In today’s hyper-paced digitized global economy, having a LinkedIn profile is essential for any professional or unemployed person looking for work and business opportunities. Having a good LinkedIn headshot is one of the most important parts of your professional profile.
Studies have shown that your profile is 14 times more likely to be viewed if you have a visible LinkedIn profile picture. Your profile is 7 times more likely to be viewed if you have a professional LinkedIn headshot photo. This means that you are up to 21 times more likely to attract a potential employer or business contact simply by have a professional looking profile photo on your LinkedIn profile.
Creating a ‘good’ LinkedIn headshot & profile
So what does a professional LinkedIn headshot look like? The official LinkedIn blog has some suggestions. Ultimately, it comes down to having an online profile photo that looks professionally produced with good lighting, the right mood and/or expression, appropriate professional attire, hair, and makeup, and according to Entrepreneur Magazine Online, certainly not a mirror selfie or a full body workout photo of yourself.
Besides your professional resume and accolades, your social media headshot becomes your brand. People have an easier time remembering faces than they do facts about your education or professional history. It only takes less than a minute for someone to decide whether you are worth talking to, so your image has a significant impact on whether a person will even continue to read the rest of your profile.
Many people overlook the headshot as an important aspect of their professional profile. People will naturally focus first on filling out their work history, awards, and education, but will leave out one of the key elements in attracting readers to view their profile. Having a headshot is an important part of completing a LinkedIn profile. The Huffington Post points out that a person is 40 times more likely to receive an opportunity through LinkedIn if he or she has a complete profile page.
If you have an excellent professional resume and have a professional looking LinkedIn profile headshot also, the two elements become ‘linked’ in the reader’s mind, and an initial familiarity is developed between him or her and your C.V. – even if they have never met you in person. This is what leads to a good first impression, and can be a great with to start a professional relationship with a potential client, employer, or business partner.
If you want to know more about producing a good LinkedIn headshot for your professional brand on LinkedIn, on your own website, or other social media, contact us today and we can help you get started.
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