{"id":2850,"date":"2022-04-12T12:18:37","date_gmt":"2022-04-12T11:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/?p=2850"},"modified":"2026-05-11T18:04:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T17:04:51","slug":"how-to-make-a-great-linkedin-profile-picture-in-under-five-minutes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/how-to-make-a-great-linkedin-profile-picture-in-under-five-minutes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make a great LinkedIn profile picture in under five minutes"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n

Photo by Michael Dam<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first thing people see on your LinkedIn profile is your picture. Don\u2019t let your LinkedIn profile picture be the thing that prevents you from succeeding. This picture is often cropped, and it\u2019s hard to see the whole of you. Follow these simple steps to create a fantastic LinkedIn<\/a> profile picture that leaves a positive impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to update that blurry selfie you took in a rush before a job interview!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re in a rush and you need a LinkedIn profile picture that\u2019s not your current blurry selfie, there are many things you can do. You don\u2019t have to hire a professional photographer to take one for you\u2014instead, patience and the willingness to ask someone else for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set up your smartphone or camera on something steady<\/strong> (a chair, box, etc.) with the timer set for ten seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensure enough light <\/strong>in whatever room you\u2019re using so that the camera doesn\u2019t capture only half of your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stand at least six feet away from the camera so that it will capture as much of your body as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a real photo.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you\u2019re uploading an accurate picture of yourself, not an avatar\/cartoon\/meme. Don\u2019t use a group photo\u2014your profile is about you and your career, so make sure we see what you look like! Make sure you\u2019re the only person in the photo<\/strong> and that it\u2019s not a picture of your pet (no offence to pets). If you have children or are married, don\u2019t use photos of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You want to look sharp but not intimidating.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People who don\u2019t know you may mistake intensity for sternness or anger. When it comes to LinkedIn\u2019s photo preferences, We have a few rules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"intimidating<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo by Jabez Samuel<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, you must use your smartphone camera if it is high resolution. Don\u2019t shoot a quick snap with your iPhone and then upload the same image through an editing app for it to look like an artsy-chic collage. The look won\u2019t be as polished and professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, the photo should show at least half of your face<\/strong>. This is the most important thing you can do to ensure that what you\u2019re showing up on LinkedIn is more than just a pretty face. Unless they specifically instruct otherwise, we recommend using a shot that shows at least 50% of your face, no matter what angle or how much of your profile picture is used (such as via Instagram or Facebook<\/a>). Anything less than this will cause people to wonder who else they know with that pretty face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make it professional and of high quality.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your profile picture should ideally be a minimum size of 200 x 200 pixels and can be as large as 400 x 400 pixels which is the recommended LinkedIn profile picture size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should go without saying that your choice of attire is critical. You want to look professional and respectable, so avoid any clothing that\u2019s overly casual or revealing. Think about the type of job you want, then dress for it. (For example, if you\u2019re in a creative field and want to come across as edgy or artistic, maybe skip the traditional suit.) In any case, err on caution\u2014keep it tasteful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have an outfit picked out (one that makes you feel confident), consider how to pair it with your body language. Your pose can make or break your LinkedIn photo. Don\u2019t smile too hard<\/strong>; don\u2019t appear bored or disinterested; don\u2019t cross your arms; don\u2019t stand sideways; don\u2019t attempt to recreate the Mona Lisa. On the other hand, try not to be overly severe or stiff either\u2014you want people viewing your profile to feel that you\u2019re friendly and approachable. Hands at your sides seem like a safe bet here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bad lighting makes you look tired or washed out.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common lighting mistakes is taking your photo in front of a window. The light is too bright and casts dark shadows across your face, making you either tired or washed out, depending on the time of day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"bad<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo by Ben Tofan<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a Great Headshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The biggest mistake is a full-body shot<\/strong>. LinkedIn isn\u2019t Facebook or Instagram, where you can post your best outfit of the day \u2013 it\u2019s a professional networking site, so keep it professional. The only exception is that it makes sense to showcase your body of work if you are an actor, entertainer or model. Otherwise, people want to see your face to connect with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember: the focus should be on you and not on family members or friends in the background\u2014they will distract from the focal point of your photo and take away the professionalism that LinkedIn promotes. You also want to look friendly and approachable in your photo (but don\u2019t go too far here, either). Don\u2019t smile so wide that everyone thinks you\u2019re just itching for them to call so they can get an earful about how much fun this weekend\u2019s softball game was!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a photo and not a logo.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Logos are for businesses, not people. When someone views your profile, you want them to connect with you, not a logo or symbol. A photo helps people put a face to your name and makes it more personal and inviting. Of course, if you want to add some brand personality<\/a> to the background of your photo, that\u2019s fine too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo by Ben Sweet<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you are the main subject in the photo.