Your headshot is often the first impression you make in today’s digital professional world. LinkedIn profile, online portfolio, company website: your photo appears before you even shake someone’s hand. A professional headshot signals credibility, approachability, and attention to detail. A poor quality or unprofessional photo? It can cost you opportunities before the conversation even starts.
Here’s the reality: LinkedIn profiles with professional photos receive 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages than those without photos. This article covers why headshots matter, what makes a good versus bad photo, and how to get one without breaking the bank.
Pro Tip: If you’re between jobs or considering a career move, updating your headshot should be one of your first steps, not your last.
Why Your Headshot Matters More Than You Think
Hiring managers and recruiters scroll through dozens (sometimes hundreds) of profiles every single day. Your headshot creates an immediate impression about your professionalism and how seriously you take your career. In the multifamily industry, where relationship-building is everything, your photo needs to convey approachability and trustworthiness. It’s often the difference between someone clicking on your profile or scrolling right past it.
People are more likely to connect with, remember, and reach out to candidates with clear, professional photos. A professional photo helps you look current and credible. Without one, you risk blending into the crowd or being overlooked. The numbers back this up: 71% of recruiters say they have rejected a candidate based on their LinkedIn profile picture at least once.
Common Mistake: Using a photo that’s more than 5 years old. If you don’t look like your picture anymore, it creates an awkward first impression during interviews or networking events.
What Makes a Good Headshot
So what actually makes a good headshot? It’s simpler than you might think.
Clean, simple background: Solid color or slightly blurred professional setting. No busy patterns or distracting elements that pull attention away from your face.
Professional attire: Business casual minimum for multifamily professionals. Dress like you would for an important meeting or industry event.
Good lighting: Natural light or professional lighting works best. Avoid harsh shadows or dark, grainy photos that make you hard to see clearly.
Genuine expression: A slight smile, direct eye contact with the camera, and relaxed posture go a long way. You want to look approachable, not stiff or overly formal.
Properly framed with good composition: Your face and upper body should be clearly visible and well-positioned in the frame. Think quality over quantity here.
Good examples include professional headshots with uncluttered backgrounds, conference photos, and studio portraits.
Quick Win: If you’re unsure whether your current headshot works, ask a trusted colleague or mentor for honest feedback. Sometimes we’re too close to our own image to judge it objectively.
What Makes a Bad Headshot (And What to Avoid)
Now let’s talk about what NOT to do. These are the headshot mistakes that can actually hurt your chances.
Cropped group photos: Other people are partially visible or cut off. If someone else’s shoulder or arm is in your professional headshot, it’s time for a new one.
Selfies taken in your car, bathroom, or bedroom: Instant credibility killers. What you think looks casual and approachable often reads as unprofessional to recruiters.
Vacation photos, wedding photos, or party pictures: Sunglasses, drinks, and beach backgrounds don’t belong on professional profiles. Save those for your personal social media.
Blurry, pixelated, or poorly lit images: If a recruiter has to squint to see your face, they’re moving on to the next candidate.
Overly filtered or heavily edited photos: When you show up to an interview looking completely different from your photo, trust is broken before you even sit down.
Photos where you’re not the main focus: Landscapes, pets, full body shots from far away. Your face should be front and center.
Bad examples include group photos cropped awkwardly, dark selfies in a car, grainy pictures from 10 years ago, and overly casual vacation snapshots. The reality? Seventy percent of recruiters would turn down a candidate based on their LinkedIn profile picture alone.
Reality Check: While no photo makes you easy to overlook, a bad photo can actually work against you even more. It creates a negative first impression rather than no impression at all.
How to Get a Professional Headshot Without Spending a Fortune
Professional photography sessions can cost $150 to $500 or more, but there are budget-friendly alternatives if you know where to look. As Tara Samuels recently shared, “Your headshot is your first handshake in a digital world.” Before you invest in a new photo, do a quick audit: Does your current photo match where you’re headed, or where you used to be?
Free or low-cost options: Industry events that sometimes include complimentary headshots, like a recent Multifamily Breakfast Club event where Tara coordinated photographers to capture professional headshots for attendees. Local networking groups or professional associations often host headshot days. University career centers are frequently open to alumni. Photography students looking to build their portfolios need practice, and you need a professional headshot.
DIY with intention: Ask a friend with a good camera or smartphone to help. Use natural window light (face the window, not your back to it). Choose a plain wall as your backdrop and dress professionally. Take multiple shots so you have options to choose from.
Look for opportunities in your area: check LinkedIn events, local chambers of commerce, or multifamily industry meetups. Even if you pay for a professional session, it’s a worthwhile investment. One great photo can last 2 to 3 years.
Pro Tip: If you attend industry conferences or events, check if there’s a photo booth or photographer on-site. Many events now offer free professional headshots as part of registration.
Final Thoughts: Your Headshot, Your First Impression
Your professional headshot is a small detail that makes a massive difference in how you’re perceived. In a competitive job market, you can’t afford to let a bad (or missing) photo hold you back.
Here’s what to remember: A professional headshot equals more profile views, more messages, and more opportunities. A good headshot is clear, well-lit, professional, and actually looks like you. Avoid group photos, selfies, vacation shots, and anything overly casual. Free options exist if you look for them.
Whether you’re actively job searching or just maintaining your professional presence, make sure your headshot represents you at your best. A small investment of time or money now pays off every time someone views your profile.
Ready to take the next step in your multifamily career? MSB Resources connects top talent with leading property management companies. Make sure your profile is ready, then let us help you find the perfect fit.