How to Avoid an Epic Fail Profile Photo on LinkedIn

Many job seekers wonder if they really need to have a photo on LinkedIn. For Americans, and job seekers in other countries where having a photo on a resume is discouraged, it can be an awkward feeling to associate a photo with employment. But, my message to those who have these concerns is a simple, “Get over it.”

Blunt, I know, but there’s really no debate. Your profile photo on LinkedIn is essential. Why? Because profiles with pictures attract 50-70 percent more inquiries than profiles without pictures. And, I assume you are on LinkedIn to get noticed and make new professional connections – so just do it!

Not incredibly photogenic? Concerned about having an epic-fail profile photo? Help is on the way. In this post, I’ll give you some tips so that your photo is: 1. The correct size; 2. Professional; and, 3. Approachable.

1. Size: If you’ve got a great headshot already, here are the specifics for uploading your photo to make sure it appears correctly. You can also use these guidelines if your photo is now appearing too small after the major profile overhaul LinkedIn unveiled last fall.
   
   
   • According to LinkedIn’s help desk:
   • You can upload JPG, GIF or PNG files.
   • File size – 4MB maximum.
   • Pixel size: 200 x 200 minimum and 500 x 500 maximum.
   • Your photo should be square.
     
2. Professionalism: If you don’t have a photo that’s LinkedIn-worthy yet, you might be wondering what a professional profile photo entails. There’s really no one right answer to that. It means different things to different people.
   
   For example, if you are a lawyer, in finance, or another traditionally conservative field, your audience will expect your attire in your profile photo to reflect that. However, if you are a tattoo artist, musician, or athlete, you’d run the risk of being seriously off-brand by wearing a suit in your photo.
   
   In other words, you want to play the part. Represent your personal brand as best you can to the audience you want to attract. Even if your profession warrants a little creativity, there are a few rules to abide by:
   
   
   • Don’t use an old photo. It’s incredibly embarrassing to meet someone for the first time and not recognize them because the photo on their LinkedIn profile is from 1985!
   • Use a photo of YOU in your profile — don’t use a photo of an object, your garden, or your kids.
   • Don’t have other people in your photo, or use photos where you’ve cropped other people out of your shot — there should not be any errant body parts in your LinkedIn photo!
   • Your photo should include your head and shoulders. Not a close-up of your face, or an image that is too far away, preventing people from seeing your face at all.
   • I highly recommend getting a professional headshot taken to ensure optimal lighting (unless you have a friend who is a professional photographer who will do it for you). Many cities have services that cost less than $50. Just no Glamour Shots, please. (If you want a blast from the past that will give you a good laugh, check this out. I have a couple of pictures that belong in that collection!)
     
3. Approachability: Your photo should appear welcoming, to help you to look like someone a potential contact may want to reach out to. You can accomplish this with your appearance, your expression, and your level of comfort in front of the camera.
   
   
   • First and foremost: SMILE! Radiate warmth and approachability in your photo.
   • Relax. Take a deep breath and look directly at the camera.
   • Have your clothing choice be current, fashionable, and comfortable. If you are comfortable, you’ll be more likely to relax and let your personality shine for the camera.
   • Wear your most complimentary color or the color that best represents your brand. Bright colors can attract attention, but don’t go overboard. Avoid t-shirts, Hawaiian shirts, and busy patterns.
   • Use a solid, neutral-colored background. Patterns behind you in the photo distract from what you want them to notice: YOU! Allow the person visiting your profile to focus solely on you, solidifying their intent to build a relationship with you.
   • Use good judgment with your hair and makeup- it’s easy to overdo it with a style or colors that are too bold. A good rule is that if you haven’t gotten a compliment on your hair in the last month, you might consider changing it somehow.

Concerned about age discrimination? Ask the photographer to capture your more youthful side, or other brand attributes that you’d rather your audience focus on. If touching up gray makes you feel more confident, go for it!

After you have your proofs, ask a trusted colleague for their opinion on which photo makes you seem most approachable. Then, don’t delay in getting your new photo onto your profile.

I hope that using these tips to prevent a LinkedIn profile photo epic fail will be a big confidence-booster and get you the professional attention you deserve.