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Facing the camera, looking directly into the lens, is engaging and makes you look confident. This also allows your audience to focus on you and not on what\u2019s in the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When people look at your photo, they shouldn\u2019t be wondering who is in it with you. Instead, if there are other people in your profile picture, they\u2019ll wonder if those people are necessary or related to you. Is that person a job reference<\/a>? Your best friend? Is that your mom? Now they\u2019re just confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please don\u2019t make them work for it. Make sure you are the photo\u2019s main subject, so there\u2019s no question about who your profile belongs to!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fill the frame with your face.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A close-up shot makes it easy for viewers to see your face clearly, which can help make a positive first impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using a headshot, it\u2019s best to use one cropped to the middle of your chest. This is because photos are displayed as circles on LinkedIn, and any parts of an image that extend beyond the circle aren\u2019t visible in the final picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using a photo with more than one person, ensure you\u2019re the main subject. In other words: don\u2019t post a photo where someone else is taking up most of the space (or all of the space).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capture What\u2019s Unique About You in Your LinkedIn Profile Picture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tinder says that making sure you look like yourself is a much more important consideration when choosing a picture for LinkedIn than it is. Why? Because your audience here is your professional network. They are professionals themselves and want to know if this profile belongs to the person they met at that conference last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means no selfies (sorry, everyone), group shots or photos of you with sunglasses on. The same goes for hats, which can obscure your face shape in an unflattering way and hide your hair situation. So if you\u2019re ever hesitant about whether or not to include a photo of yourself wearing a hat, don\u2019t do it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick something that represents you as a professional, not just you in general.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It would be best to avoid pictures that only show you generally<\/strong>. For example, a picture of yourself standing against a white wall with your arms crossed is not an effective photo for your LinkedIn profile. It does not show what you do professionally or your interests and hobbies. Instead, select images that represent specific things about yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you are passionate about rock climbing, consider taking photos from one of your recent expeditions to the mountains. Consider showcasing some of the available work on your website if you are an artist (musician, actor, painter, etc.). Are you an avid traveller? Show off photos from some of the trips you\u2019ve taken recently! Finally, if you have been involved in extraordinary events and conferences in the past, think about posting pics from those!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember your posture.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It would help if you stood up straight, but not like a soldier at attention. Instead, think of it as if a string is attached to the top of your head pulling you skyward. Stand up straight and make sure your shoulders are back and relaxed. You\u2019re too far away if you slouch or feel like you need to lean forward to be seen by the camera. If sitting down for the photo, ensure you\u2019re sitting tall with your spine in a neutral position and shoulders back\u2014it makes all the difference!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t cross your arms or put them on your hips<\/strong>. Crossing one\u2019s arms across the chest can convey an image of being closed off from others. In addition to keeping a straight posture and facing the camera, keep both hands on either side with palms slightly open (like how people would hold their hands together during prayer), which conveys openness and sincerity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"good<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo by Ben Parker<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take off your sunglasses.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sunglasses have their place \u2014 on the beach, at a music festival, or on a ski slope. But not in your LinkedIn profile picture! If you\u2019re hiding behind shades, people won\u2019t be able to see what you look like, defeating the whole point of posting a photo. Sunglasses also give off a lazy or \u201cslacker\u201d vibe that you probably want to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"profile<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo by Dragos Gontariu<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunglasses, hats and other accessories are a bit too distracting and can get in the way of making that human connection with a viewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look directly into the camera and slightly turn your face to the side.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Making eye contact is essential. On that note, look directly into the camera and slightly turn your face to the side. This way, you\u2019ll appear engaged and confident in the picture. Avoid an over-the-shoulder pose, as it can make you appear too casual or like you\u2019re avoiding eye contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"bad<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo by charlesdeluvio<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, avoid looking down at your phone or the ground\u2014this photo is for your LinkedIn profile, not for a dating app \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would help if you kept your eyes open and expansive (no squinting). When people think and concentrate, they narrow their eyes, making them look angry or disinterested in photos that aren\u2019t great for making an excellent first impression on LinkedIn. If you\u2019re taking a \u201cselfie\u201d type shot with your phone\u2019s front-facing camera \u2014 make sure you have good lighting so that people can see your face!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smiling Is Good, But Don\u2019t Go Overboard.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite your best efforts, LinkedIn has a way of turning your gravestone photo into an open-mouth grin. The truth is that LinkedIn is not a place where you want to brag about how hard you are working to earn the most money possible. So don\u2019t be afraid to take a break and enjoy yourself in your photo. The more likeable you look, the better chance you have of impressing recruiters and making them want to get back in touch<\/a> with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But being overly chatty about using LinkedIn might not be the best way for recruiters to connect with you in the first place. You\u2019re opening yourself up to be judged by people who have no idea what it\u2019s like in your business\u2014a bad idea if there ever was one! So do something original and unique when taking pictures for your profile picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take your photo in front of a blank wall (or outdoors, in front of greenery).