How to Take a Professional LinkedIn Profile Picture at Home

The Ontario government announced Monday (Feb. 8, 2021) that it would begin lifting COVID‑19 restrictions in some regions this week; however, we are still strongly encouraged to maintain social distancing and stay home whenever possible.

This can make job searching a little more challenging—especially if you’re updating your cover letter, résumé, and LinkedIn profile photo. Many job seekers are also facing financial strain due to job loss during the pandemic, making professional headshots difficult to afford.

Below are a few tips to help you take a professional‑looking LinkedIn profile picture at home.

1. Have someone take the picture for you (if possible).

• If you can, ask a family member or roommate to help you take the photo. It’s much easier to get the right angle with assistance. If you live alone, try these alternatives:

• Avoid taking the photo like a casual selfie. Remember, this is for your professional profile. Use your phone’s timer and place it on a table or chair in front of you. You may need to stack books to get the right height.

• Take the photo in front of a plain wall or one with minimal background. You don’t want your décor to distract from your headshot.

• Most headshots are taken from the waist up. You can also angle your body slightly to the left or right instead of facing the camera straight on.

2. Use natural light from a window.

Professional photographers often use multiple lights to achieve the right balance. At home, you can brighten your photo by standing in front of a window and using natural light to make the image look clearer and more vibrant.

3. Avoid using heavy filters.

LinkedIn offers a few filter options when you upload your photo, but try not to rely on them. Since this is for a professional profile, your headshot should look natural. If you really want to use a filter, a simple black‑and‑white option is commonly used and still looks professional.

4. Show off your personality.

You can express a bit of your personality through your clothing choices. For example, wear a brighter shirt if you’re outgoing, or choose a dress shirt without a tie if you prefer a more relaxed look. Small details can help your photo feel more authentic.

Guhuza is created in partnership with TorontoJobs.ca.

Guhuza is the new way of recruitment. It is an innovative Canadian platform that goes beyond the features of a traditional job board. It uses breakthrough technology to instantly match employers and job seekers for the ultimate hiring experience. Our advanced technology matches job seekers’ profiles with jobs on our site and ranks them for employers based on the skills required for the position. Once a match has been made, live interviews can be conducted directly through our platform.

Visit Guhuza.com or our Knowledge Base to learn more.