Make a great first impression with your LinkedIn profile photo
The LinkedIn photo is one of the most important parts of your Linkedin profile. Most often, the profile picture is the first thing people notice, and it is definitely an image they will remember you by. Everyone claims that we should not judge a book by its cover, but usually that is exactly what we do. The profile picture is the first impression you give to your future employers or hiring managers, like in an interview – your appearance, attire, and attitude matter!
If you have a Linkedin profile or you’ve just decided to create an account on the website, read this guide to learn how to prepare a unique and great Linkedin Profile Photo to boost your career!
Why should I add a photo to my LinkedIn profile?
It is a fact that if a book lacks a cover or the book cover is unappealing, we are less likely to open it even if the book’s content is very valuable and precious. Studies have shown that the labels on daily products are often the key factor in purchasing decisions of average customers.
The same psychological mechanism applies to the LinkedIn profile picture, which is the cover of your profile as well as a label of your achievements, skills, and work experience. That is the exact reason why we have a photo on our social media accounts, and why the quality of a LinkedIn photo may have an impact on the whole recruitment process and making the right impression at your job interview!
Regarding the Linkedin data, profiles without photos are clicked on less often, and invitations sent from people whose profiles lack photos aren’t accepted by 93% of users! This means that more recruiters will look for candidates with photos on their profiles.
Why is it important to upload the right LinkedIn photo?
We humans have the tendency to judge others very quickly by looks, and this also applies to professional social media platforms, such as LinkedIn. Not just recruiters, but all of us, consciously or subconsciously, read the personality features and characteristics using the sense of sight. This is why it is crucial to not only have a LinkedIn profile picture, but to have one that will make others associate you with only positive qualities, such as attention to detail or confidence.
The profile picture is like a showcase for hiring managers, so you have to pay a lot of attention to make it a good one. Otherwise, a recruiter who views hundreds of job seekers’ profiles daily may draw an unfavorable conclusion.
What are the most common mistakes in LinkedIn photos?
For an experienced recruiter, just a glimpse at an unprofessional LinkedIn profile photo will raise some doubts. We have prepared a list of the top 5 common mistakes for you to avoid to make sure your photo presents you as a confident, detail oriented, digital native!
- Blurry, shaky or pixelated photos may give away lack of digital skills.
- A background that’s too bright or colorful can indicate a careless person
- Uneven lighting and shadows on the face might show one is not detail oriented
- Not looking directly into the camera lens will not advocate for you being confident
- Photo that does not include your shoulders nor any space above your head may indicate lack of interpersonal skills
Bear in mind that a photo on social media accounts tends to give the first impression for someone who doesn't know you. Keep reading to find out how much more likely you are to get viewed or receive a message if you have a profile picture!
Take a professional photo for your LinkedIn profile
The LinkedIn research proves that just having a picture makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed by others and you have 36 times more chances to receive a message.
Therefore, there is no doubt a professional photo on LinkedIn is a must-have. Not only will it make your profile more complete and get you more views and messages, but will also give the recruiters the right impression.
Do you already know how to take a profile pic that will increase your chances in the eyes of the recruiters or raise the profile's prestige among other members of the LinkedIn community?
Choose the right background color
Did you know that a green background makes us perceive a person as more likeable, open, and willing to cooperate? An office background indicates professionalism and a corporate approach to work. On the other hand, a blue background means that +30% of people will accept the invitation. However, it doesn’t mean that it has to be a boring uniform color, because you can pose against grass or a blue painted wall – show your creativity to gain extra points right from the start!
The right frame is the basis of a good photo
The background, as well as the frame, really matters. You have to position yourself appropriately in the photo. This means only your head, neck, and possibly the top of your shoulders should be visible in your profile photo. Do not upload a whole body picture, because it’ll make it difficult for people to recognize you.
Opt for the proper facial expression
A question that is often asked when it comes to LinkedIn profile photos is ‘Should I smile in a business photo?’ Yes! And here are the arguments in favor of it:
- You’re building more trust
- You seem approachable and warm
- You’re making a genuine connection with the viewer
- You don’t look threatening to work with
- You show confidence
The LinkedIn profile picture is already your personal brand, so make sure that you present yourself appropriately regarding the industry you work in. Although, a lot depends on your profession. This means that if you consider your brand a little more serious it is okay to look serious or neutral in your LinkedIn profile photo. But usually smiling wins! Studies prove that when choosing from two identical faces that only differed in their facial expression, people preferred the smiling face.
