How Your Profile Picture Influences Potential Employers
Have you ever thought about who looks at your Social Media Profiles? If you are job searching, odds are that your potential Employer has. You put yourself out there and your true self is the one that employers want to know. They want to know what kind of person you really are .
More than 90% of employers are recruiting through social media sites, especially LinkedIn. A recruiter will spend an average of 6 seconds looking at your Profile, and 19% of that time is viewing your profile picture. Princeton researchers found that they can develop an impression of you in 1/10 of a second. Recruiters connect with you if you look the part, then they will take your skills and credentials into consideration.
Make sure your profile picture is a winner by following these tips:
- Eyes are the windows to the soul, with that said never wear sunglasses in your photo, it makes you look 10% less likable. Don’t let your hair, glare or shadows obstruct your eyes either it reduces competence by 15% and influence by 8%.
- Hire a professional to take your photo, they’ll know the best ways to make you look good.
- Show those pearly whites! Smiling while showing your teeth has twice the effect of smiling with your mouth closed. Recruiters will perceive you as more likable and trustworthy.
- Dress like you want to get hired. Make sure that you are wearing formal clothing. It affects how others perceive your competency and influence in your industry.
The first impression is vital, researchers say that photos of the same person can leave a different impression. Your face has the possibility to create over 10,000 expressions, so add that to clothes, grooming, lighting, and camera angles the possibilities are endless.
