Profile Photo Quiz

Take the LinkedIn Photo Quiz: How Do You Score?

While checking out the latest posts on LinkedIn, I saw an astounding photo of a man in a costume. Well, I can only hope this was some sort of 1850s type costume and not his version of business attire. Then I started to review a series of photos. Of the bad photos, I saw a woman in a bikini top with a margarita, a cute cat cartoon, a man with an angry expression, and another woman who looked like she just finished a hike. Of course there were many other photos that were excellent.

Take our quiz to assess your LinkedIn profile photo!

Give yourself 2 points if your photo was taken by a professional photographer.

Add 2 points if your photo is a headshot, meaning just your face and shoulders.

Subtract 5 points if you are using a webcam shot or a mirror selfie!

Add 2 points if you comply with LinkedIn.com’s technical requirements.

Subtract 2 points if you are not facing the camera.

Subtract 5 points if you are topless, strapless, or in a swim suit.

Add 3 points for having a natural or solid color background.

Subtract 5 points if you are using a vacation photo or a vanity photo in front of a sports car/boat.

Subtract 5 points for including pets, children, and significant others in your photo.

Add 3 points for wearing a business suit business casual top.

Add 3 points for natural and flattering make-up.

Add 3 points for not wearing a sports cap.

Are you smiling and facing the camera? If so, add 5 points.

Was your photo taken within the last 5 years, add 2 points.

Did you score more than 17 points? Great! If you fell a bit short, it might be time to update your photo.

When people visit your LinkedIn page, their eyes inevitably drift to your photo. The profile photo of “1850s man” gave me a good chuckle. Make your photo eye-catching and memorable for the right reasons!