A picture says a thousand words; your LinkedIn photo will say a lot about your professional presence. Profile photos are always a fun addition to social media profiles, but your LinkedIn photo has a lot more to say than your Facebook profile shot. Make sure that you’re representing yourself the best way possible with our simple tips to master a LinkedIn photo.
5. Know Your Angles
Everyone has a good side, so make sure that your LinkedIn photo captures you on a slight tilt. Straight, head forward photos look severe and harsh. If you’re sitting down, angle your knees away from your body and relax your shoulders. You want to look professional, but you also don’t want to be stiff and rigid.
4. No Personal Photos
Your Facebook friends might enjoy seeing your children or your pet as a profile photo, but your LinkedIn connections shouldn’t be that familiar with your personal life. While it is okay to post personal achievements on LinkedIn, you should keep your profile as professional as possible. That means having a singular professional headshot as your profile photo.
3. Cropped Photos
On a similar note, make sure not to use a cropped photo. It’s almost always obvious when you’ve cropped out other people in a photo for your LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn is your online resume, and you want a plain background with no distractions, not a cropped photo from a party or work event.
2. Color Scheme
Make sure that you have contrast in your photo! For example, go with a lighter background to compliment your dark hair, and vice versa. Your photo shouldn’t be muddy or dark. Also, keep in mind your outfit. Wear a bright blouse or tie that will pop on camera. Avoid patterned clothing that will distract from your overall photo.
1. Put Your Best Face Forward
Possible LinkedIn connections see your face before anything else on your profile. Your LinkedIn profile photo shouldn’t feature anything but your smiling face. Be well-groomed and fresh faced for your LinkedIn photo. No straight faces either—this isn’t a passport photo, it’s the representation of your professional career.
If you’re struggling to get the perfect LinkedIn photo, Employment BOOST can help. We offer LinkedIn profile creation and revisions among our many other services. From crafting a profile from scratch to getting the right photo, Employment BOOST can elevate your experience with LinkedIn to new levels.