Do LinkedIn Headshots Matter?

The short answer? Yes, they do. But let’s go beyond the obvious. Your LinkedIn headshot is far more than just a profile picture—it’s your first impression, your “digital handshake,” and often the first glimpse people have of you in a professional context.

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s worth the time and effort to update your LinkedIn headshot, the answer is an emphatic yes. Let’s break down why it matters, how it impacts your career, and what makes a great LinkedIn headshot.

We’ve all heard that “first impressions matter,” but on LinkedIn, they happen faster than you think. Studies show that people form first impressions online in less than one-tenth of a second. That’s all the time it takes for someone to glance at your photo and form an opinion about you.

When you visit a profile on LinkedIn, what’s the first thing you look at?  If you are like most of us, it’s almost always the profile photos. An image that’s clear, professional, and authentic will stand out and immediately establish trust and credibility. On the flip side, a low-quality, blurry, or poorly lit photo can create doubt or hesitation—not the vibe you’re going for.

Pro Tip: Make sure your LinkedIn headshot represents you as you are right now—not as you were five or ten years ago. People should be able to recognize you if they meet you in person.

LinkedIn is a platform for professional networking, but people don’t network with resumes—they network with people. Your headshot gives your profile a human touch. It’s a reminder that behind your impressive resume and long list of accomplishments, there’s a real, approachable person.

Think about it: if you’re considering connecting with someone on LinkedIn, you’re much more likely to accept the connection request if their profile has a professional headshot. No headshot? It’s a red flag. It’s human nature to feel a stronger sense of trust when we can see who we’re dealing with.

Your headshot is a visual extension of your brand. It’s your “logo” in a sense—the image that represents you whenever you’re posting, commenting, or applying for jobs on LinkedIn.

Ask yourself: What message do you want your photo to send?

• Do you want to look approachable and friendly?
• Do you want to look polished, powerful, and professional?
• Do you want to emphasize creativity, leadership, or thoughtfulness?

Your headshot should reflect the qualities you want to project. If you’re an executive, your headshot should look different from that of someone in a creative role. The lighting, pose, and expression should all support the message you’re trying to convey.

Pro Tip: Wear clothing that matches the level of professionalism in your industry. If you’re a corporate executive, a suit may be appropriate. If you’re in a creative field, you might opt for something a little more relaxed but still polished.

Here’s where the numbers come in. LinkedIn reports that profiles with a professional headshot receive up to 21 times more profile views and 9 times more connection requests. That’s not a small difference—it’s a major advantage. (That’s stat is strait from LinkedIn!)

Why? Because people want to connect with people, not silhouettes. If someone’s considering hiring or connecting with you, they’re far more likely to click on a profile with a clear, professional image. More views mean more opportunities, whether that’s being recruited for a job, approached for a business partnership, or invited to speak at an event.

Pro Tip: If you’re actively looking for a job or seeking new business opportunities, an updated, professional headshot can significantly increase your visibility.

People make snap judgments about competence, credibility, and trustworthiness based on appearance alone. It’s not fair, but it’s reality. On LinkedIn, your headshot acts as your visual “proof of professionalism.”

If you’re still using a grainy selfie, a photo from a wedding, or (worse) no photo at all, you’re sending a message—just not the one you want. People might subconsciously view you as careless, outdated, or unprofessional. Conversely, a sharp, professional headshot instantly signals that you take yourself and your career seriously.

Pro Tip: Invest in a great professional headshot. It’s an investment that pays off every time someone views your profile.

Not all headshots are created equal. Here’s what makes a headshot “LinkedIn ready.”

• Clear, High-Quality Image: No grainy selfies. It should be sharp, well-lit, and properly exposed.
• Simple Background: A clean, uncluttered background keeps the focus on you.
• Appropriate Attire: Dress like you’re going to an interview in your industry.
• Natural, Confident Expression: You don’t need to force a big grin—just aim to look approachable and self-assured.
• Head and Shoulders Framing: This is a “headshot,” not a full-body photo. Frame it so your face takes up most of the frame.

If you’re not sure if your headshot is “good enough,” it’s probably time for an upgrade. Professional headshot photographers know how to guide you through poses, lighting, and expressions to create images that convey authority, trust, and confidence.

If your current headshot is more than 2 years old or no longer reflects what you look like right now, it’s time for a refresh. Changes in hairstyle, weight, age, or personal style are all good reasons to update. If people wouldn’t recognize you based on your headshot, it’s time for an upgrade.

Pro Tip: Update your headshot if you’ve had a major career shift, like a promotion or change in industry. Your photo should reflect the confidence and authority of your new role.

If you’re serious about your personal brand, your headshot isn’t optional—it’s essential. It’s one of the fastest, most effective ways to build trust, increase profile views, and showcase your professionalism on LinkedIn.

Don’t leave it to chance. Invest in a professional headshot that represents the current you and reflects the confidence, competence, and credibility you want to project. If you’re ready to create a LinkedIn headshot that works as hard as you do, schedule your session today.