Using a picture of yourself with your dog as your LinkedIn profile picture is a common question many pet owners have. While having a furry friend in your profile picture may seem fun and lighthearted, there are a few things to consider before making your pup your profile pic.
The Pros of Using a Pet Photo
There are some potential benefits to using a pet photo on LinkedIn:
- It shows you have interests and a life outside of work.
- It can make you seem more approachable and personable.
- It’s a good conversation starter and ice breaker.
- It allows you to show off a furry family member you love.
- It can make you stand out from other more corporate or standard headshots.
Displaying a well-cropped, high-quality photo with your pet illustrates you are a multidimensional person with hobbies, passions, and interests beyond just your career. It can add a more casual, congenial tone to your profile.
The Cons of Using a Pet Photo
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when using a pet photo on LinkedIn:
- It may seem less professional than a headshot or workplace photo.
- Your pet could be distracting and take attention away from your profile content.
- Some industries like banking, law, or finance may prefer more formal profile photos.
- It takes up profile space that could be used for career highlights or descriptions.
- Not everyone is a pet lover, so some connections may not appreciate it.
- Pets don’t necessarily portray your skills, experience, or value proposition.
Having your fur baby in the picture instead of a professional headshot runs the risk of seeming too informal for some of your connections and audiences. It’s important to consider if a pet photo aligns with your brand and the impression you want to make.
Best Practices for Pet Photos
If you do opt to use a photo with your pet, here are some best practices:
- Make sure you are still prominently featured – don’t let your pet overtake the photo.
- Dress professionally and smile. You want to look approachable yet competent.
- Crop the image tightly on you and your pet so it feels intentionally like a profile photo.
- Pick a nice, clean background without clutter or distractions.
- Have good lighting so your face is visible and clear.
- Choose a photo where your pet is calm and not obscuring your face.
- Select a happy, friendly-looking photo that portrays your personality.
A cropped, well-composed pet photo can strike a nice balance between professional and personal. Make sure you are still the focal point and it complements your brand.
When to Use (and Avoid) Pet Photos
Here are some guidelines on when a pet photo may be appropriate or not:
Good for These Roles/Industries | Not Ideal for These Roles/Industries |
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Use your judgment based on your industry, company culture, and role. A pet photo may be perfectly acceptable for a social media manager at a youth-oriented company but less fitting for an accountant at a Big Four firm.
Alternatives to Pet Photos
If you decide a pet photo may not be the right choice, here are some alternative profile photo options:
- Professional headshot
- Photo of you speaking at a conference or event
- Picture with colleagues at work
- Generic background or LinkedIn background
- Standard avatar or initials avatar
- Professional-looking selfie or portrait
- Image representing your industry or role
Choose something that highlights your professional brand while also showing a bit of personality. You can always display photos with your pet elsewhere on your profile or share pet-friendly networking updates.
The Verdict on Pets in Profile Photos
At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice whether or not to use a pet photo on LinkedIn. Here are some final pros and cons:
Pros | Cons |
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The decision depends on assessing your personal brand, industry norms, and what impression you want to make. If done tastefully, a pet photo can be a nice way to add personality and approachability to your profile.
Conclusion
Using a photo with your dog or other pet on LinkedIn can be acceptable in many situations. However, it’s wise to evaluate your industry, career field, and target audience before determining if it is a fit. A high-quality, intentionally cropped image that still focuses on you can strike the right balance. But more formal roles may prefer a traditional headshot. Consider your brand and what message you want to convey. With some strategic thought, a pet photo can be a fun way to show you have a life outside work while still looking professional.