Fashion & Beauty

Coco Styles

Corporate Wardrobe Style Coach

The Secret To A Scroll-Stopping Linkedin Profile Picture

This message is for anyone with a LinkedIn account, and who wants to start standing out from others.

When it comes to having a great profile picture on LinkedIn, take into account two parts of your photo. Your appearance and the photo quality.

Your Appearance

Your appearance is what draws your potential employer to n your profile. When we show up in photos as a leader and someone who can run a company, people are drawn to us just by our photos. When it comes to your image, you want to follow a few key steps and do just enough to be noticed and stand out from others.

So here are a few recommendations you should incorporate into your new LinkedIn profile picture.

1. Your Attire- When planning what to wear for your profile picture, think about how the clothes fit you. You want to wear well-fitting clothes that aren't too big or too small. I would also recommend tailor-fit clothing as they come off sharper in pictures. When in doubt, opt for your go-to interview outfit.

2. Jewelry- Wearing minimal jewelry will make or break your photo. If you love super big hoop earrings stick to small ones. Keep the extra-large hoops earrings at home. Instead, opt for a smaller pair or even studs. Remember, this is just for the profile picture. Once you get the job, you can gauge how others dress in the office and express yourself a bit more. So keep the jewelry at a minimum.

3. Makeup- Here's another piece that can make or break your photo. Having minimal makeup will keep the attention on you, not your contoured nose. We want to stand out, but not in a way where it may seem like we are more concerned about the makeup instead of getting the job. Minimal is the best way to go.

4. Hair- You can opt for your hair in a bun, curly, natural, or straight, but make sure it's done. I don't want to tell you how many profiles I've seen where the person looked like they didn't even take the time to brush their hair. Having neat hair adds something else to your image. I would stay away from colors as well.

5. Smiling- Who doesn't love a beautiful smile?! I know when I see someone it melts my heart. It's a sign that you're open to a conversation and easy to approach. If smiling and showing your teeth isn't your cup of tea, then do like Tyra Banks said and smile with your eyes lol.

THE PHOTO

Most people aren't thinking about the quality of their photos, but it's important. Imagine scrolling through Instagram, seeing blurry pictures, and thinking about what you would do. I'm sure you'll say scroll right past it. It is what a potential employee does on LinkedIn if yours is poor quality.

1. Have a photo- I don't know how many times I've seen profiles where the person didn't have an actual picture. Listen, people will scroll past your profile if you do not have a picture. It's the same as any other social media platform.

2. Lighting- A ring light is your best friend! Great lighting will elevate your photo in seconds. The good thing is they are cheap nowadays, so pick yourself up one.

3. Quality- The importance of a clear photo is so underrated. When I see a crisp picture, it almost comes to life for me. So keep that in mind before loading a new profile photo to your LinkedIn.

4. Solid Backgrounds- Keep your background to a subtle color like gray or a subtle blue. These colors do not drown you out in your photo. Stand out, not blend in.

5. Size- The correct size is another factor in your profile pic and will help with the quality. If you upload a picture from your phone, and you're too far away and try to make it a close-up, you risk the photo becoming blurry or grainy. Don't do that!

6. Angles/Position- Make sure you are capturing the best angle fit for you. I would say stay away from straight-on photos as they can come off a look inmate. Slightly turn your body, and you should be good. Capture from the waist up or the chest up, absolutely no full-body photos. I've seen it all, trust me.

In the end, you want to come off welcoming and warm, and since this is your first impression before they dive into your profile, make it count.

Coco Styles

www.cocostylesny.com