .
• Growing up in [place], [Name] always dreamed of … .
• One of the most striking things about [Name] is [his/her] ability to … .
• During our interview, [Name] shared a fascinating story about … .
• To truly understand [Name]’s impact, it is important to consider … .
• As [Name] walked me through [his/her] daily routine, it became clear that … .
• One of the defining moments in [Name]’s life was when … .
• Many people might not know that [Name] has a hidden talent for … .
• According to those who know [Name] best, [he/she] can be described as … .
• Reflecting on [Name]’s achievements, it is evident that [he/she] has … .

Background Information

This segment of an introduction contains information that responds to four main questions:

• Who or what is the subject?
• What are the important traits of the subject?
• Why is the subject interesting?

Responses to these three questions provide background information on an assigned subject. Moreover, statements narrow a central scope of a purpose of writing a profile essay, which sets the stage for announcing a thesis statement.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the last element of a first paragraph. In particular, a central claim informs readers of the purpose of interviews or observation sessions, which are the source of most information in a profile essay (Early, 2023). Essentially, a thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of the main points that students write in each paragraph, and it should be succinct and clear.

Step 3: Writing Body Paragraphs

Topic Sentence

A topic sentence informs readers of the main point that an author discusses in a particular paragraph. Basically, topic statements do not present an author’s claim in a profile essay. Instead, if students know how to write a topic sentence, they provide a brief and direct answer to an interview question or a question that motivates authors to observe a subject (Warburton, 2020). In turn, topic statements contribute to the development of a thesis statement.

In this segment of a body section, students present specific details that support a topic statement. Basically, learners may incorporate evidence into a profile essay by using three main techniques: direct quoting, paraphrasing, and summarising. Mostly, authors acquire evidence from records of interviews or observation sessions (Penders, 2018). In turn, writers should ensure that the meaning of the evidence is not lost, especially during paraphrasing and summarising.

Explanation

Students elucidate the significance of the evidence to a topic statement in this section of a profile essay. In particular, learners provide the necessary information for a target audience to interpret the evidence correctly because any piece of evidence is merely a snapshot rather than an entire account (Fleckenstein et al., 2020). Besides, objectivity is critical while writing an explanation segment of a paragraph with bridge sentences. In turn, the length of explanations varies with the perceived complexity of the evidence.

Concluding Sentence

This statement is the last element of a body section. Usually, it is one sentence that appears at the end of any writing. Moreover, a concluding statement offers a summary of an entire content of a paragraph (Roberts, 2017). In this case, the primary role of this summary is to connect a paragraph’s content to a thesis statement. Furthermore, such a sentence contributes to a transition effect because it informs a target audience that a paragraph is complete.

Step 4: Writing a Conclusion

A concluding section has three essential elements: a restatement of a thesis, a summary of the main points, and closing remarks. Basically, students begin a final paragraph with a statement that has the same meaning as a thesis statement, although it employs an entirely new set of words and different syntax (Grogan, 2020). Next, authors provide an overview of an entire content of a body section. Lastly, learners write one or two sentences that link an introduction, thesis statement, and body section to create a sense of unity between individual parts of a profile essay. In turn, students must refrain from introducing new information while writing a conclusion part.

Step 5: Revision

Once students complete a first draft, they should revise a profile essay to eliminate any errors, which may result in a target audience deriving the wrong meaning from particular statements. During revision, learners assess the suitability of a specific audience and voice, the correctness of a thesis statement, rationality of the arrangement of body paragraphs, and the quality of evidence (Roberts, 2017). Then, authors should take a break of a few hours or a whole day before revising a profile document because it increases their objectivity. Moreover, writers may use a checklist to guide a revision process to guarantee they do not neglect any of the items on the assessment criteria. Besides individual revision, students may subject their profile essays to peer review, which provides them with useful feedback on the meaning-related flaws of a paper.

Step 6: Editing

An editing stage yields a final draft of a profile essay after it eliminates surface errors and ascertains the clarity and effectiveness of sentences. Basically, surface errors are mistakes that affect the readability of a profile paper, such as spelling errors, comma splices, sentence fragments, verb errors, and pronoun errors (Early, 2023). Then, parallelism, incomplete sentences, dangling modifiers, and unclear pronoun references are issues that students consider when evaluating the clarity of sentences. Moreover, authors examine the sentence structure and length, use of appropriate language, smoothness of transitions, and succinctness of sentences to determine its effectiveness (Roberts, 2017). In turn, writers should conduct editing for surface errors, clarity, and effectiveness in three different readings of a profile essay because of the expansive nature of dimensions of editing.

What to Include

Example of a Profile Essay

Topic: What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur

Introduction Sample

At 35 years, Abraham Jake is the youngest billionaire in the tech industry. In particular, Jake is the founder, owner, and chief executive officer of Futuristic Tech, which is a company that manufactures microprocessors for Apple, Intel, Dell, and other leading electronics firms. Moreover, an interview with Jake reveals some experiences that are responsible for his exceptional character as an entrepreneur. In turn, Jake’s failures and numerous bouts with fear and optimism in decision making shape his solitary lifestyle.

Examples of Body Paragraphs

Character Traits

Failure is a dominant theme in Jake’s life, which makes perseverance one of his readily observable character traits. During the period between 2005 and 2015, Jake began five different businesses that collapsed within eight months of opening. Particularly, the fifth business crippled Jake financially, which left him with bank loans and no savings. In this case, the constant failure in setting up a business took a toll on Jake because he found himself in a vicious cycle of saving heavily only to losing everything. Furthermore, the strain of performing at work while trying to build a business left him mentally and physically exhausted. On multiple occasions, Jack was at the brink of quitting on his dream to open his own business each time he had to shut down the business after months of struggling to keep it afloat without any success.

