Photo courtesy of Mat Robinson of Enduring Images Studio
Having the right kind of photo on your LinkedIn profile can create a more personal connection with the employer or recruiter who views it. Even your executive resume will will be read with more interest if the reader has a mental picture of you. A properly lit, well-dressed photo of you can enhance your written profile and assuage any concerns that might arise if you don't have a profile!
- You'll want to use a professional quality headshot, not an angled picture that you snapped with your cell phone in front of the bathroom mirror, and not a Facebook profile picture of you out on the town. If you can't afford a professional, then find a friend with a digital camera who knows how to point and click.
- Use good lighting. After all, the place you will be working in will have proper lighting, so your picture should show a fair representation of what you look like.
- Use a neutral background with solid colors. You don’t want to have a photo with too much background noise or cutoff heads floating around.
- Dress for success. If you are applying for an executive or managerial position, have your collar pressed and your tie straight.
- Have the photographer try to capture some of your personal brand attributes in your expression. They may include one or more of the following: leader-like, sincere, assertive, strong, charismatic, steady, creative, humorous, outgoing, confident, etc.
- If you are worried about age discrimination, then feel free to touch up the gray hairs and use a healthy layer of foundation for a youthful and energetic appearance.
- Finally, try to look as up-to-date as possible. This means having your hair style and your clothing style current.
See how great a professional headshot can be by viewing the image in this blog post. If you are in the New Jersey/New York area, contact Mat. Otherwise, try to find someone whose work looks great close to home.
Having a high quality photo for your LinkedIn profile can draw the viewer in and prompt a contact with a recruiter or hiring authority.
