Because it’s not always the right time or place to fly your freak flag…
The first thing a recruiter sees on your LinkedIn profile isn’t that finely tuned resumé…It’s also not your current title, or your recommendations, or your extensive recap of prior work experience. It’s that little colorful tile in the upper left-hand corner — your profile picture! And man, do people find ways to make that tiny space super awkward!
Case and point: Bathrobe and Bouquet Guy…
At some point, this fella thought to himself, Yes! This is the shot. This is the picture that best embodies me as a professional, multidisciplinary entrepreneur…
There’s also some weird obsession with taking LinkedIn photos wearing a Santa Clause hat?
And the monumentally uncomfortable mistake of snapping that award-winning profile pic promptly after exiting the bathroom stall… (Photos courtesy of unbelievable.ly and Google Images). We have no words…
But we do have some advice on how not to be like these people who shot stupid LinkedIn photos.
1. Use What You've Got
DSLR cameras are ideal. But your smartphone will do the trick too, especially if it’s a newer model. MacGyver yourself a tripod by using a ledge or shelf to prop up your smartphone. This will eliminate “selfie arm”.
2. Shoot at the Office
The gym. The bathroom. Restaurants. Bars. In the middle of a half marathon. These are clearly not ideal locations to shoot your LinkedIn profile picture. And yet, people do it all the time.
We recommend using your office, instead. It’s professional, neutrally clad (usually) and well lit — perfect for snapping a business pic.
3. Shoot Against a Plain Background
Get out of your office chair so you don’t accidentally include Nancy from accounting yawning in the background of your glorious mug shot. A solid colored wall is best and ensures the focus is all on you. Don’t include wall art in your shot and watch your back for photo-bombers.
4. Use Natural Sunlight, Not Flash Photography
Natural sunlight best complements your skin tone and provides a soft, organic illumination instead of a dramatic, synthetic-looking glare. Seek out south-facing windows at your office and position yourself across from them so the natural light hits your face straight on and evenly. Never shoot toward a window, you’ll only capture a grainy silhouette of yourself.
5. Look Up at the Camera
To avoid looking like you have five chins, no neck and an impressive snout, look up at the lens instead of down. This is a “one size fits all” angle that flatters everyone because it emphasizes your eyes and makes your face appear smaller.
6. Dress Professionally
This woman got the angle right. But she failed to consider what she’d be shooting down at. Or did she? Dress like you would for a job interview, folks. Color is great. Gaudy, distracting jewelry, dense makeup and uh…too much skin — not great.
7. Remember the Rule of Thirds
According to the professionals, your eyes should be 1/3 of the way down from the top of the photo and off center. Also, leave enough distance between yourself and the camera lens so you can crop later if necessary.
8. Don't Be So "Selfie"
Leave the duck face, fish lips, pouting, sparrow face, peace signs and snobby looks at home. While you’re at it — don’t Dwight Schrute the shot and look so serious you come off unapproachable and mildly psychotic. Relax your facial expression, be natural, smile a little or a lot (depending on your personality) and look friendly but professional. Don’t try to be funny, sexy or mysterious. You’ll end up looking way too “selfie”.
While you’re at it:
Don’t take your selfie picture in the mirror
Don’t go over-kill on filters
Don’t use a blurry shot
Don’t use a full-body action shot (it’s weird)
Don’t put animals in your shot
Don’t put children in your shot
Don’t use your wedding photo
Don’t over crop
Do keep it professional and follow all the rules of attire you would use to prepare for a job interview. Be natural, be yourself. If you follow our advice and end up snapping an awesome LinkedIn-worthy selfie, share it using #workselfie. Because clearly, some people could use the example…
Have you seen a bad LinkedIn photo recently? Maybe there's one on your own page? It's ok, it's not too late. Give us a shout and we'll consult with you on how to do better.
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