When you’re looking for a job, the first impression you make is extremely important. And, believe it or not, your LinkedIn profile photo is a big part of that first impression. A recent study by Jobvite found that 93% of recruiters use LinkedIn to screen candidates, and 47% of those recruiters said they’ve rejected candidates based on their LinkedIn profile photo. If fact, it isn’t just LinkedIn. It seems that recruiters will check multiple social media sites to get a better idea of what the candidate stands for.
So, what does that mean for you? It means that if you’re looking for a job, or even just trying to network and make new connections, it’s important to have a good corporate headshot photo on your LinkedIn profile.
Still not convinced? Linked in have published that your profile is 14 times more likely to be viewed if you have a photo, and that profiles with photos get an average of 21% more views than those without. The graph below shows the how much recruiter use these platform to check up on their candidates. The numbers for all the sites are up from previous years.
A corporate headshot is different from a casual photo with friends or even a professional passport-style photograph. A good corporate headshot should show what you really look like so that people recognise you when they meet you in real life.
It’s clear that having a good headshot photo is essential for your LinkedIn profile. So now that we know how important it is to have a good photo, what makes a good corporate headshot photo?
Firstly, you need to understand that a corporate headshot photo is very different to a selfie. It is a photo that is designed to make you look your best as well as professional. The photo can also show off some of the qualities that you might be looking to portray. For example, if you’re in a creative industry, your corporate headshot might be a little more relaxed and show off your personality. If, instead, you are corporate executive, your photo might be a little more formal to show that you are credible and trustworthy.
The most important thing is that your corporate headshot looks like you. That way, when people meet you in person, they won’t be surprised by what you look like. It’s also important to make sure that the photo is well-lit and correctly exposed. A professional headshot photographer is going to do this for you as well as making other recommendations such as the best type of background and what you should be wearing.
So what are the characteristics of a good corporate headshot photo? Here is a summary.
1- Smile. The research shows that a smiling headshot photo outpeforms a non-smiling one.
2- Look into the camera. This makes it easy for people to connect with you.
3- Wear what you would normally wear to work. That way, people can see that you are dressing appropriately for your industry.
4- Make sure the photo is well lit and correctly exposed.
5- Have a clean and elegant backdrop
6- Be comfortable with your headshot photographer. If you are uncomfortable, it will show through in the photos.
7- Take your time. Don’t expect to spend 10 minutes and get the best possible photo. Your photo is an investment in your career. Take it seriously and take the time required for your photographer to help you get the best shot possible.
8- Get a haircut. Looking your best is important so make sure you book in a haircut a few days before the session. (Not the day before)
9- Get professional makeup. Photography makeup is different to the makeup you wear on a daily basis. Your photographer can help you arrange this or advise you on how to do it yourself.
10 – Bring your enthusiasm! This is super important. You are about to define how people see you when they search you online. What do you want your photo to say about you?
In summary, whether you like it or not, a large percentage of potential employers are going to look you up on social media prior to taking you on.
Your profile photo is the first thing they see when they visit your profile. So it’s important to make sure you have a corporate headshot that looks like you, and represents you in the best possible light.
If it comes down to two candidates with the same qualifications, it may come down to your photo so make it count.
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