I have spent the past week attempting to perfect my LinkedIn profile. Reading article after article about what to include or how to craft a headline that will get you noticed, as well as trying to remember my varied work history. The one thing I didn’t put much thought into was my profile pic, but it is the first thing that people notice when they find you online.
As an actor, you sometimes have hundreds of photos at your disposal, which one do you post?
When setting up your profiles for various social media platforms, it’s always important to post a picture. Ideally your profile pics should match across your social media platforms, but even then, how do you choose the “one”.
Tips for choosing the right photo for LinkedIn:
- Headshot
That means your head, neck and shoulders. And be sure it’s what you look like currently. You don’t want to confuse or annoy someone who could potentially hire you.
- Keep it simple.
The ideal shot for Linked in would be a photo with a simple background. No hats or sunglasses. There are less distractions and allow for a better connection between you and the viewer. This helps us see more of you.
- Smile.
Don’t overthink your pose.
- Just you.
Avoid group photos or you holding your animal.
- Keep it Simple Two.
No need to schedule a photo session. Have a friend take your photo in front of a solid background and good lighting on your face. It makes for a better photo, so avoid taking a photo of your reflection in the bathroom, instead if you have no choice, learn how to use the timer on your phone.
If all else fails, you there’s always an app for that. I tried Photo Feeler. I posted some of my headshots, and although, my audience sample size was only 10 people, the comments and notes made me reconsider what I was using.
How do you choose your photos?