5 Tips for a Stand-out LinkedIn Profile Photo.

Through one single photo, others will decide how they view you. Do you appear approachable, competent, confident, or even likeable? Sounds a bit intimidating, doesn’t it?

Just like during a job interview, you want to present yourself professionally, but don’t shy away from adding a little spice to show your character. How do you do this? Think about how you want to represent your personal brand, and how will you feel most confident doing so.

Of course, getting professional headshots would be amazing, but not everyone can afford that! Besides, nowadays our phones can take high quality images that will do just fine. Your profile picture gives off that first impression vibe, as it’s the very first thing people see of you on LinkedIn. Afterall this isn’t Facebook we are talking about, but rather a professional platform that’s going to help you build your brand and network with other professionals in your industry. Here are five tips to help you get started when considering your own professional selfie for your LinkedIn profile…

TIP #1 Find Your Power Outfit

We all have a power outfit. It's that outfit you feel like a boss in. That colour that looks amazing on you. Those fabrics that feel incredible and compliment your shape. When you put it on, you get that boost of confidence that nobody can take away. You may consider a clean pressed work uniform as your power outfit. Ready in action in your scrubs, chef whites, business suit, or construction gear. What a great way to display your character and pride. What would you wear if you knew that one single photo of you was going to be seen by hundreds if not thousands of professionals from your industry?

TIP #2 CHOOSE A BACKGROUND

A lovely background for a crisp and clean portrait is a light neutral background. However, you may want to add a fun pop of color instead to show off that bright extraverted personality of yours. Trending social media portrait colours right now are vibrant oranges, greens, and yellows. That being said, there are no rules, so have fun and select a colour you love (just be sure it doesn't overpower your beautiful face). Stone or brick walls are also lovely backdrops.

Another creative spin for a backdrop is to take your selfie right in the middle of your work environment. If you choose this style, blur the background to ensure the focus is on you and not what's going on behind you. Make sure there is nobody else in the photo behind you.

TIP #3 LIGHTING

The best light is natural sunlight. For indoor portraits you want to be facing the window as the natural light will flatter your features and brighten the image. You may also want to consider the time of day to get the best image quality if you are working with natural light. Between 9am-2pm on a sunny day is when you may get the best light. If you have a selfie light, you may want to play with the tones to find the best option that flatters you.

TIP #4 THE RIGHT ANGLE

The profile image on your LinkedIn is small so you want to ensure that your profile is cropped and clear. Think professional headshot and position yourself how you feel most confident. Take several shots with different angles and smiles that feel natural to you. If taking the photo yourself is awkward and the angles are not working in your favour, ask someone to take it for you.

TIP #5 KNOW YOUR MESSAGE

Do you go all in and appear as though you're laughing, or just a gentle smirk? That may depend on your occupation and how you want to represent yourself and/or your company. There’s no right or wrong answer here as it’s completely unique and personal to you. For example, a Lawyer or Business Executive may choose to pose in a formal manner, whereas an Event Planner or Social Media Influencer may show off their approachable personality with a bright wide smile. If you’re unsure, take a few shots and ask others how they feel the images represent your personality.

Thats a wrap!

Let’s be honest, not every day is the perfect day to take a selfie that’s going to be displayed before the world. There’s no rush. You should be in the right mood and have the time to get that perfect shot you’re going to be happy with (or maybe it's just pending weather). Put some thought into how you want your portrait to be taken, what you’re going to wear, and what your backdrop will be. Ideally you want to stick with one photo and keep it that way as if it were your logo, because that is how others on the platform will remember you by.