5 Tips for Taking the Perfect Headshot for a Resume Photo

Think a resume photo isn’t important? Think again. LinkedIn profiles with photos receive 21 times more views than those without.

Today’s ultra-competitive job market requires you to do everything possible to get a leg up on the competition. Creating a great resume or LinkedIn profile is only half the battle.

Adding a high-quality resume photo sets you apart from other job applicants and gives employers a complete idea of who you are as a candidate.

Follow these five tips to create the perfect headshot for your resume!

You Can DIY Your Resume Photo

Unless you’re in the market for an acting or modeling gig, you probably don’t need to shell out a ton of money for a professional photographer.

All you need for your resume photo is a good camera and a friend or a selfie stick. You don’t need an expensive camera, but you should have a cell phone with a high-quality lens at a minimum. If your cell phone is a little dated, ask a friend with a newer model to take the picture for you.

Avoid Distracting Backgrounds

Taking a photo at that beautiful spot on the beach is great for photo albums but not the best for your resume photo. You want your potential employers to focus on you, not on what’s going on in the background.

Your background should be an actual, neutral color. Examples of neutral colors include light gray, beige, and eggshell. Neutral colors work well with various skin tones, hair colors, and clothing, and they don’t distract the viewer.

You don’t have to purchase a professional background. If your walls are not a solid neutral color, try hanging a flatbed sheet or a large sheet of paper for your background.

Dress for the Job You’re Seeking

You want your resume photo to tell potential employers that you will fit in with their company culture.

If you’re looking for a job in a conservative profession, wear professional business clothing in your photo. Job seekers in creative and more modern professions have more leeway because companies tend to have more relaxed dress codes. Try checking resume photos of current employees on LinkedIn for reference, and, when in doubt, go with the more conservative dress.

Keep Your Hair and Makeup Simple

Make sure your hair and facial hair are well-groomed and clean for your resume photo.

Wear classic, natural makeup that won’t distract the viewer. Once you are hired, you can show more personality with your makeup looks.

Say Cheese

Placing your resume photo on LinkedIn means it can be seen by all of the website’s 300 million users. You want to make sure to put your best face forward.

A genuine smile in your resume photo makes you appear more trustworthy and can help you land an interview. If you are having trouble photographing yourself with a genuine smile, try having a friend tell you jokes or watch a funny tv show, so it’s not forced.

Teeth or no teeth? If you usually smile with your teeth but are concerned about their appearance, meet with your dentist to resolve any insecurities so you can get your smile in tip-top shape for your resume photo.

Get Ready for Offers!

If you’re just not convinced you have the best version of yourself, consider editing your photo with eCommerce image optimization.

Now that you have a killer resume photo give your resume the one over and add in the right resume keywords for the job you’re applying for, so recruiters and hirers shortlist you for an interview. 🙂

If you’re interested in more information on a wide range of topics relating to recruitment and the future of work, keep on scrolling..