AT first blush, it seemed like a good idea – your profile pic choice to land the perfect job – striking a pose after finishing that marathon. It shows you are active and healthy. But does it really portray the job you want? Choosing the right photo to convey your capabilities is paramount, especially in the professional universe that is LinkedIn. Here’s how to nail the professional pic.
The Make-Up
ACCORDING to studies of the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, looking healthy is more important than looking smart. Make-up makes a huge difference, because it smooths your skin tones and highlights your best features, bringing out your personality and making your image stand out.
Start with a moisturiser. This is also important for men, as dry skin easily shows up in pictures. Next, smooth your skin tone with a liquid foundation, even if you don’t wear it on a daily basis. Stick to neutral eyeshadow and leave the smoky eye for happy hour. Finish off with a soft shade of lipstick and mascara.
Moisturising Lip Lover: R300, Mii Cosmetics, Eyeshadow In Mannequin Moves: R775, By Smith And Cult, Quintessentially Yours And Beautiful Colour Maximum Volume Mascara: R295, Elizabeth Arden
The Hair
DRESS for the job you want, not the one you have. This applies to hair as well. The aim should be to look polished, but natural and, most importantly, like yourself. If you have curly hair, wear it that way in your image. Just keep clear of products that will make hair appear oily or crunchy. For the ladies version of the power suit: a blowout with moderate volume. If you are in a more creative industry, then your hair can reflect that. Before taking your pic, mist hair with hairspray, then glide the body of the bottle over the strands. The bottle is slightly cooler than room temperature, and this will help set hair.
Nourishing & Reparative Cream Shampoo: R199, Vichy, Nourishing & Reparative Conditioner: R225, Vichy And Hard Fix Plus: R395, LAKME
FACT: Facial perception is one of the most developed visual perceptual skills and facial appearance can affect judgments of attributes such as trustworthiness, aggressiveness and competence.
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