If you use LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and the
latest addition, Google+, it’s no surprise that as social media circles
continue to expand it’s not just our family and friends checking us out online.
A survey conducted by Jobvite in 2011 reported that 89%
of US companies will use social networks
to look for or review candidates. In
fact, companies are now hiring or using social media savvy professional to vet
prospective employees and business contacts.
In the past few years there has been a steady and
significant rise in Social Recruiting efforts to find and place employees
making it more important than ever to maintain an up-to-date and professional
profile and presence online.
Nicole and I can’t stress enough that having a
winning profile starts with the right photo.
So, we’ve compiled a list of simple Dos and Don’ts for capturing your
best LinkedIn or professional profile picture.
Do use
a quality photo of yourself. It’s best
to use one that is professionally taken where you are the only subject and one
that you are proud of.
Do use
a picture in which you are professionally dressed. First impressions are just as important in
the virtual world as they are face-to-face.
Your profile picture is your ‘handshake’ and serves as your online
introduction to others.
Do keep
in mind that LinkedIn is not Facebook and you should not forget the nature of
what it means to present yourself as a professional in terms of dress, body
language, grooming and setting.
Do keep
your profile pictures updated. It’s
recommended that you update your profile picture at least once a year,
especially if you’ve changed your appearance significantly, e.g. a new haircut. Staying current will help others identify you
and avoid confusion.
Do smile
and allow your personality to shine through.
People are most attracted to those they feel are friendly, approachable
and likable.
Don’t use
pictures from vacations, group shots, parties, with other family members or
pets. Stay away from cropping your face
out of these types of photos as well.
It communicates that you’re not professionally prepared.
Don’t use
poor quality photos, logos and avatars.
This is your profile and you should be fully represented.
Final
Note: Your LinkedIn profile picture is an important component to
crafting your online presence and ‘personal brand’, so keep this in mind when
taking or choosing your profile picture.
Ask yourself, ‘How do I wish to be perceived?” “What do I want people to think about me, or,
what qualities do I want to convey?” Aim
for a shot that shows a friendly, professional-looking photo with a positive
image.
Photo Credit by Christopher Ameruso / Barcroft
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About Photo Fabulous You
Our Photo Fabulous You team focuses on professionals launching a new business or elevating their career to a higher level by combine their innovative skills with your own attributes to capture your best image in a photo and boost your ability to succeed.
Learn more about our Photo Fabulous Services.
Our Photo Fabulous You team focuses on professionals launching a new business or elevating their career to a higher level by combine their innovative skills with your own attributes to capture your best image in a photo and boost your ability to succeed.
Learn more about our Photo Fabulous Services.