We are pleased to present the translated version of the article “Professional Personal Branding: Using a ‘Think-Aloud’ Protocol to Investigate How Recruiters Judge LinkedIn Profile Pictures” by Sarah F. van der Land, Lotte M. Willemsen, and Barbara G.E. Wilton. This study reveals how your LinkedIn profile photo influences recruiters’ perceptions and assessments of you as a potential candidate.

Why Is Your LinkedIn Profile Photo Important?

Since its launch in 2003, LinkedIn has become the world’s largest professional networking platform, connecting millions of users globally. Research confirms that the profile picture is a key element in forming first impressions. Your facial expression, attire, and overall presentation can significantly impact how competent and trustworthy you appear to recruiters.

The Study: How Do Recruiters Evaluate LinkedIn Profile Photos?

The study involved 11 recruitment professionals (average age: 29.2 years), each spending at least 20 hours per week sourcing candidates. Researchers used the “think-aloud” method, in which recruiters verbalized their thoughts and reactions in real time while viewing seven different photos of the same candidate.

Each photo depicted the same individual in a different style, allowing the researchers to explore how various visual cues affected recruiters’ judgments. These variations helped identify which elements contributed to positive or negative impressions — from clothing and posture to facial expressions and image quality.

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