As a young individual who is working their way into a professional career, I often ask if I am portraying myself at the highest level of professionalism. How do I appear to my partners and clients? Do I present myself as someone who is trustworthy and intelligent? Someone who is going to provide a satisfactory experience and product? Am I the sort of person others would look to for advice or recommendations?
Good For Your Public Image
There are many characteristics you should consider when trying to improve your public image. There is a reason that there are euphemisms such as “a picture is worth a thousand words” or “make a good first impression” integrated into our daily lives. Your physical appearance does have an affect on how you are perceived by everyone around you, in personal or professional positions. If you want to present a positive appearance, a good place to start is with professional headshots.
Use Them Everywhere
Depending on your job, you may be provided with the opportunity to have headshots taken at work. However, it is important to have a selection of your own so that you can use it places other than your job, such as; LinkedIn, a feature in article/podcast/in the community, or because you have a part in a community theater production or some local program you are being recognized in. Having professional photos allows people to connect with you before they meet with you.
Help People Connect to You
Visual cues are so important in creating and maintaining a connection with people, more than just data in the form of words. A picture conveys information about you, like a visual version of your resume. Words on a paper at a job interview is just one side of your presence. In this way, social media is crucial as well. Almost every employer will look at your social media before hiring you, and being able to have a head shot as your social media profile picture will put you one step ahead of others who have selfies as their profile picture. In a pinch, having a friend take your photo or setting your phone on a timer might provide you with something suitable, but it doesn’t replace the expertise a professional would have.
Showcase Who You Are
Headshots can help you get your desired role. Fake it ‘till you make it. If you look like a professional, people will more readily believe it. It’s a phenomenon in psychology called obedience to authority. Start with the clothes. Dress like you would in your work environment or in an ideal environment for you. For example if you’re a doctor, wear a lab coat or wear a nice suit or blazer and slacks, but if you’re the owner of a brewery you might want to wear something more down to earth and trendy. Try to pick classic outfits that aren’t busy patterns so the focus is on you, not what you are wearing. That doesn’t mean you have to look plain or boring. Do something to make you stand out a bit, bright tie, find a pretty place outside, a statement necklace, colored background, etc.
Keep It Current
Keep your headshots current! If you are using a headshot, it should be current. Headshots from years ago conveys lack of professionalism and disconnect, not to mention how much your appearance could have changed over time. No one is going to want to work with you if they cannot recognize who you are or it looks like your photo was taken in the early 2000s.
Bonus Tip: Post a photo of yourself fairly frequently on social media for some great engagement. People want to connect with you as a person and a photo of yourself is a way to do that. Make sure there’s a photo of you in your top 9-12 on Instagram at all times, change your profile pictures on other social platforms every 1-3 months and watch your likes and engagements skyrocket.
Confidence is Key!
Finally, one of the things I find personally appealing with a nice headshot is how it gives you a level of confidence in all areas where this photo might be viewed, and should instill a level of pride in you as well. Not just for how you look, but all the other nuances of who you are that this image is working to convey. Confidence is key to success for every individual regardless of their field, and you’d be amazed at just how much one (or a few) really amazing photos can do for you!
Thank you to Kelly Devine for being a guest writer of this blog post. Be sure to check out Kelly’s blog and follow her adventures.
