First impressions play a huge part in whether a recruiter or organisation reaches out to you with opportunities so you want to portray yourself in a positive light and ensure you don’t lose out based on a poor photo choice.
Here are 8 examples that are best avoided, starting with everyone’s favourite:
1) The selfie
Although you may feel a selfie is most flattering, overly-posed selfies that are airbrushed heavily with unrealistic filters don’t always give off a professional vibe. Keep those ones for Instagram and your camera roll and instead get someone else to take a nice headshot for you.
2) The death stare
Any photo that makes you look unapproachable, miserable or is mug-shot-esque is a big no-go. People want to work and connect with individuals who are easy to get along with so an open, friendly photo is a lot more effective than a stoney-faced one.
3) Anonymous
If there’s one sure-fire way to scare potential connections off and make them think you’re a phoney it’s by having no photo at all. People want to know who they are talking to so the first thing you should do is change the default image on your profile, even if it is a temporary selfie whilst you wait for a professional headshot to be taken.
4) The retro / arty shot
Yes, that sunflower covering 80% of your face is pretty but that’s not what we came to LinkedIn to see. People want to build an idea of what you look like and what you're like as a person so make sure you choose a photo which is up-to-date, clear and portrays your professionalism. Arty, retro profile photos are best left to Instagram (again) unless you work within the creative industry, but then again, show off your work on your LinkedIn portfolio not in your display image.
5) The proud pet owner
As well as proudly showing off your sunflower, showing off your adorable, fluffy, cute pets (sorry we got carried away there) is not necessary. Hiring managers and organisations want to connect and work with YOU not Mr Bigglesworth the Egyptian Sphynx cat. Yes, they’re cute but unless you’re a Vet then we don't recommend it.
6) The party pic
You might class downing eight jagerbombs one after the other as an achievement or personal best but keep the photographic evidence of it to your personal social media (which, FYI, should be locked down tighter than Fort Knox). This includes pictures of you on holiday (in your bikini and/or budgie smugglers), wild nights out and/or doing a keg stand.
7) Hiding in the shadows
Hey, you there! Come out from the shadows, people want to see what you actually look like, not just a face distorted by shadows or an outline of your body. Make sure your photo is properly lit and where possible taken in natural light.
8) The dating profile snap
Of course we saved the best ‘til last. Those sultry poses, ridiculously low-cut tops (that includes you as well boys) or that heavily made-up pout is fab for Bumble (other dating sites are available) but it’s completely giving off the wrong impression to professionals. Yes, we should be able to wear whatever we want without it having a knock-on effect on our expertise and professionalism but unfortunately some people still do “judge books by their covers!” Remember "this is a professional site, not a dating one!"
Carbon60 recommends:
A clear, bright photo taken from the chest/shoulders up, without a distracting background will let professionals and potential connections know you mean business. Wear something which is work appropriate – and/or suitable to your field of work – and don’t forget to smile
Source: Undercover Recruiter
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/photos-not-linkedin-profile/