Esther
What picture is appropriate to set as your background on LinkedIn?
While updating my LinkedIn and looking at other people's profiles today, I want to know what background picture is appropriate and unique for my profile. I saw people putting a backdrop of their schools and cities. However, are those the only acceptable pictures? #career-counseling #linkedin #social-media #career
12 answers
Alwyn Velásquez
Alwyn’s Answer
My only recommendation is that it be professional in context, of great quality (clarity, density, brightness and focus - no pixelated images) and that it give a sense to the visitor of your aspirations and present/future goals. Selecting an image that is not too busy will also not detract from your profile photo - a must have if you hope to make professional connections that further your career. Good luck.
Christopher McCool
Christopher’s Answer
As others say, a "professional" appearance is best practice for LinkedIn, or any resume site. Ideally, this is a professional head shot or portrait (like a senior portrait for a high school yearbook). The primary difference, however, is you should present an everyday version of yourself professionally dressed. You should imagine that a client is coming to your office for the first time for an important meeting. From your photograph, will they recognize you easily? Many people over glamorize their head shots and this is, in my view, a mistake.
Christopher recommends the following next steps:
Karina B
Karina’s Answer
To set as your background on LinkedIn, you could use a picture:
1) Of the city that you wish to work in or see yourself working in (in the future)
2) Related to the industry in which you aspire to work or see yourself working in (in the future)
Hope this helps!
Heather Horsey
Heather’s Answer
Choose something that represents you - a landscape of the city you love, a close up of your keyboard, the top of your laptop. It should not distract from your profile picture but should compliment it.
Kim Igleheart
Kim’s Answer
Esther,
This is a good question! A lot depends on what you are trying to convey. You want the image to appear professional. However, if you are a rock musician, you don't want to look like an accountant! (nor do you want to look like you rehearse in a garage!) Just keep it in good taste. If you need to get a second opinion, ask someone who will be brutally honest. Also, keep in mind that not all of us who are on LinkedIn are looking for jobs. Some of us use it as a means to keep in touch with other professionals, and therefore take a little liberty with our photos. ~Kim~
Lola Kamolov
Lola’s Answer
Jojo Liaw
Jojo’s Answer
As for your headshot image, make sure it shows your face with proper lighting, professional tone, and simple background.
Ning W
Ning’s Answer
Sarah Robinson
Sarah’s Answer
mananpreet ahuja
mananpreet’s Answer
mananpreet recommends the following next steps:
Paul Bang
Paul’s Answer
A professional picture of yourself, and yourself alone, would be perfectly fine for a LinkedIn profile picture. Make sure to have a clean background such as white or any light pastel colors, and decent lighting that shows all of your face. Make sure to wear professional work clothes while taking the picture as well. Hopefully, you get a keeper!
Sincerely,
Paul
Yasemin G.
Yasemin’s Answer
I hope this helps!
Best of luck!