Fear and Optimism

The balance between the pull of fear and optimism defines Jake’s decision making strategy. For example, Jake sarcastically laughed as he said, “fearfulness and optimism are equally dangerous but learning how and when to call upon these traits is a lifelong endeavor.” Basically, it took Jake four months after to finally shut down the first business after seeing red flags that he knew were not reversible. Conversely, it took him two weeks to decide to close down his fifth business. Moreover, Jake experienced situations where he had to make decisions that hinged on his fear of losing capital and optimistic beliefs of the business’s recovery. In turn, Jake does not claim that the decision to close a business became any more straightforward. Instead, he suggests that one becomes more comfortable when faced with these decisions, which improves an individual’s decision-making abilities.

Solitary Lifestyle

Jake notes that he became accustomed to a solitary lifestyle, which he believes is a consequence of the lack of time to build meaningful relationships. Jake recounts a particular six-month period where he did not attend any social gathering or event. In a voice burdened with disappointment, Jake remarked, “if there is one thing that I regret about my entrepreneurial journey is the loss of friendships and lovers.” In this case, Jake’s attempt to juggle full-time employment and the running of a company left him with very little time to spare for nurturing personal relationships. Also, he lost touch with friends and could not keep up with the time demands of an intimate relationship. Eventually, Jake’s dual-focus lifestyle left him with professional relationships, which had minimal value when he needed emotional support.

Conclusion Sample

Jake’s past played a critical role in the emergence of the successful businessman we see today. Basically, consistent failure at opening a business is responsible for his “never give up” attitude. In this case, understanding the complicated relationship between fear and optimism gives Jake a sense of control when making tough choices. In turn, Jake recognizes that he leads a solitary lifestyle, although he is not proud of it. Thus, Jake’s personality shows that rational and emotional aspects play equally important roles in the success of an entrepreneur.

Common Mistakes

• Lack of Focus: Failing to have a precise angle or thesis can make an essay seem scattered and unfocused. Ensure you have a central theme that ties all parts of a profile together.
• Superficial Description: Providing only surface-level details without providing deeper insights and analysis can make a profile uninteresting. Aim to explore the subject’s complexities and nuances.
• Overloading With Facts: Including too many facts and not enough narrative or personal insights can make a paper read like a report rather than an engaging profile. Balance factual information with storytelling.
• Ignoring Background Research: Neglecting to conduct thorough background research can result in a lack of context and depth. Comprehensive research helps to provide a well-rounded perspective.
• Lack of Direct Quotes: Not incorporating direct quotes from interviews can make a composition less authentic and engaging. Use quotes to bring a subject’s voice and personality to life.
• Poor Organization: Presenting information in a disorganized manner can confuse readers. Ensure a logical flow with clear transitions between different sections and ideas.
• Not Engaging Readers: Failing to capture a reader’s interest with vivid descriptions and compelling anecdotes can make an essay boring to read. Use descriptive language and interesting stories to engage readers.
• Bias and Subjectivity: Letting personal bias or subjective opinions dominate a document can undermine its credibility. Aim for a balanced portrayal that acknowledges multiple perspectives.
• Ignoring a Subject’s Voice: Overlooking the importance of capturing a subject’s unique voice and personality can result in a flat portrayal. Pay attention to how a subject speaks and behaves.
• Weak Conclusion: Ending an essay abruptly without a strong conclusion can leave readers unsatisfied. Summarize the key points and restate the significance of a subject in a conclusion part.

A profile essay is a descriptive piece that offers a detailed portrayal of a person, place, phenomenon, or event, combining factual information with personal insights. Basically, this composition differs from other papers by emphasizing firsthand information gathered through interviews and observations rather than secondary sources. Moreover, its distinctive structure includes an engaging introduction, a body with multiple paragraphs presenting various aspects, and a concise conclusion. Finally, such a work should remain objective, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. In turn, some tips that students should consider when organizing their profile papers include:

• Students should plan the writing process to ensure they do not skip or rush through any step.
• Interviews or observation sessions should rely on specific guiding questions that authors design to generate content for writing a profile essay.
• Writers should refrain from including their opinions or steering the audience toward a particular conclusion.
• A profile essay should contain detailed descriptions.

Early, J. S. (2023). Next generation genres: Teaching writing for civic and academic engagement . Norton Professional Books.

Fleckenstein, J., Meyer, J., Jansen, T., Keller, S., & Köller, O. (2020). Is a long essay always a good essay? The effect of text length on writing assessment. Frontiers in Psychology , 11 , 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.562462

Grogan, K. E. (2020). Writing science: What makes scientific writing hard and how to make it easier. The Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America , 102 (1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/bes2.1800

Penders, B. (2018). Ten simple rules for responsible referencing. PLOS Computational Biology , 14 (4), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006036

Roberts, J. Q. (2017). Essentials of essay writing: What markers look for . Palgrave.

Warburton, N. (2020). The basics of essay writing . Routledge.

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How to write a Profile Essay (Best Guide)

Profile essays are a common assignment in composition courses, journalism, and other different disciplines. You are definitely here to learn more about how to write a profile essay, and we will not fail you. However, we must state that you have to master the six-step academic writing process (check out the guide). It is a concept that makes your writing process seamless.

