f you’ve ever heard the expression “a picture is worth a thousand words”, then you might understand why having a professional headshot is so important for LinkedIn. Your profile picture, along with the content on your LinkedIn page, is all part of your personal brand. An unflattering or missing picture will turn off recruiters, while a professional headshot will increase your networking success. In fact, studies by LinkedIn have shown that having a well-taken portrait can make you up to 14x more likely to be viewed by others, and 36x more likely to receive a message! Don’t gamble on your dream job with a missing or blurry profile picture.
Here are five tips to help you out:
1. Be the sole focus of the shot
LinkedIn pictures are supposed to represent you. This is not the time to post a group photo or a photo of you with your beloved pet. Also remember, LinkedIn photos are small and sometimes hard to see. You should be centered in the photo, looking straight at the camera with your face taking up at least half of the frame.
2. Look professional
This is your personal brand and the first impression anyone on LinkedIn will have of you! While you don’t need to wear a tuxedo, it is important to wear professional clothing that will photograph well. Think of this as the first step of a job interview: avoid large prints, unflattering colors, and distracting accessories.
3. Be approachable
A friendly smile can go a long way to helping your LinkedIn success. A warm and inviting aura encourages recruiters to contact you, so avoid having a neutral or cold expression. If you’re not a natural smiler, practice in the mirror before your photoshoot.
4. No selfies
This is not the time for a photo of you in your bathroom mirror. You want your photo to appear professional and polished. If possible, you should get a professional photographer to help you take your headshot, as they will have the knowledge to capture the best shot possible.
5. Avoid distracting background
You want the spotlight to be on you, not the background. Don’t take your photo in a busy area with lots of colors and objects. If possible, take your photo in front of a solid, neutral colored backdrop.
You only have one chance to make a good first impression, so make sure you do it right with a professional headshot. While the tips above are helpful, they don’t guarantee the perfect shot. Skip the drama and contact Anytime Picture for your LinkedIn portrait. With over ten years of experience, we know the photography business and we know how to take eye-catching images that will get you results. Call 216-250-7111 or email support@anytimepicture.com for more information.
