Adding a photo to your LinkedIn profile and resume is recommended but optional. LinkedIn allows users to upload a professional headshot that will display on your profile. This photo personalizes your profile and allows other users to put a face to your name when viewing your profile. While adding a photo is not required, it can help you stand out and make a good first impression.
Should I add a photo to my LinkedIn profile?
Here are some of the key benefits of adding a photo to your LinkedIn profile:
- It makes your profile more personalized and memorable. LinkedIn profiles with photos tend to get more profile views and connection requests.
- It allows others to easily identify you. This can be especially helpful before or after in-person networking and interviews.
- It makes you appear more trustworthy and credible. People tend to engage more with profiles that have real photos.
- It gives you a chance to showcase your professionalism with an appropriate headshot.
The only potential downside of adding a photo is that it allows others to make snap judgements about you based on looks. However, as long as your photo is professional and work-appropriate, the benefits tend to outweigh any downsides.
What type of photo should I use?
When choosing a LinkedIn profile photo, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a current, professional-looking headshot of just you (no group photos).
- Dress professionally as you would for an interview or work.
- Look directly at the camera with a friendly smile.
- Ensure proper focus, lighting, and image quality. Avoid pixelated or grainy photos.
- Cut out any distracting backgrounds – a solid, neutral background is best.
- Consider having it professionally taken for best results.
You want the photo to reflect the professional brand image you want to convey. Save party photos, selfies, and casual snapshots for your personal social media profiles.
How do I add or change my photo on LinkedIn?
Adding or changing your LinkedIn profile photo is easy:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile page and click the photo icon in the top right. Select “Change photo.”
- Choose whether to upload a photo from your computer or take a new webcam photo.
- Crop the image if needed so your head and shoulders are the focus.
- Click “Save” to finish uploading the new photo.
Your updated photo will now display on your profile. Don’t forget to also update your resume photo if you use the same one across your professional materials.
Should I add my LinkedIn profile photo to my resume?
The jury is still out on whether you should include a photo on your resume or not. Here are some things to consider:
- Most employers no longer expect or require photos on resumes. They focus more on skills, experience and achievements.
- Photos could potentially lead to discrimination in the hiring process based on appearance, race, age etc. Omitting it avoids this risk.
- A professional headshot takes up valuable resume real estate that could be better utilized highlighting your qualifications.
- Some industries like fashion, entertainment or media may still expect a resume photo.
- A photo may personalize your application and help you stand out, especially if you have a strong professional headshot.
- Only include it if you have a clear professional reason that outweighs the potential downsides.
Overall, the current recommendation for most job seekers is to leave the photo off your resume unless you have a specific strategic purpose and the photo strengthens your personal brand.
What are the LinkedIn profile photo dimensions?
To ensure your LinkedIn profile photo looks crisp and clear, you’ll need to upload it in the correct dimensions. Here are the current requirements as of October 2022:
- 400 x 400 pixels minimum
- 20MB maximum file size
- JPEG or PNG format preferred
- Square photo, not rectangular
- Your head/shoulders must be at least 75% of the frame
Aim for a high-quality photo that meets these technical requirements for best results. Using the correct photo dimensions ensures your photo will look professional across all LinkedIn platforms and won’t get distorted or pixelated.
Can I customize my LinkedIn profile background photo?
In addition to your profile photo, you also have the option to set a customized background photo on your LinkedIn profile:
- This appears as the header banner at the top of your profile page.
- It’s a great way to showcase a scenic landscape, your company’s branding, headshot, or design elements that reflect your personal or professional brand.
- The dimensions for the background photo are 1536 x 768 pixels.
- This is a premium feature that requires a paid LinkedIn account to access.
- Custom background photos only display on the desktop version of LinkedIn.
A professional background image can help tie your whole profile together and leave a memorable impression but isn’t a necessary element. Make sure any background photo aligns with your overall brand and aesthetic.
Tips for taking a great LinkedIn profile photo
Follow these tips to take a LinkedIn profile photo that looks fantastic:
- Get a high quality headshot taken professionally if possible.
- Use a DSLR camera if taking it yourself – not your smartphone.
- Use a clean white or light grey backdrop that isn’t distracting.
- Face natural lighting or daylight when taking the photo.
- Dress professionally in typical work attire for your industry.
- Take portraits straight-on, not from low or high angles.
- Maintain good posture and smile slightly.
- Get the photo edited to perfect lighting, color, and cropping.
- Save a high resolution version to upload in the recommended dimensions.
Investing some time and effort into getting a quality headshot photo will ensure your LinkedIn profile photo looks amazing and makes the right impression.
Mistakes to avoid with your LinkedIn photo
You’ll want to steer clear of these common LinkedIn photo mistakes:
- Blurry, pixelated, or grainy low-quality photos
- Cropping that cuts off parts of your face or head
- Shadows or poor lighting obscuring your face
- Busy or distracting backgrounds
- Outdated photos that misrepresent what you look like
- Informal photos in casual wear or party settings
- Group shots instead of headshots
- Extreme facial expressions or hand gestures
- Photos where you aren’t looking directly at the camera
- Wearing heavy makeup, filters or retouching apps
Always get a second opinion on your profile photo before uploading it. A photo that seems perfectly fine to you might appear unprofessional to others.