If you have interviewed someone or read their autobiography, you can proceed to write a profile essay about them as a subject. Sounds easy, right? However, there are things you need to do.

In this guide, we take you through everything you need to master to write a profile essay that will guarantee higher scores. We have also included video resources and sample essays to show you how to do profile essay writing. Let’s get started.

What Is a Profile Essay? Defining a Profile Essay

A profile essay is a common assignment in composition courses and entails a vivid description of a place, person, event, era or epoch, activity, or any item of choice. If you are pursuing journalism, a profile essay often only entails specifically writing about a person. Therefore, it is common for journalism students to encounter it as a term paper, coursework, or assignment. Students from other disciplines might also write profile essays.

It could be an essay about the richest man on the planet, the leadership skills of a famous person, such as Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, etc., the Russian-Ukrainian War, or a national or international hero. An interview essay written by an interviewer about the interviewee counts as a profile essay.

If you are to write an essay that describes a notable past feminist, civil rights activist, philanthropist, organization, or medieval city, think profile essay first. It should be a deeper-level description that is objective and one that responds to the questions of anyone trying to understand the subject.

If you are writing about a city, focus on facts about demographics, world rankings, awards, geography, name, and other notable features.

An academic profile essay is written and formatted in the most common academic writing styles, such as APA, MLA, Harvard, Turabian, Chicago, or whatever citation format your professor or teacher prefers. You can write a profile essay using the first-person perspective or a narrative tone, depending on the subject or topic you have selected.

The best approach overall is to give a vivid description that comprises:

• A general overview of the selected subject to give a general impression.
• Deeper details about the subject.
• The general assessment of the subject.

Do not confuse a profile essay for a descriptive essay. While a profile essay is a type of descriptive essay, it focuses more on giving the specifics of the subject or new information without any personal opinions. A descriptive essay, on the other hand, might contain personal opinions. This way, a profile essay is objective, unlike a descriptive essay, which can be both objective and subjective.

What is the Goal of Profile Essays?

After a careful analysis of more than 300 profile essay assignments and examples from notable universities and colleges, we can safely say that profile essays describe a place, thing, occurrence, era, events, person, or place. The essay demonstrates the use of adjectives to describe the subject.

A profile essay achieves the objectives below:

• Details some of the observations and knowledge on the subject (phenomenon, place, person, nature, weather, event, etc).
• It tests your descriptive writing capacity as you are to demonstrate the use of adjectives, epithets, comparisons, antonyms, and other tenets of writing.
• To give the audience an understanding of the person, place, or thing under discussion.
• Prove your prowess in descriptive and narrative writing with an objective stint.
• Demonstrates your creativity, organization, presentation, and research skills.
• It informs the audience about the subject using facts, examples, and relevant evidence. It is similar to an expository essay .

Many students often find writing profile essays a confusing endeavor. A profile essay can be an essay about yourself, where you objectively explore your appearance, achievements, and encounters. The same way you would write about other people is the same way you should approach a profile essay about yourself.

Structure of a Profile Essay

Like other conventional essays, a profile essay has a hierarchical layout, starting with the introduction, which flows into the body paragraphs and into the conclusion.

A typical profile essay begins with a catchy introduction that features an attention-grabber to entice the readers to read more, a sentence or two about the selected subject, and a thesis statement to announce to your readers your overarching goal in the essay.

Here is a breakdown of a profile essay:

• An opening paragraph/ introduction . This should give a brief description of the subject and the scope of the essay and present the thesis statement. The introduction should begin with a leading sentence that describes the event or the person. The following sentences can then summarize informative points in the body paragraphs.
• Main Body.  The body paragraphs determine the length of the essay. A short profile essay should have at least three body paragraphs. The body paragraphs should include examples. If you use external sources, ensure you cite them. It is only through that that you can  avoid plagiarism  in your college and university essays. When describing a place, ensure that you use spatial order .
• Conclusion/ closing paragraph . This is the climax of your profile essay and should  restate the thesis , summarize each body paragraph, and bring closure to the essay.

Rules are rules; these are just some guidelines for writing a profile essay.

Related Reading: 

• How to write a perfect informative essay.
• How to write a descriptive essay.
• Writing a 500-word essay.
• Steps for writing a 1000-word essay.

Template Outline for a Profile Essay

Having looked at the main parts of a profile essay, here is a breakdown or a scaffold of what to include in your profile essay.

• Background information.
• Thesis statement.
• Body Paragraph 1 : First body paragraph Write the main point of the first paragraph. Provide evidence supporting this paragraph’s main point. Write explanations of the evidence. End with a concluding statement.
• Body Paragraph 2 : Second body paragraph Write the main point of the second paragraph. Provide evidence supporting this paragraph’s main point. Write explanations of the evidence. End with a concluding statement.
• Body Paragraph 3 : Third body paragraph Write the main point of the third paragraph. Provide evidence supporting this paragraph’s main point. Write explanations of the evidence. End with a concluding statement.
• Restatement of a thesis statement.
• Summary of the three main points in body paragraphs.
• Closing remarks emphasizing the significance of a profile essay.

Organizing your essay using the outline above can save you a lot of time and ensure that your points flow well.

Steps for Writing a Profile Essay

Writing a profile essay is such an exciting encounter once you have the bolts and nuts in the right places. Our custom essay writers , who have written thousands of profile essays, have highlighted these steps if you want to be successful.

