How Often Should You Update Your LinkedIn Profile Headshot?

People update their headshots for several reasons: the last one is old, they’re starting a job search, or starting a new job. But what if you’re happy in your job or not “customer facing”? Your LinkedIn Profile is still active– it’s your brand, and it’s important that it show the best you. Suppose you’ve recently graduated with a business degree, landed a great job and are not in the job market. Potential partners/clients, colleagues, and management may still go to your LinkedIn profile to learn more about you. Your profile is sparsely populated, and the profile image isn’t exactly professional. Someone looking at your profile will come away with an impression, and not necessarily the best one.

Now, one of your classmates/colleagues also has a LinkedIn profile – professionally done with some interesting information about him/herself with a professional looking headshot. Which impression says – I’m serious about my career and being successful? And if management at your company is considering a new initiative, they (or HR) may collect a short list of candidates – and while they most likely will have your resume and HR file, looking at the candidates’ LinkedIn Profiles is also likely part of the process.

The point is – you never know who might be looking at your profile, your brand. Take control of your career, and your brand. Be deliberate – and put your best foot forward, even when you think you really don’t need to.