Your LinkedIn profile photo is one of the first things hiring managers will notice when viewing your profile. While some believe a professional headshot requires formal business attire including a tie, others argue a more casual look works best on LinkedIn. So should you wear a tie in your LinkedIn photo or not? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is: it depends. Here are some general guidelines:
- If you work in a formal industry like law, finance, or business, wearing a tie can convey professionalism.
- If you work in a more casual industry like tech or creative, not wearing a tie may come across as more approachable.
- Think about what kind of first impression you want to make, and dress accordingly.
- Consider your personal brand – does a tie align with how you want to be perceived?
- Look at profiles of people in similar roles to get an idea of the norm in your field.
There isn’t one right or wrong answer. Evaluate the context of your industry and role to decide what’s most appropriate. The most important thing is to look polished and put-together.
The Case for Wearing a Tie
Here are some reasons why you may want to wear a tie in your LinkedIn headshot:
It looks professional
For many traditional or formal industry roles like law, finance, academia and certain types of business, a tie conveys a polished, professional look. Wearing a tie demonstrates you understand and adhere to the expected business dress code.
Hiring managers may see the tie as a sign of respect for professional decorum. This can help establish credibility and trustworthiness.
It communicates confidence
Wearing formal business attire can project an image of competence and confidence. The tie is associated with power and authority in the corporate world.
Some hiring managers may assume if you are comfortable wearing a tie, you are comfortable navigating an executive role requiring leadership and influence.
It shows you are detail-oriented
Properly tying a tie requires care and attention to detail. It involves precision hand-eye coordination to get the knot and length just right.
Your attention to a small detail like a tie knot can convey how you would also pay close attention to details on bigger projects. It demonstrates conscientiousness.
| Industry | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Law | Wear a tie |
| Investment Banking | Wear a tie |
| Management Consulting | Wear a tie |
When to wear a tie
Based on industry norms, here are some fields where wearing a tie in your LinkedIn photo is recommended:
- Law – Legal roles tend to be very formal, so wearing a tie conveys you understand the decorum.
- Investment banking – Banking is a conservative industry, so err on the formal side with a tie.
- Management consulting – Consultants need to project authority with clients, so a tie aligns.
- Academia – As an educator or academic researcher, a tie suits the professional environment.
- Government – For political roles, public administration, or foreign service, a tie adds gravitas.
Of course, there are always exceptions. Evaluate your specific workplace culture and norms. But when in doubt, playing it safe with a tie is recommended for these fields.
The Case Against Wearing a Tie
Now let’s look at some potential downsides to wearing a tie for your LinkedIn profile photo:
It may seem overly stiff
While a tie projects professionalism, in some contexts it can also come across as uptight or overly formal. Certain industries have moved away from stiff formal business attire.
In startup tech culture or creative agencies for example, wearing a tie may make you seem out of touch or not fitting the casual workplace vibe.
It can undermine personal authenticity
On LinkedIn, you want your profile to reflect your genuine professional personality. Informal business casual or casual may be more authentic for some.
Wearing a tie when you would not normally do so in your real work context can come across as inauthentic or misrepresentative. You want to match the image you present with who you truly are.
It can be distracting
Some hiring managers argue an overly formal tie photo focuses too much attention on what you’re wearing instead of presenting your skills.
A glitzy tie in an unorthodox color or pattern could distract from the substantive parts of your profile. Keep the focus on your credentials, not your clothes.
| Industry | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Technology | No tie |
| Advertising/Marketing | No tie |
| Media/Journalism | No tie |
When to skip the tie
Here are some common fields where conventional wisdom suggests not wearing a tie for your LinkedIn profile:
- Technology – Tech company culture tends to be casual. A tie may look out of place.
- Advertising/marketing – Creative agencies lean trendy and informal. A tie could undermine personal brand.
- Media/journalism – Newsroom attire is business casual. A tie may look like you’re trying too hard.
- Non-profits – Most non-profits aim for an approachable look. A tie could convey unwanted formality.
- Startups – Early stage startups are all about disrupting conventions. Strict formalwear may not fit.
These fields tend to embrace a more dressed down style. But again, consider your specific role and workplace norms. Some oversight positions may still warrant a tie.
Key Considerations
Here are some additional factors to think about when deciding whether or not to wear a tie for your LinkedIn profile picture:
Your specific job role and level of seniority
More senior level roles tend to align with formal business attire. Entry or mid level roles have more flexibility. Consider what’s appropriate for your particular position.
For example, a senior bank executive should probably wear a tie. But a junior graphic designer may skip the tie.
The formality of your workplace environment
Even within the same industry, workplace cultures can vary greatly in terms of formality.
Finance professionals at a new fintech startup may skip the tie, while those at established firms keep it. Judge based on your specific workplace.
Whether you’ll be meeting clients or partners
If your role involves interfacing with clients, partners, or outside stakeholders, conservatism may be prudent. You don’t want to undermine perceptions of professionalism.
For internal facing roles, you generally have more leeway to reflect company culture. Going tie-less may be fine.
Your personal comfort level
Most importantly, the LinkedIn photo should ultimately reflect your real professional identity. Wear what makes you feel most confident and comfortable.
Don’t force a style that’s misaligned with your true personal brand. Authenticity shows.
Examples and Inspiration
Here are some examples of professional LinkedIn profile photos showcasing both styles:
With ties:
Without ties:
As you can see, both styles can project polish and professionalism when done right. Look for inspiration from profiles in your industry to see what tones and styles resonate.
Key Takeaways
Here are some main points to help decide whether or not to wear a tie in your LinkedIn profile photo:
- For formal industries, wearing a tie projects professionalism and gravitas.
- For casual industries, not wearing a tie may convey authenticity and approachability.
- Consider the norms of both your specific company culture and broader industry.
- Evaluate your individual job level, workplace formality, client exposure, and personal comfort.
- Find inspiration from professional profiles in your field.
- Ultimately, tie or no tie, optimize for a polished, put together look.
There is no universal right or wrong answer. Assess the context of your professional circumstances and what tone you want to set. Let your background and personal brand guide you. A little reflection will help determine whether a tie is right for your LinkedIn photo or not.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn profile photo is your chance to put your best professional image forward. For formal legal, finance, or business roles, wearing a tie can convey gravitas and attention to detail. But for casual tech or creative positions, skipping the tie may come across as more approachable and authentic.
Consider industry norms, company culture, your role level, workplace formality, client exposure, and personal comfort level. Look to examples from your field for inspiration. Most importantly, choose clothing that presents your genuine professional self while meeting the standards of polish and put-togetherness for your career context. With some deliberation, you can determine whether a tie suits your LinkedIn photo or if you’re better off going tie-less. Your thoughtful personal brand impression will show through.