This message is literally for anyone who has a LinkedIn Profile Picture and wants to start standing out from others.
When it comes to having an amazing profile picture on LinkedIn you have to take into account two parts of your photo and that’s how your appearance and the photo itself. The reason I’m breaking them down into two parts is that they are separate in my opinion.
So here we go!
Your Appearence
Your appearance is what draws your potential employer in. When we show up in photos as a leader and someone who can run a company, people are more drawn to you just by your photo. When it comes to your image in your photo, you have to make sure you are following a few key steps so you are doing just enough to be noticed and stand out from others.
So here are a few recommendations you should incorporate into your new LinkedIn profile picture.
- Your Attire– When planning what you’re going to wear for your profile picture, be sure to think about how the clothes fit you. You want to wear well fitting clothes that aren’t to big or to small. I would also reccommend opting for tailor fit clothes as they come off alot more sharp in pictures. When in doubt Opt for your go to interview outfit.
2. Jewelry– Wearing minimal jewelry is what will make or break your photo. If you love super big hoop earrings but think for one second they are minimal, then you’re wrong my friend. Keep the extra-large hoops earrings at home. Instead, opt for a smaller pair or even studs. Remember this is just for the profile picture. Once you get the job you can gauge how others are dressing in the office and express yourself a bit more. So keep the jewelry at a minimum.
3. Makeup– Here’s another important piece that can either make or break your photo. Having minimal makeup will keep the attention on you and not your contoured nose lol. We want to stand out but, not in a way where it may seem like we are more concerned about the makeup instead of getting the job. Minimal is the best way to go and no louder lipstick.
4. Hair– You can opt for your hair pulled back, curly, natural, or straight just make sure if done. I don’t want to tell you how many profiles I’ve seen where the person looked like they didn’t even take the time to brush their hair. Having neat hair just adds something else to your photo. I would stay away from colors as well 🙁
5. Smiling– Who doesn’t love a beautiful smile?! I know for me when I see someone smile it just melts my heart. It’s a sign of I’m open to a conversation and easy to approach. If smiling and showing your teeth isn’t your thing then do like Tyra Banks said and smile with your eyes lol.
So that’s it for your appearance side, now let’s jump into the photo itself.
The Photo itself
Oftentimes than not people aren’t thinking about the quality of their photos but, it’s extremely important. Imagine scrolling through Instagram and seeing blurry pictures and thinking about what would you do? I’m sure you’ll say scroll right past it lol. This is exactly what they do on LinkedIn if your isn’t of great quality. So let’s jump in.
- Have a photo– I don’t know how many times i’ve seen so many profiles where the person didn’t have a photo. Listen people will scroll right past your profile if you do not have a picture. It’s the same like nany other social media platform.
2. Lighting– A ring light is your best friend! having great lighting will elevate your photo from a 5 not a 10 in seconds. The good thing is they are super cheap nowadays, so pick yourself up one.
3. Quality– The importance of a sharp clear photo is so underrated. I know when I see a crisp photo it almost comes to life to me. So keep that in mind before loading a new profile photo to your LinkedIn.
4. Solid Backgrounds– Keep your background to a subtle color like gray or a subtle blue. These colors do not drown you out in your photo. Remember we want to stand out not blend in.
5. Size– Having the correct size is another important factor in your profile pic and will help with the quality. If you load a phone and you’re too far away then zoom in and make it a close-up, you risk the chance of it becoming blurry or grainy so don’t do that.
6. Angles/Position– Make sure you are capturing the best angle fit for you. I would say stay away was straight om photos, they can come off a look inmate looking lol. Slightly turn your body on an angle and you should be good to go. Capture from the waist up or the chest up, absolutely no full-body photos. I’ve seen it all lol trust me.
So in the end you want to come off welcoming and warm and since this is your first impression before they dive into your profile make it count.