Unlike other essays that heavily rely on academic sources for evidence, you can write a profile essay based on an interview with a subject. This means that you can write it purely based on your knowledge of the subject, but you can also use external sources to substantiate facts about the subject.

We encourage you to look at examples of profile essays online for inspiration before you begin attempting yours.

If you want to write a profile essay, here are some of the steps to take to guarantee you a great grade.

1. Choose the Subject

Choosing broad subjects makes it more difficult to write thoroughly, unlike having a specific subject. Therefore, instead of writing about a football club, you can elect to write about a specific player or coach of that football club.

If you are to select a subject, go for a specific one that you have firsthand knowledge of. You can also select a subject that has quality information available online.

As you select the subject or as you work with a subject assigned by your professor, think of something exciting, extraordinary, or exceptional about the subject. Ensure that your subject resonates with your personal interest so that you can pour your heart out.

Your subject depends on the prompt. Here is an example of a prompt:

Your assignment is to use the writing process to compose a 3-5 page profile essay about an intriguing person, place, or celebrity in your community (Omaha, NE). DO NOT WRITE ABOUT WARREN BUFFET, famous celebrities, politicians, athletes, religious figures, historical figures, vacations, etc.

This prompt is straightforward. You are required to go down to the community level. In this case, you have to expose the local place, person, or celebrity. Your professor probably does not know about them, but through your essay, they should. Using local news articles, interviews with people, etc, can be of great help in getting primary information about the subject.

One last thing: after selecting the profile essay subject, ensure that you develop a strong, reflective title for your essay that reflects its main purpose. It should be less than 10 words long, concise, and clear.

2. Choose your Focus and Thesis

As soon as you begin your research, you will realize that there is so much to share about your subject. Rather than trying to include all the information about your subject in a profile, even when the subject is specific, you should focus on one thing about them. Have a limited focus on the subject so that your essay is niched down and comprehensive.

You can write a three-pronged thesis statement that ascribes abstract traits to your subject. For example, you can say Tom is social, insightful, and ambitious. With this, you have more to write about compared to focusing on concrete qualities.

3. Prepare for your Essay

At this point, you would have decided on the angle of focus of your profile essay. You know what you have to highlight to your readers.

If you are doing a research-based profile essay, ensure that you gather enough information online. Focus on news magazines, articles, and other relevant materials that give details about your subject.

Similarly, prepare for and conduct interviews and observations (if applicable) so that you can uncover meaningful details about your subject. If your subject is a person, focus on personal background, professional experiences, motivations and inspirations, and challenges and achievements. You should request permission from the relevant authorities. If possible, record interviews to capture all the information accurately.

We advise that you collect as much information as possible so that you are not short of what to write when you sit down to type your essay.

With everything set, you need now to plan your essay.

4. Write an Outline

Outline your essay, planning the introduction, body, and conclusion:

• Introduction : Hook the reader with an interesting opening. Introduce the subject and provide a brief overview of what to expect.
• Body : Develop the main points and themes. Use anecdotes, quotes, and vivid descriptions to create a comprehensive and engaging portrait of your subject. Ensure there is a logical flow from one section to the next.
• Conclusion : Sum up the main points and reflect on the significance of the subject. Offer final insights or thoughts.

5. Write the First Draft

Using the outline you developed in the previous step, write the first draft of your profile essay. Instead of writing as you edit, focus on writing first and editing later. Capture the essence of your subject and provide a vivid and engaging narrative.

Ensure that your body paragraphs extend the thesis of your essay. As you develop the paragraphs, remember to use personal experiences, such as anecdotes or mini-stories of specific events, instead of general descriptions.

Besides, use cited materials when you are not allowed to use first-person perspective in the essay or if you are profiling a subject that you are not familiar with. Include in-text citations whenever you borrow ideas from other sources to support your point.

A point to note when writing is that you should show and not tell. This means that you should use vivid descriptions, examples, and anecdotes to illustrate your points.

You should also balance subjectivity and objectivity by ensuring that you give personal opinions or observations but supplement them with evidence from credible external sources. Your essay should also have a consistent tone to match the nature of the subject.

Most importantly, when profiling a person or place, ensure that you stay within ethical and legal bounds, respect privacy, and portray the subject accurately and fairly.

6. Revise and Edit

Review your draft critically. Check for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure that your descriptions are vivid, and your quotes are accurate.

Revise sentences and paragraphs for better flow and impact. You should also carefully proofread your essay for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies.

Consider reading it aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or rhythm issues. If possible, get feedback from peers, mentors, or your subject (if appropriate).

Use their insights to refine your essay further. Make any final adjustments based on feedback and your own critical review. Ensure that your final draft is polished and ready for submission or publication.

How do you start a profile Essay?

It has been a long time coming, but let us face it. Typically, a profile essay must be comprehensive, attractive, and presentable. In this regard, you must set very high standards for first impressions for a lasting readership.

So then, what do you write in the introduction of a profile essay? The introductory/opening sentence must be an attention grabber or an essay hook that engages the reader. Besides, your subject matter must be reflected in the essay's thesis statement.

Profile essays must include a well-thought-out and crafted thesis in the opening paragraph. Tell the audience why they need to stay tuned in reading the essay.

Anecdotes, quotes, or adages could be an excellent beginning of the introductory sentence. To an allowed extreme, you can include humor to engage and intrigue the readers.

Every person is unique in their own accord. Therefore, you must show total respect to individuals when writing an essay about that someone. For this reason, it is preferred that you take a condescending tone. No one will tell you this, but such a tone produces the best essay on a person. Disrespect makes a profile essay lose taste. Do we need to tell you the consequences?

