Just like when you go to a job interview, the first impression you give a professional connection or a recruiter on LinkedIn matters. Your photo is an important part of your profile along with your employment history, testimonials, and other qualifications.
Reasons why having an updated professional photo on LinkedIn matter so much:
- When you meet for the first time a LinkedIn contact in person, they will be able to recognize you because of your photo.
- When you send a LinkedIn invitation to connect with someone, they will feel comfortable accepting it as they can put a name to a face. Some people won’t even connect with you if don’t have a profile picture.
- A photo humanizes your profile and makes you appear more approachable, confident, and professional. This helps to build trust with potential contacts, help you get noticed, and may help you get a new job.
Throughout her photographic career, Nataliya Volosovych heard various excuses people give when it concerns their profile photos. She summarizes them in the 6 most frequently used and gives her take on each. ⠀Here comes
Myth #1 – it is too expensive, I cannot afford it.
Just ask yourself – how much does a lost opportunity cost? Can we put a price tag on it? How costly is a wrong first impression you make on a recruiter who sees a photo that does not look professional and misrepresents you?
Our photo shoots are not expensive and are in fact, affordable. We have various packages that will suit your budget and you can build a custom package for yourself. ⠀
Myth #2 – I’m too shy, not photogenic, and don’t like how I look on my photos.
Here comes the truth – even the most beautiful person can be photographed in the ugliest way and vice versa, not so attractive person can be photographed and look like a movie star! ⠀
It is all about the skill of the photographer and the quality of light used during your photo session. We “hold your hand” during the entire photo session and all you need is to relax and trust us. We will coach you and guide you every step of the way.
Myth #3 – I have a headshot already.
This is great news! So you are ahead of many people. Now tell us about that profile photo of yours – how old is it? Did you change your look (hairstyle, lost weight, got new glasses, grew a beard)? ⠀
We generally recommend updating the headshots every 6-12 months for women and once a year for men.
Myth #4 – I have no time for a new profile photo.
In a crazy kaleidoscope of duties, to-do lists, responsibilities and arrangements, find time for yourself and for your personal brand. Yes, your personal brand even if you are not a business owner! Each and every one of us is on the market and need to approach our online presence like branding.
We value your time and our sessions are 30 min with a couple of outfit changes. Then you enjoy a cup of delicious tea or coffee while we edit the photos. In 10 minutes we take a look together and choose the best photos. Around 60 minutes in the studio and by the end of the day you have your photos ready to be uploaded to your website or social media profile.
Myth #5 – a selfie will do just fine.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, your LinkedIn profile picture is worth at least that.
So you may have invested a lot of time working on job descriptions, collecting rock-solid recommendations, and identifying impressive professional achievements. Those things are all critical and definitely showcase your professional track record.
However, your profile photo also contributes to the first impression you make on a potential employer, recruiter, or business partner.
The resolution of the photos produced by most mobile front lens cameras is too low and it will be visible. And also you will not have a natural and open posture.
And here is our last myth out of the top 6 we hear, oh, so often.
Myth #6 – I don’t need a profile photo
When you search for someone and you see a person’s empty grey spot instead of their profile photo, what are your thoughts?
Does she or he hide something? Does this person care less about her online image, which means so much these days? Is there something wrong?
To avoid all these guesses and be in control of your online image, do yourself a favour and get a professional photo shoot. It will take you 60 minutes but the results go a long way.
How is your profile photo doing?
Give us a call, we would be happy to tell you about the process, our pricing and the additional services we provide at Profile Studio. www.profilestudio.nl
by Nataliya Volosovych – Photo by Nataliya Volosovych.