Keep your LinkedIn profile picture up to date: A cautionary tale

I have just updated my Linked In profile picture. It wasn’t something that had even occurred to me. But yesterday I realised that not only did my profile picture (taken in 2012) pre-date COVID, it was also taken prior to craniofacial reconstruction. Even if you haven’t had your skull remodelled by a white van driver, the ravages of time alone are sufficient to alter your perspective. In the words of Percy Shelley’s, ‘Ozymandias.’

"Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!

No thing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away"

In today’s professional world, your LinkedIn profile picture is often your first impression. It’s the digital equivalent of a handshake, a friendly wave, or a knowing nod across the room. But when your profile photo is decades out of date, that first impression might be more misleading than memorable.

Take, for example, the cautionary tale of Tim and Bill, two colleagues meeting for the first time in person after some months of virtual collaboration. They agreed to meet in the lobby of a London hotel. Tim arrived early, scanning the room for Bill, a distinguished-looking middle-aged man defined by the picture on his LinkedIn profile (that he was surreptitiously checking). Meanwhile, Bill wandered the lobby, peering around for a fresh-faced, clean-shaven professional, as Tim’s profile suggested. A few minutes passed. Finally, Tim saw another gentleman also checking Linked in and scanning the room for his connection, he was just 6 feet away.

The moral of the story? Keeping your LinkedIn profile picture up to date isn’t just about vanity—it’s about accuracy and professionalism. Your photo should reflect who you are NOW, not a nostalgic version of yourself. An outdated image can lead to confusion, missed connections, or, as in mine and Bill’s case, a comically delayed meeting.

So, take a moment to refresh your LinkedIn profile with a recent, professional-looking photo. It’s a small update that ensures you’re recognisable, relatable, and ready to make the right impression—both online and in person. It may even work to your advantage. Many collectivist cultures associate age with wisdom, experience, and authority. Older-looking professionals are often perceived as more credible and trustworthy. Signs of aging, such as grey hair, may be seen as a badge of honour, reflecting years of experience and dedication. Elders are often revered as community leaders or decision-makers, and this respect extends to professional settings.

If nothing else, keeping your profile picture up to date could help you avoid becoming the punchline of your own hotel lobby mix-up!