How to End a Profile Essay with a Bang!

Students and professionals alike always wonder how to conclude a profile essay. Well, not our professional essay writers. You have been successful in writing the entire essay. Now, in conclusion, you have to convince the readers. Writing a  good conclusion  is mandatory for an essay.

Always restate the thesis statement. Restating does not mean introducing new concepts. However, it means using different words but maintaining the message (more of paraphrasing the thesis). When writing an effective conclusion, you should answer “What next?” or “So what?”

The focus of the conclusion should only be on stuff relevant to the readers.

It would help to summarize each body paragraph in the chronology or order of the essay. Ultimately, your conclusion should leave the readers yearning for more on the chosen profile essay topic.

The Title of a Profile Essay

High-quality essays have short and eye-catching titles. When choosing a title for your profile essay, consider these facts:

• Focus on the features of the person, event, or thing under discussion or the subject.
• It should reflect your main idea in the essay
• A good title should grab the attention of the readers
• From the onset, it should highlight what to expect in the entire essay
• Never choose a topic that is too broad or one that is too narrow
• Use simple words, as there is power in simplicity
• It should not exceed 10 words.

The title of your profile essay should be descriptive, reflective, clear, and concise. Mainly, it should have the name of the subject. Besides, it should reflect the central idea of the essay or the angle you have selected.

If you are writing an essay about someone, the title should be striking and form the theme of the entire essay. For example, Bill Clinton: The Best President America Never Had can be a catchy title for a comprehensive profile essay.

You asked how to write a profile essay; we have given you more than that. The best is even yet to come. Now, we also have some tips to help you further refine your essay to score the best marks.

Useful Tips When Writing a Profile Essay

Since we have written winning profile essays for students to use as model essays and the feedback has been great, we are well aware of some tips that you can use.

• Avoid bias. Your profile essay should not be opinionated or biased. It should instead be factual and without personal judgments, assumptions, or imaginations about the subject. It should not be egocentric on yourself as a writer. You should instead present an accurate, fair, and balanced argument about the individual or place you are profiling.
• Have a unique angle. A profile essay must have a unique angle, focus, or perspective that you take as the writer as you present information about the subject. This shapes the narrative and provides a lens through which readers can understand and evaluate the subject.
• Always show some respect on the subject. Sometimes, your professor can assign a profile essay topic to someone you hate. It would be best if you showed some respect. Typically, this should be reflected in your choice of words. Do not let emotions drive you. Get information from the research, and do not dwell on Fake News. Fact check any information you are presenting about your subject.
• Avoid any grammatical errors . Use the third eye to remove grammatical or syntax errors from your essay. This is where our essay editing and proofreading service comes in handy.
• Use simple language. There is unprecedented power in using simple language in academic essay writing. At all costs, avoid the jargon as they spike a well-written essay.
• Apply the use of appropriate terms. This refers to the right choice of descriptive words and transitions.
• The paragraphs should be well-balanced. Ensure the paragraphs do not exceed 150 words when writing a profile essay. In addition, all the paragraphs should be well-balanced in terms of length.
• Stick to the outline of your profile essay. Anything out of the structure is useless.
• Like any other homework, you should use a professional tone. Only interviews are examples of profile essays about a person requiring the first-person perspective. Unless you are profiling yourself or writing an interview essay, do not be subjective.
• Coherence, connectedness, and conciseness. Each of the body paragraphs must have an opening sentence, the facts and examples, and a concluding or closing sentence. Stick to coherence as it ensures a good flow in your paper. Besides, always use transitions to bring flow to your profile essay. You can use the PEEL format to develop a good flow.

Sample Profile Essay

Here is a sample profile essay on a famous person. The person of interest is Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple company.

Related Reading:

• How to title an article in an essay.
• How to write a narrative essay fast

Get Help with Writing Professional Profile Essays

If you are struggling with writing a profile essay, you can use our profile essay writing services anytime. We accommodate urgent essay writing service requests from clients who want their essays written at the last minute. We also allow you to order your essay in advance before the deadline and communicate with the writer how you wish it to be done. You will get a 100% original and non-AI-generated paper.

Our writers understand what a good profile essay looks like. You can buy our essays online or look up our offering on descriptive essays . Our committed team of writers works 24/7 to ensure that even urgent essays are delivered. So, if you want someone to type your profile essay with , choose us!

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

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Crafting Captivating Profiles: Mastering the Art of Interview Questions

In the realm of storytelling, few genres captivate readers like a well-crafted profile. These immersive narratives transport us into the lives of fascinating individuals, unveiling their journeys, triumphs, and vulnerabilities. However, creating a compelling profile is no easy feat. It requires a delicate balance of research, empathy, and a keen eye for detail – all underpinned by the art of asking the right interview questions.

As writers, our goal is to uncover the essence of our subjects, to peel back the layers and reveal the depths of their experiences. It’s a delicate dance, one that demands both sensitivity and tenacity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art of crafting interview questions that will breathe life into your profiles, transforming them from mere biographical accounts into vivid tapestries woven with emotion, insight, and authenticity.

The Power of the Personal

One of the hallmarks of a great profile is its ability to forge a connection between the subject and the reader. To achieve this, you must delve into the personal realm, inviting your subject to share their most intimate memories, emotions, and defining moments. Here are some powerful questions to consider:

“What is your earliest memory?” This seemingly simple question can unlock a treasure trove of insights, offering a glimpse into the formative experiences that shaped your subject’s worldview.

