If you have no interest in investing in a professional headshot of yourself, then you probably haven't considered how people view you. First impressions count and there is proof that people judge each other initially by looks and straight away, right or wrongly, judgments are made. A study found that the quality of a photo of a potential job candidate makes a big difference in the probability of being hired for a position. This is because people tend to look at things with their initial emotions more than their rationality.
Have you ever had a headshot taken? If so, how professional was it? What kind of photo did you use beforehand? Do you know how important having a good headshot is for getting hired for your dream job or even just to stand out on social media? Here are just a few reasons why having a good headshot does matter.
A professional headshot should be considered an important part of your branding and marketing strategy. It's a way to show the world who you are and what you do. If you're looking for a professional headshot that will help you stand out from the crowd, then consider hiring a photographer who specializes in headshots.
In today's digital age, it's important for businesses to have a strong online presence. A headshot is a great way to show off your professional persona. It can be used on your website, in your email signature, on social media or even in printed work. When potential clients or customers see your headshot, they will know right away that you are a professional business person. You can choose from different types of headshots, depending on what you want to achieve. For example, if you want to come across as approachable and friendly, you might choose a casual headshot. If you want to appear more serious and professional, a traditional headshot might be the better choice. No matter what type of headshot you choose, make sure that it represents you in the best possible light. This includes having high-quality headshots of you and even your employees.
But what can a headshot be used for? Here are some ways that businesses can use headshots:
And although headshots aren't always for business, some may be for dating sites or passport use, you should still try to make sure you look presentable as judgment is immediate with photos. It is beneficial to make yourself look your best because it will help others take you more seriously.
Make sure you know what kind of job or career path you want before picking out a headshot. If the photo doesn't match the profession you're trying to go for, it might actually hurt your chances of getting hired for that job.
Keep in mind that a headshot isn't going to be the only thing employers see about you before hiring you, but it is important to make a good impression! People are more likely to give you negative judgement if your headshot looks unprofessional. Over many studies conducted, it was found that when people saw a photo of someone they didn't know, they were more inclined to judge them depending on their initial look and emotions. People judge based on their feelings rather than facts because humans tend to let their emotions get in the way of anything logical.
To name just a few! In fact, all businesses that want to convey trust and who deal with clients or the public on a daily basis should consider getting professional headshots because not only is it good for self-confidence but it helps if you're a professional looking to be taken more seriously in your position. It is proven that having a nice headshot can lead to more work opportunities and a good headshot helps with getting hired for jobs because employers want to get a feel of how professional you are before even meeting you.
Having selfies or any kind of candid photos will not be considered as good headshots for your profile on LinkedIn, your C.V. or any professional platform. Headshots can make or break a business role or choice, so it is important to make sure you're not asking a friend to take a casual phone snap of you or using that holiday picture of you in a bar just because you liked the angle it was taken at! For the sake of your professional impression, find an experienced headshot photographer who knows how to direct you, position you and light you in a positive and flattering way whilst also taking care of the other details like your on camera emotions, even down to choosing the right background for your business look. When picking a photographer to do your headshot, make sure they are recognised as good at their job. Look at examples of their previous work and make sure you feel comfortable with them on the phone and of course in person, they should be able to make you feel relaxed and the whole headshot experience should not be a painful one.
The quality of your photo matters. It's important for your photo to stand out from others profiles online so people can get an idea of what kind of person they're dealing with, therefore you should always ask a professional to take your photo. A good photographer will be able to help you create a portrait that showcases your personality and style.
Karen Bengall is a professional headshot photographer in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with a fully equipped studio just outside of town, of which you see more about here. So if you're looking to improve your online profile and hit the right mark with future employers Karen can definitely help you. Contact Karen and see how she can help.