Having an updated LinkedIn profile picture is important for making a good first impression in the digital world. But with busy schedules, it can be easy to let your profile picture fall out of date. So how often should you update your LinkedIn picture? Here are some quick answers to key questions to help determine the right frequency for you:
What are the benefits of updating your LinkedIn profile picture?
Updating your LinkedIn profile picture periodically provides several benefits:
- It presents a current, professional representation of you to connections and potential employers or clients.
- It keeps your profile looking fresh and active, showing you are engaged on the platform.
- It allows you to showcase different looks or styles over time that best fit your career stage.
- It gives you a chance to replace old, low-quality photos with better ones.
How often do LinkedIn power users recommend updating it?
Many LinkedIn experts and power users recommend updating your profile photo every 6 months to 1 year. This strikes a balance between frequently presenting a current image, without changing it so often that connections don’t recognize you.
Do different career levels require different update frequencies?
Yes, the frequency you should update your LinkedIn photo can vary depending on your career stage:
- Students – Every year or when changing schools
- Recent graduates – Every 6 months to 1 year as you gain work experience
- Early career – Every 6 months to 1 year as you take on new roles
- Mid-career – Every 1-2 years to showcase your evolving look
- Executives – Every 2-3 years to maintain a consistent leadership presence
Does your industry play a role?
Your industry can also impact how frequently you should update your LinkedIn profile photo. Here are some common recommendations:
Industry | Recommended Frequency |
---|---|
Technology | 6 months – 1 year |
Marketing/Sales | 6 months |
Healthcare | 1-2 years |
Legal Services | 2-3 years |
As you can see, fields like tech and marketing move fast, so more frequent profile photo updates are recommended. Healthcare and law tend to be more conservative, so less frequent changes are typical.
What if you change roles or companies?
When you change jobs or companies, it’s a great time to update your LinkedIn profile picture. A new photo aligns with your new professional status and also helps signal your change to your network.
Do profile photo updates help with networking?
Yes, updating your photo can support networking in a few ways:
- Signals to connections you are active and engaged on LinkedIn
- Sparks conversations when connections notice and comment on your new photo
- Helps form first impressions when connecting with new people
Should I ever revert to an old profile photo?
In most cases, it’s best not to revert to an old LinkedIn profile picture you’ve already used. The platform even prevents you from using a photo again for a full year after updating. Going back to an old photo can appear lazy or unprofessional compared to taking a new one. However, it might make sense to use an older photo again if you are returning to a previous company or changing careers and want to project a consistent image from that prior time. But approach this carefully, as connections may still prefer seeing an updated version of you.
How can I take a quality profile photo?
Follow these best practices to take a quality photo for your LinkedIn profile:
- Get a high resolution, well-lit, close-up headshot of just you – no group photos
- Dress professionally in typical work attire – avoid heavy filters or logos
- Look directly into the camera with good posture and a friendly expression
- Crop the image tightly around your head and shoulders
- Capture the photo straight-on or slightly angled – avoid side profiles
- Use a plain, solid color background – no textures or clutter
Should I hire a professional photographer?
Great LinkedIn profile shots can be taken without a professional photographer. But if you want very premium, polished shots, hiring a pro who specializes in business or corporate headshots can maximize your profile picture. Just be sure to brief the photographer on wanting digitally retouched, high resolution shots suitable for your LinkedIn profile.
Pros
- Access to high-end equipment and lighting
- Knowledge of poses, angles, and composition
- Ability to retouch photos
- Provides image files optimized for LinkedIn
Cons
- More expensive than taking your own photos
- May not offer a style unique to you
- Requires scheduling time for the shoot
Conclusion
Updating your LinkedIn profile photo regularly is recommended to put your best, most current self forward throughout your career. While every 6 months to 1 year is a good goal on average, the ideal frequency depends on your career stage, industry, job changes, and networking needs. With each update, aim for high quality photos that project professionalism, approachability, and confidence.