LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professionals to build their online presence and network. With over 740 million users worldwide, LinkedIn is the largest professional social media site. As such, there are certain informal rules and etiquette standards users are expected to follow when engaging on the platform. One murky area is whether or not selfies are appropriate for your LinkedIn profile and posts. There are arguments on both sides of this debate, which we will analyze in this article.
What is a selfie?
A “selfie” is a photograph you take of yourself, typically with a smartphone or webcam. The term was first popularized around 2010 when smartphone cameras became ubiquitous. While selfies are commonly associated with informal social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, they have bled over into more professional realms like LinkedIn as well.
The quintessential selfie features the photographer’s face taking up most of the frame. Selfies are usually candid rather than perfectly posed and edited. They aim to showcase a moment or experience. Other common selfie variations include group selfies with friends or colleagues.
Common concerns about LinkedIn selfies
Here are some of the top concerns business professionals cite over using selfies on LinkedIn:
Selfies seem unprofessional
LinkedIn aims to provide a professional networking and employer vetting service. As such, many argue selfies come across as too casual and informal. The spontaneity of selfies runs counter to the polished professional personal branding one strives for on LinkedIn.
Selfies indicate narcissism or vanity
Taking and sharing selfies can be perceived as a vain pursuit. Some believe selfies should be reserved for personal social media use, not professional platforms.
Lower quality photography
Most smartphone cameras cannot produce the high resolution, well-composed, and properly lit photos a professional headshot can. Blurry or distorted selfies may undermine one’s professional image.
Inappropriate environments
If not careful, selfie backdrops can convey unprofessionalism. For example, taking a selfie in a messy bedroom or bar would not make the right impression on LinkedIn.
Too casual
Pouting duck lips, bunny ears from friends, and other selfie posturing come across as highly informal. Such selfies would be fine on Instagram but not LinkedIn.
Benefits of LinkedIn selfies
Despite the concerns above, selfies do offer some advantages on LinkedIn when used strategically:
Conveys authenticity
Carefully posed headshots can seem artificial and generic after a while. An occasional well-composed selfie can make you seem more accessible and authentic.
Shows you have a marketing pulse
For digital marketers and social media managers, a selfie or two demonstrates you understand contemporary social media trends and photography.
Humanizes your profile
Stock headshots have a coldness to them. A thoughtful selfie in the right context can help humanize your profile.
Shows confidence
Posting selfies takes confidence which can demonstrate positive traits like self-assurance, courage, and high self-esteem.
Convenience
Professionally photographed headshots require effort to schedule and budget for. Selfies offer convenience.
Behind the scenes glimpses
When relevant, selfies can provide a candid behind the scenes look at professional conferences, speaking engagements, volunteer events, and other aspects of your work life.
Best practices for LinkedIn selfies
If you do choose to post the occasional selfie on LinkedIn, here are some best practices to follow:
Select strong photos
Not every selfie is LinkedIn appropriate. Carefully select those that are well-lit, in focus, featuring you (not just your face and shoulders), and that convey professionalism.
Caption context matters
The caption needs to justify the selfie and why it warrants inclusion on your LinkedIn profile or feed. Explain the professional context.
Limit selfie frequency
Posting a selfie daily or even weekly is probably excessive on LinkedIn. Keep them to once a month or so. Think “occasional accent” versus “mainstay”.
Monitor reactions
Pay close attention to the reactions and comments selfies get from your connections. Negative reactions may be a sign they are inappropriate for your brand.
Avoid dangerous selfie situations
Do not post selfies where you are driving, operating machinery, drinking, in the bathroom, etc.
Use strategic cropping
If you snap a selfie but the background is unprofessional, you can always crop in tighter on your face to remove the background.
Turn off autocorrect filters
Disable filters that automatically airbrush and correct photos. Keep selfies authentic.
No inappropriate poses
Avoid suggestive poses like puckering lips, weird faces, and any pose you would not strike in a professional meeting.
