Do you do this? You need a picture to complete your profile, you take out your phone from your pocket, snap and slap on an Instagram filter, and use that as your profile picture. While that is ok if you are already employed, or still a student, it is quite another thing to use such pictures to formally represent yourself. Even if is for social media. Here are 3 reasons why you should always get your profile taken professionally.
1. Because you can't selfie a headshot
With todays advances in smartphone camera that comes packed with a buckload of megapixel, people naturally assume that they can just stretch out their arm and snap a picture to be placed in their profile or CV. Truth is, you can't. There is a massive difference in the quality of image a professional camera can produce compared to the tiny little lens on your phone. Looking at the image below, you can see just how unflattering a selfie can be on a persons face. Don't get me wrong, you might still be able to pull of a good profile with a selfie, but chances are slim without proper lighting.
2. Your future might depend on it.
I've seen many resumes in my short career to date, and most if not all of them I have advised to change the picture or take it away if there isn't other better ones to replace with. As much as your academic qualifications and working experience is important, recruiters and employers eat with their eyes first and the first thing the eyes will see would be your picture. It needs to inspire confidence and approachability. I say again, confidence with approachability. Not exactly something easy to capture on your own with your smart phone. Look at the image here and you will know what I mean. Compare the picture with the one below, it will be easy to make up your mind on which resume you wish to spend more time on.
3. Your face is your own book cover
Survey shows that 80% of job applicants do not have a good profile picture. Even though you may be a complete slob in person, having a good headshot on your resume or social media accounts help people warm to you. It tells people that you care about how you present yourself, and ultimately that translates to portraying yourself in a positive light thus creating a good first impression. Don't be naive, people still judge a book/person by the cover. Your face is the cover of your resume, and your profile. Make sure it is in the best shape possible. It is an increasingly visual world that we live in, so there is no harm in spending that money to ensure you be among that top 20% of people that scores the interview or the audition call.