LinkedIn Profile Photo:
How to Get a Great One

David Shuster (MSNBC)

Note: Medical Residency Portraits - Click Here

So, you're looking to get a photo done for your LinkedIn page. Great decision! Having a professional headshot separates you from the rest of the crowd because it shows you take your work and your image seriously. It shows that you're willing to go the extra mile to make sure that people who see you for the first time have a good impression of you.

Did you know that 92% of companies use social media to research applicants during their hiring process? (The Muse)

An astonishing 20% of hiring managers ONLY look at your profile picture and nothing else on LinkedIn when determining whether to bring you in for an interview. (HSN Beauty)

According to a study published by LinkedIn itself, you are 14 times more likely to be taken seriously if you have a professional headshot on your LinkedIn page. (LinkedIn)

Note: if you're looking for a job, definitely check out the report: The 4 Mistakes Most Job Seekers Make.

So, how do you get a great LinkedIn photo? Here are a few quick tips:

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• Hire a professional photographer. Hiring a professional really makes a difference because they know how to light the image and make it look much nicer than if you had just gone to a department store to take a photo. A LinkedIn photo is not about just the background, but about the expression and how much you engage with the camera, something only an experienced headshot photographer can teach you to do.
• Wear simple and professional clothing that is well-fitted: Wearing a suit that's too big or wearing a crazy colored blouse that distracts is recipe for disaster, especially if you plan to use the shot a little wider, rather than a very tightly cropped image of your face. Simple, deep/rich colors are best. Read this article for more info on what to wear.

• Hire a makeup artist. If you are investing in a professional portrait and it's within your budget, consider adding a makeup artist to your package to really stand out. Makeup makes a huge difference because it smooths your skin tones and highlights your best features, bringing out your personality and making your image pop.
• Decide on a flat backdrop or outdoor shot. If you are in finance or law, a dark gray backdrop is usually best. For healthcare and authors or teachers, a light gray backdrop tends to work better. If you'd prefer something more relaxed and creative, try outdoor shots. Take a look at my in-depth backdrop recommendations here.
• Have fun! Nothing hurts your session more than having bad expressions. Being friendly and having fun will ensure natural smiles and relaxed closed-lip shots, both of which are crucial to a good business portrait.

• Get the photo retouched. Retouching can correct things that makeup can't fix, just as makeup can fix things that Photoshop can't. Whitening teeth, fixing flyaway hairs, and color adjustment are all crucial to a professional LinkedIn picture. And then for those that want a little extra done, you can soften skin tones and even minimize wrinkles!
• Use your new headshot right away! Don't let the photo sit. Post it on your LinkedIn page, email profile photo, website, and other social media sites.

Clients of mine have told me on numerous occasions that their job search was much easier once they uploaded a professional photo to their LinkedIn page. Some of them have even wished they had done it sooner.

I'm not sure if you're considering a professional headshot, but if you do have a possible interest, feel free to shoot me an email with any questions you have at [email protected]. I'd love to speak with you!

Check out this related article: "What to Bring to Your Headshot Session."