Your LinkedIn photo is often the first impression a recruiter, client or colleague gets. The goal is simple: look credible, competent and approachable. Here's how.
The fundamentals
- Frame head-and-shoulders. Your face should fill a good portion of the frame.
- Use a clean, uncluttered background. Neutral or softly blurred works best.
- Light your face evenly. Soft, front-facing light; avoid harsh shadows.
- Dress for your industry, a notch up. When unsure, err slightly more formal.
- Approachable expression. A warm, closed-mouth or genuine smile beats a stern look.
Consistency helps
Use the same headshot across LinkedIn, your email signature and company page. Recognisability builds trust.
The fast way to get one
If you don't have a professional photo, an AI headshot generator turns a few selfies into a clean, LinkedIn-ready set in minutes. For how the tools compare, see our best AI headshot generators guide.