Dress casually but professionally
While choosing the right outfit, think about the way you’d dress for a job interview. Linkedin is a professional career and business platform, not just a casual profile on social media. You have to pay more attention to the dress code, because you will be judged as a potential candidate for a future employer.
Of course, do not pretend to be someone else – be yourself, but show the best side of you! A lot depends on the industry you work in, but usually for men, a dress shirt will be the right choice, and for women a nice blouse, and a blazer or suit jacket for both. Choose something uniform in one solid, darker color like blue or black. Stripes, dots, patterns, and flowery or strapless tops will not look good. Also, remember about not putting on too much makeup, wearing a lot of jewelry, or sporting extravagant hairstyles.
Upload the correct LinkedIn photo size
The standard LinkedIn profile picture size is between 400 (w) x 400 (h) pixels and 7680 (w) x 4320 (h) pixels, where the head should cover about 60% of the frame. You can upload a larger photo and LinkedIn will resize it, but it can't be bigger than 8MB. This is why your best bet will be choosing the Passport Photo Online service that changes the size exactly to fit the Linkedin requirements!
Bear in mind that LinkedIn has a list of some background images it doesn’t allow. You can’t add company logos, animals, words, phrases, or landscapes, so if you upload your own one using our photo service, make sure that you do NOT download a forbidden background image.
Take a professional photo
If you want to be treated like a professional, prove that you are a professional in all ways! Show a great quality of your business image. The LinkedIn profile picture is the first thing to be rated by your future employer. This means that the quality must be good, it can’t be blurred, or have patterns, because it will potentially make you look like an amateur instead of a professional, and on top of that it can show lack of digital skills, or no attention to detail! Pay attention to the lighting – we recommend shooting in daylight as the flash lamp may cause red eyes, which doesn’t look competent.
How to take a good LinkedIn profile photo at home?
Going to photography studios might be too much effort - it is better to choose a fully free of charge option and take your LinkedIn profile photos at home!
Start from finding someone who will be your photographer, or place a tripod approximately 3 meters from the place you stand. Make sure that this place is well-lit, and that you’re standing about 1 meter away from the wall. It is better to face the camera, however, your head can be tilted a little to the side if you prefer. There are no strict rules, but it is good to look directly into the lens so that the recruiter thinks you’re looking at them, thus getting an impression of a confident and reliable employee. Make sure your entire face is visible and your facial expression is appropriate.
After taking some photos, choose the best one and upload it to our photo app, which will prepare the perfect picture for your business account! Change your career today!
How the photo creator works
Our photo maker is very simple and adjusts almost all photographs right away to be appropriate for the LinkedIn social network. Just open the Passport Photo Online website and follow the LinkedIn photo tips on how to take a good LinkedIn profile photo.
Follow the 3 steps below to know how our Linkedin photo tool works:
- Upload a picture.
- Choose the background color from the ones available on our website or upload your own one - the photo tool removes the original background allowing you to substitute it with your own!
- Download your new professional LinkedIn picture and add it straight to your LinkedIn profile!
You don’t need a professional photographer to take your professional LinkedIn photo - you can do it yourself today and get ready to land jobs with your dream employers!
Last update: 5/9/23
FAQs
Upgrade Your LinkedIn Profile with a Professional Photo Tool? ›
In order to make a professional LinkedIn photo, go to www.lightxeditor.com. Select the Profile Picture Maker tool under the 'Editor Tools' and upload your image. Now, the tool will create an AI cutout from your image on different templates. Go to any that you like.
What is the app that takes professional pictures for LinkedIn? ›PicWish is one of the best online photo editing tools. You can access this app on your web browser without paying any fees. It comes with a variety of image editing features that can help you create a professional LinkedIn profile picture.
Is it worth getting professional headshot for LinkedIn? ›Linkedin profiles with professional headshots receive roughly 14 times more profile views and are 36 times more likely to receive a message on Linkedin. It's important to look professional, hard-working, and approachable.
Will a professional photo on your LinkedIn profile get 21 times more profile views? ›According to statistics, LinkedIn members with a profile photo receive far more engagement: 21 times more profile views and nine times more connection requests (source: LinkedIn Talent Solutions). In addition, based on Inc.com, users with a professional headshot receive 14 times more views.
What is the best photo editor for LinkedIn? ›LightX's Profile Picture Maker for LinkedIn offers a wide range of stunning and trendy templates that you edit to your liking. Whatever may be your job, profile, or industry, find suitable templates for all. You can make Professional, Social, and many other kinds of pictures for your profile.
Does LinkedIn profile picture have to be professional? ›Your goal is to appear professional, yet approachable, so it's important to select a photo for your LinkedIn profile where you genuinely look happy. You should be smiling in your picture with your eyes, if not with your whole face.
