Your photo is the first thing people see. It takes about 3 seconds to form an impression.
I’ve seen photos that made me immediately interested in a candidate. I’ve also seen photos that made me scroll past qualified people.
The basics:
Use a recent photo. If you’ve changed significantly in the last 5 years, update it. Nothing is more awkward than meeting someone who looks completely different from their profile.
Dress for your industry
If you work in finance, wear professional attire. If you’re in a creative field, you can be more casual. The question to ask: “Would I wear this to a job interview in my industry?”
Get the lighting right
Natural light is your friend. Face a window. Avoid harsh shadows on your face. No flash photos in dark rooms.
Keep the background simple
A plain wall or blurred background works best. Your face should be the focus. Not the beach behind you or your living room.
Smile
You’d be surprised how many profile photos look like mugshots. A natural smile makes you look approachable. You don’t need to show all your teeth. Just don’t look like you’re in pain.
The technical stuff:
Use a high-resolution image. Your face should take up about 60% of the frame. Make sure it looks good as a small thumbnail – that’s how most people will see it.
Is it worth paying for a professional photo?
If you can afford it, yes. But a friend with a decent phone camera and good natural light can also work. The investment in a professional headshot pays off when it helps you land interviews.
Profiles with photos get 21 times more views. Make those views count with a good one.
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