Your LinkedIn headshot is one of the four most important parts of your LinkedIn profile for making a powerful first impression (the other three are your Headline, About, and Background). Your headshot makes you real in the often nebulous online world, helps build trust by showing that your profile is legit, and allows people to connect with you on a deep, human level. Yet, despite its importance, many LinkedIn members still leave it blank and that’s a missed opportunity. LinkedIn confirms that profiles with a photo receive 21 times more profile views and 9 times more connection requests.
Avoid These LinkedIn Headshot Mistakes
It’s importnat not to leave it blank, but just uploading a random picture is not the answer. Not all headshots will help you impress those who are checking you out. In fact, some will actually turn viewers away. When you’re deciding on your headshot, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:
- Leaving it blank. A missing photo creates doubt. People expect to see the person described in the profile, and an empty circle raises questions: Is this real? Is this person hiding something?
- Posting something that’s not you. Logos, office photos, solid-colored circles, and even pets show up in place of people. It’s called a headshot for a reason.
- Including others in your photo. Your profile is about you, not you and your partner or coworkers. Don’t make viewers guess which one you are. There are multiple other opportunities in LinkedIn to show that you’re collaborative.
- Cropping yourself out of a group photo. A visible arm, stray hair, or blurry background sends the message that you don’t take your profile seriously.
- Using a selfie. Unless you’re unusually skilled at selfies with extra-long arms, leave this to the pros.
- Getting lost in a busy background. Your headshot appears small on screen, especially on your phone. Keep the background clean and simple to make sure you stand out. Don’t turn your headshot into a Where’s Waldo game where people have to scour the image to find you.
- Wearing the wrong wardrobe. From tank tops to plunging necklines, I’ve seen it all. Unless you’re using LinkedIn for dating, aim for at least business casual. And skip the sunglasses.
- Not updating your photo. Hairstyles, hair color (and quantity) change over time. Your photo should match your current appearance. Make sure someone could pick you out in a crowded Starbucks from your profile pic.
- Using AI-generated images. Sure, AI can make you look more like David Corenswet or Halle Berry, but that’s not the real you. Right now, AI photos often feel inauthentic, making viewers wonder what else you’ve enhanced in your profile. Pics generated by AI will likely get better and more accurate, but for now, skip them, and go instead for a real pic.
Engage Your Audience With Your LinkedIn Headshot
Once you’ve committed to avoiding the common pitfalls, here’s how to create a headshot that works hard for your personal brand:
- Face forward. Looking into the camera allows viewers to look into your eyes. That’s one of the ways we connect as humans.
- Smile. Smiling is the universal welcome symbol and it influences how the viewer perceives you. A PhotoFeeler study found the most impactful profile pics show a smile with visible teeth. These photos increase perceptions of competence, likability, and influence.
- Brand your background. Choose a simple background that reflects your personal brand or use a solid color that’s part of your personal brand identity.
- Choose your wardrobe wisely. Dress to reflect your style and personality, but also ensure your attire is relevant for the people you want to attract and connect with.
Look At Effective Headshots For Inspiration
Despite the abundance of graphic design tools and AI photo apps, the most authentic and memorable headshots still come from a professional photographer. Working with one whose style you admire will result in an image that reflects your unique brand and helps you connect with your audience. Check out these 18 examples of standout LinkedIn headshots for inspiration. Each one helps the subject project their unique personal brand.
- Leah Knobler, VP of People at Help Scout
- Fabian Camargo, Leadership and Management Coach
- Jade Walters, Founder and Employer Branding Consultant, The Ninth Semester
- Christophe Ginisty, Strategic Marketing and Communications Expert
- Blanca Juti, Chief Corporate Affairs and Engagement Officer
- Lexi Brill, VP, Creative Director, Publicis Groupe
- Jayant Sharma, United Nations Officer
- Tristan Gorrindo, MD, CEO Forza Behavioral Consulting
- Jordan Friedman, The Stress Coach
- Lisa Spinelli, President and Founder, Blue Pinecone Consulting
- Moe Tanabian, CEO, IntuigenceAI
- Rita Wang, IT Communications and Training Lead, Babson College
- Jack Nguyen, Founder & Performance Coach, HealthJack
- Gretchen Van Wye, New York, NYC Chief Epidemiologist & Deputy Director
- Maxim Poulson, Growth Manager, Contrast
- DeAnne Aussem, CEO and Founder, ThriveWell Partners
- Oliver Yonchev, Founder Cocreatd
- Aliza Edelstein, VP, Product Marketing, Scribe
When it’s time to upload your new pic to LinkedIn, crop your image so about 60-70% of the frame is your face, allowing viewers to see you clearly. And one last thing. Always name the headshot pics that you plan to use online “yourname.jpg.” That way, when someone does a Google search on you, your photos will show up in the results. Google uses universal search which includes relevant images and videos in the results. Note, though, LinkedIn and some other social media platforms change the filename of your headshot when you upload it (but it is still associated with you because it’s a part of your profile with your name).
Your Headshot Along With Your Headline, About, and Background Form Your Digital First Impression
Your headshot is one of four really important elements of your LinkedIn profile for telling your story and engaging with your audience. The others are Headline (here’s how how to craft a compelling headline), About (here’s the four-step process for creating a stellar About) and Background (also called cover image).
William Arruda is a keynote speaker, author, and personal branding pioneer. Join him for practical tips on using AI to uncover, express, and expand your personal brand in a free Maven Lightning Lesson. If you can’t make it live, register to get the replay.