Making an Impression: How Often You Should Update Your Professional Headshot
A professional headshot is an essential tool for anyone who wants to make a good impression in the competitive worlds of business and networking. But how often should you update your headshot to keep up with the times and ensure that you’re presenting yourself in the best light possible? In this blog post, we’ll explore some best practices and tips for keeping your headshot up-to-date and effective.
Keep Your Headshot Current
The first and most obvious answer to the question of how often to update your professional headshot is to keep it current. You should aim to update your headshot every 1-2 years, particularly if you’ve undergone any significant changes in your appearance, such as a hairstyle change or weight loss/gain. Keeping your headshot up-to-date will help you look relevant and credible.
Use Your Headshot to Reflect Your Brand
Your headshot is a powerful tool for creating a memorable personal brand. When updating your headshot, think about how you want people to perceive you and what you want to convey. It’s crucial to have a headshot that reflects who you are, what you do and how you want to represent yourself. For example, if you’re a lawyer, you probably don’t want to have a playful or casual headshot, but instead, something more serious and professional.
Consider the Purpose of Your Headshot
When deciding how often to update your headshot, you should also consider how you intend to use it. Is it for your LinkedIn profile, business card, website, or company newsletter? Knowing WHAT your headshot is being used for can help determine the frequency of updates. For example, if your job requires you to represent your company, you might want to update your headshot whenever there’s a shift in the company’s branding.
Get Feedback from Others
Don’t be afraid to get feedback on your headshot from others. