6 Tips for Creating a Winning LinkedIn Profile Picture

With the growing number of LinkedIn users, it is quite challenging to get noticed, create a positive impression, and earn the trust of a potential client or employer. While you may have solid work credentials and that your profile information clearly targets a specific niche, keep in mind that you have thousands of competitors out there. They may be targeting the same market or eyeing for the same business opportunities as you.

So what can you do about it? Or perhaps the better question here is: How do you stand out from your competitors?

One smart way to do it is by focusing on what people see first on your profile and that is your profile picture. Unfortunately, not a lot of LinkedIn users pay attention to this particular aspect. Some fall into the trap of using boring and not so professional photos of themselves. While that is not an absolute sin, truth be told, whether we like it or not, our appearance matters a lot in the way people perceive us and our capacity to do business or provide services. After all, the human brain is wired to create quick judgments based on a person’s physical appearance.

It is important that you use your profile picture to create a smart, professional, and trustworthy image of yourself.

So if you want your LinkedIn account to be your key to more opportunities, it is important that you use your profile picture to create a smart, professional, and trustworthy image of yourself. And here are some tips and tricks to make your photo stand out and capture the attention of potential clients or employers.

1. Make sure it’s YOU

Use your most recent photo so that people won’t be surprised by how you look when you meet them personally or virtually. It has to look like you, of course, but more importantly, the most current version of yourself. While you may find more confidence in your photo taken ten years ago, always go for your most recent shot.

2. Use the space wisely

Your face should occupy approximately 60% of the background space. Don’t give other users a hard time recognizing your face just because much of the picture shows scenery. Use a photo with just the right size and the right resolution. To ensure that you are using the appropriate space, you may want to base it on the ‘rule of thirds’. The rule implies that when you divide the image horizontally and vertically into three, your eyes sit on the top third.

Never ever use a group photo as your profile picture since it can cause confusion to your viewers on which one you are in the "groufie". Also, avoid using busy and distracting backgrounds such as a crowded shopping mall, a city light or anything that would take away the attention from your face. It is best to have your photo taken on a solid-coloured background to make it appear more professional.

Make the best out of your profile and show who you really are by the way you present yourself through your styling and outfits

3. Dress professionally

The clothes you wear in your photo matters a lot in creating a professional look in your specific niche. It is important that you wear the kind of clothes that you would normally wear at your workplace. It is not advisable to wear a sleeveless top, or any top that is too revealing, no matter how confident you feel wearing them. You are also advised not to wear too much make-up and exaggerated jewelry. Remember that your LinkedIn is a professional community, not a dating site.

The way you present yourself in your profile photo speaks a lot of your credentials. For instance, wearing a formal dress could make you be perceived as someone from the financial or legal sector. Make the best out of your profile and show who you really are by the way you present yourself through your styling and outfits.

4. Be visually professional

Remember that your goal is to make professional connections, not solely create personal friends. Although selfies are widely accepted in other social media sites, they are not always considered as socially appropriate. As much as possible, have someone take a photo of you.

Ideally, you should find someone who you feel comfortable with to take your profile photo. Personal branding photographers usually go extra mile by understanding who you truly are, how you want to be perceived, and helping you to appreciate and demonstrate your authenticity. The photographer should also guide you in the shooting process, helping you look natural and at ease in front of the camera. Looking relaxed and approachable in the picture is a bonus point in making you look confident and professional.

5. Look at your audience

Look directly at the camera when taking a photo for your LinkedIn profile. Similar to talking to someone in person, it could be perceived as disrespectful to your viewers when your eyes look somewhere else in the picture. Moreover, looking sideways could give an impression that you lack the confidence to bring yourself in the limelight.

6. Be YOU

It goes with the saying that your profile picture should speak a lot about you. Flash your natural smile and pose just as you would normally do. Avoid making yourself look so bossy, unnatural or stiff in the photo as it could appear awkward, turning away your viewers. Just take a photo of the real you and make your profile photo show your very own personal brand.

If all else fails, always remember that professional help is available. You don’t have to settle for a sloppy photo if what you want is a winning LinkedIn profile.

Speak to one of our personal branding consultants today to learn more about getting the perfect profile photo that will open up new opportunities for your career or business.

About the Author:

Tracy Ho is an award-winning personal branding & image consultant and an executive presence coach. She is the founder and director of Frame & Fame Personal Branding, a leading personal brand consulting and executive coaching firm dedicated to supporting senior executives, managers, and business owners to fast track their career success. Tracy is also a certified International Business Etiquette and Multicultural Communication Specialist, Gallup CliftonStrengths coach, DiSC trainer, visual facilitator and speaker.