“Tell me about your mother and father – what were they like?” Family dynamics often play a profound role in shaping an individual’s character and values. Exploring these relationships can reveal the foundations upon which your subject’s identity was built.

“Who had the greatest influence on you during your childhood?” Mentors, teachers, or even fictional characters can leave indelible marks on our psyche. Uncovering these influential figures can shed light on the forces that guided your subject’s personal and professional trajectory.

“Describe a typical day in your childhood.” The mundane details of daily life often hold the richest insights. By inviting your subject to paint a vivid picture of their childhood routines, you can unearth the subtle nuances that made their upbringing unique.

“Do you remember your first day of school?” Pivotal moments, even those from our earliest years, can leave lasting impressions. Exploring these milestones can provide a window into your subject’s emotional landscape, revealing their fears, hopes, and resilience.

Navigating Pivotal Junctures

Every life is punctuated by moments of profound significance – moments that forever alter the course of our journey. As a profile writer, it is your responsibility to illuminate these pivotal junctures, exploring the catalysts that propelled your subject towards their current path. Consider incorporating questions such as:

“What was the happiest day of your childhood?” Joy and fulfillment are often found in the simplest of moments, and uncovering these cherished memories can reveal the values and aspirations that have guided your subject’s life.

“What was the saddest day of your childhood?” Adversity and loss shape us in profound ways. By exploring these darker moments, you can shed light on the resilience and growth that ultimately blossomed from hardship.

“What was your first personal experience with death?” Our relationship with mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Exploring how your subject confronted this existential reality can offer profound insights into their perspectives on life, love, and legacy.

“When did you learn there was no Santa Claus?” The loss of innocence is a universal rite of passage. Exploring how your subject navigated this transition can reveal their capacity for wonder, disillusionment, and the evolution of their worldview.

Unveiling the Essence

While pivotal moments and personal histories are essential components of a compelling profile, they are merely the foundation upon which the true essence of your subject is built. To truly capture the depths of an individual’s character, you must delve into their innermost thoughts, aspirations, and philosophies. Consider these thought-provoking questions:

“If you could be or do anything else, what would it be?” Our unrealized dreams often reveal our deepest longings and the values that fuel our ambitions.

“If you could live in any other time, when might that be?” Our fascination with other eras can shed light on our subject’s ideals, interests, and perspectives on the world around them.

“If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be?” The company we choose to keep, even in hypothetical scenarios, can reveal our subject’s inspirations, role models, and the qualities they admire most.

“What one word would you use to describe yourself?” Self-perception is a powerful lens through which to understand an individual’s sense of identity and personal brand.

“What one word would your friends use to describe you?” Contrasting self-perception with external perspectives can uncover fascinating discrepancies or affirm the authenticity of your subject’s self-awareness.

“If you could change one thing in your past, what might that be?” Regrets and desires for change can illuminate the experiences that have shaped your subject’s growth, values, and aspirations.

“What are you most proud of?” Achievements and sources of pride often reveal the values and priorities that have guided your subject’s journey.

“How would you like to be remembered?” Our legacy is a reflection of the impact we hope to leave on the world, and exploring this aspiration can reveal the essence of your subject’s purpose and passion.

The Art of the Follow-Up

While a well-crafted set of questions is essential, the true magic of a compelling profile lies in your ability to adapt and respond to your subject’s responses. Masterful follow-up questions can transform a surface-level exchange into a rich tapestry of insight and emotion. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:

Listen actively : Pay close attention to the nuances, emotions, and subtext in your subject’s responses. These subtle cues can guide you towards fruitful lines of inquiry and deeper exploration.

Embrace vulnerability : Creating an atmosphere of trust and vulnerability is crucial. Be present, empathetic, and willing to explore sensitive or emotional topics with sensitivity and respect.

Seek clarification : If a response leaves you with questions or a desire for further elaboration, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or additional details. These follow-up questions can often yield the richest insights.

Observe body language : Nonverbal cues, such as shifts in posture, facial expressions, or tone of voice, can signal areas of discomfort or emotional resonance. Responding to these cues with gentle probing or a change in direction can unlock new depths of understanding.

Be receptive to tangents : While it’s important to maintain focus, be open to following your subject’s lead if they veer into unexpected territory. These tangents may reveal insights you never anticipated, adding richness and authenticity to your profile.

Crafting a compelling profile is an art form that requires patience, empathy, and a deep respect for the human experience. By mastering the art of asking insightful and thought-provoking questions, you can unlock the depths of your subject’s psyche, unveiling the triumphs, vulnerabilities, and profound truths that make their story worth telling.

Remember, the true power of a profile lies not in the mere recitation of facts but in the ability to forge an emotional connection between the reader and the subject. By weaving together personal histories, pivotal moments, and philosophical musings, you can create a tapestry that resonates with universal truths and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

So, embrace the journey, listen with an open heart, and let the art of the interview guide you towards crafting profiles that inspire, enlighten, and ultimately, celebrate the richness of the human experience.

Profile Essay Interview Questions

How do you interview someone for a profile essay?

What are profile questions?

What is your job profile interview question?

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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

Copyright 2018 Joanna Furlong, Freelance Writer. All rights reserved. 

• 100 Profile Essay Topics

As part of a school assignment or a college application, you may be asked to write a profile essay. This type of essay is a portrait of a person, place, thing, or idea. The goal is to provide readers with enough information so that they can understand the main subject of the essay.

