LinkedIn is primarily used for professional networking and showcasing your career accomplishments. However, there has been some debate around whether LinkedIn profile photos can be more casual, instead of the typical headshot. Here we’ll explore the pros and cons of having a casual LinkedIn photo and provide tips for taking a professional but approachable headshot.
The purpose of LinkedIn photos
LinkedIn profile photos serve several purposes:
- Put a face to your name and make your profile more memorable.
- Convey your professionalism and competence.
- Build trust and approachability so people feel comfortable connecting with you.
- Reflect your personal brand and align with the image you want to project.
Overall, your photo should make a good first impression on visitors to your profile.
The case for casual LinkedIn photos
Here are some potential benefits of having a more casual LinkedIn photo:
- Appear more relatable and humanized.
- Show your authentic personality.
- Reflect your personal brand if it’s more casual and creative.
- Stand out from formal headshots that all look the same.
- Loosen up your image if your industry or company culture is more laidback.
In some situations, a casual photo may align better with the impression you want to make. It also depends on your target audience and what image would appeal to them.
When to stick with a professional headshot
However, there are still good reasons to stick with a traditional professional headshot:
- Preserve a polished, corporate image if required in your industry.
- Project competence and trustworthiness.
- Appeal to more conservative connections.
- Avoid looking unprofessional if you’re job searching.
- Maintain consistency with formal headshots of colleagues.
Many experts recommend keeping your photo straightforward and corporate-friendly if you work in a more traditional field like law, finance, engineering, etc.
Tips for a professional but approachable headshot
You can strike a balance by taking a headshot that looks professional but also warm and inviting:
- Wear professional attire in solid, neutral colors.
- Smile naturally to appear friendly and confident.
- Stand against a plain background without distracting elements.
- Face the camera directly and make eye contact.
- Ask the photographer to get some candids as well as posed shots.
A few small tweaks can make your standard headshot seem less stiff and intimidating.
Guidelines for casual LinkedIn photos
If you do opt for a casual photo, here are a few guidelines:
- Still make sure it’s high quality with good lighting.
- Avoid extreme closeups or overly cropped images.
- Don’t include other people or distractions in the background.
- Skip overly casual elements like tank tops or party settings.
- Stick to a natural, friendly expression instead of silly faces.
Maintain some professionalism even if you want a more casual vibe.
Examples of casual yet professional LinkedIn photos
- Waist-up shot of you in a casual collared shirt or blouse.
- Standing with hands in pockets while wearing business casual attire.
- Sitting on a stool or leaning against a wall.
- Outdoors or in an office with soft natural lighting.
- Direct eye contact and warm smile at the camera.
These types of shots add some personality while still looking put-together.
Test different options
LinkedIn allows you to upload multiple photos and rearrange which one shows up as your main image. Consider uploading a few different variations from formal to casual.
You can see which style seems to garner more profile views and positive reactions from your connections. Testing different options can reveal what works best for your audience.
Align with your brand
Ultimately, opt for the photo that best reflects your personal brand. If you want to cultivate a polished, corporate image, a traditional headshot is likely the way to go. But if you want to stand out and show off more flair and creativity, a casual photo may work for you.
Think about the impression you aim to make and how to visually represent that through your profile picture. Let your brand values guide your choice.
The final word on LinkedIn photos
While casual photos are increasingly common, it’s still safest to stick with a professional headshot if you work in a more formal industry or role. However, a natural smile and warm expression can inject some personality into an otherwise corporate headshot.
If your personal brand is more laidback or creative, a casual photo could be advantageous. Just maintain some level of professionalism in your attire, backdrop and posing.
Test out different options to see which style resonates most with your connections. Ultimately, pick the photo that best encapsulates your brand while making people want to connect with the human behind your professional image.
Conclusion
In summary, there are pros and cons to both formal headshots and casual photos on LinkedIn. The most appropriate option depends on your industry, target audience and personal brand image. With some strategic thought, you can select a profile picture that strikes the right balance between professionalism and approachability. Focus on projecting an image that aligns with how you want people to perceive you.