How to Make Your Profile Picture Stand Out

Making your social networking profiles look their best.


By now, I'm sure you know how important social media is to your job search. When you're looking for a great new job, being visible online is important. Companies who are looking to hire will often look at your profiles on sites like Twitter, Linkedin and yes, even Facebook. Knowing this, it becomes even more critical to make your profile look it's best.


A big part of any social networking profile is the profile pic. This picture is the first thing that employers or clients will see when they look you up on the internet. Not to mention that if you use a service like Google + along with Gmail, your profile picture will show up in people's inboxes and mobile apps.


As social networking has grown, the profile pic has evolved as well. It used to be just a tiny little tumbnail photo, but now, many sites like Facebook and Google + offer the option of having several images at the top of your profile. As you can see, finding the right photo is a big deal.


Here are 5 ways to make your profile pic stand out:


Use a professional headshot if you have one - If you have a professional headshot, by all means, use it. Don't use a "Glamour Shot" type photo or one that is very old. Ideally, your image should look clean and simple, be current and show you as a professional.


Show your personality - If you don't have a professional headshot, or think that a formal photo is too stuffy, think of ways to incorporate your brand into your pic. You can do this by selecting a photo that shows you doing what you do best. If you like to travel, maybe a photo of you in an exotic location wearing a backpack would set the right tone. Get creative and find an image that promotes the essence of what you do or who you are.


Don't use a group photo - There are very few exceptions to this rule. Don't select an image that has other people in it, because it will cause confusion and people don't want to ask which one is you. Remember that your photo may be your only shot at a first impression, so don't use one that shows your children, pets or friends. Try to look at the image objectively and think about what people would assume about you based solely on the image.

Don't use a "Myspace" pose - We've all done it, but no matter what, resist the temptation to take a picture of yourself in the mirror with your cellphone. These sorts of self portrats can be fun, but they certainly don't look professional. Your profile is too important to waste on a picture that doesn't show you at your best, so skip the mirror shot and enlist a friend to help you.


Have fun with it - There are all kinds of ways to be creative and have fun with your profile pictures. You can animate your Google + banner by following the instructions on Ghacks. Also, many people have found interesting ways to make the new Facebook Timeline work for them. You can get inspired by searching for creative timelines and think of ways to use your profile space to express yourself.


When it comes to your social networking profile pic, make sure that you look clean, professional and confident. Remember that your image is the first thing people see about you, make it count.


What do you do to make your profile image stand out? Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.


By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for FinancialJobBank and Nexxt. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.