Your profile picture is one of the most crucial elements of your LinkedIn presence. In fact, according to Business Insider, you are 14 times more likely to be viewed if you have a profile picture. In saying this, choosing the right photo is important towards your professional brand and ultimately, landing on the job of your dreams. Association to Psychological Science states that it only takes one-tenth of a second for someone to draw conclusions of a person, based on your photo. This means that the square image on your LinkedIn Profile is your first chance to make a good impression.
Below are 6 tips in choosing the right LinkedIn Profile Picture:
Having a profile picture that looks like you is paramount in gaining a sense of credibility. Have you ever experienced seeing someone for the first time online, and then meeting them in person and realise they are completely different? This is why your photo should be updated, and not one from 5 years ago.
It is important to dress appropriately to your industry. As such, if you work in a finance firm, professional attire - suit and tie, would be most appropriate. If you work at a startup or media company, smart casual isn't off limits. You get the drift - don’t underdress or overdress, but keep yourself neat and presentable.
Make sure your expression is natural. You want to appear friendly and approachable so try not to force a smile, or be overly happy nor overly serious looking. Research shows that happy, positive facial expressions come off as more trustworthy.
Find a background that is plain and not distracting. It is important to make sure there is a contrast between yourself and the background so that you are the focus point. You don’t want to blend in the background with your choice of attire now do you? Although neutral coloured backgrounds may be the safer option, bright coloured backgrounds are also worth a shot.
Photos that are dark, blurry, out-of-focus, have people cropped out or taken at parties should be avoided at all costs. Choose a photo that frames your face - one that starts from your shoulders to the top of your head, or one that starts from your hips to the top of your head. It needs to be clear, visible and well-lit.
When in doubt, get a professional photographer to take your Linkedin profile picture. This worthwhile investment could save you time, energy and can be used for other social media profiles. Essentially, incorporating a high-quality profile picture will help you gain the right impression and increase your chances to be discovered.
Snappr provides photographers that won’t break your budget. With $59, you could have your profile picture done professionally in high resolution at an affordable price. Typically this prices around a third of the cost you'll see elsewhere. Book a photoshoot today.
