A Picture Can Say Zero Words

You use LinkedIN because you want to be found. You want people to know what you do and how you do it. You have heard the expression "a picture says a thousand words". But a picture can actually say absolutely nothing about you, which is something I suppose, but still... I wish I could post some photos that people use as their "professional photo" on LinkedIn as, I have seen a fashion designer look like she just killed someone, accountants looking like strippers and restaurant managers looking like business professionals (as a heads up, there's nothing wrong with that one).

So here's my question, what are you thinking when you post your photo??

A few days ago, I had a marketing candidate ask me to review photos she wanted to use for business purposes. She had a choice of about 6 all with a bit of a tweak here or there and it made me realise, people really put in a lot of thought into their photo so as a head-hunter who reviews over 500 images a day it could be prevalent for you to read what works, what doesn't and what really doesn't matter.

For the love of anything SMILE! You have a mouth, you have teeth, keep you head up to show confidence and smile...as I tell my children "Properly!" Look at the camera, face on and smile.

You don't need to hire a professional photographer to take your photo. You just need to look professional. You would never approach someone with your head down and eyes up like you want to "sex them up" so why on earth would you have your LinkedIN photo looking like that?? You want to give off the impression you are friendly yet professional. Made up but not made to cover anything. Don't take a selfie and post it thinking it's okay, it's not but at the same time...

Don't be too far. Pick a head shot. "We" want to see who we are looking at or talking to.

Don't post a picture of you fishing or with your kids. LinkedIN is not facebook, snapchat or instagram. I would love to talk about what you enjoy doing when we speak, but I don't need to see pictures of your family. To be honest, this tells the person looking at your photo, you aren't the hardest working person in show business as you aren't here for business.

If you are a lady, there's never a reason to have your boobs hanging out, so your LinkedIN photo should be the same. Unless you are looking for a job at Hooters, which is not a problem, they are a successful organization, but if you aren't seeking to attract Hooters or Penthouse, this is not the place to post your bathing suit pictures. You will be luring the wrong people to you and I have heard stories.

Don't post your grad photo either. What I mean by this is, post something current. If you are posting a photo of you from your college graduation and you are in your 30's, no offense but you don't look the same. So if someone reaches out to you and wants to meet you, they will be shocked if they meet the wrong you.

Use like photos for like places, especially if you are using social media to brand yourself. Use the same picture in most places so people know who you are. Think of a real estate agent, their photos are always the same since their face is their brand. Your LinkedIN page is a big part of your Real Estate in the social media world so market yourself properly.

Just like you want your photo simple, you want your background simple. Too much clutter and we won't be able to see your pretty face so keep it clean and keep is simple.

You shouldn't have to spend days looking at yourself to decide which photo is best since people are only taking a quick glance but it's the first glance they see before what you do and where you work so you do need to pick something just please do pick wisely. Your picture really is our first impression.