A headshot says 1000 words…don’t make them career-limiting

/ Red Sail Writers/

This headshot does say something, doesn't it?

Your headshot on LinkedIn will be seen by your future boss. Let me ask you: are you scaring away potential bosses or clients with your current LinkedIn headshot? If you don’t answer ‘no’ without hesitation, it’s probably time to update your photo! And yes, it’s important to put a photo on your profile – remember you’re there to connect with people. Profiles without photos get fewer clicks than ones with pictures – don’t let this happen to you (anymore).

I’ve got a few simple tips for creating a professional looking headshot, even if you can’t hire a professional. If you can hire a professional photographer, go for it! But…finish this article first, okay?

Things to DO to create a great headshot on LinkedIn:

  • Wear a collared shirt or a nice shirt with a blazer, make sure it fits and suits your personal style (within limits).

  • Stand against a white or off-white background for a professional look (and don’t wear white).

  • Set up good lighting, natural lighting is flattering. Whatever the lighting, make sure it’s not casting a shadow behind you.

  • Remember this is a headshot which means your head, and only a smidge of that blazer are in the shot.

  • Smile a real smile – looking like a serial killer is bad for your career.

  • Look at the camera so your audience gets confident eye-contact.

  • Even if you’re a ripped fitness professional, wear a shirt.

If you’re still not sure what you want your headshot to look like, get inspired! Check out profile photos that look good and steal some style.  That’s how I went from looking like a train wreck to being moderately put together.

Here’s what NOT to do:

  • Don’t take a selfie (you know that shoulder position gives selfies away, right?)

  • Don’t have a distracting background or shirt or jewelry.

  • Don’t crop other people out of the photo – if you find yourself doing this, find another photo!

  • Don’t make it R-rated: no cleavage, no puckering up, no making love to the camera. If you’re a helping professional in the adult entertainment business, maybe you could bend this rule a tiny bit.

Choosing your non-professional photographer

No selfies, so you’re now in the awkward position of having to ask for help! It’s the worst! Ask a patient and honest friend to take your photo. If you want your friend’s honest opinion of the shots, be clear about that and avoid hurt feelings. Make sure they are tech savvy enough to have a decent camera and know how to send you high-res pictures. Ask your friend to help you for a specific amount of time so you’re both not wondering, ‘when is this over?’ An hour should be enough time to set up the shot, goof around a bit, take the pictures, delete the candidates for future blackmail and choose the top 5. Thank your friend – is it dinner time? Surely after all that, you both deserve something to eat!

I'm Andrea Bassett, an executive ghostwriter and content marketing writer in Toronto and I’ve spent the last decade serving executives.

I write thought leadership content marketing for executives and/or their content marketing teams. My specializations are corporate wellness, benefits, employee assistance programs, leadership & coaching, encryption & cybersecurity and strength training for seniors.

To talk about a content marketing project, call me at 647-502-3187 or send a note to andrea@redsailwriters.com.

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