Best practices for your LinkedIn profile photo during your military transition

First impressions are critical. When recruiters and hiring managers like what they see on your resume, they often do their due diligence and look you up on social media. 

But what truly is the most essential part of your profile? It’s your headshot! According to LinkedIn, “research shows that just having a picture makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed by others.”

Our Chicago-based students in the Uniform cohort were lucky to have professional headshots taken by Karla Livney for their LinkedIn profiles. Livney, who donated her time and expertise, believes that “what makes a headshot ‘great’ and distinguishes you from the pack is an authenticity and genuineness that shines through in the eyes and the smile—a palpable connection between photographer and client. Knowledge of lighting and camera is essential, but you really need to find a photographer with whom you feel comfortable.”  

If you weren’t in Chicago to model for Karla Livney’s shoot at Code Platoon, sign up for a photographer from Portraits For Patriots®. According to their website, their volunteer photographers create “portfolio-quality images that showcase the strength and determination” of transitioning service members and military spouses, free of charge.

Remember, your LinkedIn profile photo significantly influences how others perceive you professionally. By following these best practices, you can present yourself in the best possible light and positively impact potential employers, recruiters, and industry peers.

• Dress professionally and appropriately for your industry – not too casual or too formal
• Friendly and approachable expression – this may not be how you were trained in the military, but SMILE at least a little
• Clear, well-lit, and in-focus, the head takes up 60% of the frame
• Up-to-date photo – don’t create confusion by using an image from over five years ago
• Good posture and eye contact exudes confidence
• Neutral background – the focus should be on you
• Square photo of at least 400×400 pixels, jpg, png, and under 8MB for faster loading
• No selfies. This is your professional brand, not your personal social media.
• Not a group shot – don’t edit others out.

Katherine is Code Platoon’s Career Services Coordinator and works with Code Platoon graduates as they seek tech jobs. She comes to this role after many years serving on various nonprofit boards and as Executive Director of Skin of Steel, a melanoma research and awareness organization. She holds a BA in Psychology from Dartmouth College and an MS in Clinical Neuropsychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She is the proud daughter of a Navy Reserve Captain.