Are you wondering how to choose the best photo for your LinkedIn profile? You're not alone. Your LinkedIn photo is one of the most important elements of your page, and one of the first things people will notice about you. And, we all know there is no second chance to make a great first impression, so it's important to choose a good one. So, bear with us as we uncover some super useful tips on how to pick a LinkedIn profile picture that will make you look professional and help you stand out from the crowd.
LinkedIn Photo Tips
True, a lot of people, 49% to be exact, find jobs through friends but a great many of them also use the internet, and LinkedIn is one of the most popular websites for both recruiters and job seekers. For this reason, your LinkedIn profile is extremely important, and one of the most important aspects of it is your profile picture. But how do you know what makes a good LinkedIn profile photo? Then, should you use a professional picture for LinkedIn? Here’s all you need to know about LinkedIn photos:
1. Choose a photo that is professional and approachable.
LinkedIn is a professional network, so your profile picture should be professional too. But that doesn’t mean it needed to be taken by a professional photographer. What it means is that it shouldn't be boring, too casual, or goofy either. When it comes to LinkedIn profile pictures, the key is to look approachable and friendly, but also competent and credible.
2. Headshots are great but not in all cases.
Some people think that their LinkedIn picture (since it’s non-clickable) should be a headshot, and while it is recommended, it’s not necessarily always the case. A LinkedIn headshot can be a great choice if you're in a profession where your face is your brand, such as modeling or acting. But for most people, a headshot is not necessary. Instead, you can choose a photo that shows your head and shoulders, or even your waist.
3. Use a high-quality photo.
This should go without saying, but it's important to use a high-quality photo as your LinkedIn profile picture. That means no blurry images, dark photos, or grainy selfies. Instead, choose a well-lit photo that shows you in a flattering light.
4. Pick a recent photo.
Your LinkedIn picture should be fairly recent, one which accurately represents what you look like today (glasses, make-up, hair, etc.). Don't use an old photo just because you think you looked better then. Not only will this make you look dishonest, but it can also be confusing for people who are trying to recognize you.
5. Maintain a natural pose.
When taking your LinkedIn picture, make sure to use a natural pose. Avoid stiff, posed photos, as they can come across as inauthentic. Instead, try to look natural and relaxed.
6. Consider the background.
Before you decide on your photo, take a moment to think about the background. Are you in a place that is professional and appropriate? Or is it too casual or even unprofessional? If you're not sure, it's better to choose a different photo. Your LinkedIn profile picture background can say a lot about you, so make sure it's sending the right message.
7. Dress the part.
Your LinkedIn profile photo is not the place to show off your fashion sense, but that doesn't mean you should wear just anything. Instead, wear your usual work attire or dress in clothing that is professional and appropriate. Avoid anything too revealing, low-cut, or casual. And make sure your clothes are wrinkle and stain-free. The goal here is to look put-together and presentable.
8. Keep your hair and makeup neat and tidy.
Your hair and makeup should be neat and tidy for your LinkedIn profile photo. If you wear makeup, make sure it's not too heavy or cakey. And if you have long hair, it should be styled and out of your face. You want to look polished and professional, not like you just rolled out of bed. If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it's well-groomed.
9. Avoid using a group photo.
While it's ok to have a photo with other people in it on other social media platforms, we highly recommend you avoid using a group photo as your LinkedIn profile picture. This can be confusing for people who are trying to recognize you, and it also makes you look less approachable.
And finally,
10. Smile and look directly into the camera lens.
You should appear warm, friendly, and engaging. A bright, pleasant smile will give the impression that you are approachable and encourage individuals to want to establish contact with you. Also, a LinkedIn photo of a person smiling looks more natural and enthusiastic and is 10 times more likely to attract someone's attention than a stern-looking individual. It is how you will stand out from the 50 million LinkedIn users searching for jobs every day.
LinkedIn Profile Picture Size Guide
The ideal size for your LinkedIn profile picture is 400x400 pixels though if you want to upload a photo that's larger you can but be warned that it will not be as clear when viewed on the site. Ultimately, the maximum size that LinkedIn can accommodate for profile photos is up to 7680 x 4320 pixels.
This will ensure that your picture is clear and recognizable when viewed on both desktop and mobile devices.
However, if you do choose to upload a different sized image that is much larger than what's recommended, know that LinkedIn will automatically resize it to fit the standard dimensions.
File Format for LinkedIn Profile Photo
The general rule when uploading LinkedIn photos is to use a JPEG or PNG. PNG files tend to be larger in size than JPEGs, so if you are concerned about file size, you may want to consider using a JPEG instead. In any case, as long as your file does not exceed 8MB you will be fine.
Currently, these are the only file formats that LinkedIn accepts. Unfortunately, GIF files are not supported. Though you can add the LinkedIn OpenToWork photo frame to make your profile stand out to recruiters.
Bonus LinkedIn Photo Tips
LinkedIn is a professional community and an online business network. In this regard, it differs from other social networks like Facebook or Instagram where nearly 90% of users post stories or watch videos. Most people join LinkedIn for the sake of networking which is there are some things that you should simply NOT do when taking a LinkedIn photo. These include:
- Selfies.
Not only do these photos tend to be of lower quality, but they also give off the impression that you're not serious about your LinkedIn profile. If you're not serious about your profile, why should anyone else be?
- Filters.
LinkedIn is a platform for networking and building relationships — both personal and business. Using a filtered photo makes it seem like you're not taking this platform seriously.
- Cropped photos.
Especially if it's from a group photo. A cropped photo of you at a party is not just unprofessional but it also displays a lack of dedication. Also cropping other people out shows gives the impression that you're not interested in building relationships with them.
- Incorporating hobbies or interests into your photo.
While it's good to have hobbies, your future employer or business partner doesn't need to see them on your LinkedIn profile. Your hobbies and interests can be listed elsewhere on your profile. Remember, LinkedIn is all about being professional and your profile photo should reflect that.
Final Words
Now that you know what is and what is not acceptable for a LinkedIn profile photo, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect one! By following these simple tips, you are sure to attract more views, connections, and opportunities. Just remember to keep it simple, professional, and genuine and your profile photo will be in line with some of the best LinkedIn photos.
LinkedIn Profile Picture FAQs
What is a good profile picture for LinkedIn?
A good LinkedIn profile photo should be a close-up, preferably a headshot that is clear, well-lit, and professional. This type of photo will help you make the best first impression with potential employers or business connections.
Is it okay to use a selfie on LinkedIn?
No, it is not okay to use a selfie on LinkedIn. A lot of people seem to think that it is perfectly acceptable to use a selfie as their profile picture on LinkedIn. However, while it is perfectly fine to use a photo taken on your mobile, selfies tend to be low quality and unprofessional-looking.
Should you have a picture on your LinkedIn profile?
Yes, you should definitely upload a photo to accompany your LinkedIn profile. Moreover, your LinkedIn profile picture is not just the first thing people will see when they visit your profile but it will make your page more recognizable, approachable, and credible.
