If you’re working from home right now, you may think that updating your headshot is not necessary. After all, you’re not going into the office, so why would you need a new headshot photo?
Making sure you have an updated headshot is just as important while working remotely as it is when you’re working in the office. While you may spend a lot of time on Zoom meetings or emailing back and forth with coworkers, an updated headshot can still demonstrate your professionalism and help you make a good impression on everyone you interact with, whether in your company or outside.
Let people know how hard you work
When working from home, it can be hard to show your dedication and diligence to your work. In most cases, your employer doesn’t see how much time and effort you put into your job when you’re not physically in the office. An updated headshot is a reminder that you take your job very seriously and subtly lets everyone know that you’re definitely not slacking off just because you’re working from home. By updating your headshot photos, you let everyone know that your job is important to you.
Appear more professional to new people
You’ve heard the saying “You only get one chance at a first impression,” and it’s definitely true. No matter how experienced or skilled you are, if you don’t appear professional when meeting a new coworker or someone outside your company, they may not think of you as qualified or capable.
A current professional headshot lets everyone you meet virtually know that you mean business and deserve to be taken seriously. Chances are the people you encounter in Zoom meetings and via email won’t have the opportunity to read your resume or peruse your LinkedIn profile, so your headshot can make it clear how experienced and professional you are in just a few seconds.
Have an image to use everywhere
Many professionals hesitate to update or even get headshot photos because they think that they won’t use them. Even if you’re working from home, a headshot can be super useful. It looks much more professional to have a high-quality headshot as your icon on your Zoom profile than just your initials, and your updated headshot can serve as the first thing people see when they visit your LinkedIn profile or even your bio on your company’s website. People want to put a face to a name, and a professional headshot allows them to do that while simultaneously creating a strong first impression.
Tell a clear story
Photography is all about storytelling, even when it comes to headshot photography. A professional photographer can help you find the quickest way to express your professionalism and expertise through your images, letting people know who you are and what you do. Remember, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and a professional headshot lets everyone who sees it know just how dedicated, intelligent and skilled you are in your field.
Invest in your professional future
Like any type of photography, professional headshot photography is an investment, but it’s just a financial investment. It’s also an investment in your career. Whether you stay with the same company or look for new opportunities elsewhere, a headshot can help you make the right first impression and improve your chances of reaching your professional goals. Plus, when other people see you as skilled and experienced, you are more likely to start to see yourself that way too!