Is there an app to make photos look professional? ›Snapseed: Best for advanced photo editing on a mobile device. VSCO: Best for classic-look filters. Adobe Photoshop Express: Best for all-around photo editing. Adobe Lightroom: Best for professionals and those wanting to make quick pro adjustments.
What app can I use to take professional photos? ›- Pixtica: Camera and Editor. As a new Pixtica user, you have a free account with limited features. ...
- PhotoScan by Google Photos. ...
- Open Camera. ...
- PhotoRoom. ...
- Snapseed. ...
- Footej Camera - PRO HD Camera. ...
- Lightroom Photo & Video Editor. ...
- Photoshop Camera Photo Filters.
Adobe Lightroom is one of the best photo editing app for professional photographers as it's the only photography app that can allow viewing, editing, and organizing a large number of images.
How much does a professional LinkedIn headshot cost? ›LinkedIn headshots can cost anywhere between $89 and $1500 depending on geography, package, and provider. When considering pricing, remember to look at a) licensing (who owns the photos) and b) retouching fees. In terms of licensing, photographers typically only give you ownership for photos that you “buy” from them.
Should you bullet point your LinkedIn? ›
Keep your bulleted text short and to-the-point
A one-line bullet is ideal. Two is ok. Three is the absolute maximum. Anything more than three and you've greatly increased the risk that the bullet point won't be read.
Yes, you can smile in a professional headshot. However, really, there are no rules. It really depends on the purpose of the photo and the energy, or vibe, that you want to convey.
What is the biggest mistakes when making a LinkedIn profile? ›- Not Including Keywords In Your Headline. ...
- An Anemic About. ...
- Ignoring The Featured Section. ...
- Not Using Creator Mode. ...
- Keeping The Boring LinkedIn-Issued Background. ...
- Using A Photo That's Not A True Headshot. ...
- Not Reordering Their Skills. ...
- Using Words Without Rich Media.
There's no official average for LinkedIn profiles, but in general we find it best to stick between 100 and 300 words. Less, and you aren't providing any distinguishing detail for those who read your profile. More, and you risk providing too much information for your contact to remember.
Do premium LinkedIn members get more views? ›LinkedIn states that Premium Business member profiles get viewed an average of six-times more than free accounts, while top sales professionals using Sales Navigator have a three-times better chance of exceeding their quotas.
How do I get the best headshot on LinkedIn? ›- Choose the right location and background. ...
- Take your LinkedIn profile picture in soft and natural light. ...
- Dress the part and look your best. ...
- Choose the right facial expression for your LinkedIn profile picture.
Get visual with your LinkedIn posts
Posts with images get twice as many comments as text posts. Videos are five times more likely to get comments. Overall, LinkedIn videos earn three times more engagement than text-only posts.
Most photographers (29.83%) use Adobe Lightroom because it offers all the editing features they need. In terms of core editing functionality, this is certainly true – Lightroom offers everything that most photographers would ever need to manage and edit photos.
Is it a red flag to not have a LinkedIn profile? ›It's not a red flag, but it's not helpful. Having a LinkedIn profile is important for recruiters and hiring managers to find and learn more about you. It is more welcoming than a cold resume. They'll see your picture and learn about you in a more informal manner.
What to wear for LinkedIn headshot 2023? ›You will only see from the chest up in your headshot so think about neckline, jacket fit, jewelry and makeup more than a complete outfit. Fit is key. Your clothing should fit you well across the shoulders and chest, lay nicely when you sit and not be too bulky.
What images are not accepted as a LinkedIn profile? ›
Your photo can be removed by LinkedIn if your profile image doesn't include your likeness or a headshot photo. Some examples of photos that shouldn't be used are: Company Logos. Landscapes.
How do you make a photo look like a pro? ›- Cropping: Enhance focus and composition. ...
- Blurring: Enhance background images. ...
- Saturation: Enhance or reduce color intensity. ...
- Contrast: Enhance highlights and shadows. ...
- Brightness: Enhance overall lighting. ...
- Filters: Enhance and correct photos. ...
- Arrangement: Enhance your layout with grids. ...
- Frames: Enhance image shape and style.
The key to taking professional photos is to first learn about the iPhone's Portrait mode. Open your camera and swipe right to enter Portrait mode. Here's how Portrait mode works: the iPhone's camera will instantly create an effect called depth-of-field.
