As we previously mentioned, there are a lot of ways you can go wrong with your LinkedIn profile picture.
From completely forgetting to have one to choosing a strange image of you with a pet or beer in your hand, there are a million ways to make the wrong impression.
Your LinkedIn profile picture is your first chance to impress an employer and sell yourself as a brand or professional.
While getting a photographer to take a professional picture of yourself is ideal, splashing out that kind of money isn’t always affordable.
The good news is that the camera on your smartphone can do the trick.
It’s just a case of learning how to take a strong one that makes your LinkedIn profile stand out.
Pick a photo that looks like you
It’s easy to choose a LinkedIn profile picture that hides certain facial features. However, this isn’t the best solution.
However, this isn’t the best solution.
While searching for a job isn’t like navigating through Tinder, you don’t want to turn up to an interview and your potential new employer spends most of the time wondering why you look so different from your picture.
Be authentic and proud of what you look like.
The real you, in the present day, is what the employer will be getting.
So, don’t opt for an old image before you had grey hair or fewer wrinkles. Showcase who you are today – because you’re the best!
Only use a high-resolution image.
The ideal size for your LinkedIn profile picture is 400 x 400 pixels. However, you can also use larger file sizes of up to 8MB.
If your LinkedIn profile picture looks blurry, you need to rethink your selection.
Highlight the right qualities
The next point to consider when choosing the perfect LinkedIn profile picture is thinking about how you look from someone else’s point of view.
Are you genuinely smiling?
Your shoulders relaxed and hands nicely positioned?
Smiling with your eyes as well as your mouth?
Getting all of these body language elements right can make you look approachable.
On the flip side, if you raise an eyebrow, are smiling cheekily or the image looks forced, you run the risk of looking untrustworthy.
It’s only fine margins.
But if you get it wrong, it could cost you your dream job.
After all, 93% of recruiters check a job applicant’s social media profiles before contacting them!
Take a headshot
The image you choose should have a non-distracting background and your face needs to occupy 60% of the space.
Your LinkedIn profile picture is non-clickable, therefore, it’s important that an employer can see your face clearly.
Be professional and show off your pearly whites!
Pick the right outfit
Whether you’re an entry-level professional or a CEO of a big company, wear the clothes that you’d normally wear in your workplace.
Don’t get me wrong, if you usually work from home, sporting your favourite pyjamas probably isn’t the best look!
Patterned tops and fine lines don’t always flatter.
Keep your colour choice solid and neutral.
It should represent who you are as a person and/or what your brand stands for.
Avoid selfies
Selfies are barely acceptable on Facebook and Instagram, let alone a professional platform like LinkedIn!
Get someone else to take the photo for you and avoid using ghastly filters.
A black and white one is acceptable, although it’s always nice to see you in real colour, so only use this if you really think it helps improve the image.
Take the photo in natural light
Lighting is everything in the world of photography.
By simply turning towards a soft, natural light, you can elevate your photo from a 5 to a 10!
Harsh fluorescent lighting can alter the tint of your pictures and create unwanted shadows on your face.
Using a flash is also a bad idea too, as your skin will often look shiny.
For the best LinkedIn profile picture results, take the image outside on an overcast day slightly away from direct sunlight.
Striking a pose when the sun is setting is perfect.
If you want to remain indoors, face a nearby window to illuminate your face and give your skin a natural-looking glow.
Improve the rest of your social media game
Choosing the right LinkedIn profile picture is merely scratching the surface.
With social media playing such an integral role within the recruitment world, it’s vital that you’re correctly portrayed across all of your profiles.
This starts from deleting inappropriate posts to using enticing opening lines on your bio.
To give you a better idea, take a look at our previous posts.
(You can thank us later!)
- 6 Ways to Make Your Social Media Look Professional to Employers
- 12 Rookie Mistakes You’re Making on LinkedIn (Probably)
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