Top tips for your Profile picture

In your LinkedIn profile, your photograph is the first thing people see, so let's make sure it is communicating the image you want it to.

• It may sound obvious, but make sure that your face can be clearly seen. Avoid peaked hats, sunglasses, shadows or strange angles.
• Is the photo current? Make sure it looks like you now, and not 10 years younger.
• Use a high-quality image to avoid pixelation.
• Your face should be the focus of the photo so it should usually take up at least 60% of the frame.
• Avoid group shots. You must be the only person in the picture, or it may confuse your audience.
• Also avoid selfies - ask someone else to take the picture, so that it is taken from a little further away from you and is well framed. You might even consider having a professional photographer take your picture - the result will be worth it.
• Wear smart clothes, or what you would wear to the office.
• Choose a neutral expression, but one that still shows your personality. A nice smile and eyes to camera will create a positive impression.
• Keep the background neutral too, and ideally, in a colour that complements your hair colour and skin tone. A busy, distracting background will take the focus off you.
• Take the photo in soft natural light so that colours will be true and won't react to the flash.
• Avoid the use of filters as they can create an 'artificial' appearance that looks false, washed out or animated.

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