LinkedIn Headshots: Tips + real examples of great photos

A picture is worth a thousand words.

This famous American idiom is a great reminder to be choosy when selecting your LinkedIn profile picture.

– If you want to appear trustworthy, look at the camera.

– Make sure your photo matches your brand.

– Your photo should look like you NOW not twenty years ago.

My friend Emma Low a headshot and lifestyle photographer (who took my LinkedIn profile picture and has done many high profile people in central Ohio) said that the most important thing is that, “ you should try to be comfortable! Comfortable with your photographer, your clothing, and in the location where you’re getting your photo taken.” She also suggested lifestyle photos (or an environmental portrait that relates to your business) are a great way to show your personality and brand over a gray office backdrop.

Here are some excellent examples of brand reflective headshots:

Business owner- Rob Maneson

Female executive (casual work culture)- Liane Hornsey

Female physician- Anudeep Jassal

Male executive (professional)- Tanmoy Jadhav and flavio zollo

Client facing- Tim Salau and Emily Martin Luke

What do you look for in a good headshot? Who do you think has a great picture?

Author

  • Sarah Johnston

    I’m a former corporate recruiter and industry “insider” who got tired of seeing talented high-achievers get passed over for opportunities because they did not have the right marketing documents or know how to position themselves in interviews. I have relocated multiple times across the country as a “trailing spouse” and have had to execute job searches in completely cold markets (where I literally knew no one!) I have been named a LinkedIn Top Voice in the career space in 2019, HR Weekly’s Top 100 Most Influential People in HR, named the owner of the “best resume writing firm for experienced executives” by Balance Careers and a “top follow” by JobScan in 2019 and 2020.

Sarah Johnston

Sarah Johnston is a former corporate recruiter and industry "insider" with a passion for empowering high-achievers in their career journeys. Frustrated by talented individuals being overlooked due to ineffective marketing documents and interview strategies, Sarah made it her mission to equip professionals with the tools and knowledge to succeed. As a seasoned "trailing spouse" who relocated multiple times, she understands the challenges of executing job searches in unfamiliar markets. Sarah's expertise and impact have earned her recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2019 and a spot on HR Weekly's Top 100 Most Influential People in HR. Her resume writing firm has been acclaimed as the best for experienced executives by Balance Careers, while JobScan listed her as a top follow in 2019 and 2020.

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