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What does the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling have in common with your LinkedIn profile? Nothing really, apart from the fact that both have images that depict a story. While your canvas is much smaller (profile photo and header image), you can use this space to tell a story and immediately get buy-in from recruiters & hiring managers.
When selecting your profile photo, be sure to:
- Dress for the job you want. Civilian clothing is preferred and depending on the type of role, adjust your attire! If you’re applying for a role on Wall Street, a suit and tie are likely the best bet. If you are applying to a role in tech, a button-down would be just fine!
- No distracting background. A neutral background is preferred, whether it be a blank wall, brick building, or whatever it may be. Anything that will not distract from your face. The idea of the profile photo is to humanize you.
- Cropped to your head/shoulders/face. You do not need to share a full-body photo, as that will take up quite a bit of space.
- Does not need to be a professionally taken photo, but should be professional. Be intentional with the photo. If you have portrait mode on your phone’s camera, use it! Take off any sunglasses/hats, look directly at the camera, and smile!
When selecting your background photo, be sure to:
- Use the space to match your personal brand. If you are a software engineer, consider adding an image of code, or even something you’ve written. If you’re interested in working in aviation, use an F22 or a cool drone. Be creative! This small tweak can help set you apart from the tens or hundreds of profiles a recruiter or hiring manager goes through a day.
Examples of Good and Bad Imagery
Good Profile Pic Option
This is a good option for a LinkedIn profile photo for the following reasons:
- Intentionally taken to be a headshot.
- Smiling & looking at the camera.
- Blurred, non-busy background.
- Not too formal, not too casual.
Bad Profile Pic Option
This is a bad choice for a LinkedIn profile photo for the following reasons:
- Sunglasses obscuring the face.
- Not smiling.
- Busy background.
- Does not appear to be intentionally taken.
- Half of the face is not included.