In 2018, a professional headshot is essential for all working women; regardless of your industry, position, and whether or not you are on the hunt for a job!

Why? The answer is simple. Business cards are no longer a thing (thankfully!), because social networking has completely changed the way we make connections. Not only are face-to-face interactions essential in networking today, but our online presence has evolved into our digital identity. This digital identity has the potential to build connections and create opportunities faster, easier, and more frequently than ever before. So do you really want the face of your digital identity to be a silhouette on your LinkedIn profile?

So do you really want the face of digital identity to be a silhouette on your LinkedIn profile?

When you reach out to someone via the digital world, or better yet, someone reaches out to you, you want their first impression of you to be personal. You want them to see you for you. Not just a bland LinkedIn profile with no photo or a cold email signature with only text, but the real you which first and foremost, is the image you portray — your headshot!

What benefits does a professional headshot really offer?

It puts a face to a name

Let’s say you apply for a job with a simple resume. Likely, the interviewers will give you a quick Google search and find either your LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, personal website, etc. If they can’t find a professional shot of your face, how do you expect they will remember you when it comes time to select potential candidates? A resume can only stand out so much, but having that visual reminder of the face that owns that killer resume is a sure way to be remembered!

It will make you look great & feel confident

Maybe you don’t love having your photo taken, but the beauty of a professional headshot is your photographer will know how to work your angles and capture the best you! You won’t have to worry about those bad angles, terrible lighting, or awkward poses because your photographer has the skills to do just the opposite of that. That’s why you’re going with a professional!

You will need it for more than just your LinkedIn profile… trust me

If you ever participate on a panel, present at an event, or get interviewed IRL or in a publication, it’s more than likely you’ll be asked to provide a headshot of yourself for marketing purposes. I can count on both hands how many times I’ve had to provide one and I’m not even out of university yet! DO NOT PROVIDE A SELFIE HERE! NO NO NO! With a professional headshot on hand, you’ll have a great looking, professional photo ready for sharing for any and every time a request like this pops up! You can also use your professional headshot in your email signature or account, in your resume if you so choose, or even on your personal social media like Facebook or Instagram!

Did you learn anything valuable about how to enhance your professional self or career? If so, check out my other career-related posts here, here, and here!