What does your LinkedIn Profile Photo say about you?
When it comes to making a strong first impression in the professional world, LinkedIn is the go-to platform. With over 1 billion members worldwide, LinkedIn provides business professionals, recruiters, and decision-makers a space to network, build their brands, and advance their careers.
Research has shown that we make decisions about someone’s competence, trustworthiness, and professionalism in as little as 100 milliseconds—just by glancing at their profile picture.
LinkedIn is a space for professionals to network. So whether it’s a recruiter looking for potential candidates, or a potential client considering your services, your profile picture can be the thing that either invites them to learn more about you and what you do, or puts them off.
LinkedIn’s own published data states that profiles with professional headshots received 21 times more profile views and a massive 36 times more messages than those with casual or no photo at all.
Your first impression these days is almost certainly going to be made online. Make it count!
Common Problems with LinkedIn Profile Pictures
Even though the profile photo on your Linkedin profile is probably the first thing that anyone will look at, there are some really common and easily avoidable mistakes made when people set up their profile.
No Photo!
Even in this very visual age, this is still a fairly common issue. We all like to do business with people we know, like and trust. That starts with your first impression and that first impression these days is almost always made online. You need a LinkedIn headshot.
Unprofessional Photos
Holiday snapshots, photos from a night out, your wedding portraits… they’re all lovely and are surely fun and valuable memories for you. But LinkedIn is a professional space and you should look like the professional you are.
Outdated Images
How old is your LinkedIn profile photo? When did you last change it? We all change with age (like a fine wine, I try to tell myself!) and you really should update your profile photos every 2-3 years. Or more often if you change your style and appearance regularly. It sounds incredibly obvious, I know, but you should look like your LinkedIn profile photo!
Poor Quality or Bad Lighting
This is a very common error. Your LinkedIn headshot is a relatively small piece of the screen. It should be sharp, clear, and well-lit image ideally on a plain or simple background. It should also be a fairly tight crop, showing mainly your face.
Unaligned Personal Brand
Your profile picture should be a reflection of your personal brand. If for example you’re a partner at a law firm specialising in corporate work, a very casual style probably isn’t best. On the other hand, if you’re a graphic designer at creative studio, a three piece suit and tie is probably not going to work for you!
Your picture should align with how you want to be perceived by colleagues, clients, and potential employers.
Bad Linkedin Profile Photos can Negatively Affect Career and other Opportunities
You might think it’s not a very important part of your LinkedIn profile, but it’s the very first thing anyone will see when they view your profile.
So if your profile photo is your first chance to make a great first impression, there are some very real consequences if you get it wrong.
Reduced Profile Views
You might not notice your profile headshot much, but LinkedIn’s algorithm does and it’s one of several factors taken into account when determining how often to show your profile in search results.
Humans are naturally drawn to images, and if your picture doesn’t inspire confidence or credibility, visitors may not feel compelled to click on your profile to learn more.
Professional headshots on LinkedIn leads to more profile views.
More profile views leads to more opportunities.
Perceived Lack of Professionalism
A poor photo can create the impression that you lack attention to detail or don’t take your career seriously.
In fact, LinkedIn surveys show that recruiters are more likely to skip over candidates with an unprofessional or no profile picture at all, which can significantly reduce your chances of landing a job or securing a business deal.
Missed Networking Opportunities
LinkedIn is all about connections, and people are more likely to connect with someone who looks approachable, competent, and confident. A bad profile photo or worse, no Linkedin headshot at all, can create barriers, preventing others from reaching out. In a world where so many opportunities come from networking, you don’t want to miss out because your photo is sending the wrong message.
What a Great LinkedIn Profile Picture Should Convey
Now that we’ve identified the potential downsides of a bad photo, let’s focus on what makes a great one.
It’s all simple to achieve, even if you don’t like cameras and hate being photographed!
Professionalism
Your LinkedIn photo should reflect your professional side. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wear a suit and tie, but it does mean you should look polished, well-groomed, and, most importantly, appropriate for the industry you’re in.
Authenticity
Your photo should look like you—ie your current self! The key here is to be authentic. Authenticity in headshots is all about getting past that fake “camera-smile” expression you probably default to when someone points a camera your way. Your headshot photographer should be able to helpfully and effectively coach you when it comes to expression and presentstion.
Confidence
A confident expression can go a long way in making a positive impression. Direct eye contact, a natural smile, and a strong, upright posture all signal that you’re capable and self-assured, qualities that are highly valued in any professional setting.
In my experience, people often confuse “photogenic” for confidence. A person you may think is photogenic (which really doesn’t exist!) is probably just very confident and not phased at all by cameras.
Photogenic doesn’t exist. Confidence can be taught.
Alignment with Personal Brand
Your LinkedIn profile photo is an extension of your personal brand, and it should align with the message you want to convey. For example, if you’re in a creative field, your photo should be slightly more casual or creative. If you work in a corporate environment, you’ll want a photo that reflects that level of professionalism. Consistency across all your professional platforms is crucial to building a strong personal brand.
The Role of Professional Headshots in Your LinkedIn Success
While it might seem tempting to use a phone selfie or a picture from a recent event, investing in a professional headshot can make a significant difference to your success on LinkedIn. Here’s why:
Professional Photography is a Valuable Investment
A professional photographer understands how to capture your best angles, use flattering lighting, and create a photo that truly represents who you are. They also know how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, which often results in a more genuine, confident expression.
Go Beyond the First Impression
The advantages of a professional headshot go beyond just looking good. A high-quality photo signals that you’re serious about your career and that you value your professional image. It can help you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on those who view your profile.
Build Trust and Credibility
A high-quality headshot demonstrates professionalism, which is crucial in building trust with potential clients, employers, or business partners. It shows that you value your online presence and are committed to presenting yourself in the best light.
Are you ready to up your game on LinkedIn?
Fill in the form below to find out more about how we can help.
Request a Free Call Back
No Strict Time-Limits
Most sessions last between 1 and. 2 hours, but we’ll take as long as we need to make sure you’re delighted with your new headshots.
Unlimited Clothing Options
You are welcome to bring along as many changes of clothes as you like. Formal, casual and everything in between!
Posing and Facial Expression Coaching
We get it – being photographed isn’t everyone’s idea of fun! Don’t worry – we’ll help you every step of the way. All you have to do is turn up.
Fast Delivery
You’ll have you final edited and professionally retouched headshots within 2 working days of your session.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Our unique studio process guarantees that you’ll be delighted with your new headshots!
