Well, does it!? 

In short; yes. It matters a lot. I’m not just saying that because I take headshots for people who need them FOR LinkedIN. I’m saying it because it’s true. If you want a recruiter to hire you, talk to you, or even get to know what you’re all about you definitely need a great photo to accompany your otherwise stellar body of work. I have heard from many HR folks who have hired me to update their staff photos that it’s always been an issue.

“He’s been using the same picture since 1998”

“She used a photo from her wedding”

“They took a selfie and posted it on their page”

Those are just some of the things I’ve heard over the course of my eight-year career shooting people. I have also shot headshots for recruiters and I kid you not – more often than not they will admit to passing over someone just because of the photo they chose for their LinkedIn headshot.

“I’d hire her but the picture of her on the mechanical bull is too much, who does that?”

“He seems great but we have another guy with the same skill set that didn’t use a picture of them golfing.”

“He’s holding his kitten in the photo…”

Again these are things I have legitimately heard while taking headshots for clients. You may not think so but your LinkedIN Headshot photo matters big time. It’s not a representation of who you are but it also lets potential recruiters and companies know that you take yourself seriously enough to schedule a proper photoshoot, for lack of a better word; a classy photo. I have had clients message me not too long after photoshoots with great news of how our photos helped them land the job and that they’ll be back in a few months. That’s another thing! Ideally, you should be getting new photos every six months or so or every two years when you get promoted or make another career decision.

Believe me, as a photographer I know how much people hate to have their pictures taken for work. It’s just part of working life now. We are so connected on every level digitally why wouldn’t you want to have an elegant photo of yourself that enhances your professional presence online?

As always – thanks for your time. I gotta go take some photos.