What Makes a Great LinkedIn Headshot?

Human beings are visually oriented – when we see an image, we generally have an emotional as well as intellectual reaction, and it happens very quickly. Studies have shown that people judge another person when seeing an image of them in terms of trustworthiness, and how they generally feel about that person in as little as 80 milliseconds! If your image is on your LinkedIn Profile, it’s the first thing they see, the impression is formed, and then the visitor reads the rest of your profile – that initial impression is very important and needs to be consistent with what follows.

Great LinkedIn headshots are made, they don’t happen. Key factors in a great headshot include:

• Lighting – lighting should be complementary to the person’s face and facial features. This means no harsh shadows, or over-exposed areas, with the proper color balance and exposure

• Non-distracting background – for LinkedIn, a plain, neutral background is best.

• Clothing that is appropriate and conveys the right level of professionalism – this is not Facebook. Your target is businesses and business people. You should look the part.

• Hair/makeup (if applicable) – should look your best

• Expression – expression is key. In that 80 milliseconds, the viewer decides whether you’re trustworthy, approachable, someone whom you’d like to meet, get to know, want to work with. Most of that is conveyed in the expression, and within the expression, the eyes and mouth convey the most information.