How To Look Older The Right Way In Your Linkedin Photo

Your LinkedIn photo shouldn’t make you look old, should it? Because who wants to look old? Almost nobody. Yet in business, looking older than your age has a distinct advantage. You can even use it as a strategy. But don’t misunderstand looking old as looking raggedy or infirm. Far from it. It’s communicating substance and depth that can only be had from experience.

At a networking event, a gentleman remarked off-handedly said that it’s good that I attend these types of meetings, “It’s good for people starting in their business.” Now, I’ve been in business for more than five years and more than 15 years in the industry. Yet, people can diminish or underestimate your experience just from looking young.

Generally, you want to look older when:

• You look at least ten years younger than your age.
• If you aim to get business or a senior position that requires extensive experience.
• People often say, “You look so young in your photos.”

So how is this achieved in a LinkedIn photo?

Lighting – Someone baby-faced almost always has a rounder face shape. So shaping with light and shadow becomes vital. By using non-flat lighting, we emphasize the face’s dimension and its features; giving it instant depth and credibility. As opposed to even lighting without shadows. This makes a face look even rounder or more prominent than it already is. We are mindful of details that solve problems and not just intent on taking pretty pictures.

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Wardrobe Style – “Dress for success,” overused but still true. The right clothing helps bring dimension to personality. It conveys that there is a thought process that went through your wardrobe choice. It could either be by how you carry your outfit. Or, it’s also how you translate the perception of you through your clothing. Dressing appropriately shows foresight, maturity, and social grace. Depending, of course, on your brand.

Demeanour – Smiling on photos is generally excellent for most type of application. You can’t go wrong looking happy in your picture. People are naturally drawn to someone who is smiling. Thus, more people will be more curious to get to know what you do base on your smiling photos. Not smiling on camera is not an absolute no-no. But the demeanour should still be welcoming. The eyes should communicate: “I’m approachable.” 

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Posing – Whenever possible, include body language in your photos. Don’t settle for a head and shoulders shot. If posed right, the torso, shoulders, hands, waist also suggest personality. Like a little twist on the shoulders suggests openness. Or a little clasping of the hands or space between the arms and the body. All these communicates something hard to pinpoint. But you know it’s there. So take into consideration the other aspect of the body language.

Who can enjoy this kind of LinkedIn photos? Lawyers, bankers, real estate agents like Johane above and academic pros need to highlight their experience and distinction.

If you or your team is ready to look older but wiser on your LinkedIn photos, connect with us here. http://bit.ly/2WtymBF