Your LinkedIn profile is your professional identity online. It’s the first thing potential employers or business contacts see when they search you up and it’s a critical part of your job search. And, although it may seem like a small detail, the impact of a good headshot on your LinkedIn profile cannot be overstated.
Why is Your LinkedIn Headshot so Important?
First things first: Your LinkedIn headshot is the first thing that people often see when they search for your name. Given the competitive nature of the job market, making a good first impression is vital. A good headshot helps employers, recruiters, and business contacts remember you and make a positive assessment of your character and qualifications. If you have a professional, approachable headshot, it can go a long way toward making you stand out among others.
It’s worth noting that LinkedIn profiles with headshots receive 14 times more views and 36% more messages than those without. Clearly, having a good headshot is a significant contributor to your success on the platform.
How to Choose the Best LinkedIn Headshot
Your LinkedIn headshot is supposed to reflect your personal brand and be consistent with your professional image, both in terms of the values that you want to project and the industry that you work in. Generally speaking, the best headshots are those that are professional but not stiff, engaging yet uncluttered, and feature solid and simple backgrounds that are in sharp contrast with the subject and make it look bright and friendly.
Tips for Picking the Best Headshot
Go for a Simple Background
Avoid background clutter in your LinkedIn headshot and aim for a plain backdrop. The right background can make your face stand out and look more polished. You want people to focus on your face, not the background behind you. Make sure there are no shadows or odd shapes lurking in the background.
Show Off Your Personality
While you may think that your headshot should always be buttoned-up and professional, that’s not always the case. It’s important to show your personality when taking your headshot. Look approachable, and don’t be afraid to smile. If you’re shy, this can be a great excuse to practice and get used to the process of being photographed.
Frame Your Face Just Right
Be sure to zoom in on your face when you’re taking your headshot. You want your shoulders and neck to be visible, but the main focus should be on your face. Make sure you hold your shoulders back and look up. You want to give the impression that you’re confident and ready to take on the world.
Don’t Be Afraid to Edit
If you’re editing your headshot, make sure you’re taking downloaded images that are of high quality. Headshots should be light and have no harsh shadows. It’s okay to touch up your headshot a little bit to improve the quality. But make sure you don’t go overboard; your headshot should still look natural and professional.
How Much Should You Invest in a LinkedIn Headshot?
Although the cost of headshots can vary, you need to consider what you’re using the headshot for. If it’s for your own personal LinkedIn profile and any other social media profiles, you can probably get away with something taken with your smartphone. However, if you’re going to be including the headshot on your business website, in your resume, or on your LinkedIn profile, hiring a professional photographer who knows how to take a good headshot may be worth the investment.
In Conclusion: A Good LinkedIn Headshot Can Be the Key to Your Success
Your headshot can be the difference between getting an offer and not receiving one. Making a great first impression requires having a professional and engaging headshot that shows off your personality. All told, choosing the right headshot may be the most important part of making your LinkedIn profile stand out from the competition. Invest the time and effort to choose the right headshot and it could be the key to your success.