Photofeeler, a Boulder, Colorado startup, researches LinkedIn and other social media profile pictures. Because of this, they’re a fountain of evidence-based LinkedIn profile picture tips.
Beyond that, they have a system that lets you assess your profile picture’s effectiveness. It collects information from live viewers.
Feedback on Profile Pictures
As a result, you can use Photofeeler to get feedback on 3 essential career factors:
1. Likeability.
2. Competence.
3. Influence.
LinkedIn Profile Picture Tips
Ann Pierce, the Co-Founder & former CEO of Photofeeler, and I teamed up 8 years ago. We produced the first infographic that shared PhotoFeeler’s research on best practices for headshots.
Now (2023), Photofeeler has updated that research.
5 Factors That Make the Most Effective LinkedIn Profile Pictures
To make the best impression possible:
1. Don’t obstruct your eyes.
2. Smile with your teeth showing — and throw in a little squinch (see the video at the bottom of this section).
3. Dress formally.
4. Avoid full-body shots.
5. Watch your color elements.
I pressed Ann on her formal dress advice 8 years ago because many companies don’t require it. She said that formal dress scores better in pictures regardless of industry (tech, we’re looking at you). It’s still true. So guys, get your ties on!
The Latest Research on LinkedIn Profile Photos
First, Ann recommended going to a professional photographer to get a good picture. I still agree.
Next, find Photofeeler’s new research here and the summary infographic here:
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Featured by: Entrepreneur
Image Courtesy of Lesley B. Juarez
Updated March 2023
© 2015 – 2023, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.
Donna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, authors all of AvidCareerist’s posts.
She is a Fast Company Contributor and has written for and been quoted by 100+ business and general media outlets, including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, CNBC, the New York Times, USA Today, Time, US News & World Report, CBS, the BBC, Lifehacker, Social Media Today, IT World, and Business News Daily.
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Comments 4
Those people all look like models and appear to be caucasian. Most of us don’t look like a model. Having a photo on LinkeIn just gives advantage to white, young, attractive people.
Hi Jenna,
Your points are well taken. Thank you for sharing them.
However, I’m also happy to report that one of my clients just ran two pictures through PhotoFeeler to decide which one to use on her LinkedIn profile. She’s not Caucasian and she is over 40. Her best picture scored two 95’s and a 94, better than the best photo above!
Donna
I wasn’t aware of PhotoFeeler so I’m glad you shared this, Donna. I didn’t realize I missed this, so I’m sorry to see that’s the case.
The importance of a LI profile picture cannot be overstated: it’s good for 11x profile views.
That’s more than an order of magnitude!
Ed,
Thank you.
Donna