What is the new photo app everyone is using? ›Lensa is the AI photo editing app everyone is using on Instagram! The app became massively popular this past week as this new trend continues to go viral on IG. The trend includes Instagram users posting AI-generated images from their own selfies that have been uploaded into the Lensa app.
Can I use my iPhone for professional photography? ›Take Photos Like a Pro With your iPhone
A professional photographer takes the time to compose and use the iPhone's tools; you can do the same to take better pictures with your iPhone. Get a sharp image by holding the camera steady so you don't get blur by shaking it. Lock the exposure so the main subject is bright.
1. PicsArt (Android, iOS) PicsArt is our top pick of the best photo editing apps, because it's fun, easy to use, yet covers just about all the bases for consumer mobile photography.
What is the best app to create a professional headshot? ›ID Photo & Passport Portrait (Android)
ID Photo & Passport Portrait is one of the best headshot photo apps for Android. It is definitely a useful tool to make amazing headshot photos. You can crop, change the background color, apply filters, add annotations, or improve photos with tone adjustment.
One of the easiest ways to help improve your photography on a smartphone is to switch on the gridlines, which can be found under the camera settings of your Android smartphone or iPhone. On enabling the gridlines feature to click a snap you will notice a series of lines into the screen of your smartphones camera.
Why is LinkedIn Pro so expensive? ›The prices differ based on the number of InMail credits, the number of courses, and all the other advanced features customized to each premium account type. The more features you opt for, the more expensive it gets.
How expensive is LinkedIn Gold? ›Linkedin Premium Career costs $29.99 per month, or $239 per year if you pay for annually. Linkedin Premium Career help you get a job faster. Linkedin claims candidates with Premium Career get hired an average of 2X as fast.
What is the downside of LinkedIn? ›
Con: It Can Be Hard to Get Noticed. Given the number of people on LinkedIn, simply having a profile on the site isn't enough. Getting noticed by a potential employer requires a sizable amount of attention — i.e., regularly updating your profile, sharing status updates often and writing blog posts.
What are the fatal mistakes you should avoid when creating LinkedIn? ›- Unprofessional Profile Photo.
- Boring Headline.
- You're a Lurker.
- Making Random Posts.
- Requesting Connections Without Purpose.
- Your About Section is in Third Person.
- Not Using the Recommendations Section.
- Choose the right profile picture for LinkedIn. ...
- Add a background photo. ...
- 3. Make your headline more than just a job title. ...
- Turn your summary into your story. ...
- Declare war on buzzwords. ...
- Grow your network. ...
- List your relevant skills.
In general, I recommend staying away from white and other pale colors as the main color (pink, pale yellow, light green, sky blue, etc.). They can overexpose, distract from your face, and sometimes even make your skin tone look paler than it is.
What color is best to wear for headshots? ›Solid and neutral colours always work well as the eye is used to seeing them and they have little chance of overwhelming the frame. Light neutral shades include white and cream, while dark ones include navy and black. Neutrals are timeless, non-competing and emotionless.
What is the 4 1 rule LinkedIn? ›The 4-1-1 rule says that for every single piece of content you share about yourself (or your organization), you should share an update from another source and, most importantly, share four pieces of content written by others.
What is the weakest element of LinkedIn profile? ›- Time consumption is one of the biggest downfalls of LinkedIn profiles. ...
- Safety and privacy concerns are the primary disadvantages.
- The LinkedIn profile is unable to manage all the features from one place.
- Managing permissions and roles become a problem in LinkedIn profiles.
The best LinkedIn profiles have attractive headlines. Don't just write where you work and your position in the company, write what you're good at, what you're working on, or a recent accomplishment. A headline is more than your title or job position. As a job seeker, utilise this space and showcase your abilities.
What is the 5 3 2 rule LinkedIn? ›5: Should be content from others that is relevant to your audience. 3: Should be content from you that is relevant to your audience but not sales focused. 2: Should be personal, fun content that helps humanise your brand.
Should you like your own posts on LinkedIn? ›Liking your own posts helps because people are more likely to interact with content if others have interacted first. Put another way, if the dance floor is empty, it takes guts to be the first person to hop up and start busting a move. But if others are there already, it's much easier to join the party.
What is a good number of posts on LinkedIn? ›
Frequency of Posting on LinkedIn
The ideal posting frequency for LinkedIn is two to five times per week, up to 20 times per month. It's not recommended to publish to the platform more than once per weekday.
Let's look at some of the LinkedIn Premium benefits: A premium account gets your profile more exposure. Employers notice premium profiles because they make you appear more genuine and trustworthy. Higher exposure will increase your chances of landing a job or finding a lead if you're a job seeker or sales professional.
