Photo Mistakes That Can Affect Your Credibility on LinkedIn - and Top Tips for Choosing Yours
When it comes to LinkedIn, the most important thing to remember is that it is a professional social networking site.
Your headshot is your first opportunity to make a strong impression, so it must convey professionalism and credibility.
You don’t necessarily need to invest in a professional photographer to boost your credibility on LinkedIn. However, you should definitely avoid common faux pas that could cost you your next opportunity!
1) Using a Facebook Photo on LinkedIn
Photos that are perfectly acceptable on Facebook, Instagram, or X may not be suitable for LinkedIn. You should steer clear of pictures that feature:
- Other people (including family and friends)
- Vacation or travel settings
- Social gatherings or parties
The ideal LinkedIn headshot should be a professional image that showcases your face from the shoulders up.
Once you upload your photo to LinkedIn, crop it so that your face occupies the majority of the frame.
To illustrate the difference, consider the following examples of suitable pictures by social media channel as highlighted by Jimmy Kimmel:
As Jimmy demonstrates, images depicting you engaged in leisure activities or surrounded by loved ones belong on Facebook or Instagram—not on LinkedIn. Oprah serves as an excellent example of an effective LinkedIn headshot that is both professional and perfectly cropped.
Oprah serves as an excellent example of an effective LinkedIn headshot that is both professional and perfectly cropped.
2) Wearing Unprofessional Attire
Your LinkedIn headshot is a critical component of your personal brand. It’s essential to think about the impression your attire will make on prospective employers.
In your headshot, make sure you're wearing something that you would wear to a job interview.
While some industries allow for a more casual look, it’s safer to err on the side of professionalism for your LinkedIn profile.
Stewart Butterfield, CEO of Slack, effectively combines a blazer with a casual shirt for a polished yet approachable appearance.
3) Choosing a Headshot with a Cluttered Background
While your background doesn’t need to be completely plain, it certainly shouldn’t distract from your image.
Jeff Weiner, LinkedIn's Executive Chairman, exemplifies this principle by using an outdoor backdrop that is subtly blurred, keeping the focus on him.
Quick Tip: If you have a photo you like but the background is messy, use a free online image editor to remove distractions and improve focus on your face.
4) Uploading a Heavily Edited or Blurry Photo
Your uploaded photo should be clear and not grainy or blurry. This issue often arises when cropping a full-body shot or a group photo.
While you may be tempted to apply filters to help you look your best, we recommend keeping them to a minimum.
Consider using a black-and-white photo, as studies suggest this can even lead to higher click-through rates when your profile appears in search results.
Quick Tip: If you lack a professional photographer, take a picture of yourself in front of a plain background using your smartphone. You can use editing software like Lightroom to convert it to black and white, eliminating imperfections and resolving lighting issues!
5) Paying Little Attention to Your Facial Expression
First impressions count - even online.
Your facial expression can convey a lot about your personality and professionalism.
When curating your personal brand, select a LinkedIn profile picture that communicates:
- Professionalism
- Approachability
- Charisma
- Confidence
Anjali Sud, CEO of Vimeo, exemplifies this with her engaging profile photo that radiates warmth and assurance.
6) Leaving Your Photo Blank
A LinkedIn photo isn’t just optional; it’s essential.
Given the platform's social nature, profiles without photos often go overlooked.
Recruiters and potential employers are more likely to dismiss profiles lacking a picture, even if they appear in search results.
Additional Tips for a Strong LinkedIn Profile Photo
Consider Professional Help
If possible, invest in a session with a photographer who specializes in professional headshots. They can help you achieve the right look and feel for your profile.
Get Feedback From Friends & Colleagues
Before uploading your new photo, seek feedback from trusted colleagues or friends. They can provide insights into how your image comes across and whether it aligns with your professional image.
Stay Current
As your career progresses, make sure your LinkedIn photo remains current. Update it every few years or after significant career milestones to reflect your growth.
In Summary
A well-chosen LinkedIn profile photo, combined with an effective headline, can significantly increase clicks to your profile.
By implementing these LinkedIn profile photo tips, crafting an engaging summary, and optimizing your entire profile, you'll be on your way to building a robust presence on the platform.
Most importantly, you'll make a lasting first impression, which enhances the chances that a positive message from a recruiter lands in your inbox.
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About the AuthorMatt Glodz
Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer.
After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents.
At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years.
He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.