Your Profile Photo Might Be Sending the Wrong Message (And How to Fix It)
If you’ve recently graduated high school and are starting to look for jobs—whether part-time or full-time—there’s one thing you might not have considered: your profile photo.
We’ve all seen it in Facebook groups like Slate Belt Chatter or Lehigh Valley Jobs—someone asking for work, but their profile picture looks more like a rap album cover than a job application. 💀 It’s not about judging someone’s style—it’s about first impressions. And in today’s world, your online presence is your first impression.
Why Your Profile Picture Matters
Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, or even just the contact photo that shows up in a recruiter’s email, your profile image sends a message. A blurry selfie in the dark or a group photo cropped awkwardly doesn’t tell someone “I’m ready to work.” But a clean, clear image where you look friendly and put-together? That says confidence. That says responsibility.
Here’s what employers and hiring managers are really looking for when they glance at your profile:
- You look like someone they’d want to work with
- You put effort into how you present yourself
- You’re approachable and professional (even if the job isn’t in an office)
Tips for Taking a Great Profile Photo with Your Phone
Don’t have the budget for a professional headshot just yet? That’s totally okay—you can still level up your profile pic with what you already have. Here’s how:
✅ Use Natural Light – Stand near a window or go outside during early morning or late afternoon (noon sun = harsh shadows).
✅ Keep It Simple – A clean background like a wall or a park works great. Avoid messy rooms or distracting clutter.
✅ Dress for the Job You Want – You don’t need a suit, but go for something clean and neutral. Avoid flashy logos.
✅ Use Portrait Mode – Most phones have it, and it’ll help blur the background a little to make you stand out.
✅ Smile (Just a Little) – You don’t need a huge grin. A soft, confident smile does the job.
✅ Ask for Help – Get a friend or sibling to take the photo. Selfies rarely have the same impact.
✅ Crop Smart – Shoulders up is ideal, with your face centered. Not too close, not too far.
Need Help? That’s What I’m Here For
If you’d like to go one step further, I offer 15-minute headshot sessions in my home studio in Pen Argyl, PA—specifically for job seekers, grads, and veterans. You’ll get a clean, professional photo that’ll make your LinkedIn, resume, or profile stand out—in the right way.
The best part? It’s free to shoot, and you only pay if you want a retouched image ($35).
This isn’t about vanity—it’s about helping you look like the capable, hardworking person you are.
Whatever you do, whichever option you chose, for God's sake update that profile photo.
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📍Serving Pen Argyl, the Slate Belt, and the Lehigh Valley.
📸 Questions? Reach out—happy to help.