5 Tips to Keep your LinkedIn Profile Picture from Hurting your Job Search

With 277 million users on LinkedIn according to Marketwatch.com, placing a profile picture is a necessity to stand out in this professional network. Although, having the wrong LinkedIn profile picture can hurt your job search.

Here are 5 tips to improve your LinkedIn profile picture:

1. Avoid the “Selfie”. The “selfie” and the “selfie in the mirror” pictures are two choices that may hurt your job search. LinkedIn is the social platform for your professional network. “Selfies” have the stigma of low quality and even laziness. Keep your LinkedIn profile from hurting your job search by handing over the camera and hiring a professional.
2. Location and background matter. You may have a great professional photo from your wedding, but this might not be the best shot to use as your profile picture. Weddings are easily recognizable by the fancy dress, boutonniere, or location. Choose a simple background and location that will not be a distraction from the subject of the photo, you!  LinkedIn is a professional networking site and there should be a clear divide between business life and personal life.
3. You and only you. Although, your picture with your family, friends, or animals may be adorable, LinkedIn isn’t the social platform for that. Post a photo that only has yourself as the subject. This will cut down on confusion and will help your job search.
4. Keep it current. Posting a photo from over 10 years ago can be misleading on your LinkedIn profile picture. It is important to update this photo at least every 5 years, if not sooner. If you go on a job interview and the interview discovers that you look nothing like your profile photo, they will often be concerned.
5. Look the part. Dress to impress! If you are looking for a job position or networking, remember to dress either in formal business attire or casual business attire.

Using a poor LinkedIn profile picture can cause you to miss many opportunities from a recruiter. 93% of recruiters use social platforms to screen out candidates according to Jobvite.com. This can occur even before contacting a candidate for a job position.

This may be the first impression that a recruiter or hiring manager sees make it professional and memorable!

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