Don't Fail Because Your LinkedIn Photo Looks Like This

Having a LinkedIn photo is the number one thing you can do to get more profile visits, connection requests and messages.  But it doesn't mean you should just slap any photo up there!  After all, a photo is worth a thousand words and your LinkedIn photo often gives a recruiter and hiring manager a first impression about who you are.

LinkedIn is the number one business networking tool and it is a great place to show off your personal brand and the message you want conveyed.  The core of anyone's message should be professional so make sure you are falling into one of these common photo mistakes:

​1.  Not Work Appropriate

LinkedIn is for business networking.  It is not Facebook or Instagram.  So please no pictures of you in a club, drinking or wearing outfits that you wouldn't wear IN the office.  That includes this "selfie" I took of myself before a walk.  

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2. No Cropping

So what if it is a nice picture of you, if you need to crop someone out of it, the forget it!  It not only looks weird, it is unprofessional!

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3. No Distracting Accessories

No sunglasses, no big scarves, no hats - nothing that distracts from YOU.  Let the person coming to your profile or seeing your photo on any activity you like/share/write about actually see you!

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4. No Wedding Guest Photos

I see a lot of photos on LinkedIn that you can tell were taken at a wedding.  And I get it, you are usually wearing an amazing outfit and your hair looks great BUT it isn't professional!

5. No Photos with someone/something else.

This isn't a shared profile, this is YOUR profile so please do not include a photo of you with  your husband, children, friends, pet, etc.  Just you!

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So what kind of photo can you have?

A nice photo of you, wearing a nice professional outfit.  A photo of you smiling that shows you are approachable and personable.  

It doesn't have to be a headshot.  But have someone take the photo for you or use a tripod and blue tooth camera remote.  I know a lot of people who have gone for passport photos who just smile!  Make sure the message you are trying to convey starts with your photo.  

Is the photo just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your LinkedIn profile, does it need some loving attention?  If so, reach out - I can help with that.