Why you should have a professional headshot
If the growth of social media has taught us anything, it’s that first impressions matter and we only have seconds to make a good first impression. The job market has been tumultuous at the very least since 2020’s job losses. Many employers and market analysts have seen a “great resignation” in progress as the job market becomes more competitive. It can be difficult to stand out from the crowd when there are many people looking for new opportunities, but a professional headshot can set you apart and capture your audience's attention.
We can all agree that social media takes a major part in our everyday life. Even for those who may still be in denial about it, you simply cannot overlook the fact that media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are used by businesses and employers in looking for talent. Social media is constantly evolving and we must evolve along with it to stay competitive in the market.
Normally, it’s not recommended to include an image on your resume. But as more and more job listings ask for your LinkedIn profile, the profile picture has become one of the most important components to a good digital first impression. Whether you are looking for a new job, searching for clients, or hoping to create connections with people in your industry, having a high-quality headshot can be the difference between getting the job or being looked over.
In case you haven't been convinces, here are a few reasons why a professional headshot can be your best friend in a job search or networking setting:
Stand out from your competition and establish a personal brand.
Personal branding is a key component in any professional setting because it tells your audience who you are and what you are an expert in. Whether networking with fellow professionals, attending a job fair, or trying to build your own business, a professional headshot is a basic tool to help you stand out from the crowd. Headshots can be tailored to show your personality and communicate who you are through visual cues that support your brand.
Show who you are today, not five years ago.
Outdated photos can create a lot of confusion for potential employers or clients and can instantly create distrust. It’s important to update your headshots every 1-2 years. We’re all human, we all change with time. It’s important that how you are represented online is reflected with who you are in person today.
Selfies ≠ personable branding.
Despite the pandemic forcing us all to stay home, the age of using selfies on your LinkedIn profile or as your professional image is coming to an end. As the market continues to only get more competitive, having an updated professional photo shows your audience that you are above average and have invested in yourself and will invest into them. Book a headshot photo shoot and get an updated picture for any place your face is featured.
Phone cameras won’t do you justice.
Knowing how to take a professional headshot is more than just setting up your iPhone with a ring light and hoping for the best (fingers crossed and smile). That’s what everyone else does these days anyway but you don’t want to be like everyone else. You want to stand out! Hiring a professional photographer for a headshot means you get an expert with professional equipment to provide you with stunning images where you were guided on what to wear and how to pose.
On top of gaining expertise by hiring a pro, you remove any chance that the photo will turn out blurry when you upload it to your social media channels. High quality professional headshots will imply you are a legitimate business or candidate for recruiters.
Professional headshots are not just for your LinkedIn page.
These photos can be used across all your social media accounts, business cards, your personal website, for speaking engagements, presentations, or even your holiday cards! A one-time investment in a professional headshot can last a long time and help people recognize your face. Plus, when you hire a professional you will get more than just one photo and can regularly swap out images as often as you like!
Build trust with future clients or recruiters.
Studies have shown that people decide to trust others within the first few seconds of meeting someone. Facial expressions are becoming more and more important to building clientele or making a good impression when searching for a job. Professional headshots can help you make a positive impact in the most important split seconds of a first impression.
Keep up in the fast-moving, digital world.
As the digital world continues to expand, having a professional headshot is no longer a suggestion. Now, it’s one of the basic needs in owning a business or putting yourself out there in the corporate world. More and more people turn to search engines and professional websites to find new employees or businesses to hire. Professional headshots are an easy way to cut through the noise.
Have you updated your headshot recently? Check out my portfolio or contact me to book your photoshoot today!