But to write a profile essay that will earn you a good grade or acceptance into an educational institution, you’ll need to follow some specific guidelines.

To assist you in your writing endeavors, we’ve created this handy guide detailing everything you need to know about writing a profile essay and included 100 profile essay topics to help inspire your writing.

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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Best questions for a profile essay

Home » Questions » Best questions for a profile essay

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 elicit detailed responses. In this article, we present a comprehensive list of questions that will help you gather valuable information for your profile essay.

When conducting an interview for a profile essay, it is crucial to establish a comfortable and trusting environment. Begin with icebreaker questions that allow the interviewee to open up and share their thoughts freely. As the conversation progresses, transition into more specific questions that delve into their background, career, passions, and personal experiences. Remember to actively listen and encourage the interviewee to elaborate on their answers for a more comprehensive profile.

The questions listed below are designed to spark meaningful conversations and provide a deeper understanding of the individual you are profiling. Use them as a guide to craft your interview and shape your profile essay into a captivating piece of writing that showcases the essence of your subject.

See these questions for a profile essay:

• What experiences or events have shaped your life?
• Can you describe your childhood and how it influenced your aspirations?
• What motivated you to pursue your current career path?
• How do you define success and how has it evolved over time?
• What challenges have you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?
• Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
• What values do you prioritize in your personal and professional life?
• Can you share a defining moment that changed your perspective on life?
• How do you maintain a work-life balance?
• What advice would you give to someone starting in your field?
• What are some misconceptions about your profession?
• Can you recall a time when you made a significant impact on someone’s life?
• How do you stay motivated during challenging times?
• What are your hobbies or interests outside of your work?
• How do you approach problem-solving?
• What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
• Can you share a memorable experience from your career?
• What are your future goals and aspirations?
• How do you handle criticism and feedback?
• What role does creativity play in your work?
• Can you describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision?
• What is something that most people don’t know about you?
• How do you stay updated with the latest developments in your field?
• What are some personal qualities that have contributed to your success?
• Can you recall a time when you had to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal?
• What impact do you hope to make in your industry?
• How do you approach continuous learning and personal growth?
• What advice would you give to your younger self?
• What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
• How do you handle failure and setbacks?
• Can you share a meaningful interaction you had with a client or customer?
• What steps do you take to overcome challenges or obstacles?
• How do you cultivate creativity and innovation within your work?
• What are some lessons you have learned from your failures?
• How do you manage stress and maintain your mental well-being?
• What role does networking play in your career?
• Can you share a time when you had to adapt to a new situation or environment?
• What advice would you give to someone facing a similar career path?
• How do you define leadership and what qualities do you believe are essential for a good leader?
• What steps do you take to ensure a healthy work environment?
• Can you share a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone?
• What impact do you hope to leave on the world?
• How do you stay inspired and motivated?

These questions are a starting point for your profile essay interview. Tailor them to suit your subject’s background and interests, and don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into their experiences and perspectives. Remember, the key to a compelling profile essay lies in capturing the essence of the individual and portraying their story with authenticity and empathy.

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Top 20 Personality Interview Questions (Example Answers Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Personality interview questions can be a bit… uncomfortable for candidates. In some cases, it’s because figuring out how to describe your personality is surprisingly difficult. At times, it’s simply because it leaves you feeling exposed or vulnerable.

Plus, personality questions don’t have a right or wrong answer. At least, not in the traditional sense. It is possible to make a misstep, one that may hurt your chances of getting the job.

Luckily, we have your back. If you want to make sure you’ll nail the personality interview questions, here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Personality?

Alright, before we dig into the example personality interview questions and answers, let’s take a quick step back and go over what personality even is.

According to Merriam-Webster , it can be defined as “the complex of characteristics that distinguishes an individual” or “a set of distinctive traits and characteristics.” Yes, there are other definitions too, but that should give you a starting point.

In less technical terms, personality is what makes you, well, you. This can include your various traits, mentality, perspective, and soft skills , for example.

Why do you have to deal with personality questions in your job interview? Usually, it’s because it helps the hiring manager gauge your cultural fit with the team and company. It also gives them insights into the kind of employee you are , something that’s incredibly crucial for them to know if they are going to be your supervisor.

In many cases, personality interview questions get a bit personal. Now, this doesn’t mean they’ll veer into inappropriate territory, as hiring managers usually know what kinds of personal interview questions are off-limits. But they do ask you to reveal aspects of yourself, and that can be difficult.

Additionally, most of what the hiring manager will ask you here doesn’t have right or wrong answers. In most cases, they’ll be situational or behavioral interview questions that are designed to learn more about how you approach specific scenarios.

For example, you may be asked how you would react to a particular kind of problem or what you’d do when facing a described challenge. When that happens, you can’t necessarily be “wrong” when you answer. However, that doesn’t mean some responses aren’t better than others.

Now, this doesn’t mean some of the questions won’t be more straightforward. The trick is, you may not want to approach them that way. For instance, simply listing your traits – unless that’s explicitly what you’re asked to do – leads to a lackluster answer. Examples , stories , and context make your replies more meaningful, so don’t be afraid to give the hiring manager some insights when you answer any kind of personality question.

In fact we we wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview. After all, hiring managers will often ask you more generalized interview questions!

Click below to get your free PDF now:

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How to Answer Personality Interview Questions

Alright, here’s another quick detour before we dig into the personality questions. Before you look at the examples, it’s essential to learn a bit about how to answer these kinds of questions correctly.

Why? Because you never know what is going to come up.