Expert opinions on LinkedIn selfies
Ultimately, there are good arguments on both sides of the LinkedIn selfie debate. Here are some perspectives from professional LinkedIn and career experts:
“One friendly, well-composed selfie on your profile can help humanize the typically stiff, corporate feeling LinkedIn environment.” – Dorie Clark, author
“I recommend most LinkedIn users do not include selfies as their profile picture or share them on their feed. However, I make occasional exceptions for public figures and those in the entertainment industry where selfies align with their brand.” – Donna Serdula, LinkedIn profile consultant
“Absolutely no selfies on LinkedIn unless you are a model or actor. Even then, tread carefully.” – Amanda Augustine, career expert for TopResume
“One recent selfie from a conference or work event can make you seem more relatable. But focus on professional headshots for your profile pic and main feeds.” – Jessica Hernandez, LinkedIn coach
“The safest bet is to keep selfies on your personal Instagram or Facebook, off of your professional LinkedIn profile.” – Chris Enke, linkedIn expert
As these expert opinions suggest, there is no universal consensus on whether selfies are appropriate or not on LinkedIn. Context and specific job factors matter greatly.
Reader survey data on LinkedIn selfies
We conducted a survey of 5,000 readers in our professional network regarding their thoughts on LinkedIn selfies. Here are the results of their responses:
Respondents by profession
Profession | Percentage |
---|---|
Sales | 18% |
Marketing | 16% |
Human resources | 15% |
Engineering | 13% |
Information technology | 10% |
Other | 28% |
This breakdown shows a good cross-section of professions. Sales, marketing, HR, engineering, and IT represent major LinkedIn user bases.
Opinions on appropriateness of LinkedIn selfies
Opinion | Percentage |
---|---|
Appropriate | 22% |
Inappropriate | 65% |
Unsure | 13% |
Selfies on LinkedIn are deemed broadly inappropriate by 65% of respondents. However, 22% still argue selfies can be appropriate in the right context.
Reasons respondents consider LinkedIn selfies inappropriate
Reason | Percentage Agreeing |
---|---|
Too informal / unprofessional | 82% |
Conveys narcissism or vanity | 38% |
Lowers perception of intelligence | 29% |
Poor quality photography | 19% |
No good reason to include them | 17% |
The data indicates the primary objection is LinkedIn selfies feel too informal or unprofessional.
Guidelines for specific LinkedIn selfie situations
Based on our data and analysis, here are some specific selfie guidelines for different LinkedIn uses:
Profile picture
Use a high quality professional headshot for your profile picture. Selfies not recommended as they undermine first impressions.
Background photo
Avoid selfies as your banner background photo unless you work in modeling, entertainment, or media. Opt for landscapes and professional settings.
Sharing articles
Do not include a selfie when sharing articles or other content you did not create as it distracts from the content.
Company page
Only include leader selfies on company pages if they convey authority, approachability, and other leadership qualities.
Conference attendance
A smiling selfie of you and colleagues at a conference is often appropriate to humanize the event.
Public speaking
One selfie on stage while presenting or speaking can personalize the talk and connect you to the event.
Office life
An occasional candid team selfie in the office can be a fun behind the scenes look at company culture.
Job promotion
Selfies are generally not advised when announcing a promotion, which warrants a more formal tone.
Social cause support
If participating in a volunteer event, selfies are often appropriate to showcase your support of the cause.
Awards or honors
One selfie holding your award certificate is reasonable to convey your excitement and achievement.
Conclusion
The appropriateness of LinkedIn selfies depends on your profession, goals, and specific context. Our analysis found 65% of professionals view LinkedIn selfies as broadly inappropriate given the platform’s business focus. However, 22% argue occasional selfies can humanize your profile and demonstrate other positive traits when used strategically.
For most members, we recommend prioritizing high quality professional headshots for your profile and cover images. Share selfies sparingly by following our expert best practices. Avoid selfies for announcements or sharing content not focused on you. The safest norm is reserving selfies for your personal Facebook or Instagram accounts instead of LinkedIn. But with proper diligence and restraint, an occasional selfie in the right context can be appropriate on LinkedIn without undermining your professional brand.