With the rapid advancements made daily in technology, everything is becoming electronic- even resumes. It is important to be aware of this new career trend, because you’re either keeping up or you’re falling behind and missing out. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. It is the place to find professionals and to be found by other professionals.
Here are some examples to give you an idea of what distinctive background photos should consist of:
Exhibit Your Secondary Skills
Although LinkedIn regulates a professional atmosphere, it can also sometimes be appropriate to share references to your other forms of expertise outside of the office. Everyone knows that you excel at your career, but do they know that you are gifted in another field? Cultivate this second skill by choosing one that is admirable, appropriate, and valuable to feature in your background image. Doing so can make a more fully rounded impression, in a subtle manner, when your viewers glance at your page.
Display Your Work
Fortunately, the background photo’s recommended dimensions are 1400px x 425px, meaning you more than likely have enough space to feature a great image. Use this opportunity to demonstrate just how good you can be and assist your status by showcasing your work. For example, upload an image of your photography, writing, formulas, theories, artwork, inventions, or anything original you can offer.
Providing an example for potential employers to peruse proves that your work is competitive and you are confident enough in your work to post it. This also gives employers more time to think about your past achievements and ponder what you could potentially accomplish for their company in the future.
Prove You’re the Real McCoy
Take this opportunity to show proof of you in action. Specifically, make sure that your face is visible and so is your work. To get the best results, hand the camera over to a bystander who can capture you when you are in your zone. Essentially, don’t fake the photo.
Advertise Your Company Logo
Logically, this one is a given. It gives an employer a short cut to the summary of who you work for and what you do. Doing this also gives your logo publicity: making your company more recognizable.
Concoct Your Own Creation
If none of these ideas sound appealing to you, you are out of options.
Just kidding, there is a website for your kind called I Love Canva (www.canva.com) that invites you to design what you want for free. This website is a great hack because it allows you to create the image in the size you desire, you can add in your own content, and it permits non-graphic designers to create great graphics!
To conclude, I want to encourage you to remember the basics. Choose a photo that has great quality, fits the space provided perfectly, and speaks for you. Simple is better. If you don’t have any images of your own that you fancy, there are some great free resources online such as Stokpic, IM free, and Flickr. Your background image will immediately set the mood and communicate what you are about, so choose wisely.
I wish you the very best of luck in your career endeavors!
Featured photo credit: Caleb Kimbrough
Featured photo credit: Stokpic via stokpic.com
