The Professional Headshot - Is it Really Necessary for LinkedIn?

From a network connection.

Q: I don't have a photo on my LinkedIn. Do I really need one?

A from me: Yes, you will need a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile. 

At minimum, your photo should include:

• You in professional attire
• Head and shoulders only. Your face should be 50-60% of the circle
• Pleasant, smiling
• Not a selfie
• Clean background

Here's a blog with more instructions and info. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/your-linkedin-profile-photo-brenda-meller-zawacki-/

I know of several professional photographers in the area if you want to invest in one. They typically range $300-$500+ if you go to their studio. More if they come to you, but you could also look at booking a group to bring the individual cost down.

Or you could have a friend or family member snap a few photos from your phone. If you go this route, take them against a clean wall and take many pics so you can get a good angle.

Or you could go to a JCPenney or some other studio and pay a semi-pro a fee for photos. probably under $100, including a fee to get the photo digitally.

"BUT BRENDA," you ask, "WHY is this Necessary? Isn't the Photo I Have Good Enough?"

In a word, "NO." If your headshot is not professional, it looks sloppy. You are creating the wrong first impression for your profile visitors.

When I visit profiles for executives and I see any of the following, it immediately causes me to conclude that they are not that polished and prestigious as I once believed:

? A selfie. YES, we can tell.

? A photo taken in your car. YES, we can see the backseat.

? A photo taken in your kitchen. Egad. And by the way, you need new wallpaper. That style was popular in the 70s.

? You in sunglasses. Unless you sell sunglasses or you're a celebrity.

? An obviously cropped photo, with someone's arm draping over you. Yes, we can tell.

? You from 20 years ago. I've seen you. You don't look like that anymore.

? A poorly lit photo where I can barely see your face. Yes, it's important.

? Your company logo instead of your professional headshot photo.

? You on a surfboard, the beach, a boat, or some other place. OK, so you're rich. Great. No, I'm not impressed.

? You wearing a baseball cap or some other hat. Unless you sell baseball caps.

? You looking like you want to pick me up in a bar. You have some provocative stare and you may be showing chest hair (men) or cleavage (women).

? You with your significant other or a group of people.

? You presenting on stage. You look fabulous, but I can't see your face.

? You looking angry or ominous. A blank stare with no smile also goes into this category for me.

And here's my current headshot photo and header as of July 2020:

What are the headshot photo mistakes do YOU see most often on LinkedIn? Comment below.

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