Your LinkedIn profile picture is one of the most important aspects of your profile. It’s the first thing that potential employers and business contacts will see, so it’s essential to make sure that your picture looks professional.
Choosing the perfect profile picture for LinkedIn doesn’t have to be difficult; in this article, we'll discuss in depth how you can do just that.
Table Of Contents
The Benefits Of Having A Good Linkedin Profile Photo
Having a good eye-catching profile picture can have numerous benefits for your professional career.
A clear, high-quality headshot that accurately represents you can convey professionalism and attention to detail whilst also making a positive first impression on any potential employers or clients who visit your page.
In addition to making a good first impression, having a strong profile picture can also increase the likelihood of profile views and connection requests.
People are more likely to engage with profiles that have an appealing visual image rather than a grey circle or a cat photo.
Having a good clear headshot photo will not only increase your potential to land new job opportunities but also helps you establish credibility and shows that you take yourself seriously as a professional and are invested in presenting yourself in the best possible light online.
Overall, taking the time to perfect your profile photo is well worth the effort for the numerous benefits it brings.
What Makes A Good Linkedin Profile Photo?
The main qualities of an ideal LinkedIn profile picture are professional-looking, high-quality, and making sure the photo is welcoming and approachable.
However, there are several other factors that make up the perfect profile photo which we will discuss in more detail below.
Professional vs D.I.Y
When it comes to perfecting your LinkedIn profile photo, you have two options: Get a professional headshot, or do it yourself.
While getting a professional headshot may seem like the obvious choice, there are some advantages to taking matters into your own hands.
On the one hand, going with a professional for your LinkedIn photo ensures that you get high-quality photos taken in a controlled environment.
Professional portrait photographers also have an eye for capturing the perfect angle and lighting that will make you look great.
They can provide guidance on what colours work well with your complexion and what style suits your industry best.
On the other hand, DIY is becoming more popular due to advancements in smartphone camera technology and editing applications like Lightroom and VSCO.
You can take photos at home or outside at any time of the day without worrying about scheduling conflicts or paying fees whilst having control over how the final photo looks.
Ultimately, whether to go professional or DIY depends on personal preference and budget.
Either way, having an updated and polished professional picture is crucial in making a good first impression on potential employers or business connections on LinkedIn.
Size And Resolution Matters.
When it comes to your LinkedIn profile photo, size and resolution matter. Your photo is often the first thing potential connections or employers see when they first land on your main profile page, so it's important to get it right.
A blurry or pixelated photo can be a turn-off and suggest a lack of attention to detail. Firstly, consider the dimensions of your photo. The ideal size for a LinkedIn profile picture is 400x400 pixels.
However, if your original image is larger than this, don't worry - LinkedIn will automatically resize it for you. Just make sure that the aspect ratio (the relationship between height and width) remains consistent to avoid any distortion.
Secondly, pay attention to the resolution of your photo. For best results, use an image with at least 72 pixels per inch (ppi).
This will ensure that your photo looks crisp and clear on all devices. If you're unsure about the resolution of your image, try using an online tool such as TinEye or Google Images to check its properties.
Paying attention to the size and resolution of your picture can help you make a great first impression on potential contacts or employers. By getting the size and resolution right, you'll be well on your way to perfecting your professional online presence!
Use The Rule Of Thirds.
One of the best ways to create a professional-looking profile photo is by using the rule of thirds. This technique involves dividing your image into three equal parts, both horizontally and vertically, creating nine boxes in total.
The main subject should be placed along one of the vertical lines or at an intersection point where two lines meet.
By following this principle, you can draw attention to your face and make it appear more prominent on the page. This also helps create balance and symmetry within the image.
This means that viewers are less likely to become distracted by other elements in the background or foreground.
Overall, using the rule of thirds is an essential tool for anyone looking to perfect their profile photo.
Make sure you keep this technique in mind when selecting or taking a photo for your profile so that you can showcase yourself as a polished and professional individual within your industry.
Look Friendly And Approachable.
Your LinkedIn profile picture is the first thing potential employers or business partners will see when they come across your page. It’s important to make a strong first impression but also to look friendly and approachable.
A simple smile can go a long way in making someone feel comfortable reaching out to you.
One way to achieve this is by choosing a photo where you are smiling naturally rather than posing for the camera. This will make you appear more genuine and approachable, increasing the likelihood of someone wanting to connect with you on LinkedIn.
Additionally, consider using a photo that shows some personality or interests outside of work, such as hiking or playing an instrument.
Another tip is to avoid using overly formal or professional photos that may make you seem unapproachable. While it’s important to present yourself in a polished manner, try not to look too serious in your profile picture.
Remember that LinkedIn is about building professional relationships and connecting with others in your industry – so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!
Choosing The Right Linkedin Background.
When it comes to perfecting your LinkedIn profile picture, one of the most important factors is choosing the right background.
A distracting background can diminish the overall impact of your photo and make it difficult for viewers to focus on you as the subject.
One option for a visually appealing yet simple background is a solid colour wall or backdrop. This allows you to stand out and ensures that all attention is on your face, which should be the main focus of your profile picture.
Another option could be a natural setting with soft lighting, such as a park or garden. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere while still keeping the focus on you as the subject. If you do take your photo outside, be sure to avoid direct sunlight.
It's also important to consider how well the background complements your outfit choice for the photo.
You want to make sure that there isn't too much contrast between what you're wearing and what's in the background, which could create an overwhelming visual experience for viewers.
Overall, choose a simple and complementary background that allows you to shine in your profile picture.
Wear What You’d Normally Wear To Work.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when selecting a profile picture is to wear what you normally wear to work.
This means that if you usually dress up for work, then select a professional-looking photo with formal attire. If your workplace has a casual dress code, then opt for a more relaxed outfit.
Your profile picture should reflect your personality and style; however, it’s important to remember that LinkedIn is a professional platform.
So while you want to showcase who you are as an individual, it's also crucial that your photo portrays you as someone who takes your career seriously.
Ultimately, choosing what to wear to take your photo depends on the type of job you have or the industry you're in.
Do some research on what other professionals in your field typically wear and take cues from them. The goal is not to blend in but rather show that you understand and respect professional norms while still being true to yourself.
Lastly, before you upload your profile picture, be sure to check it both on mobile and desktop devices to make sure you are happy with how it looks. You can use a photo testing tool to help you do this.