First impressions count more than ever now. With the advancement of technology and international trade, many introductions will be made via email or other various forms of social media. We’ve all been told the rules about profile pictures: use a current, true picture of yourself and don’t be doing anything immoral or illegal in it. Today we’re going to be talking about what your LinkedIn picture says about you.
So many profile pictures on LinkedIn show the basic elements that people look for: sophisticated and professional. But there is so much more to your picture than that. So many times when browsing LinkedIn I find myself wondering “are these people even real?” They’ll be standing in front of a white wall and they’re profile has no personality. Relationships matter in business now more than ever, and many want to see a real person, with real personality on their profile. Make sure you look approachable and more importantly PERSONABLE!
A few things to keep in mind:
• don’t go for the typical conservative corporate all black, no jewellery or plain white shirt attire.
Let your outfit show those elements of your personality but also keep it professional. You could do
this by wearing a blazer and a nice bright necklace or a coloured shirt and neutral tie;
• Make sure you have a background, even if it is a window or your desk. Breaking up the white
stops your picture from looking like a stock image;
• Make sure you can clearly see your face, face the camera; and
• Smile!
Written by Chloe Heselden