Choosing the ideal profile picture on Jobcase
Right now, more than 20 million users are active in the Jobcase community, whether searching for a new job or looking for job hunters just like you.
To stand out among the crowd and improve your chances of landing an interview, it’s crucial that you have a recent, high-quality image of yourself on your Jobcase profile.
But what should this profile picture look like exactly? How do you choose the ideal photo, and then, once you have, how do you go about uploading that to your profile?
In this guide, we’re going to answer those exact questions and give you a helpful list of “dos and don'ts” to help you put your best foot forward.
Why your Jobcase profile picture matters
Your profile is a self-introduction to other members of the Jobcase community. As a network of people helping people with their work lives, it's important to let the community know who you are.
Your profile photo personalizes your account and becomes part of your visual identity within the community and for your job search.
Most importantly, it helps to build trust in an online community where you’re essentially networking with strangers. By putting a face to all the information about yourself, you show them that you’re a real person and give them a face to remember.
Increase your visibility — be recognized by your connections
Whether you're here to get a job, get advice, or share your work story, the power of the community resides in connections. Let your connections recognize you!
A profile with a photo is more likely to be viewed, and it makes it easier for other members to approach and connect with you.
Your profile picture is also included when you invite your contacts to connect in the Jobcase community.
Make a great first impression on your future employer
Employers use social platforms to gather information about potential candidates for jobs.
A good profile picture helps you stand out from the crowd and increases your chances of being noticed. It also gives employers a personalized connection to you, improving the likelihood that they’ll reach out to arrange an interview.
Dos and don'ts for your Jobcase profile picture
Let’s walk through the dos and don’ts of your Jobcase profile picture.
Best practices (do this)
Let’s start by looking at a few best practices for taking an effective profile photo.
Use a headshot
A headshot is a photo of you that includes your shoulders to the top of your head. You can take your own headshot for free or hire a photographer.
Here’s an example:
Be the focus of the image
Your image should be the main focus of your profile photo. Avoid using photos with other people or things, or where your face isn’t very visible, like this:
Use a plain background with good lighting (or stand by a window)
Wear "work" clothes
Prepare for the photo - wear something that matches your job expectations. Grooming and a bit of primping can go a long way in a photo. And don't forget to relax and smile!
Use a current, quality image
Your headshot should be in focus and be recognizable.
Need to take a new profile picture? Learn how to take headshot with your smartphone.
What to avoid (don't do this!)
Here are a few pitfalls to avoid when selecting your Jobcase profile photo.
Casual selfies
Selfies, like this one, tend to be a bit too casual for a profile photo:
Poor quality photos
Take the time to get a shot that's in focus — blurry photos can be perceived as sloppy.
Outdated photos
Your profile photo should be current and should look like you.
Group photos
It tends to be obvious when others have been cropped from a photo - even if you look great, avoid using a group photo for your profile.
How to update your Jobcase profile image in 3 steps
Here are three steps you can follow to update your Jobcase profile picture.
1. Go to your Jobcase profile
Click on the blue camera icon on your profile and upload your photo.
2. Select your best profile photo
From the Jobcase app, you can select from the photo library on your phone or take a photo.
If you're accessing your profile on a desktop, you'll have the option to upload photos from your computer, Facebook/Instagram accounts, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
3. Format and save
The photo you select may need to be cropped and/or centered to fit. Click Save, and you're done.
Time to put that profile pic to use
Now that you’ve set up your Jobcase profile and uploaded a professional, high-quality photo, it’s time to get networking!
Check out our article on expanding your network here, or jump straight into job hunting by browsing for vacancies on the Jobcase job board.
Comments
Hi How do I edit the photo already on my profile to just a head shot? Please I could not find out how to edit it and realize it is not professional so would like to edit it. Thank you so much.
The factor of appearance will also easily affect your work more or less. But we can't be without a photo in the profile. As any employee, we become what we behold you will want to check photos of the person you want to hire first to see if they are a good fit, not just race.
Sounds like age discrimination
Is this another way to assess an applicant’s age? Sounds familiar, as some applications cannot ask for DOB, so they instead ask the year you graduated from high school, like that matters.
As with a resume, doesn't adding a picture leave one open to discrimination of any sort? Expert resume crafters say to only include a picture if you are applying for on-air media position or an entertainment role where looks are considered, or if a picture is specifically is requested. Otherwise including one very well may eliminate you from consideration. If an employer is interested enough to pursue discovering a candidate's appearance they can go to LinkedIn where it is a given your picture will be posted. Are we not supposed to be judged by our qualifications when it comes to a job search?
Can I ask is Job case as popular as LinkedIn ? I also wanted to ask if your on Job case, Do you need to be on LinkedIn as well to stand out from other job applicants?