The Importance of a Professional Headshot

First impressions make a lasting impact on your customers, on your clients and potential employers. The harsh reality is that we are all judged by our cover. When it comes to professional situations such as job interviews, networking opportunities, personal branding and the like, the opportunity to make a first impression rarely comes along twice. Your mannerisms, body language, facial expressions, professionalism are observed and analysed with a fine-tooth comb. Here are some reasons why a professional headshot is important:

Personal Branding: If you want to be taken seriously as a professional, then you must look like one. Numerous interactions with potential employers, coworkers and customers happen online. They’re not only looking at what you do but they are also looking at who YOU are. This is the opportunity to brand yourself to the outside world. Personal branding encourages recruiters, clients and consumers to consider working with you and a professional headshot can compel them to meet you in-person.

Amateur headshot can damage reliability: Your amateurish photograph may have a negative connotation to your brand. Your clients may lose confidence in you before you even approach them. Making a small investment into your headshot can go a long way. It shows that you take yourself and your career seriously and makes you seem more approachable. Looking like a professional across your social media pages will lead to a plethora of networking and business opportunities. Consider how this lack of assurance could have a financial impact on your business.

Stay top of mind: Personal virtual branding is the new handshake. A visually appealing and professional headshot will help you stay top of mind to the people who are seeking for the opportunity to work with you. People study faces. You should promote that confidence, vitality and charismatic charm about yourself to inveigle people to contact you.

This is your only shot: No phone photography, selfie stick or 12 megapixel camera can get you the same depth of field, clarity and professionalism. No-one has the time to read more than a few lines on your CV or business website, in the fast-paced world of today. So, don’t waste the opportunity to make a great impression, you never get the opportunity to do to that twice.