Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression hiring managers get of you. Having a polished, professional headshot is critical for making a great first impression and standing out from the competition. But what exactly should you wear for your LinkedIn photo? Here are some quick tips and best practices to help you take an excellent headshot that will boost your personal brand on LinkedIn.
Keep it simple
Stick to solid, neutral colors like black, gray, navy, or beige when choosing your top. Busy patterns or loud colors can be distracting. A simple blouse, button-down, sweater, or blazer photographed against a plain background helps the focus stay on you.
Wear business professional attire
Dress as you would for a job interview. For women, this may mean a blazer over a blouse or dress. For men, a suit and tie or just a dress shirt are safe options. Avoid casual tops like t-shirts or tank tops. You want to look polished and professional.
Skip the accessories
Accessories like scarves, bold jewelry, or hats can be distracting in a headshot. Keep the focus on you by skipping accessories altogether or wearing simple jewelry only.
Style your hair neatly
Make sure your hair is styled neatly away from your face. Simple, clean hairstyles photograph best. Avoid anything too trendy or over-styled.
Do minimal makeup
Natural-looking makeup is best for LinkedIn headshots. Go easy on eye makeup and lipstick. You want to look like your true self, not appear overly made up.
Mind the clothes details
Iron or steam your clothes so they look crisp, not wrinkled. Check for lint, pet hair, loose threads, missing buttons, or anything else that could look sloppy or unprofessional in your photo.
Different looks for men and women
While the overall goal is a professional, polished look, there are some differences between ideal headshot outfits for men versus women.
For men
– Wear a formal collared shirt in a solid color or subtle pattern. White, light blue, gray, and pale pink are great choices.
– Pair your collared shirt with a suit jacket, sport coat, or dress sweater.
– Make sure your shirt is neatly pressed. Wrinkles are a no-go.
– A tie can add a sophisticated touch, but is optional. Stick to simple tie patterns and colors.
– Dress pants in gray, navy, or black complete the look.
For women
– A blazer in black, gray, navy, or another neutral color dresses up any outfit.
– Blouses in solid colors or simple patterns photograph well. Avoid distracting details like ruffles or loud prints.
– A sheath dress is another nice option. Look for dress lengths hitting at the knee or just below.
– If wearing a skirt, choose one with a professional length hitting just above or below the knees. Pair it with a simple blouse.
– For pants, straight leg or boot cut work well. Avoid styles that are overly tight or trendy.
– Sheer tights can dress up open-toed shoes or pumps. Skip patterned tights.
Posing tips
How you pose for your LinkedIn photo is just as important as what you wear. Follow these tips to look poised and confident:
Face the camera directly
Turn your shoulders square to the camera and look directly into the lens. Angling your body away can appear closed off.
Sit up straight
Good posture projects confidence. Sit or stand tall without slouching or leaning.
Watch your hand placement
Pay attention to what you do with your hands. Relaxed hands with open palm facing upwards or resting on a desk look best.
Think “approachable yet professional”
You want a pleasant, natural expression – not overly wide smile or blank stare. A slight smile is great.
Chin down slightly
Position your chin slightly down and toward the camera for a flattering perspective.
Angle your body
Turn your upper body 20-30 degrees towards the main light source. Rotate just far enough so the light hits the side of your face.
Watch problematic hand gestures
Avoid crossing your arms, fidgeting, or hand gestures like thumbs up. Keep hands still at your sides or resting gently on a surface.
Background tips
Simpler backgrounds help keep the focus on you in your LinkedIn headshot. Here are some tips for choosing a background:
Solid wall
A blank wall in a neutral color like gray, beige, or light blue makes an ideal background. Solid color ensures there are no distracting elements.
Bookshelf
A bookshelf can create a nicely composed, professional setting for your photo. Just tidy up the books and decor behind you.
Home office
Photograph in front of a simple home office background – just tidy your desk first. Avoid cluttered spaces.
Window
Position yourself in front of a window for attractive natural lighting. Draw the blinds partially closed to avoid overexposure.
Blurry background
Shoot with a wide aperture for a softly blurred background. This simple look keeps focus on you.
Plain wall
For a clean, classic look, photograph against a plain white, gray, or neutral colored wall. Beware of unattractive textures like paneling.
Avoid busy backgrounds
Distracting backgrounds compete for attention. Steer clear of crowded rooms, patterned wallpaper, or anything visually busy.
Final tips
Follow these last tips to ace your LinkedIn profile picture:
Crop closely
After shooting, crop the image closely around your head and shoulders. Exclude extraneous background details.
Work with a pro
Hire a professional photographer experienced in business headshots if you want truly high-quality results.
Look at the camera
Maintain eye contact with the camera lens for an engaging, confident look.
Shoot multiple options
Take a variety of shots with different poses and expressions. Select the best option later.
Relax and smile naturally
A relaxed, real smile looks most genuine. Take time to relax and get comfortable.
Check lighting and exposure
Review your shots to ensure proper focus, lighting, and exposure. Retake if needed.
Save as high-res JPEG
Upload the largest file size possible for maximum image quality. LinkedIn recommends at least 400×400 pixels.
| Do this | Don’t do this |
|---|---|
| Wear professional attire | Wear casual clothes |
| Style your hair neatly | Wear distracting accessories |
| Look directly at the camera | Slouch or lean |
| Smile naturally | Make exaggerated facial expressions |
| Use a simple background | Use a cluttered or busy background |
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn profile picture is an important personal branding tool that reflects your professionalism. Put thought into what you wear and how you pose to portray a polished, confident image to potential employers and connections. Aim for simple, business professional attire in solid neutral colors against an uncluttered background. Follow the tips in this article to showcase the best version of yourself and make a great impression!
