Why a Headshot is Important

If you ask the average person with a mobile device these days about the value of having a professionally shot headshot, they might look at you as if you were from another planet. We have all have either captured or have been a part of the selfie shot.

We’ve seen the images plastered all over social media. The extended arm, the weird head and neck tilt accompanied by the famous duck lip pout. You may think this fine, so why bother to spend the money on a professional headshot? When I get this question, and I have on a couple of occasions, I break it down to what I am now going to call the ABC’s.

ASSUMPTION - The minute someone sees your photo several assumptions are being made about you. Who you are as a person, what you look like, how you conduct yourself, personality, level of professionalism, etc...

BRANDING - Have you ever heard of the saying perception becomes reality? What image are you projecting? It doesn’t matter if it is true or not, we as humans often make initial snap judgements solely based on imagery.

CREDIBILITY - Are you a trusted resource? Would you buy from this person? Would I date this individual? Do they fit our company culture? Here are some interesting stats:

• On Linkedin statistics show that a resume profile with a photo gets 21 times more profile views and 9 times more photo requests.

• 70% of employers are searching candidates social media profiles.

• Photos have a whopping 87% interaction rate on Facebook.