Does LinkedIn premium mean looking for job? ›Simply put, Premium Career can help you make the right connections to find a job. That alone could make LinkedIn Premium worth it for you. LinkedIn InMail Messages allow you to reach people who work at companies you're interested in. It's a great way to network without having to connect with them first.
Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile? ›The Who's viewed your profile feature displays your profile visitors in the last 90 days, and can provide additional trends and insights about viewers. Note: You won't see this information if you haven't had any profile views in the past 90 days.
What is a professional background picture for LinkedIn? ›The recommended LinkedIn background photo dimensions is 1584 x 396 pixels. The quality of the picture you upload is essential as well. The best LinkedIn backgrounds are clear, high-resolution images. Fuzzy, pixelated images can hurt your profile, that is why it is better to use special tools that enhance image quality.
How do I make my LinkedIn profile picture not blurry? ›Make sure your photo is an exact square. If not, the dimensions of the photo may become distorted. Make sure that the photo is at least 400 pixels by 400 pixels. This should be easy, as most high-quality headshots have significantly more resolution.
Why is it important to have a professional picture on your LinkedIn profile? ›Statistics show that LinkedIn members with a photo receive far more engagement: 21 times more profile views and 9 times more connection requests. When you dress sharply to a job interview, you're telling the employer you mean business before even speaking a word.
What is the best profile picture size for LinkedIn? ›LinkedIn recommends the profile photo image size to be 400 by 400 pixels for the best results.
How do I stand out on LinkedIn? ›- Have a Good Profile Picture of Yourself. The first thing people notice about your LinkedIn profile is your profile picture. ...
- Include a Backdrop Picture. ...
- Create a Headline Beyond a Job Title. ...
- Make the “About Me” Section Your Story. ...
- Don't be Afraid to Post!
- Workspace. One of the best LinkedIn background images is one showcasing a workspace. ...
- City Skyline. A city skyline may not seem like the most professional of images, but it can showcase where you live and work. ...
- Brand Name. ...
- Showcase the End Benefit. ...
- Architecture. ...
- Cause. ...
- Your Product or Service. ...
- Abstract Image or Texture.
What is the best background for a professional profile picture? ›
White. Set yourself up as a thought leader in your industry and stand out when you choose white. It's the best background for professional headshots and it's ideal for professionals that need a lot of formality, operate business to business, or if you're beginning a new job hunt.
Why is my LinkedIn photo not sharp? ›Why is my LinkedIn banner blurry? Your photo is probably blurry because it doesn't fit the specified dimensions. Remember to keep it 1,584 x 396 pixels, a 129:8 ratio, and not larger than 4MB.
How often should you change your LinkedIn profile picture? ›And how often should you update your photos, so they don't give someone pause when you meet in person? “Profile pictures should be updated every three years unless there is a significant change in appearance.
How can I improve my appearance on LinkedIn? ›Find and use the best keywords for you, particularly job titles and technical qualifications. Use these keywords in many different areas within your Profile such as your Professional Headline, Work Experience (job titles and job descriptions), Skills, and Profile Summary.
Should I smile in my LinkedIn photo? ›So to conclude: There are absolutely NO RULES for a smile or not smile on your professional photos. The only rule is to feel and look comfortable (a big part of your professional photographer's job 😉) to leave viewers a CONVINCING first impression through your professional headshot.
Is not having a LinkedIn a red flag? ›It's not a red flag, but it's not helpful. Having a LinkedIn profile is important for recruiters and hiring managers to find and learn more about you. It is more welcoming than a cold resume. They'll see your picture and learn about you in a more informal manner.
What is most important in LinkedIn profile? ›Here are five of the most important things you need to include to make your LinkedIn profile stand out: 1) Professional photo. 2) Compelling summary. 3) Summary of industry experience, expertise and education.
What is the best background color for LinkedIn photo? ›LinkedIn recommends a light or white background, but a darker background is fine as long as it doesn't distract from you. You don't need to limit yourself to a block colour – you can add tonal effects or even take a photo outside and blur out the background.
What size should a professional profile picture be? ›Your profile picture appears just under your cover photo on your page. It also shows up next to every post and ad you publish, so when it comes to your profile photo, make sure to use an image that represents you or your brand. It should be at least 170 x 170 pixels.
What size is the LinkedIn profile picture 2023? ›LinkedIn Profile Photo Image Size: 400 x 400 Pixels
Although the recommended image size for a LinkedIn profile photo is 400 x 400 pixels, the platform can accommodate pictures up to 7680 x 4320 pixels. The maximum file size is 8MB.