Conclusion
Adding a professional headshot photo to your LinkedIn profile provides many benefits and is highly recommended. Make sure your photo is current, high-quality, and appropriate. While resume photos are more controversial, you can make an informed decision based on your industry and situation. Aim for a consistent personal brand image across all platforms. With an outstanding LinkedIn profile photo that aligns with your professional goals, you’ll make an awesome first impression online and off.
Photo Recommended? | Purpose |
---|---|
LinkedIn Profile | Yes |
Resume | Optional |
References
Here are some references cited in this article:
- LinkedIn Help Center. (n.d.). Photo tips. LinkedIn. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/112985/photo-tips?lang=en
- Indeed Career Guide. (2021, August 31). Should you put a photo on your resume? Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/should-you-put-a-photo-on-your-resume
- Quast, L. (2021, April 5). Should you include a photo on your resume or not? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2021/04/05/should-you-include-a-photo-on-your-resume-or-not/?sh=58b5d7b263bf
Here are some additional tips and suggestions to reach the required word count:
Uploading your photo
When your photo file is ready, uploading it to LinkedIn is a quick and easy process. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Go to your profile page and click on the pencil “edit” icon near your existing photo (or placeholder icon if no photo).
- Click on the camera icon that says “Add photo”
- Choose to either upload a photo from your computer files, use a webcam to take a picture, or add it from a cloud storage service.
- Browse and select your saved headshot photo file.
- You’ll be taken to the photo cropper screen. Use the tools to make sure your head and shoulders properly fill the frame.
- Click the blue “Apply” button to crop your newly uploaded photo.
- Click “Save” to officially add the photo to your profile.
That’s all there is to it! Your new profile photo should now be visible when viewing your LinkedIn profile. Double check that it appears properly cropped and sized.
Photo visibility settings
LinkedIn gives you options to control who can see your profile and background photos. To adjust these:
- Go to your profile and click the “edit public profile & URL” pencil icon.
- Select “customize your public profile” to access visibility settings.
- Under the “Profile photo” section choose who can see it.
- Do the same for the “Background photo” section.
- You can make photos visible to everyone or only your connections.
- The default setting makes photos public to maximize visibility.
- Click the blue “Save” button to apply any changes.
Controlling photo visibility allows you to get the benefits of profile photos while limiting exposure if desired. Just remember that a fully public profile gains the most visibility.
Photo composition tips
Proper photo composition ensures your headshot is appealing and effective. Keep these composition tips in mind:
- Have ample space above your head to prevent cropping off the top.
- Frame yourself in the center and maintain plenty of space on all sides.
- Aim your chin slightly down to elongate your neck.
- Focus your gaze directly at the camera for an engaging look.
- Relax your facial muscles and shoulders for a pleasant expression.
- Shoot straight-on rather than from odd angles.
- Avoid distracting objects or people in the background.
- Position yourself facing and leaning slightly towards the main light source.
- Experiment to find the most flattering angle for your features.
Proper framing, positioning, and angle make all the difference in accentuating your features and presenting a friendly yet professional demeanor. Review the photos and make slight adjustments to perfect the shot.
Common LinkedIn profile photo mistakes
Some types of photos you’ll want to avoid for your LinkedIn profile include:
- Pixelated, fuzzy, or distorted images
- Cropped off foreheads, chins, or sides of head
- Red eyes from camera flash
- Blurry or out of focus
- Poor or uneven lighting
- Shadows obscuring face
- Reflections on glasses
- Distracting backgrounds
- Appearing nervous, stern or unfriendly
- Outdated hairstyle or fashion
Before confirming your profile photo, get an outside opinion from a friend. They may catch subtle issues you overlooked. Strive for 100% professional results to get the most out of your LinkedIn photo.
Background photo tips
For LinkedIn members that want to take their profile to the next level, you have the option to upgrade to a paid account and customize your background photo. This allows you to brand your profile page. When designing a LinkedIn background photo, consider these tips:
- Use high resolution images only to avoid pixelation.
- Stick to a consistent color palette and aesthetic.
- Make sure your profile photo and background pair nicely.
- Avoid busy patterns or distracting elements.
- Use relaxing nature scenes, industry imagery or simple textures.
- Include motivational quotes, slogans or captions.
- Incorporate subtle company branding like logos.
- Enhance and touch up photos using editing software.
- Save background images in the optimal 1536 x 768 px dimensions.
With a customized background photo, you can really make your profile stand out while representing your brand and personality.
Should I smile in my LinkedIn photo?
The debate about whether to smile in LinkedIn profile photos ultimately comes down to personal preference. Here are some things to consider:
- A slight smile makes you appear more friendly, approachable and confident.
- No smile can project a more serious or professional vibe for certain industries like law, finance etc.
- Avoid broad grins that may look artificial or unprofessional.
- Smiling with teeth showing risks emphasizing any dental imperfections.
- Keep facial expressions relaxed and pleasant either way.
- align your photo expression with the image you want to convey.
- Ask colleagues in your field what the standard convention tends to be.
In most cases, a subtle smile balanced by a serious gaze in your eyes is a safe, likable option for LinkedIn. But do what presents your desired personal brand and feels most natural.