Even if you’ve only submitted your resume for review, employers are also checking out your presence online. Social media like your LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook profile, as well as any links you may have included to your blog or website are serving as a first point of connection with the employer. And the first thing they see is your avatar, or photo, that’s associated with your online presence. Given this, you want the first impression to be a good one.
4 Tips For Choosing An Appropriate Avatar
Consider these tips below to help you select the appropriate avatar, as well as tips on what’s not appropriate to help with your job search plans:1. Put A Face To Your Name
The best connection you can make with your avatar is putting a face to your name. Include a headshot that clearly shows your eyes with a pleasant smile to your face. The eye contact will help form a more immediate connection with the viewer, so avoid headshots with you looking away.2. Make Sure It’s Up To Date
Use a photo that is current and represents you the way you are now; not 10 years ago. Again, it’s about making a connection right away and if what you show makes you unrecognizable for an in-person meeting, it can throw whatever connection made off.3. Be Aware Of Your Background
Avoid a background that can be a distraction from you in the photo. Stick with a plain background that is uncluttered. But, if you’re work is in the field of nature preservation, then a photo of you with a background of trees may work more appropriately.4. Things To Avoid
Take the time to have your photo properly taken. Selfies and photos snapped from your webcam can come off as unprofessional. Remember the focus is on you, so don’t add props when taking the photo. Also don’t include other individuals with you in the photo. Having the right avatar with your online presence can mean making a deeper connection faster with contacts in your job search. This post was originally published at an earlier date. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a Work It Daily-approved expert. Photo Credit: ShutterstockRead moreShow less
