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LinkedIn Photo Tips | Attract 50-70% More Views

Tips for Your LinkedIn Profile PhotoYoung smiling woman in a business suit. Isolated on white background

Your profile photo on LinkedIn is very important. Did you know that profiles with pictures attract 50-70 percent more views than profiles without pictures?

Here are some tips for your LinkedIn photo:

  • Don’t use an old photo. There are few things worse than meeting someone for the first time and not recognizing them because the profile on their LinkedIn profile is from 10 years ago (or longer)!
  • Use a photo of you in your profile — don’t use a photo of an object.
  • Consider using a full body shot of you sitting or standing. At a minimum, your photo should include your head and shoulders, not just a close-up of your face. If the photo will include your full body, choose similar colours for your top and bottom (both dark or both light) so that one doesn’t look bigger than the other. With a light-coloured top and dark pants, your top will look bigger. If you have light-coloured pants and a dark top, your bottom half will appear bigger. And choose dark socks/shoes if they will show in the photo.
  • Smile! Radiate warmth and approachability in your photo.
  • Photos should be professionally done, if possible (but not Glamour Shots).
  • Wear your most complementary colour. Bright colours can attract attention, but muted (tan or light olive green) or jewel tones (dark green, navy, or burgundy) will draw attention to you, not your clothes. Above all, avoid patterns.
  • Don’t have other people in your photos (and don’t crop other people out of your shot — there should not be any errant body parts in your LinkedIn photo!).
  • Make sure the background in the photo isn’t distracting.
  • Look directly at the camera.
  • Take multiple shots and ask people their opinion on which one makes you seem most “approachable.”
  • Tips for Men: Wear a dark blue or black dress shirt. No t-shirts or Hawaiian shirts. No busy or crazy patterns.
  • Tips for Women: Wear something you feel comfortable in. No t-shirts. No big or busy patterns. Soft, dark v-necks look great. Black always works; avoid white. Long sleeves are best so you’re not drawing attention to your bare arms — instead, you want them to notice your face. (Bare arms also appear “bigger.”) If possible, your hair and make-up should be professionally done.

Need help optimising your LinkedIn profile? Contact Total Resumes today: https://www.totalresumes.com.au

Author Carolyn Whitfield

6X TORI-Winning, Multi-Certified Resume Master & Coach ★ 12+ Yrs Expertise ★ 98% Client Interview-Winning Success Rate. As an executive resume expert who has carved a strong reputation in the resume industry, I’ve helped thousands of rising stars and executives worldwide ascend to the next step on the career ladder.

More posts by Carolyn Whitfield

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