3 Headshot Dos and Don’ts

Introduction
Having a strong headshot is the best way to put a
face to a name in business. The headshot is the first
photo potential employers can see when they click
on your linked in or social media account. Making
sure your photo is clear, high quality, and
professional can bring you to the next step of the
hiring process. This photo creates the first
impression for prospective employers so always keep that in mind. You know what they say, a
picture can speak 1,000 words. Today we are going to be covering 3 dos and don’ts to getting
that perfect shot.

Do #1 Have Good Lighting

Make sure your photo is free from any harsh shadows across your face. The lighting should
allow your features to be fully apparent in the photo. Additionally, there should be lights that
enhance your attributes and allow for employers to see your full face clearly.

Do #2 Wear Appropriate Business Attire

When choosing your outfit for your headshot be mindful of what the camera will see. Make sure
you are not picking out shear blouses, and your clothes are free of stains or holes. Be careful
wearing revealing clothing, especially ones that show off excessive amounts of skin.
Additionally, be mindful of loud branding and prints that may come across distracting on
camera. Keep in mind, the focus is you! This point also relates to makeup as well. Keep the
makeup minimal and focus on just enhancing your natural features, not distracting from them.
This is not the time to show off your smokey eye skills or your blue hair dye.

Do #3 Look Inviting
You want to make sure your photo comes across inviting to others. Therefore, you should smile!
Show off that cheesy grin your parent’s paid thousands of dollars on for braces when you were in
middle school. This photo establishes if you are someone the company wants to work with. The
photo tells them if you are the candidate, they are looking for that will help bring in new
customers and sales. Are you someone that can be a team player? All these questions can be
answered within seconds of seeing your headshot.

Don’t #1 Using a Group Photo

If the employer cannot tell who is who in the photo how is he going to get to know you? The
photo should be a clear photo of just you. This also means you should stray away from using
photos from weddings or nights out that would not be deemed appropriate. The nature of the
photo can say a lot about a person, so to avoid any extra judgements use the right type of photo.

Don’t #2 Using Outdated Photos

Make sure that these photos are current and truly reflect your present day appearance. That
means you should not be using your high school graduation photo 15 years out of high school. In
a similar note, if you recently drastically changed your appearance make sure your photos are
current. This means you should probably update your photo if you shave your whole head and
dye your hair a different color. In similar notes if you went through a drastic weight change keep
your photo up to date as much as you would like to present your old self. Just like with dating,
you don’t want to be a catfish when the recruiter initiates a video call, and you look entirely
different.

Don’t #3 Having Awkward Body Language

Be mindful of the position your body is angled. Having an aggressive head tilt can make it
difficult for people to see your face clearly. If the photo showcases tour full body, make sure
your body language is inviting. Avoid crossing your arms or looking uncomfortable in your
chosen pose. Make sure your body is relaxed and presents good posture. If you are seated and
wearing a dress or open bottoms, be careful not to expose yourself. This can make a first
impression if that’s what you are into.

Closing
Your headshot can say a lot about a person and their professionalism. You don’t always need to
go to a professional studio to get a professional looking headshot. When taking your next profile
photo always be mindful to use these tips and tricks. Who knows? This headshot might just make
or break your next job.

Call to Action
Need help with your headshot? Email Jada Dye JYD5424@psu.edu for editing, photography or
website building for any profile or your next project.
Hiring Managers are Social Media Stalking You
67% of companies are checking social media profiles before extending social media
profiles. Hiring managers are a lot sneakier with their online sleuthing than they let on. While it
is predictable, they are going to take a peek at your LinkedIn profile given it is a professional
account. LinkedIn has over 640 million users and growing. They use the platform to see how the
candidate is networking with others, and selling themselves within their profile. It is also noted
they review the posts you are engaging with and which other companies you are interested in.
Your LinkedIn profile is a great way to show off some of your professional achievements and
showcase some of your past experience. LinkedIn is also a great platform to see new job
openings and even apply directly so that it links your online account.

However, they do not just stop there.

Your other social media accounts also play a
role in whether you are going to get that job
offer. Hiring managers normally check your
online profiles just one more time before
making a final decision. Social media and a
way a person present themselves on these
platforms says a lot about a person. Be
mindful that the photos you post on these
platforms can probably be viewed by your
next boss. If you are actively applying for
new jobs, try to make your accounts private
and be careful what you are posting. When you are hired with the company you are a direct
representation of the brand even if you may not know it. So stick to the cat photos on your feed,
and stray away from posting about controversial topics or sharing revealing photos.

You can learn a lot about someone just by looking at their online profiles. Employers
create a fist impression within just 1/10tth of a second after viewing your accounts. Humans are
visual creates and we are quick to judge things based off their physical appearance. Use these
platforms in your favor and post content that is supportive towards your brand and personality.
Don’t let what you post online take away from some amazing opportunities.