I still see many Linkedin profiles that don’t include a photo or have one that is less than ideal. Both can significantly damage the success of your Linkedin profile and subsequent job search.
A photo is your virtual handshake.
It’s often your first impression.
But on a more basic level, humans are social, visual creatures and want to see what others look like as this builds a level of trust and connection.
This is why many recruiters, hiring managers, and HR professionals (me included) will pass your profile by based on the fact that you didn’t add a photo.
► Your profile failed to grab their attention.
► Even if they stopped to take a look at your profile, they didn’t “feel” the connection.
► Even if they decided to consider your profile, they got the feeling that you didn’t care enough to properly represent yourself, even if that wasn’t your intention.
If you’re serous about your career, do you not think it important to complete your entire Linkedin profile and include a current photo of yourself?
If you have a photo, do you not think it’s important that it portrays yourself in a professional manner?
Do you really want to be seen as someone who can’t be bothered or who accepts standards that are just “good enough”??
Take it from me, employers aren’t looking to hire “good enough”. They want to hire someone who strives for excellence in everything they do which includes creating a stand out Linkedin profile with a good photo.
A professional, high-quality portrait shows you’re serious, competent, and able to deliver on what you’re promising.
According to LinkedIn, members who include a photo receive up to 21 times more profile views and up to 36 times more messages.
So, upload a photo that makes you look professional yet approachable at the same time.
The best approach is to invest in a professional photo to ensure that it looks great. If that’s not in the budget, you can take a photo using a digital camera or your phone provided that the quality is there, otherwise it’s worth spending the money.
Do use a head and shoulder shot. No full body shots or photos where you are somewhere in the distance.
Do smile while looking at the camera and show those pearly whites. This portrays a confident, happy, and approachable image.
Do wear attire that is appropriate to your position and industry. That could mean a business suit, business casual, or even a uniform. It depends.
Do portray a neat, tidy, and well-groomed appearance.
Do use a simple, uncluttered background that is as generic as possible as not to be perceived in the wrong way.
Do not crop your image out of a group photo.
Do not upload your company’s logo as your photo. You are NOT your employer.
Do not obscure your face, especially your eyes. They are the windows to your soul so people need to see them. It builds a sense of trust. Do not wear sunglasses.
Do not include anyone else in the photo, like your pets, spouses, kids or anyone else.
Do not wear wedding attire, please. It’s just plain weird.
Profile photo: Pixel size is between 400 (w) x 400 (h) pixels and 7680 (w) x 4320 (h) pixels. It’s recommended to add a photo that won’t require much cropping.
Background photo: Recommended pixel dimensions are 1584 (w) x 396 (h) pixels.
Résumé, Linkedin, and interview help is only a click away!