Professional Profile Picture Guide [dos and don’ts]
You won’t get a second chance to make a first impression. This is always true when it comes to a professional profile picture in your CV, resume or job’s website.
Your students, parents, colleagues, management meet you only on the Internet, so an opinion about a person is formed by the photo in the profile. But different shots of the same person can produce completely different first impressions.
Today, we are going to talk about some tips and tricks to learn how to get the best professional profile picture for your account.
1. Don’t hide your face
Glasses are, of course, a stylish accessory, but do not display photos in them if you are looking for a new job or a client. When meeting someone, eye contact is important, even when it comes to photography. When you look directly into the eyes, the hormone of confidence, oxytocin, is produced. It makes you feel connected with another person, makes you want to communicate with him better and get to know him better. But when the eyes are hidden behind glasses, the brain does not receive any impulses. There are fewer people who want to get to know you in this case.
2. Look directly into the camera
People look more attractive when photographed from the front. On a subconscious level, an open posture and extended shoulders are perceived as signs of respect. We consider this person to be considerate to us. Think back to real life communication. It’s nice when, during a conversation, the interlocutor is completely turned towards you. If the pose is closed, then one gets the impression that it is unpleasant for him to communicate.
3. Pay attention to the background
People appreciate not only your posture and looks, but also the background. One pretty face is not enough to interest, and this is often forgotten.
Usually it is the details that allow you to test your first impression. If you see a princess doll in a ball gown in the background, or a piece of peeling wall or worn-out shoes, this won’t make the professional impression you are trying to get.
A white or neutral background will work the best.
4. Smile and Show Confidence
Photos of smiling people get more attention. We consider them to be open, cheerful. There is a desire to get to know each other. But it’s important for both men and women to keep the smile moderate and professional.
Self-confidence is immediately visible in the photo. It attracts people, because everyone subconsciously wants to get acquainted with a self-sufficient person. Nobody wants to rake the complexes and solve other people’s problems.
Confident people always keep their backs straight. Their gaze is open and there is not even the slightest tension on the person’s face.
5. Dress appropriately
Wear what you would to an actual interview. Do not go overboard but do not underdress in your picture as well. Let the photo reflect your work attire and mood.
Always remember, that selfies are not considered professional. Especially in a field like education, we strongly advise our tutors not to use a selfie as a profile picture.
But what about the creative approach?
Wanting to perfect your image or stand out from the standard photographs of other candidates can be a disservice. An overly creative image in a photo, creative processing in graphic editors with superimposed effects or extreme colour correction even from a good picture can make inappropriate photos for your job.
A creative approach to photography can still be forgiven for representatives of creative professions, but even then, it is better not to risk it. Experiments are best reserved for family and friendly photo albums.
How to get a professional photo without a photographer?
Getting a professional photographer is always your first choice, because your photo is the first thing a potential client will see. We recommend getting a professional photo taken, as it is worth the investment as you can use it in different social platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed.
However, if this option is not applicable, here’s what to do.
It does not mean that a professional studio photo must be taken for a profile. Ask someone from your friends or relatives to take you on a smartphone, just choose the right clothes and decide on the background. It is enough to dress in a formal business style, but it does not imply a strict dress code, it simply can be neutral or casual style.
Choose a space with good natural or bright artificial lighting and a neutral backdrop — a plain wall in the background is more appropriate than a colourful one.
Try different options for close-ups — where you look strictly from the front or slightly half-turned, standing or sitting, with and without a half-smile, so that later you can choose the most successful shot. By the way, for the final choice it would also be good to ask for “help from the audience”. When we consider our own photos, we tend to focus on certain details of our appearance that we like about ourselves or, on the contrary, don’t like. And others perceive the image as a whole and due to this, they can more objectively suggest which of the photographs makes the most pleasant impression.
