Your LinkedIn profile picture is one of the first things people will see when looking at your profile, so it’s important to make a good first impression. For men, the key is looking professional and approachable in your photo. Here are some quick tips on what to wear and how to take a great headshot for your LinkedIn profile as a man:
Wear a nice shirt
Stick to solid color or subtle pattern long sleeve shirts in lighter colors like white, blue, or gray. Dark black or red shirts can look too harsh. A crisp white or light blue dress shirt is a safe bet. Make sure it’s ironed and not wrinkled.
Add a tie or jacket (optional)
A tie or blazer can add polish but aren’t strictly necessary. If you do wear a tie, stick to simple patterns and not too flashy. A dark suit jacket can also look sharp.
Style your hair
Neat, tidy hair looks put together. Get a haircut before your shoot if needed. Style your hair how you would for an interview. Clean shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair is recommended.
Limit accessories
Avoid loud jewelry or accessories that distract from your face. A simple watch or wedding ring is OK. Keep piercings and necklaces to a minimum.
Posing and Expression
Smile naturally
A slight smile looks inviting and warm. Avoid a wide grin or laughing photo – you want to look professional. Relax your face muscles and think of something happy. No need to force or fake it.
Use a pleasant facial expression
Maintain good posture and a positive attitude. Having a pleasant, confident facial expression adds to the overall quality of the photo. Avoid looking stiff or uncomfortable.
Make eye contact with the camera
Look directly into the camera lens when taking your photo. This gives the effect that you are making eye contact and engaging with the viewer.
Position your head and shoulders
Hold your chin parallel to the ground and relax your shoulders. Turn your upper body slightly to one side for a more dynamic pose. Face the camera straight on and frame from the chest up.
Backdrops
Stand in front of a plain background
A solid color backdrop like a white, gray, or blue wall looks clean and professional. Make sure there are no distracting objects or clutter in the frame.
Use an office setting
If photographing in your workplace, position yourself in front of a bookshelf, desk, or windows with blinds. This adds context while remaining simple.
Avoid busy backgrounds
Steer clear of patterned backgrounds or scenes with a lot going on. You want the focus to be on you rather than what’s behind you.
Lighting
Use soft, even lighting
Diffused lighting eliminates shadows or glare on your face. Position yourself facing a window on an overcast day for flattering illumination.
Avoid shadows on your face
Having shadows can make portions of your face appear darker or shaded. Make sure the key light source is in front of you, not behind.
Limit shadows and redness
Too much lighting from one side can cast shadows. Reducing shadows minimizes unwanted dark spots and gradations on your skin.
Avoid harsh lighting
Direct flash or very bright, concentrated light causes visual distractions. Soft, even lighting is best for LinkedIn shots. Use a diffuser if needed.
Equipment
Use a high quality camera
Shoot with a DSLR camera or high-end smartphone camera if possible. Avoid grainy webcams or poor phone cameras. Invest in professional equipment for best results.
Check the focus and framing
Review your photo after shooting to make sure everything is in focus and properly composed in the frame. Retake if needed until you have a crisp, clear shot.
Equipment | Recommended | Not Recommended |
---|---|---|
Camera | DSLR camera, high-end smartphone | Webcam, low quality phone camera |
Lens | 50mm or 85mm prime lens | Wide angle or fish eye lens |
Backdrop | Solid wall, bookshelf background | Busy, cluttered background |
Lighting | Soft, even, diffused lighting | Harsh, uneven, direct lighting |
Edit sparingly
Lightly crop or touch up your photo if needed. Avoid using excessive filters or distorting your appearance too much. The goal is to look natural and like your real self.
Composition
Fill most of the frame
Your head, shoulders, and chest should occupy most of the image space. Leave more room above your head than below your shoulders. Get close enough to the camera.
Maintain eye contact
Keep your eyes directly focused on the camera for an engaging photo. Crop the image around your eyes or just above them.
Find a flattering angle
Shoot from slightly above eye level looking down. Experiment with tilting your chin up or angling your body away from the camera.
Be the sole focus
You should be the only person in the frame. Crop out any other subjects in the background for ideal composition.
Clothing Tips
Here are some more specific clothing recommendations when selecting what to wear for your LinkedIn photo as a man:
Collared dress shirt
A collared, pressed dress shirt projects professionalism. Solid colors like white, blue, or gray are versatile.
Suit jacket or blazer (optional)
Adding a coordinated jacket or blazer on top gives a polished look. Make sure it fits well and lies flat.
Tie (optional)
If you opt to wear a tie, choose one with a subtle pattern or solid color that pairs nicely with your shirt. Keep it snugly tightened.
Trousers
Wear dress trousers or slacks that are dark colored and not too casual looking. Black, gray, or navy are good choices.
Minimal jewelry/accessories
Limit accessories to small items like a watch, ring, or cufflinks. Avoid bulky jewelry or scarves that divert attention.
Neat hairstyle
Get a fresh haircut or neatly style your hair. Shorter sides with slightly longer hair on top is a modern look.
Little to no facial hair
If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it’s freshly trimmed and tidy. Clean shaven is also perfectly fine.
Examples
Here are a few examples of ideal clothing choices to wear for a LinkedIn profile picture as a man:
Dress shirt and tie
A light blue dress shirt paired with a red tie and dark suit jacket looks sharp and professional.
White collared shirt
A crisp, ironed white dress shirt projects confidence and authority.
Dark sweater
Layering a gray sweater over a collared dress shirt adds visual interest.
Blazer and tie
A navy blazer and subtle tie paired with a white shirt is a foolproof combo.
Summary
To summarize, here are a few key tips to keep in mind when choosing attire for your LinkedIn photo as a man:
– Wear a collared dress shirt in a solid, neutral color
– Add optional layers like a tie, blazer, or sweater
– Pick dark, professional trousers or slacks
– Style your hair neatly and trim facial hair
– Accessorize minimally – avoid loud jewelry
– Smile naturally and make eye contact with the camera
– Use soft, flattering lighting
– Compose a close shot from the chest up
Your profile photo will make one of the most important first impressions to anyone who views your LinkedIn profile. Dressing professionally and appropriately for the picture can help inspire confidence in your abilities. Take the time to craft an excellent headshot that puts your best foot forward on this essential business networking platform.