What do a scuba diver in full gear, a bride, pets, an electrician’s torso, babies, logos and a gentleman dressed up as a duck have in common? They’re all profile photos that I found on LinkedIn while researching this article. And unfortunately, none positioned their owner optimally as a professional.
With over 200 million users, according to LinkedIn research, a page with a photograph is seven times more likely to receive enquiries than one without.
So don’t be the guy in the duck suit getting all the laughs, but missing out on all the serious professional offers.
Follow these five tips for a LinkedIn profile photo that will position you as both professional and engaging.
- Most importantly, your LinkedIn profile photo MUST BE in your likeness only, and it has to be a head-shot photo.No logos, pets, happy family snaps, photos of you with your friends or full body length shots.
If you put any photograph up other than your own head-shot, you will be breaching LinkedIn’s legally binding User Agreement, which states, “Don’t upload a profile image that is not your likeness or a head-shot photo”.
- While it’s not essential to have a professional photo taken, your LinkedIn profile photo should be clear and taken against an appropriate background.Avoid grainy, pixelated or badly-lit photos – they won’t do you justice.
- Avoid busy backgrounds that will distract from your photo, and backgrounds that are the same colour as your clothes or hair – you’ll fade into them.
- Dress appropriately for the job you’d like to have – in most cases, that means smart casual or business attire.It’s not a good idea to have your wedding photograph up, or dress in your scuba diving gear or duck suit, except in the rare cases where they will enhance your professional profile. It’s also advisable to avoid attire that is the same colour as your skin tone.
- Think of your body language – watch your posture, look confident and relaxed, with a pleasant smile on your face and your eyes open when the photo is taken.
