Your profile picture is more important than you might think. It’s your chance to put a good first impression out into the world. That’s why you must know how to take the perfect profile picture for all your accounts.
Say you’re applying for a new job. Potential employers will run background checks on your social media presence. You need to have good pictures that show you at your best.
You might even want to run a check on yourself to get an idea of what other people are seeing. Tap or click here to run a free background check on yourself. Here are a few ways to improve your LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram profile picture.
A few ways to look better on LinkedIn
This is incredibly important because it gives employers an idea of what you’ll look like at work. Pick a picture showing how competent, influential and likable you are.
Not sure how that comes across in a picture? Just upload your LinkedIn profile picture to Photofeeler, a free picture rating website. Strangers will let you know how you come across.
Instead of uploading a picture with a toothy grin, take a professional photo with a slight smile. You want to look friendly without showing too much enthusiasm. Also, ensure your profile picture has a blurred background so the person viewing your profile can focus on your face.
How to take the perfect profile picture for Facebook
Family shots are a great option. After all, Facebook is all about connecting with other people, so it makes sense to pick a photo of you and your loved ones. Just make sure you’re the focal point of the picture.
And remember that Facebook is swarming with scammers who create complex phishing schemes. They might steal your name and photo to create a new account. Then, they’ll send phishing messages to your friends and family while pretending to be you.
Here’s a cybersecurity tip you can start using today. Use a photo of something else, like your pet and tell your friends and family, “If you see me in a profile picture, it means someone is impersonating my account.” This way, you’ve tipped your friends off so they can spot a phishing scheme a mile away.
Improve your look on Instagram
Kim recommends picking an action-oriented picture. Show yourself doing something you love. For example, if you like surfing, show yourself riding those waves.
Instagram is more personal than LinkedIn and less family-oriented than Facebook. It’s okay to let your hair down a little. Just make sure you don’t get too comfortable, or you might put off employers.
Then again, you can always make your account private. Tap or click here to change the privacy settings on Instagram. Now that you know how to take the perfect profile picture, here’s another social media tip.
LinkedIn is worth the extra effort
Small businesses have unique needs, and having the right people on your team is more important than ever. That’s why Kim trusts our sponsor, LinkedIn Jobs, to help.
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Find the perfect fit for your business with LinkedIn Jobs. And, for a limited time, post a job for free — just visit LinkedIn.com/kim to get started today!