A recent article from “Business Insider” reported on a study in regards to posting a photo to LinkedIn as it pertains to job seekers. The study suggests that the ‘Hot Spot’ for attention by potential employers was the photo. The article reports that not to have a photo was likely worse than having a bad one. As image experts we engaged the conversation with a response of our own; as posted below. A link to the original article follows this post.

I am a communications specialist and image expert and I can assure you, while this research may or may not be valid, the basic premise is accurate. As a job seeker myself I am highly sensitive to every aspect of my personal presentation. Whether we like it or not, legal or not, people make snap judgments based on “looks”. That extends not only to race and attractiveness but the expression on your face and many other factors. Image is an essential part of being human and more so in a business environment.

We should all keep in mind, as recruiters, potential employers, employees and simply as humans that our judgments of others based on their “looks” does more to harm our own selves and thwart our efforts than it does the subject we are viewing.

We live in an age of information overload and more sad is the fact that “people don’t read”. We scan for keywords and scrutinize images that do not tell the whole story. However, I am keenly aware that recruiters are saturated with resumes and by no means do I envy anyone that has to fill an open position.

Right or wrong, we have to play the game by the rules as they are imposed. So put your best foot forward, be sure your photo is professional and use keywords that tell the story. We can scream “unfair” and scoff at the truth but we can not get past simple human nature.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/should-you-include-a-picture-on-your-linkedin-profile-2012-5#ixzz1wMDXZNXF