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Here are some examples of how people get their LinkedIn profile pictures horribly wrong:
1. You Use a Repurposed Picture
This is a common mistake. You don’t have a great “business looking” photo so you use one from a graduation, a wedding, a prom, a screenshot of yourself in a photo that you like. None of these should be your LinkedIn profile picture. It shows that you don’t have the time to take a real headshot.
Assumption: If you don’t care about your headshot quality, maybe you’re just phoning in your career.
>> RELATED: Are you Sabotaging Your LinkedIn Profile?
2. You’re Eternally Young
Unless you’re Keanu Reeves, that picture of you from the 90’s isn’t what you look like anymore. If your headshot is more than five years old, get a new one.
Assumption: You’re in denial about the fact that you’re older now. If you can’t accept this, what other realities can’t you accept?
Note: If you are eternally ageless, then at least grow a beard now and then so the rest of us don’t feel so bad.
3. Your Outfit Has Its Own Agenda
Sweatpants, a hoodie, that sexy dress, scuba gear; they all have a time and place, but unless your work directly requires this kind of attire, LinkedIn isn’t the best place to wear it.
Assumption: You enjoy special privilege. Having fun or being really comfortable is more important to you than dressing like everyone else at work.
4. You’re Clearly Somewhere Else
Like your outfit, the background location in your photo shouldn’t be sending the wrong signals. A hotel room, the swimming pool, the beach, a raging party; unless that’s where you actually work, these locations shouldn’t be in the background of your LinkedIn picture.
Assumption: You’d rather be anywhere than at the office; even when you’re supposed to be at the office.
>> RELATED: LinkedIn Profile Secrets: The #1 Reason Why Your LinkedIn Profile Fails to Attract More Prospects
5. Your Expression Isn’t You
Authenticity is the name of the game. However you normally look when you first meet someone at work, a conference, or a mixer, is how you should try and look in your picture. If you’re known for being “serious” in person, but you’re laughing wildly in your LinkedIn profile photo, there will be a disconnect when people see you on LinkedIn. If you’re cheerful in real life, but in your picture, you can’t manage a smile, people will wonder what’s wrong.
Assumption: You’ve got two very different personalities and you can’t exhibit the proper emotion when the job calls for it.
6. The Picture is Just Crappy
You know a bad picture when you see it; maybe it’s a selfie, or a poorly lit headshot. It’s out of focus. It’s clearly cropping out someone else. You’ve got a fake background that you obviously photoshopped in. Whatever it is, take a new headshot and do yourself a favor.
Assumption: If you don’t notice that your picture looks horrible, what other obvious things don’t you notice?
7. You’ve Got a Prop
Unless you’re a vet, a puppeteer, or a volleyball coach, you shouldn’t have a cat, a puppet, a ball or any other prop visibly in your possession in your profile photo. This goes for hairstyle and accessories as well. Visually surprising things don’t work in your LinkedIn profile picture. You should look how you do in real life.
Assumption: You’re compensating for something by trying to distract me with something unrelated to your career. Maybe you have something to hide.
>> RELATED: LinkedIn Marketing: Should You Think of Your LinkedIn Profile as a Resume
The Bottom Line
Depending on who you are and what you do, there are exceptions to each of these, but whatever you do, be authentic to who your “professional self” is in your LinkedIn profile picture. Don’t let your first impression be off-putting.
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Should I use stylish photo or professional photo in Linkedin ?
In my opinion, a professional photo works really well.
You mentioned rightly Jennifer. I am agree with you. I must remember your tips.