My definition of a selfie. Pictures taken with the best of intentions but go terribly wrong when posted on a business profile.
Okay, I will admit it.
Call it job hazard, but I look at pictures on LinkedIn profiles. I've seen a lot professionally done headshots. However, there are a few that leave me almost at a loss for words. ALMOST.
I once overheard someone boast, “I use my selfie for everything— Tinder, Match and LinkedIn … I look good in it.” Although, I kept my opinion to myself, my thought bubble was going berserk.
If your goal is to present yourself in a professional manner, the last thing you want to do is use an all-purpose, one-pose-is-going-to-work-for-everything selfie on your professional social media site. It’s like writing your name on an index card with a Sharpie and presenting it as your business card. Who would do that, right?
TELL YOUR STORY
Professional head shots are your visual business card and should tell the following story:
I’m Professional
I’m Marketable
I’m Personable
Investing in professional headshots demonstrates that you’re serious about WHY you’re on LinkedIn, WHY you opened your business or WHY you’re going out on auditions. Professional headshots show you’re willing to invest in yourself in order to get the best results possible.
If a prospective employer or client can’t read that story from your picture— you’re wasting their time and yours.
Tell the RIGHT story.
—R
Photo by Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash