It’s human nature to make quick judgments based on appearances, so using a great photo on your LinkedIn profile can make a big difference in regards to how prospective employers, recruiters, or industry connections perceive you. I talk a lot about how important professional profile photos are, so I wanted to share three things to consider when deciding on your LinkedIn profile picture. There is no one right answer for everyone as what you should wear and what vibe you should give off because it largely depends on your industry and dress code. This information is merely here to give you food for thought about how to give off the image and personal brand you want others to see.
Consider what you wear to work on a daily basis (or what you want to wear to work)
Many people are still working from home, but with the rise of video conferencing, your appearance still matters. When you’re deciding on your LinkedIn profile picture, consider what you would typically wear to work if you were going into the office, how you would dress for a video meeting, or if you’re trying to shift roles or fields, consider what you want to wear to work when you’re able to go into the office again. What to wear for your professional profile picture or headshot largely depends on your industry, as your profile picture should reflect the same appearance and vibe that you give off at the office.
The goal of a professional profile picture or headshot is to help people connect a face to your name, so you want to be sure and look the same in your photo as you do when you go to work.
If you would wear a suit to work (think law offices, hospitality, academia, or government jobs) you’ll want to wear a suit in your profile picture. If you’re in the tech world or another field where the dress code is much more casual, wear something reflective of that.
Keep in mind that if you do wear casual clothing in your professional profile photo, you must maintain a professional appearance. Casual doesn’t mean that you just rolled out of bed. Make sure that all of your clothing is clean and wrinkle free.
Consider the photos of other industry professionals
This is where you can put your Facebook and Instagram snooping skills to good use! When you’re deciding on your LinkedIn profile picture, go on LinkedIn and browse through LinkedIn profiles of industry professionals, your connections, or your colleagues to get a better feel for what kind of photo you should use. If you see a lot of people with a similar role as you dressing more formally, use that as a guideline (or vice versa). While it’s important to keep your current company dress code in mind, if you notice that most people with your job title at different companies dress more formally or casually than you, consider this when you are deciding what to wear for your professional profile picture or headshot. If you’re looking for a new position, you’ll want to appear as a good cultural fit for the role amongst various companies.
Consider the background and where you’ll be taking the picture
When you’re deciding on your LinkedIn profile picture, consider the background. Either reach out to the photographer and ask what the background will look like, or if you’re having a friend or family member take your photo, think about what background you want to use.
You don’t want to wear clothing that blends into the background, or else you’ll end up looking like a floating head in your picture. If you’re going to have a darker background, opt for a lighter color from the waist up, and if you’re going to go with a lighter background, wear a color that’s at least a couple of shades darker than the background.
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Deciding on your LinkedIn profile picture can be overwhelming, but just think about what you would typically wear going into the office, what you wear for Zoom meetings now, and what makes you feel confident. If you feel confident in what you’re wearing, you’ll look confident in your photo!