Updating and maintaining a professional profile photo for your Linkedin account is important and something to think about updating every few years. My last Linkedin photo was taken professionally in 2014 by my AKPsi brother Christian @candidcompositions so I am well overdue! To take an awesome photo the best advice I can give you is to look your interview best! The purpose of having a great photo is not only to give potential employers a chance to put a face to a name but to also market yourself as warm, professional, and inviting. Many people choose not to have a profile photo or purposely prevent the visibility of photo to the public in fear of discrimination. My thoughts: If an employer discriminates based on my profile photo to not interview me… that wasn't the company for me from the jump. But anyways, back to taking your photo!
Tools Used:
-iPhone
-Ring light with phone stand
Taking a Professional Linkedin Profile Photo from Home
Choose a great place to take the photo. You will need to find a spot with a white/light colored background and great lighting. Keep in mind that lighting is best earlier in the day!
Make-up: For the ladies, keep make-up to a minimum in regards to shades. Stray away from eye shadows, colored lipsticks and exaggerated eyeliner. The point is to look natural.
Find the perfect waist-up outfit. I chose to go with a frilly white shirt for my new photo-op as my last photo really showcased the standard white button-down and blazer which you cannot go wrong with. (Be sure to iron and lint remove your items)
Utilize a stand or a friend. I took my photo myself, therefore I needed to utilize my stand to prop my phone up and 3 second timer technique. Always use the timer if you are doing this on your own. The arm stretched out selfie is for the gram not Linkedin! Tip: Use the back-facing camera view. Typically, this will provide a better resolution of the photo versus the front facing camera.
SMILE! Show them what you are working with! A warm smile will invite people to chat with you and connect.
Edit. I love to play with the filters on my phone. If you did happen to take your photo in a place with poor lighting, it’s ok! Take the time to adjust the picture to your liking but don't edit it to the point that it looks like a throwback myspace photo!
Post! Post to your account but also let your connections know about you update! It gives people a chance to view your profile and possibly reach out with job opportunities.
Linkedin is a great resource for showcasing yourself, connecting with like-minded/like- industry individuals, and applying to opportunities as a virtual resume. I actually applied & was offered my current role through this professional social media. So, If you don’t have one, get one! We will have a meeting later on how to capitalize on LinkedIn but until then Thank you for visiting Olivia’s Office!
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