How Can a Professional Headshot Benefit Your Career?
"Never judge the book by its cover." We are all aware of this saying, right? However, as comforting as the famous saying may be, it is not wholly plausible in the real world. The truth is, we are all perceived or judged by our looks. That is just the way of the world.
This is even more prevalent in the professional space. You usually have a very short time networking, making business connections, or doing a job interview to make the best first impression.
This is why it is vital always to appear clean and professional, both online and in person. One excellent way of appearing this way is to get a professional headshot. Below are a few important reasons you should consider taking professional headshots of yourself.
1. It is an Introduction
One of the best ways to introduce yourself is via headshots. With the advancements in modern-day photography and information technology, more corporations are looking for alternative ways of sourcing workers. As a result, most HR departments now start with an online search of their potential candidates.
People who are yet to meet you will appreciate an excellent professional headshot. It is the perfect way to stand out from the rest and be memorable. This headshot will call attention and also make you appear professional.
2. It Can Upgrade Your Online Presence
A professional headshot can make you likable, relatable, influential, and competent. Professional headshots can significantly impact how other people perceive you online. When people like you and feel you are skilled at what you do, they are most likely to connect with you, whether business-wise or socially.
However, keep in mind that the headshot is not just for your profile picture on LinkedIn and Facebook. You will most likely use it on several platforms, like your email, Zoom, Slack, etc. So if you want internal stakeholders on these different platforms to take you seriously, too, you will need a clean and decent headshot for your profile.
3. Personal Branding
Professional headshots are an efficient way to improve your personal branding. If you are just starting in your industry, you want to appear qualified and ready to handle the work in your industry.
The kind of headshot you take can either devalue or enhance this view. Most human resource blogs advise you to dress conservatively when going for interviews. The same applies to professional headshots. Remember that this is the image people will associate you with, becoming your personal brand.
4. It Can Help Tell a Story
A professional headshot can help tell a story about you. The picture angle, lighting, location, appearance, and expression on the face can all help tell a story about the person in the headshot. Therefore, you need to be careful when taking professional headshots because you do not want to put out the "wrong" story about yourself.
When taking such pictures, ensure the photographer knows what story you are trying to tell. Images carry a thousand words, so make sure you know what you want to say.
Pick your background carefully. Busy locations naturally reflect confusion and clutter. Avoid backgrounds that call for more attention than you, even if you are in the entertainment industry.
What Makes a Good Headshot?
Your facial expression is mostly what determines the quality and usability of your headshot. Interestingly, you can move three main things on your face to change your expressions. These are your eyes, eyebrows, and mouth.
Moving these facial features simultaneously will help completely change the personality you show in your professional headshot.
If you want to look more confident, focus on what you are doing with your eyes. Opening your eyes too wide is not suitable for professional headshots. Instead, keep them as relaxed as possible if you want a headshot that oozes confidence.
Lastly, personality comes from the eyebrows. They help convey emotion. The eyebrows often prove to be the most significant factor in changing facial expressions, yet it is sadly what most people usually overlook. Do not be one of them.
Takeaway
There are multiple reasons why you go to a professional to take your headshot. First, it could be the game-changer you have been desperately waiting for, especially if your career is highly dependent on the way you look.
Secondly, you will not regret taking one because it is just like investing in your future. That professional picture you take will last forever. So ensure you go to the right people to help you get what you want.
And lastly, a good headshot will help you stand out in interviews. Interviewers will be more willing to interact with you once they can put a face to the application.