Worst Mistakes You Can Make Choosing A LinkedIn Photo

While we know having a great profile photo on LinkedIn is essential, you need to make sure it is helping rather than hurting your professional image.

Here are some of the worst mistakes you can make when choosing your professional profile photo:

1. A Photo With Your Pet. Even if you are a veterinarian, don’t post a photo with an animal! Remember, the objective of your entire profile is YOU and any distractions just dilute the viewer’s perception of your expertise.

2. A Group Shot. You need to post a photo of just you, otherwise, how will people know who you are? Also, are you sure your friends want to be represented on your professional profile? And, let’s not even talk about the cropped group shot from the last wedding you were at - you know, the one where you are overdressed and that mysterious hand is on your shoulder!

3. A Photo Of Your Baby. You’re a proud mom or dad with a growing family, and that’s great, but baby doesn’t belong on LinkedIn!

4. An Old Photo. It’s easy to choose a photo of ourselves at what we feel is our best, so it makes sense that a person might use a photo from ten years ago. However, once they meet you in person, the jig is up. And that person might feel slighted due to your bait and switch campaign. Instead, use a professional photographer that can make you look your best at your current age.

5. An Unprofessional Photo. Are you at the beach, a night club or running a marathon? You do need to keep it professional - no bikinis, sports jerseys or cleavage, please!

6. A Wedding Photo. We all know you paid thousands of dollars on hair, makeup, and photographers for your big day. We know you’d like to make these photos last. However, unless you’re a wedding dress designer, you need to keep it professional when it comes time for a professional picture. Save the wedding photos for your personal album and dress to match your work environment or profession.

7. A Pixelated Photo. Are you copying and pasting from a friend’s photo that comes out too pixelated or stretched out? The whole idea of posting a photo is to put your best face forward. Make sure your photo is properly sized and at the correct resolution for how it will be displayed on LinkedIn, especially when someone clicks the photo itself and it shows the enlarged version - that can be tricky!

8. A "Too Serious" Photo. Photos should express vivaciousness and life. Not sad, angry or vacant stares. Also, stick to color rather than black and white shots. While some of you might be artists, the overall purpose of LinkedIn is to make business contacts, not display your work.

9. An Avatar. You’re not a superhero. Unless you’re a cartoonist, having a caricature version of yourself reads immature in the minds of potential clients and employers.

10. A Photo Of Your Product Or Logo. People want to connect with you as an individual, not with your logo or a product you might sell. Once they connect with you, they’ll be able to learn about your products and your company via your LinkedIn company page or your website.

11. Not Having A Photo. You don’t want to be represented by the default LinkedIn ‘no photo’ image! People with a photo are seven times more likely to get viewed. Don’t lose out because you’re too shy to show your face. What if you were buying a house? Would you make a bid without seeing a photo of the property? The same goes for choosing a new client or connection.

Posting a photo is a simple must, especially for women who have married and changed their names. Or if you have a common name such as "Bob Smith," since there can be several people with the same name on LinkedIn. And I’m sure everyone would enjoy a chance to be viewed seven times more often than those without a photo!

For a more in-depth look at what it takes to prepare for the perfect headshot, request my free eBook ‘Guide to the Perfect Headshot’.

Content contributed by Nicole Williams linkedin.com/in/worksbynicolewilliams