Your LinkedIn profile picture is a crucial part of your professional online presence. In fact, our research shows that having a photo on your profile makes it 14 times more likely to be viewed by others. As a recruiter, your profile picture is not only an opportunity to make a great first impression on candidates but also an essential component of your recruiter brand.
If you're on a tight budget, don't worry. A recent headshot taken by a professional photographer is ideal, but you can also take a great profile picture with your smartphone. Here are 10 Tips for Taking a Professional LinkedIn Profile Photo to help you choose a strong profile picture and make a great impression.
1. Pick a photo that looks like you
Your profile picture should give candidates a clear idea of what you look like if they met you tomorrow. Use an up-to-date photo that reflects how you look on a daily basis, including your hair, makeup, and glasses.
2. Use a high-resolution image
Your LinkedIn profile picture should be high-resolution and ideally sized at 400 x 400 pixels. Avoid small, low-resolution images, and avoid using pictures of pictures.
3. Make sure your face takes up at least 60% of the frame
Don't use a picture of yourself standing in a distant background. Instead, crop the picture from the top of your shoulders to just above your head so that your face fills the frame.
4. Be the only person in the picture
Choose a solo photo for your profile picture, so that candidates are clear about what you look like. Avoid group photos or cropped images that show random body parts.
5. Get someone else to take the picture for you
Avoid selfies and get a friend or coworker to take the picture for you instead. They can help direct you and take a natural photo that looks and feels comfortable.
6. Take a photo with the right expression
Smiling in your photo can help put candidates at ease and make you look more approachable. Consider practicing in front of a mirror to see which expression suits you best.
7. Avoid distracting backgrounds
Take your picture against a simple background that won't distract from your face. If you want to showcase your workplace, consider using a group photo for your banner picture instead.
8. Wear what you'd wear to work
Wear clothes that match the dressiness of your workplace, and opt for solid colors that look good on camera.
9. Take the photo in soft, natural light
Standing in harsh fluorescent lighting can change the tint of your pictures and create shadows on your face, while using a camera flash may make your skin look shiny. Try taking your photo in soft, natural light to get the best effect.
10. Use filters wisely
LinkedIn offers six filters that you can apply to your profile picture, so think carefully about what kind of mood you want to convey. Adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, and vignette of the photo directly on LinkedIn to make subtle tweaks.
Choosing the right LinkedIn profile picture is essential to make a great first impression on candidates. By following these tips, you can make sure your picture is up-to-date, professional, and reflects your recruiter brand. So, pick up your smartphone, follow these guidelines, and get ready to make a great first impression!
Real User Story
Brittany had been struggling to find a job for months. She had polished her resume, crafted the perfect cover letter, and applied to countless job postings. Despite her efforts, she wasn't getting any responses. Frustrated and disheartened, she decided to take a fresh look at her LinkedIn profile.
As she scrolled through her profile, she realized that her profile picture was outdated and unprofessional. It was a casual photo taken at a party years ago, and it didn't reflect the image she wanted to portray to potential employers.
Determined to make a change, Brittany followed the tips she had read online and took a new profile picture using her smartphone. She made sure to smile, take the photo in natural light, and wear professional attire.
To her surprise, the response was immediate. Within days, she started receiving messages from recruiters and potential employers. They mentioned how impressed they were with her updated LinkedIn profile, and how professional she looked in her new profile picture.
Feeling more confident and empowered, Brittany went on to land a job at a company she had been eyeing for months. Looking back, she knew that her new LinkedIn profile picture had made all the difference. It was the first step towards building her professional brand and making a lasting impression on potential employers.
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