<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To ensure your profile photo captures the best representation of you, take it in front of a blank wall or greenery if you\u2019re outside. Adding another object may cause the viewer\u2019s eye to be distracted from your face. Likewise, if you must have something in the background, such as a large window for lighting or aesthetic purposes, make sure it is far enough away not to overshadow your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, remember that you\u2019re trying to make a good impression on people who will never know you save through this photo and whatever they read in your profile. So think about the impression you want them to have (e.g., thoughtful and intelligent versus fun-loving and approachable) and what type of clothing might convey that impression appropriately (e.g., professional dress versus casual dress).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid taking the photo in front of paintings or other decorations that can distract the viewer.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your image is a critical component of your LinkedIn profile. As with any photo, it must be composed well and have a clean background. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid taking the photo in front of paintings or other decorations that can distract the viewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you\u2019re standing close enough to the camera, so your face fills most of the frame but not so close that you look distorted by the lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay within arm\u2019s reach of the camera and strike a natural pose\u2014clasping your hands together or placing them in your pockets will help you feel more relaxed during the shoot and look less stiff in photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t wear a baseball cap, visor, sunglasses or anything else that could obstruct viewers\u2019 view of your face\u2014this includes hats, scarves and bulky sweaters with hoods (even if they don\u2019t cover your head).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone offers to take an outdoor portrait of you, make sure no one walks into the frame while you\u2019re being photographed (especially if they\u2019re wearing all black). Also, avoid taking pictures in front of excessive murals or busy sidewalks, as these can detract from your professional image when viewed on LinkedIn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to wear makeup, but if you do, keep it professional-looking.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A little mascara here, a slight blush there\u2013 that\u2019s fine. But don\u2019t be afraid to go all out: natural eyebrows, lashes, and lips will photograph well, as will a bit of eyeliner or eyeshadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Excessive<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo by Grahame Jenkins<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please don\u2019t take it in the mirror.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The easiest way not to take a picture of yourself in the mirror<\/strong> is not to take a picture of yourself. Duh. However, this can be tricky if you\u2019re using your phone as your camera and can\u2019t see anything on the screen other than what you\u2019re pointing it at (most phones don\u2019t show a reverse image, so it might look like you\u2019re NOT taking a self-reflection, even if you are).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"photo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo by Ingo Doerrie<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you must take pictures by yourself: use natural light<\/strong> and ensure there aren\u2019t any mirrors around. Set your camera on a tripod to avoid moving around too much while you snap pictures. This will give you more options when editing later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend asking someone else to help out instead! Mainly if this is the first time you are taking a picture. Bribe them with pizza, and they\u2019ll be happy to help (plus, they might capture a great candid shot). If there\u2019s no one to help, try using basic timers instead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"natural<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo by May Gauthier<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use natural light, and put your camera on a tripod.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At first glance, it might seem like taking pictures for your LinkedIn profile is all about contorting yourself into awkward positions to exploit the magic of natural light. However, I assure you this is not always necessary. Using a tripod to stabilize<\/strong> your camera is enough to get any professional image you want; make sure you turn off the flash so that there aren\u2019t distracting shadows underneath your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to hire a professional photographer to have a great LinkedIn profile picture!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might think you need to hire a professional photographer to help you make the perfect LinkedIn profile picture, but that\u2019s not the case!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re ready to go as long as you have a decent camera (and any smartphone will do). Some friends use professional headshots for their LinkedIn profiles and see better results when switching to a more candid photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone else takes the photo for digital submission, wear makeup if you usually do<\/strong> (don\u2019t wear too much!). Don\u2019t go crazy with accessories like hats or flashy jewellery\u2014you want people to notice your face first!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve taken multiple photos that meet these criteria, ask a trusted friend or colleague<\/a> which one they think looks best on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verify Your Profile Picture is Set to Public<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People can see your image in a Google Image search. Make sure you are happy with the image that appears when someone clicks on one of the images. Click the [Edit] button, go to \u201cVisibility of your LinkedIn profile & network\u201d, and make sure it is set to Public<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong>: As you can see, taking a professional-looking LinkedIn photo is more straightforward and reflects your brand. The best way to do so is to remember that you\u2019re making your LinkedIn profile picture for a job search<\/a> and treat it as such. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile photo accurately reflects the person behind the image to avoid an incorrect impression.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I realized that there are so many people that may need some help on how to create the perfect profile picture. Here are some pro tips<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2858,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,11],"tags":[86,252,253,254],"class_list":["post-2850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cv-improvement-tips","category-job-search-tips","tag-display-profile-picture","tag-linkedin-photo","tag-linkedin-profile","tag-linkedin-profile-picture"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2850"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3344,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2850\/revisions\/3344"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2858"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}