Yes, we are giving you a list of personality questions. The thing is, the hiring manager may ask you some of these, or they may not. If you want to be ready for the unexpected, you want to get a great strategy in place. That’s why we’re taking a short wander down this path.

First, let’s talk about how to describe your personality. In most cases, you’ll want to mention the standout traits that help you excel at work. Precisely which ones those will be depend on you.

Spend a little time reflecting on why you’re good at what you do. What traits give you a leg up? How do they impact your motivation, drive, and mentality? How do you make them work for you? And in what way do they apply to the job you want to land?

Also, think about traits that hold you back. There’s a chance the hiring manager is going to ask you about them. Like the interview classic “ what is your greatest weakness ,” this can be tough. Admitting you have shortcomings can sting, but it’s an important part of the equation.

Next, let’s get into how to approach the questions themselves. With behavioral interview questions, your best bet is to combine the Tailoring Method and the STAR Method .

The Tailoring Method is all about focusing on relevancy. It’s about discussing points that matter to that specific hiring manager, making your answer more compelling. With the STAR Method, the goal is to develop an engaging story. It gives your responses more life and detail, ensuring they are as meaningful as possible.

Once you get your footing with all of that, you should be in good shape. You’ll know what it takes to create a great answer to any personality questions, as well as many other types that you might face during an interview.

Top 3 Personality-Based Interview Questions

Okay, it is officially time for those personality interview questions you’ve been waiting for. Here are three prime examples, as well as some sample responses.

1. How would you describe your personality?

In the world of personal interview questions, this one is the most straightforward. There’s no doubt what the hiring manager wants to know, giving you a lot of insight into what you should cover.

Often, the biggest challenge here is that it’s incredibly broad. There really aren’t any limits, and that can make it a surprisingly hard one to navigate.

Ideally, you want to focus on traits that help you professionally. However, it’s also okay to throw in something that’s a bit outside of the box, too, as it may help you stand out from the crowd.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“If I had to describe my personality at work, I’d have to say passionate, driven, and strategic. I believe strongly in my field and continue to find it both engaging and fascinating. Additionally, exceeding expectations is one of my core motivations, and I rely on preparation to help me do that. While I’m also fun-loving, supportive, and empathetic, I think those traits simply support the others. It keeps my mood positive, even when facing challenges, along me to be an asset to my employer at all times.

2. What one trait makes you a unique candidate?

This question is a bit more focused and a tad bit more tricky. You have to pick a characteristic that benefits you in the role that’s also something other candidates likely won’t share.

In most cases, you’ll want to come up with a trait that’s a bit unexpected. Precisely what that will be may depend on you, but the example below can help you get an idea of the right direction.

“If I had to pick one trait that sets me apart, I’d have to say my serene nature. During high-pressure times, I’ve often been described as the calm in the storm, as I’m incredibly hard to shake, even when faced with obstacles. It is part of why I thrive in fast-paced roles, as when times get stressful, I flourish instead of fold.”

3. Tell me about a time you got angry at work. What happened, and what did you do about it?

This question helps the hiring manager learn more about how you react when things get tough. Over the course of even a shorter career, something has likely gotten under your skin. However, it’s how you handle it that matters

Being able to navigate your own anger and diffuse it is important. It ensures you don’t lash out at colleagues, customers, or anyone else.

When you pick an example – and you do have to pick one – focus on an option where your frustration would be understandable. Choosing a moment where you were irrationally angry won’t work in your favor.

Additionally, be brief when describing your anger. Instead, focus mostly on how you let it go, allowing you to work through it and achieve a positive outcome.

“While I don’t let my emotions dictate my actions, there has been a time where I did become angry at work. For example, I was working on a team project in my last position, and my colleague missed the deadline for their deliverable, a deliverable I needed to stay on target myself. Their delay was undoubtedly going to put me behind. However, instead of expressing my frustration, I touched base with them to see if I could help. Ultimately, if my assistance could remedy the issue, we’d all be in better shape, so I set my emotions aside and approached them. With my support, we were able to wrap up their tasks faster. While we were still a bit behind schedule at this point, it was manageable. With a bit of extra diligence, we were able to make up the lost time, allowing the project to finish on schedule.”

17 More Personality-Based Interview Questions

Here are 17 more personality questions you might encounter during an interview.

• What do you do to manage stress?
• How do you stand out from other professionals in your field?
• What are you passionate about?
• How do you navigate change in the workplace?
• If you could make one change to your personality, what would it be and why?
• How would your former coworkers describe you? What about your last manager?
• How would your best friend describe you?
• Do you prefer working collaboratively or independently?
• How do you handle negative feedback?
• If you could rewind to a moment in the past three years and change what you did, what would you do differently and why?
• What does success mean to you?
• Can you describe a time when you were dealing with an incredibly challenging workload? How did you handle it?
• If you saw your coworker doing something unethical, what would you do? Would you act differently if it was your manager?
• How do you like to spend your free time?
• Using just three words, how would you describe yourself and why?
• Do you consider yourself to be an introvert or an extrovert? Why do you feel that way?
• Describe a time when you bounced back after a failure.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, figuring out how to describe your personality can be tough. But with all of the tips above – as well as the sample personality interview questions and answers – you’ve got all of the tools you need to do it well. Use them to your advantage. That way, when you have to describe your personality to a hiring manager, you’ll be ready.

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

Download our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you word-for-word sample answers to some of the most common interview questions including:

• What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
• What Is Your Greatest Strength?
• Tell Me About Yourself
• Why Should We Hire You?

Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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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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