Quick Answer
Not having a profile picture on LinkedIn is generally seen as a negative by recruiters and others viewing your profile. A profile picture adds a personal touch and helps put a face to your name. However, there are some cases where it may be advisable to skip the photo, such as if you are currently employed and looking discreetly or if you have concerns about bias over appearance. Overall, adding a professional headshot is recommended to maximize your LinkedIn presence.
Why You Should Have a Photo
Here are some of the main reasons it’s advantageous to upload a profile photo on LinkedIn:
Adds a personal touch
A photo makes your profile stand out and appear more human. People connect more easily when they can associate a name with a face.
Shows you’re proud of your identity
Displaying a picture indicates you are comfortable publicly sharing your identity and embracing your brand.
Expands your reach
Photo profiles have up to 21 times more profile views than those without. The increased visibility can expand your professional network.
Displays confidence
Posting a professional headshot projects confidence in your abilities and personal brand. It shows you are serious about putting your best foot forward.
Establishes trust
A photo allows viewers to put a face to your name, which can help build trust and rapport. According to research, people tend to perceive photo profiles as more credible.
Saves recruiters time
Recruiters often search LinkedIn photos to evaluate candidates before reaching out. A photo can help them more easily identify you.
Reflects well on your employer
A professional photo demonstrates you take pride in representing yourself and, by extension, your company. It shows commitment to promoting your organization.
Sets you apart
Adding a unique photo that reflects your personality makes you stand out from LinkedIn profiles that look identical. It’s a simple way to differentiate yourself.
Why You May Not Want a Photo
Here are some potential reasons to omit a profile photo on LinkedIn:
Maintain privacy while job searching
If you are passively or discreetly looking for a new job while currently employed, displaying your photo publicly could tip off your current employer.
Avoid discrimination
Unfortunately, image bias exists, whether consciously or unconsciously. You may want to remove your photo to reduce discrimination based on appearance, age, race, etc.
Keep the focus on skills
You can highlight your professional abilities and accomplishments instead of superficial appearance details by opting out of a profile picture.
Prevent inappropriate use
Posting your photo publicly could potentially facilitate unwanted use, such as catfishing or misrepresenting your identity.
Don’t have a professional photo
If you don’t have a nice headshot or professional looking photo, it may be better not to include a casual selfie or low-quality picture.
Simply prefer privacy
You may not be comfortable sharing your photo for personal reasons. LinkedIn does allow toggling off public visibility.
Expert Opinions on LinkedIn Profile Photos
Here is a summary of recommendations from professional sources on whether to display a profile photo:
LinkedIn itself strongly encourages adding a photo, stating in its help center, “A photo is a simple way to personalize your profile and stand out.” The company notes profiles with photos receive up to 21 times more views.
Forbes
Forbes magazine advises adding a professional headshot. They note a clean, high-quality photo makes a good first impression and helps build your brand.
ZipJob
This professional resume writing service recommends a profile picture to maximize visibility. They cite increased user trust as a key benefit.
TopResume
This leading resume company calls a profile photo “a must” and states it is the first thing recruiters look for when viewing your profile.
CareerSideKick
Career coach Nate Hacking strongly encourages a photo, highlighting the trust and personal connection it establishes. However, he says those who wish to job search discreetly can justify keeping it off.
Monster
Career experts at Monster also tout increased engagement and clicks as key benefits of adding a headshot. But they note some situations like job searching privately where it may be omitted.
Should You Include a Photo? – The Pros and Cons
Here is a summary weighing the potential advantages and disadvantages of displaying your photo:
Pros of Adding Photo | Cons of Adding Photo |
---|---|
– Increases profile views and engagement | – Potential appearance bias |
– Projects confidence and professionalism | – Privacy concerns while job searching |
– Helps build trust and connections | – Possibility of inappropriate use |
– Saves recruiters time in evaluating you | – Pressure to have a perfect professional photo |
– Allows others to associate a face with your name | – May reveal information you don’t want public (age, ethnicity, etc.) |
– Sets you apart and reflects your personal brand | – Employers may discover you’re looking if currently employed |
Tips for Your LinkedIn Profile Picture
If you do choose to upload a photo to your LinkedIn profile, here are some best practices to follow:
Choose a professional headshot
Select a high-quality, clean photo where you look sharp in professional attire. It should be well-lit and framed close on your face.
Smile and make eye contact
Looking at the camera with a warm, authentic smile helps you appear more approachable and engaging.
Ensure it’s current
Use a photo from the past 1-2 years so you appear up-to-date. Outdated hairstyles quickly make photos look stale.
Wear appropriate attire
Dress professionally as you would for an interview. Formal business wear is generally safest, avoiding overly casual looks.
Check the background
Opt for a solid neutral background without distracting elements so the focus stays on you. A professional headshot looks best.
Be mindful of image properties
Review lighting, angle, cropping, resolution and file size. The photo should be high quality without shadows or distortion.
Request feedback if unsure
Ask trusted contacts like colleagues their opinion of your potential LinkedIn photo before publishing it.
Customize visibility if concerned
Toggle your settings so only connections, rather than the general public, can view your profile photo if you wish.
Conclusion
Having a professional headshot on your LinkedIn profile provides substantial advantages and is highly recommended by most career experts. It boosts your visibility, marketability, and personal brand. However, there are some reasonable cases where excluding a photo may be advisable or necessary for the short term, like confidential job searching. Overall, a clean, high-quality, smiling photo portrait will maximize your profile’s effectiveness for networking and career development. Following best practices on attire, framing, lighting, and background can help ensure your photo makes the right impression.