Are hoping to land a higher-paying job in the near future? If so, it’s not just the technical skills and accolades on your resume that are going to help you get hired.
How you present yourself, both in person and online is a big factor when applying for work. The most important visual factor is your profile picture on your resume, and on social media websites like LinkedIn or FaceBook.
Yes, prospective companies will check your social media accounts to determine if you’re a good fit. You need to invest in a professional headshot if you want to stand out and move forward in the business world.
Keep reading below to learn why business headshots are so important in the current economy, and how you can get yours done the right way.
Why Profile Pictures Matter in Business
According to CareerBuilder.com, 70% of employers will check your social media profiles during the hiring process. Now there are many reasons why they do this. This includes looking for red flags, or immediate reasons not to hire you.
But since they are browsing your profiles, they will see your profile image. And if your profile image is professional (rather than a photo of you on the beach from 5 years ago), it could increase your chances of making it through the screening process.
And it’s not about looking good or attractive, as employers can’t discriminate
Headshots are not one-size-fits-all. There are many different types of headshots you can get, depending on your industry, your career path, and your personal style.
The most professional option is studio headshots. Taken indoors, the lighting will be perfectly balanced across your face, and the background will be a neutral color. Doctor headshots, for example, are typically done this way to promote their utmost professionalism.
But those working in creative industries, such as marketing, web design, photography, or the retail industry might have more creative headshots. These might take place outdoors, with vibrant backgrounds and colors.
A more creative style will suggest that the person is naturally more artistic and better suited for creative roles.
Lastly, you can get headshots that feature specific items which provide context to your specialty. Photographers will often use a headshot that shows them holding a camera.
Artists might be wearing a painter’s coat, covered in colors. A coffee shop owner or coffee roaster might be holding a cup of coffee.
Do a little research and see what others in your industry are doing to figure out the ideal style for your headshot.
How to Get a Professional Headshot
The biggest mistake when getting headshots done is trying to do it yourself. If you don’t have a high-grade professional camera with a quality lens, you shouldn’t be taking your own photos.
And if you don’t understand lighting, editing, and posing, you shouldn’t be doing your own photos. Nor should your mom or your partner.
If you want to invest in yourself and achieve higher-paying jobs and other beneficial opportunities, hire a creative photographer to do your headshots. The process is affordable and quick, and you’ll be blown away by the results.
Once you get your headshots done, it’s time to pick your favorite. Your photographer might send you a few different images. Pick your favorite one, and commit to using that photo everywhere.
Use it on your resume. Use it on your personal website. Use it on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms.
You want your personal brand to be as consistent across the board as possible. This will show prospective employers or clients that you are organized and professional.
Something as simple as professional photos can separate you apart from dozens, if not hundreds of others competing for the same opportunity.
Give Yourself the Best Chance of Success
Whether you’re an employee looking for higher-paying opportunities, or you’re an aspiring entrepreneur hoping to build your own company, you need to present yourself in the best way possible.
Having a professional headshot, and using it everywhere that you can, will be a key factor in your success. Visuals matter big time in the current economic landscape.
Looking for more business tips and tricks like this? Head to our blog to find other helpful articles today.
