Your LinkedIn profile picture is one of the first things people will notice when viewing your profile, so it’s important to make a good first impression. But with mixed opinions on whether profile photos should be formal headshots or more casual, friendly pictures, it can be tricky to decide what’s appropriate. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of professional vs. casual LinkedIn profile pictures to help you determine the best option.
Quick Answers:
– Professional profile pictures project an image of competence and authority. They show you’re serious about your career.
– Casual pictures feel more approachable and human. They help convey personality and soft skills.
– Most experts recommend a middle ground: an approachable headshot on a neutral background, with a friendly smile and professional attire.
– The ideal photo depends on your industry, career level, and personal brand. Creative fields tend to be more casual, while banking and law lean formal.
– LinkedIn profile picture tips: High-quality, well-lit, high-resolution headshot, facing the camera, minimal background distractions.
Should You Use a Professional Profile Photo?
Here are the main benefits of using a formal, corporate-style headshot as your LinkedIn profile picture:
Projects Competence and Authority
A professional headshot in business attire sends the message that you take your career seriously. It shows you mean business and have the experience and qualifications for executive-level positions. While casual photos are fine for some industries, a formal photo errs on the side of looking authoritative and established.
Looks Official and Trustworthy
Similarly, professional photos project confidence and make you look credible. This can inspire trust in prospective clients, hiring managers, and colleagues browsing your profile. It gives the impression you have nothing to hide.
Represents Your Leadership Skills
A polished, corporate-style photo aligns with the leadership image that many executives and senior managers aim to convey. It visually reinforces your abilities to manage teams, oversee projects, and serve in high-level positions requiring strength and poise.
Shows You Fit a Traditional Work Culture
Some work cultures, such as law, finance, and engineering, tend to be more formal and traditional. A professional profile photo demonstrates you understand and align with that culture. It shows you can adapt your style to fit more buttoned-up corporate environments.
Should You Use a Casual Profile Photo?
Here are the main advantages of using a more casual, friendly photo for your LinkedIn profile:
Looks More Approachable and Relatable
Softer, candid photos can make you seem warmer and more relatable. This helps form connections by showing viewers you’re a real person they can relate to, not just a suit behind a desk.
Conveys Personality and Soft Skills
Photos with a more casual, natural style and background allow your personality to come through. They give hints about your soft skills and work style – for example, showing you’re passionate, creative, or collaborative.
Encourages Authentic Personal Branding
For personal branding that feels authentic, a casual photo may align better with the image you want to project. It lets you stand out while being true to who you are.
Aligns With Startup and Creative Cultures
Many startups, tech firms, and creative agencies aim for cool, casual cultures. An overly formal photo would look out of place and can hurt your chances if you’re trying to get noticed by a fun, laidback employer.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Profile Photos
To balance professionalism with approachability, many LinkedIn experts recommend aiming for the following best practices with your profile photo:
Clear Headshot
Have a clear, high-quality headshot taken in front of a neutral background. Make sure your face is completely visible (no sunglasses) and your photo is well-lit and in focus.
Work Attire
Wear professional, business casual, or industry-appropriate attire – such as a nice blouse or collared shirt. Avoid very casual outfits like t-shirts and tank tops.
Friendly Facial Expression
Smile naturally or have a pleasant, approachable facial expression. Avoid blank stares or overly toothy grins.
Appropriate Cropping
Get cropped to head and shoulder proportions. Full body shots or very close zooms can be distracting. Leave some space around your head.
Current and Recent
Use a current photo taken within the past year. This shows you as you look today. Older photos aren’t as authentic.
Examples of Good LinkedIn Profile Photos
Here are examples of strong LinkedIn profile pictures showcasing a professional yet approachable look:
|  | Neutral background, nice smile, collared shirt. Looks polished but warm. |
|  | Desktop background subtly conveys profession. Open face and smile balances professional vibe. |
|  | Blazer provides formalness. Authentic small smile keeps it human. |
Examples of Profile Photos to Avoid
Here are examples of LinkedIn profile pictures that don’t convey the right mix of professionalism and approachability:
|  | Background distracts from the subject. Pulls focus from the person. |
|  | T-shirt is too casual for a professional profile photo. Doesn’t look executive-level. |
|  | Sunglasses conceal the face and prevent making eye contact. Looks untrustworthy. |
How Formality Varies by Industry
How professional or casual your LinkedIn profile photo should depend partly on your industry. Here are some standards to consider:
Banking and Finance
This conservative industry calls for very professional, corporate-style headshots. Stick to business attire in neutral colors. These signal you’re detail-oriented.
Healthcare
Health professionals should maintain a serious, authority-projecting photo. Scrubs or a lab coat are appropriate. Keep the background clean.
Tech and Engineering
These fields ask for polished, credible photos but have some flexibility. A modest colared shirt or blouse works well.
Marketing and Media
These creative roles allow more casualness – even a trendy outfit or background. But maintain some professionalism.
Education and Academia
Shoot for a learned look with a nice shirt, jacket, or tie. But a smile keeps the scholarly image approachable.
Nonprofits and Associations
Aim for business casual with soft facial expressions. This shows passion while maintaining professional credibility.
How Profile Photos Vary by Career Level
Your LinkedIn profile photo formality can also shift depending on your career stage:
Student and Entry Level
At the start of your career, casual photos are fine. Focus on looking friendly, genuine, and approachable. Add professionalism as you progress.
Manager and Director
At the management level, match your photo formality to company culture, but aim for business attire in most cases.
VP and Executive
Senior leadership roles require professional, corporate-style headshots. Wear a suit jacket and project confidence and gravitas.
C-Suite and Founder
Top-level executives should look both powerful and approachable. Wear a formal suit but relax your expression.
Tips for Taking Your Own LinkedIn Photo
If hiring a professional photographer isn’t in your budget, you can take your own quality headshot for your LinkedIn profile. Here are some DIY photography tips:
Use a Quality Camera
The best camera is the one you have. But if possible, use a DSLR camera or a high-end smartphone camera, not your laptop webcam.
Ensure Good Lighting
Position yourself facing a window on an overcast day. Or take the photo outside in open shade. Avoid direct sunlight and backlighting.
Choose a Solid Neutral Background
Stand in front of a blank wall, solid colored curtain, or hedge. Make sure the background is free of distracting objects.
Frame It Like a Passport Photo
Take a head and shoulders shot. Cut off just above the head and mid-chest. Leave more space in front than behind.
Look at the Camera
Keep your eyes open, focused on the camera. Don’t look down or off to the side.
Take Multiple Shots
Capture some variations on your pose and expression. Select the most polished, approachable photo later during editing.
Edit for Key Adjustments
Crop and touch up the photo. Correct color and lighting imbalances. Make sure your face is perfectly centered.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn profile photo should aim for an approachable yet professional look. The right formality level depends on your industry, career stage, and the impression you want to make. Aim for a friendly facial expression and business casual or professional attire on a solid neutral background. With an excellent profile photo, you can make a strong first impression and effectively showcase your personal brand on LinkedIn.
