You may have been told to avoid using a photo on your resume, but now LinkedIn users want to see you as part of the social networking process.
Your LinkedIn Profile is now a crucial part of your personal brand. In fact, after running a quick survey of recruiters who actively source candidates on LinkedIn, I found that the subject of Profiles that are “missing” a photo stirs some intense feelings.
“Personally, I don’t give much credence to those that do not have a photo,” stated Will Armstrong of Serco, Inc. “I have to wonder what they are trying to hide and I feel less connected to them.”
Before you decide to use a more “casual” photo, rather than a professional-looking headshot, consider that several recruiters have spoken out against this practice. “I’m not fond of LinkedIn photos that are personal or silly,” says recruiter Christine Alling.
Andy Foote, Executive Director at LinkedIn N Chicago, was more direct. In his list of LinkedIn blunders, he noted that “No photo, or worse, some kind of random arty or meaningless attempt” is a significant mistake on the part of job seekers.
I’ll eagerly back this up, as two of my clients recently encountered scenarios that seemed to match this particular LinkedIn-photo philosophy.
The job hunter who dressed in a suit secured several offers, while the manager that posed with his wife and kids struggled to gain traction in his search.
Bottom Line
Even if you don’t want to spend the time (or money) on a professional photographer, there are ways to obtain an acceptable photo for use on your LinkedIn Profile.
As one recruiter noted, you always have the option of dressing in a suit, and finding someone proficient with a digital camera to take several pictures.
You just might find that putting your “best face” forward will result in more interest on the part of employers.
Originally published on Job-Hunt.org
