Thursday Thoughts: Social Media Headshots

I’m not the first, and I’m sure I won’t be the last here on LI (or any other professional platform) to notice the variety of headshots that we use to represent ourselves.

While each of us is unique and our business might not require a suit-and-tie approach, there are still a few pictures that have stopped me in my tracks … and not for a good reason.

Headshots are one of the first things we see, and they can make or break deals before we ever have a chance to strut our stuff, either by having someone read what we so painstakingly wrote or by meeting us in person.

First impressions and all that, right? So, while I don’t want to come across all grouchy and persnickety, it might be time for us all to take a look at how we present ourselves to those who don’t know us.

Let’s start with cleavage. Yeah, that. I’m saddened by the number of (usually) attractive young women who show more than they probably need to. If you’re pretty and you have great cleavage — lucky you! But showing it off here could easily be misunderstood … what exactly are you trying to say? At the very least, it could be distracting. At the very worst, you could be shunted aside in favor of a competitor who appears to be more professional. Appears to be. Might not be, but that all-important first impression sure can help us … or hurt…