In today’s competitive job market, executives will need more than one great headshot to land the position they want. Sure, a nice headshot photo might open some doors. But when you’re going after the career of a lifetime, it’s a library of images across your various platforms that will truly set you apart from the crowd and elevate your status.

First, you need to know that you’ll be needing more than one headshot. First, envision where your images will be used while you’re job hunting AND after you’re hired. Keep in mind that many recruiters will stalk your personal social media, so make sure the public Facebook profile photo is on-point during your job hunt. Also, many companies post new hire announcements, either internally or externally. You’ll want to have an image at the ready that you love of yourself that conveys your professionalism and authority for that introduction announcement.

Let’s explore four tips for creating an interesting collection of photos that will help you rise to the top. I’m also sharing some tips for job hunting on LinkedIn.

Land the Job: Four Tips for Stand-Out Professional Photos as a Job Seeker

Having a collection of images that showcase who you are can be the difference between landing an interview and being forgettable. And none of us want that. Here are four areas to think about before your next headshot session.

1. Expressions: The era of the one-size-fits-all-headshot is gone. Different expressions convey different messages. Get your point across with various expressions to show the different sides of your personality and your professionalism.

  • A subdued closed-mouth smile: Convey your authority and how serious you are about your career.
  • A toothy smile: Showcase your approachability and warmth.
  • Laughter: A more editorial-style photo that shows off your friendly demeanor and authenticity.

2. Poses: It’s human nature to want to see who you’re working with. Using photos in a variety of different poses and zoom levels gives you a chance to increase the viewer’s subliminal comfort and familiarity with you. You’ll also need different types of photos for different situations. Here’s some examples.

  • Head and Shoulders: For professional profiles and company directories.
  • Three-Quarter: Showcase your executive presence with a bit of body language.
  • Full Body: Ideal for showcasing style and pullbacks with other graphics incorporated.
  • Relaxed Poses: For social media profiles and casual networking events.
  • Pullback with White Space: Great for new hire announcements at your new company.

3. The Clothes Make the Man: Clothing and styling choices can influence how you’re perceived by others. The key here is to select outfits that will attract your ideal company culture. Essentially, if you already look like you fit into the company that’s hiring, the easier it is for the recruiter to picture you as already a part of the team.

Most job seekers want a selection of portraits in different levels of formality so they have a database they can pull from at a moment’s notice, depending on where they are applying.

  • Business Formal: To exude professionalism, opt for a sharp suit or tailored blazer.
  • Relaxed Environment: Showcase your laid-back, can-do demeanor in a button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
  • Trendy: Highlight your creativity if you’re in an industry where individuality is valued.
  • Casual/Jeans: As I mentioned earlier, recruiters will stalk your personal social media, so having a photo in casual attire shows what you’re like outside of the office.

4. Color: Color is crucial in grabbing attention and setting the tone for those first impressions. Brightly colored clothing or backgrounds can help you stand out in a sea of faces, while neutral tones give off a sense of professionalism and sophistication. Having a good mix of bold and subtle colors adds visual interest to your profile.

  • Bright Colors: Grab attention and get noticed! Shades of blues/teals are a great choice for job seekers. Blue looks great on all skin tones and makes people feel comfortable with you.
  • Neutral Tones: Shades of black, brown, and gray will convey stability and seriousness while giving a professional, timeless appeal.

Don’t have a colorful wardrobe? No problem. We can create attention-grabbing images with a colorful background, too. I have about 20 different background colors you can choose from.

Want to learn more about the psychology of color? I have an in-depth article about how specific colors can impact what people feel and think when they see your photos.

LinkedIn Job Searching Tips

LinkedIn has become a powerhouse for professional networking and job hunting. Optimizing your profile with a variety of images can enhance your visibility and credibility. Now isn’t the time to be shy – make yourself visible with surgical precision! Creating posts, new content, or commenting on other’s posts are ways to get your profile to circulate more often in your connection’s feeds.

  • Profile Photo: Now that you have your fabulous new headshots, make sure your profile is edited and curated to attract your ideal company. Next, swap out your profile photo and change your status to Open To Work. I’ve heard countless reports that the Open To Work status works wonders after my clients incorporate their new professional photo.
  • Header Image: Use a photo with a different expression in your header banner image. For example, if your profile photo is smiling, use a different expression in your banner section. Canva is an easy tool for creating a custom banner graphic.
  • Article Banner Image: Write an article about your area of expertise, showcasing yourself as a specialist in your field. All LinkedIn Articles need a banner image. Incorporate your headshot into the banner image of the article. These articles convey your skills and thought leadership and let recruiters get a sense of your authority.
  • Explainer Video: Record a talking head video offering advice or education. Native videos uploaded directly into LinkedIn, vs a link to a third-party platform, will perform better. Incorporate your headshot into the introduction or call to action section of the video.
  • Informational Document: Create a share-worthy pdf with industry-specific information. Include your headshot next to your contact info.
  • Create an About.Me Page: This is an amazing tool to provide additional context about what you bring to the table. This is a great place to post one of your more editorial-style portraits. Make sure your about.me page is linked back to your LinkedIn profile.

Are you single and wanting to mingle with the cream of the crop? Then you need a kick-ass dating profile.

While you’re in the studio for new photos to land that new job, let’s also create photos to help you find your perfect romantic match, too! So bring an outfit you’d wear out on a date to show your cool and relaxed personality.

Professional photos can significantly affect the quality of matches you get. Just like a professional profile, to stand out in a dating profile, variety is key! Variety in your expressions, variety in your clothing colors, variety in the formality of your clothing, and variety in your poses/body language.

Remember, investing in a portfolio of images is not just about looking good – it’s about strategic positioning for success. Be proactive by having more than one good headshot.

Ready to land the career of your dreams?

My clients have traveled from all over the world to be photographed by me. If you live in metro Denver then you’re especially lucky. Let’s have a chat and discuss your imaging goals.