With the advent of social media, we now straddle between existing in the real world and the digital one. More than ever, it has become essential for us to embrace our personal branding. You may not be aware, but you have a personal brand. Have you ever tried googling yourself to see what pops up?

These results likely will form the first impression others have of you. Recruiters are turning to social media to vet potential candidates before an interview. According to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey, 70% of interviewers screen candidates using social media. Your LinkedIn profile is your digital identity. That square box paints a first impression, and quite often determines whether you get hired by a potential employer.

SEE a powerful example in the power of first impressions.

Profiles utilising professional headshots receive approximately 15 times more views, and are more likely to be responded to.

Whether you have your picture professionally taken by a photographer or an iPhone, here is a list to help you nail that dream job with the perfect LinkedIn profile photo.

DOs...

1. DO USE A HEADSHOT AND NOT A BODYSHOT

Your face should occupy up to 65% of the box allocation. A headshot is a tightly cropped photo of the face, from the shoulders up. Anything lower than the midriff is a no-go. Nobody wants to see your physique.

2. DO LOOK PERSONABLE

Life is after-all a popularity contest. Being personable is the first step. Think about this - when you are in need of directions, would you rather approach a smiling or scowling person? Your picture should exude professionalism. Professional doesn’t always mean serious. Try not to overly project seriousness or intensity, a look that can easily backfire. Instead, exude genuine authenticity and remember to wear that frown upside down.

3. DO USE A RECENT PHOTOGRAPH

Make sure your photo is up to date. You'll be surprised how common job seekers show up to an interview only to hear - "You sure look nothing like your profile picture." - This commonly uttered phrase could be either good or bad. Most of the time, it's the latter.

By all means jazz things up with lipstick, makeup and proper body hygiene, but also play to your strengths. Use a recently taken photograph to avoid a bait-and-switch. Sure, you may have put on a few pounds, but you are who you are. Own it with confidence.

4. DO SMILE WITH YOUR EYES

A smiling person is more likely to attract someone’s attention than a cold looking person. The same goes for a photo. Your eyes are windows to your soul. Use that to your advantage. Some of us find faking a smile difficult. A good photographer will work with you, slipping in a joke during the shoot to get a smile that is natural and candid.

5. DO WATCH YOUR POSTURE

The camera should be at eye level. A low angle that is looking upwards conveys superiority and aloofness. It makes you look unapproachable and difficult to work with. Too high an angle makes you look clueless and foolish. Feel free to tell the photographer which is your “better side”. A profile photo is an integral part of your "professional branding". It is important that you like the photo.

6. DO WATCH YOUR ATTIRE

Whether you’re a surgeon or CEO, you should wear clothes that reflect you in your element at the workplace. Consider what best reflects your business and its values. You should avoid intricate patterns, mosaics and fine lines. Complicated patterns on a small profile photo do not resolve well on screen.

DON'TS...

1. DON’T TAKE SELFIES

You are on LinkedIn to connect over working opportunities. While selfies are acceptable on sites like Instagram or Facebook, your intent is to find a job. Be professional! It is important that your photograph matches your intent.

2. DON’T USE FILTERS

Avoid filters at all costs. They undermine you and detract from your headshot, making it harder for employers to find out who you are.

3. DON’T CROP YOURSELF FROM A GROUP PHOTO

A cropped photo of yourself from a party shot signals a lack of commitment. Avoid doing this.

4. DON’T HAVE A DISTRACTING BACKGROUND

Ever heard of the acronym KISS? It stands for: Keep It Simple, Stupid. Everything in a picture tells a potential employer something about you. A background should be neutral, a shade of colour like grey or white. If you’re unable to hire a photographer to take professional business headshots, at least keep to an appropriate background. Having an office background is ok. Having a movie theatre in the background is not.

5. DON’T INCORPORATE IRRELEVANT INFORMATION IN YOUR PHOTO

Again, the acronym KISS should come to mind. Don’t use your profile photo as an opportunity to showcase hobbies. Your future employer isn’t hiring you for your knowledge on miniature cars.

Investing in a well taken photo is your chance to increase profile views and response rates.

You want to come off as being friendly, engaged and professional. Take the time to amplify your personal brand and stand out from the crowd. Taking a good profile picture allows you to put your best foot forward.

Happy snapping and may the odds of acing that job interview be forever in your favour!

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