Is it Time to Update Your Headshot?

Regardless of the field you work in, your professional image plays a crucial role in your career success. The part of images is becoming more prominent since society is becoming more reliant on the internet for information. Studies indicate that around 60% of people conducting online searches are more inclined to select a result that includes images.

It is easy to assume that everything is good if you already have a headshot. However, no matter how good your headshot is, you cannot use it forever.

The following are some of the instances when you might have to update your website:

1. When Your Current Headshot Is a Selfie

In most cases, you might not have been fully ready when you took your first headshot. Instead of scheduling a professional shoot, you may have taken a quick selfie or staged an informal shoot in your backyard in conjunction with a friend.

Image source

Although these amateur photos might have been perfect then, you need to upgrade your headshots and present yourself professionally. On online platforms such as LinkedIn, it is easy to differentiate users who have invested in professional headshots from those who have not.

2. When You Change Your Look

If you invested in a professional photo shoot, you might be tempted to reuse the old headshots. Most people want to get maximum mileage out of their investments. But you will be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t look like your old headshots anymore.

A new headshot will be a great way to show off the art when you have a new haircut, style, or vibe. It is incredible to see how people grow and change over time, and upgrading your headshot will help you embrace and celebrate the transformations in your life. You also must ensure that your clients and colleagues recognise you when they view your image.

3. When Your Headshot Looks Unprofessional

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of a professional headshot. We are used to appearing in family photos compared to posing professionally. However, your headshot needs a touch up to depict your appearance in the workplace. Since it is how your clients and workmates see you daily, you should not feel embarrassed about a professional headshot.

Image source

Although LinkedIn has a similar setup to Facebook, using an identical profile photo on both platforms is not recommended. Your professional contacts don't need to see a holiday selfie on the beach as your headshot.

It may look obvious, but many people continue to use unprofessional images as their headshots. You should never forget that every detail, from the outfit you are wearing to your body language, will get noticed.

For instance, your headshot's background says a lot about you and the company you work for. Always avoid busy backgrounds that may distract you from your professionalism.

4. When You Have a New Job

You should update your headshot when you begin a new job. The headshot needs to be relevant and fitting for your new role. For instance, when you start a new executive role with numerous responsibilities, your headshot needs to show these changes. Likewise, if your firm’s values are approachability and friendliness, the photographer should be able to convey this through the image.

When switching jobs, you may realise that your former employer may have widely circulated your previous headshot through promotional and marketing materials. Although you want to maintain your contacts and experience, an updated headshot gives an impression that you are ready to advance in your professional journey.

Image source

Also, suppose the headshot is taken according to the stipulations of your company. In that case, changing jobs presents an excellent opportunity to get a photo that is a reflection of your individual essence. However, you should update your headshot at least every two years, even if you are not moving to a new job soon.

5. When You Are Job Hunting

If you are looking for a new job, you want potential employers to notice more than only your application. A professional headshot can inspire confidence and trust even before interviewers meet you. Your expression plays a significant role in this.

Your headshot needs to look appealing if you are job hunting. Research shows that your profile is 14 times more likely to be found on LinkedIn when you add a professional headshot to your profile. The headshot enhances your impression on recruiters.

Therefore, you should invest in a professional headshot to have the edge over other applicants. You can even make your headshot AI-enhanced to make it even more elevated.

Having a professional headshot can boost your career. It conveys your professionalism and indicates that you are ready to invest in your career.

Image source

Also, having professional headshots provides you with a catalog you can use for various purposes. For example, you can upload one on your company profile, one on LinkedIn, and others for your other social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter.