A good LinkedIn photo can tell a potential employer a lot, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "The lighting is clean. We get a little bit of her personality. She's approachable."
A good LinkedIn photo should show potential employers the energy you'll bring to the office, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "It's a corporate shot, but he's got a bow tie. That's part of his daily personality. And, there's some makeup -- sometimes men need it, but don't like to admit it."
While LinkedIn photos aren't glamour shots, a well-qualified employee can benefit from good choices, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "Colors made her eyes pop, nothing too distracting on the neckline. It shows that energy, that confidence, and that personality."
A headshot should accurately reflect the person the employer is considering, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "She can wear her glasses. You want to make sure the glasses don't glare, and you have to test to make sure you can still see their eyes."
Your LinkedIn photo can help reinforce your professional expertise, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "He's a theatrical actor, so he can do something a little more dramatic, and show not necessarily a corporate look, but fitting for the roles he's going for."
Having a good LinkedIn headshot can help bolster the chances of young employees, or people applying for first jobs. "He's 16, and an actor. He's showcasing a little personality. Tailor it to the industry you're trying to get into, and show yourself."
Some question whether a LinkedIn photo is necessary, but research says 'yes.' Photographer Cedric Terrell says employees are an extension of the company. "She looks professional. I'd hire her, or at least take a closer look at her resume."
Choosing the right background can enhance a headshot, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "He's got great hair, and an interesting look. The wall's not distracting. You want to make sure you don't do anything that takes attention from you."
While your resume will secure the job, a good headshot can help pique an employer's interest, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "A great smile, a pop of color -- she was able to show her personality with that."
In choosing clothing and lighting for a headshot, consider the job you're applying for, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "He's an actor. His look doesn't have to be as professional. There's good natural lighting outdoors."
Don't get shy or artsy for a LinkedIn photo, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "For professional headshots you should be looking into the camera. You have to make sure it's industry appropriate."
Photographer Cedric Terrell says lighting and clothing need to be considered in LinkedIn photos. "She has dark hair and is against a dark background -- it's not going to be the most flattering."
The photo from your work ID won't help you land your next job, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "This is just a security headshot, a normal day, no hair and makeup. The red eye from the flash is definitely not flattering."
"Selfie headshots," sighs photographer Cedric Terrell. "You do your hair, and go into the bathroom in front of the mirror and snap a photo." After putting so much effort into your resume, Terrell says it's a shame the photo background is a bathroom door.
While it's not crucial to have a professionally taken LinkedIn photo, photographer Cedric Terrell says the pictures must be solid, technically. "You can see the flash of whoever took the photo with a smartphone."
Photographer Cedric Terrell suggests choosing a simple picture for a LinkedIn photo. "There's a lot going on in the background, and the color has a lot of pop. It's too distracting. Something that showcases her would have been ideal."
"She has such a nice smile," says photographer Cedric Terrell, "but I wouldn't call this the most flattering photo, with her posture and top she's wearing. I would have done something darker. I don't feel this headshot does her justice."
Don't use a photo that requires cropping-out others, says photographer Cedric Terrell. "Your headshot should be just about you and no one else."
Photographer Cedric Terrell says what you do and wear in a bar won't get you a job. "You look good that night and figure 'I'll use that as my headshot.' You're out partying -- is that the kind of impression you want to put forth?"
