Your LinkedIn profile picture is often the first impression you make on potential employers and connections. With over 722 million users on LinkedIn, standing out from the crowd is crucial. This raises an important question – should your LinkedIn profile picture be a professional headshot?
The simple answer is yes, your LinkedIn profile picture should be a clear, high-quality headshot of just you. But there are some nuances to consider to make sure your headshot is strategic and effective.
Why Your Profile Photo Matters
Your profile photo is one of the first things people notice on LinkedIn. It shows up in search results, on your profile, when you comment or post, and when others view your profile.
Having a poor quality or unprofessional photo can damage your personal brand and cause others to take you less seriously. On the other hand, a quality headshot makes a strong first impression and builds credibility.
According to LinkedIn, profiles with photos get up to 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages than profiles without photos.
Key Benefits of a Professional Headshot
– Looks credible and established
– Shows you are detail-oriented
– Makes you more memorable and recognizable
– Displays confidence and professionalism
– Attracts more profile views and engagement
Headshot vs. Casual Photo
While casual photos may work on other social media platforms, most experts recommend avoiding them on LinkedIn. Reasons to avoid casual photos include:
Problems with Casual Photos
– Don’t look professional or serious
– Distract from your skills and qualifications
– Can be inappropriate or too personal for a business context
– Difficult to make out your face/who you are
– Reflect poorly on your judgement
Unless you have an artistic or creative career where a casual photo may be acceptable, it’s best to play it safe with a classic headshot. Consider your industry norms and the impression you want to give.
Headshot Composition Tips
Not all headshots are made equal. Follow these tips for choosing and composing a strong LinkedIn profile photo:
Pose
– Face the camera directly
– Sit up straight with good posture
– Lean slightly forward for an engaged look
– Relax your shoulders and position arms naturally
– Smile lightly or take on a friendly, approachable expression
Framing
– Get a close crop around your head and shoulders
– Leave more space in front of your face than behind your head
– Eyes should be about 2/3 down from the top of the frame
– Ensure full face, shoulders, and background are visible
Background
– Choose a plain, solid color background
– Light gray, beige, or white work best
– Avoid distracting patterns or busy backgrounds
Lighting
– Use soft, even, frontal lighting on your face
– Avoid shadows or harsh side lighting
– Diffused natural light near a window is ideal
– Add some fill lighting to reduce shadows
Quality
– Use a high resolution camera or smartphone camera
– Make sure the photo is in focus
– Watch for graininess from low resolution
-JPEG format is best for LinkedIn
Cropping
– Do minimal cropping to retain resolution
– Crop symmetrically to keep the image balanced
– Don’t crop at joints like elbows or bottom of neck
Clothing Tips
Your attire in your LinkedIn photo conveys professionalism and personal style. Follow these tips:
For Men
– Wear a dark professional suit and tie
– Stick to a white or light blue collared shirt
– Make sure suit jacket/shirt are neatly pressed
– Limit accessories and jewelry
For Women
– Wear a professional blouse or sweater
– Black, navy, gray, or neutrals recommended
– Add a blazer or cardigan for an extra layer
– Minimal jewelry; avoid distracting accessories
– Keep makeup and hairstyle neat and natural
Why Use a Professional Photographer?
While you can certainly take a quality headshot yourself, consider hiring a professional photographer. Benefits include:
– Access to high-end digital cameras and lighting equipment
– Knowledge of posing, angling, and composition
– Artistic eye for flattering, captivating shots
– Professional editing and post-processing skills
– Saves you time trying to set up the perfect photo
Look for a local photographer experienced in taking professional headshots for LinkedIn and corporate bios. Be sure to provide examples of shots you like. Expect to pay $100-200+ for a mini-session with 5-10 final edited options.
Headshot Tips for Common Situations
Your headshot can be customized to optimize for different situations:
Job Seeking
If actively job searching, select a headshot where you look approachable, friendly, competent and trustworthy. Have it taken against a conservative background and wear traditional professional attire.
Within Your Company
For an internal company profile, maintain professionalism but pull back slightly on formality. Pose casually or add a light smile to look relatable. You can include some personal flair like stylish accessories or color.
Applying to Graduate Programs
For graduate school applications, looking studious and academic can be beneficial. Pose with glasses if you wear them. An open collared dress shirt and sport coat can give a serious, intellectual vibe.
Teachers
Teachers should appear warm and approachable in their profile photo. Pose with a friendly smile in a brightly lit classroom or against a fun backdrop. Wear nice casual clothing but avoid looking overly formal.
Creative Fields
Artistic types can showcase creativity in their LinkedIn photo. Consider black and white or sepia tone effects. Include instruments, art, or visual metaphors representing your field. Stylize poses or framing for added interest.
Tips for a DIY Headshot
If hiring a photographer isn’t in your budget, you can DIY your LinkedIn headshot. Follow these tips for best results:
Equipment
– Use a DSLR camera or high-quality smartphone camera
– Shoot against a plain white wall for easy background
– Only use natural lighting next to a bright window
Take Lots of Shots
– Take headshots from multiple angles and distances
– Adjust your pose and expression in each one
– Take at least 20-30 options to have choices
Enlist a Friend
– Have a friend or family member take the photos for you
– They can watch angles, framing, lighting, and give direction
Use a Tripod or Set Up a Station
– Keep the camera still on a tripod to prevent blurring
– Set up a DIY photo station with chair, lighting, and backdrop
Edit Photos Mindfully
– Edit lightly to adjust color, lighting, crop, and tone
– Avoid using filters or distorting your appearance
When to Update Your Photo
You don’t necessarily need a new headshot every year. Only update when:
– You get a new hairstyle or grow/shave a beard
– You transition to a more senior role
– Your appearance changes significantly
– Your current photo is very outdated or low-quality
– You want to refresh your brand
Updating every 2-3 years is reasonable in most cases. Reshoot after major physical changes or career shifts to maintain an accurate image.
Examples of Great LinkedIn Headshots
Need some inspiration? Here are examples of excellent LinkedIn profile photos across industries:
| Industry | Name | Headshot |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Corporate | Sarah Smith |  |
| Technology | Mark Johnson |  |
| Healthcare | Lisa Chen |  |
| Education | Michelle Lee |  |
| Marketing | David Kim |  |
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn profile picture is an opportunity to make a strong first impression and showcase your professional brand. Investing in a high-quality, well-composed headshot pays dividends in how recruiters, colleagues, and peers perceive you.
Follow the tips in this guide on lighting, posing, framing, attire, and more to get a photo that elevates your profile. While self-taken shots can work in a pinch, hiring a pro photographer is ideal for lighting expertise and editing skills.
Keep your photo current by updating it every few years or after major life changes. With an engaging, professional-looking headshot, you can stand out on LinkedIn for the right reasons.
