If you don’t have a photo on your LinkedIn profile, you should. Job seekers without profile photos have many reasons for avoiding this important step. Some fear the possibility of discrimination, others simply haven’t gotten around to it yet. But did you know that profiles with pictures attract 50%-70% more inquiries than profiles without pictures?
Here are some tips for your LinkedIn photo:
- Don’t use an old photo. There are few things worse than meeting someone for the first time and not recognizing them because the photo on their LinkedIn profile is from 10 years ago (or longer)!
- Use a photo of YOU in your profile — don’t use a photo of an object.
- Your LinkedIn photo should include your head and shoulders, not just a close-up of your face.
- Smile! Radiate warmth and approachability in your photo.
- Photos should be professionally done, if possible.
- Wear your most complementary color. Bright colors can attract attention, but avoid patterns.
- Don’t have other people in your photos (and don’t crop other people out of your shot — there should not be any errant body parts in your LinkedIn photo!).
- Make sure the background in the photo isn’t distracting.
- Relax. Look directly at the camera, but keep in mind that there is a difference between “looking at” the camera and “staring down” the camera. Don’t be too intense.
- Take multiple shots and ask people their opinion on which one makes you seem most “approachable.”
- Tips for Men: Wear a dark blue or black dress shirt. No t-shirts or tuxedos. No busy or crazy patterns.
- Tips for Women: No t-shirts. No big or busy patterns. Soft, dark v-necks look great. Black always works, but white can work as well. Wear something you feel comfortable in.