LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network and a business social network which cannot be ignored. It seems to have survived many other trends which have come and gone across the internet over the last few years and many recruiters use it as their go-to tool. However, thousands (potentially millions) are missing out on opportunities, not because of their CV or qualifications, but because they get their first impression all wrong.... read on to find out more.
Above or below? Which makes you more attractive to potential employers?
Adding a photo to your profile on LinkedIn makes you 14 times more likely to be discovered. Adding a good photo to LinkedIn is a whole other skill however, and although there are no official stats, it is likely that it will dramatically increase your chances of being noticed amongst the network's vast 467 million users. When browsing LinkedIn, it is still baffling that in 2016 the majority of users don't seem to grasp the importance of this feature. Whatever business you are in, business is about people and relationships. It's difficult to relate to someone and build a rapport if you either can't see what they look like, or their photo is either outdated (questioning one's honesty) or simply just bad / out of focus / distracting / amateur.
We all know the importance of a first impression. What most of us seem not to grasp is how we are giving 'first impressions' out on a daily basis, just by having an active profile online. Whether we like it or not, we judge others and others judge us - purely off the back of the first impression - which in this case, is them simply viewing your profile and photo. Does it reflect you? If not, change it - book a new corporate photography session now. If you are professional, you take yourself seriously and your business has a good image - your LinkedIn profile photo needs to reflect this.
What is a good LinkedIn profile photo?
Because the box containing the profile photo on LinkedIn's website is small, we need to approach shooting specifically for LinkedIn with this in mind. At CHL, if we know the intended use is LinkedIn, then we will show you a real-size crop on the computer whilst on the shoot so that you can envisage how it may work in context. The box is small, so view your photo small. The crop is square, so view it cropped as a square. Because there isn't much space, having an environmental portrait may offer too many distractions within the frame - the prime objective is to show your face, rather than show off your office on level 62!
We would most likely recommend a corporate headshot photoshoot session for LinkedIn. A plain background will help separate your face and make you stand out in the most positive way possible. Lighting is key but shadows are equally as important. Light and shade help bring contrast to an image and literally assist the image in standing out from the web page because the image becomes more dynamic and less 'flat'.
Black and white or colour?
Both can work, it is best to experiment with both formats and see which stands out best. Often, we find that with a white background, black and white can work well, whereas if there is another colour background (grey, blue etc) then colour may be favourable. It can also depend on your skin tone.
Late night selfie after a few drinks?
Avoid at all costs. Whilst it's good to let potential future employers know that you are good fun on a night out, they first need to know that you are professional. Start with this, then buy them a drink!
Ask us about LinkedIn headshot photography today and start standing out on LinkedIn.