Say Cheese: The Impact of a Photo For Your Career & Linked In Profile

'A picture is worth 1,000 words.' What does your professional photo currently say about you?

When was the last time you had an updated, professional photo of yourself taken?

Who says you have to wait for your employer to lead the way?

Are you not empowered to hire your own photographer to take your picture with anything other than an iPhone?

While the iPhone camera is awesome and in our current culture of taking pictures here, there and everywhere, hiring a professional photographer was one of the best investments I made in myself and my career!

Despite all the easy apps, filters, etc., I too was reluctant several months ago to update my professional photo.

Did you know that on LinkedIn, your profile is 7x more likely to be viewed with a picture of YOU?

So, I did my research and asked for suggestions and found my amazing photographer, John Williams, aka JDub, through a local business Facebook group.

And, let me tell you- I dreaded having my picture taken but it was nothing short of fun and a terrific experience!

You know how when someone is really good at their job and passionate, too, it doesn't seem like work? That's John! Aside from his beautiful country side studio, he is professional and knows what he is doing. Despite his very organized pre-photo shoot instructions, I was still leery- skeptical that I could be photogenic.

Like I do with everyone I encounter, I like to hear everyone's career stories- I can't help it. So, while John was taking my picture, I heard his amazing career journey- from account manager, to sales, to now his own photography business. Wow! And you know what- you all have heard me say it before- it's TOTALLY NORMAL to have 3-5 careers... per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As an aside, you can hear John's complete story by listening to our podcast here.

So, while we were chitchatting, John shared his expertise with me as to why a person needs to have their picture taken professionally.

So, thank you John Williams (J Dub)!!! Here are a few of his tips and reasons why a professional photo matters as well as questions you can ask yourself about your picture:

1. What does your current picture say about you?

   1. Are you approachable? Trustworthy? Confident?

   2. Does it accurately convey who you are at this time in your career?

2. Does it, as John says, 'Stop the scroll'?

   1. Is it memorable?

   2. Does it make someone want to learn more about you?

3. Does it convey the 'right' assumption you want made?

   1. Believe it or not, potential employers/recruiters may make assumptions even as to the level of pay you command based upon how your picture looks.

   2. Is that legal? No, but it could be a reality.

      
      

      To learn more about John's career journey and about the value of a professional headshot, you can download our podcast conversation here now.

      
      

      For these and other tips, feel free to schedule your complimentary one on one career strategy call with me.