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?
About Jennifer Bobiwash
Jennifer hails from a tiny tipi in Canada. She is a First Nations Actress, Writer, Accidental Producer and Content Creator. Having always loved technology, she jumped at the chance to make her own content in the infancy of YouTube. On her YouTube channel Welcome to the Tipi, she and her fellow co- host Geraldine Chases-her-Tail share their attempt at being ndn in today's society. Jennifer has worked in different capacities in the industry from acting to production. Don't ask her what job titles she's had, she just does what's needed to get the job done. Becoming an accidental producer, she has produced over 300 episodes of online content. She is also crazy about Social Media and loves to teach people how to use it effectively. For her latest news, visit www.jennniferbobiwash.com and connect with her on Twitter: @bobiwash