If you’re reading this article, the chances are you will already be on LinkedIn. Today’s tip sheet post is about a key part of the profile that all us have spent either too much or too little time thinking about – the Profile Picture. This post is about why you need to have one, and 5 basic rules on what not to do once you’ve decided to put it up. Let’s get started.
You need a profile picture
In today’s socialised and connected world, anonymity is in full retreat. While we all care about personal privacy, it’s incongruous to opt in on being on social networks, and yet be there not showing your face. Humanising your account through a profile picture is the first step in an exchange of information that you tacitly agree to by being on the platform in the first place. And it communicates a great deal – by simply having a profile picture, it’s telling the reader that you actually use the platform, that you not a spammer with zombie account and that you are serious about networking with others. You don’t need a Hollywood smile, Terry Venables perma tan or a Donald Trump hair weave – you just basically need to be you.
Now here are 5 things to avoid when selecting your photo.
1. A Non Human Avatar
This is not War of Warcraft. Putting a comedy/fantasy/sci-fi avatar on a professional network like LinkedIn is telling the world that you value your imaginary life more than your professional life – its not the kind of image that will encourage employers or recruiters to give you a call. It’s the digital equivalent of turning up to an interview with a Bart Simpson tie on – your attempt at comedic differentiation will succeed only too well, but in a way you did not intend and with consequences that will not be in your interest.
2. The Body Shot
The dimensions for the average profile picture is approx 150 x 150. In other words, they are thumbnails, designed to display a human face, not your Olympian physique. I’m sure you look great in the ball gown or in that muscle Tee you like wearing, but that’s not the point of this photo. It’s about your face. If you must, I think it’s OK to have head & shoulders but any more torso and you will reduce the resolution on your face making you difficult to identify, whilst also raising questions as to you are selecting a shot of your body when everyone else is going with the head shot.
3. Special Effects
You can do wonderful things with image editing software; emboss your face, X-ray your outline, put everything into sepia or reverse it all into film negative. Do none of these things on your profile shot. It may look great – if you are in art school – but there is a time and a place and this isn’t it. Remember the primary reason why the photo is there in the first place – to humanise your profile. The viewer needs to be comfortable that you are a real person, that you use the system and that you pass the freak test. Embossing your face in gold will probably not help you achieve any of these objectives.
4. The Over Pose
Maybe Dolly gets away with it
5. Change it all the time
If LinkedIn is a online shop window for your skills, it will do you no favours to be switching your image around every day. The more you use LinkedIn, the more people will identify with your image and too much change might well have damaging effects on the nascent online relationships that you have been developing. Clearly, there is an ethical imperative for currency – it won’t do to have a picture that is no longer looks like you in real life, but if you’ve got an accurate, up-to-date shot, stick with it.
And that’s about it. Feel free to comment folks. And if anyone out there has got any bad LinkedIn photo’s they’re prepared to share – after all, I used to look like this
I would also add no “location” shots. So you got married on a beach, or someone took a photo of you at your brother’s wedding (or bachelor party) and you don’t look TOO drunk – it’s probably NOT the look that will get you your next gig.
Love this blog, love the pics, love the way it is written. Special kudos for creating the over pose term. You see this a lot with professional speakers. Much appreciated. Caterina
Thanks for the kind words Caterina, much appreciated. Spread the word, The People need to know!
You have made some great points. I have to agree with you I am always surprised when I see people who join Linked-In and then don’t even post their picture. It tells me they really don’t take the social network seriously.
Yes, Juanita, that is the most salient point – to at least show you use the platform. Thanks for your post
Good ideas, actually I’m doing like this and I agree 100% with you.
What about wearing a Professor Robe picture? That kind of branding seems to be hard sell, I would rather recommend you to state your credentials on name card instead of putting a picture like that, what do you think? I am in the middle of helping a PHD client on his personal branding!
Good suggestions. Thanks for sharing.
“A positive image opens all doors”, that includes your Linkedin image. More professionals need to understand their photo is sending a message good or bad.
Hi Evelyn,
Interesting situation, but I have to say, the picture should adhere to the conventions that have developed on the medium. Look at it from a risk/reward perspective – think of an image of a guy in professorial robes and I’m immediately tempted to leap to conclusions. Think of a guy in a white shirt with a collar on, what can I do? Can’t feel bad about. The low risk move is the best one IMO. Good luck with your client!
I am completely impressed with this artice. Well done! I would only add that poor lighting is rampant in profile photos.
Cheers!
Some original pictures will be noticed and never forgotten
I say this because I’ve noticed some and I can’t forget them and the people that come with it. people I haven’t met in person yet.
Hung — I’m going to take your tips from a different approach. For the most part, I agree with your tips . . . but, after learning of your tips from a recruiter, there is a disconnect. Yes, I’ve seen recruiter comments to the effect that no smile = no interest in recruiting.
Point #1 A Non Human Avatar – While I agree with your example, realize that some non human avatars have been associated with specific people for years on the internet. (I’ve been known globally for 10+ years by my animated U.S. crest.) As a Veteran, I may also have emotional and/or medical reasons to use a non human avatar. Does that make me any less of a candidate? It shouldn’t. I should be judged on my knowledge, experience, and accomplishments, not my picture.
Point #2 The Body Shot – There is a reason there is a small magnifying glass in the bottom right hand corner . . . try clicking on it! You are not limited to 150×150. Once again, if you are basing your decision off looks, you’re superficial and shallow! Judge a person by their knowledge, experience, and accomplishments . . . not their looks.
Point #3 From comments posted – If you don’t have a smile on your face, you’re wrong. I am a Vet that suffered facial neuromuscular damage. You will not see a smile on my mouth. (If you look at my eyes, you might see a twinkle though.) Maybe I need to have a picture with the corners of my lips taped up, to make it look like a smile . . . how professional would that look?
Overall, your tips are good for the candidate. But, you should have also posted tips for the recruiter, or at least a warning that some people’s profile picture may not conform to these tips for a viable reason.
My final comment is about my profile picture. Very few people know what I really look like . . . for a reason. I had to think long and hard about putting an actual picture of me on the web. Those who know me or have talked to me, will know and understand why. Never judge a book by its cover!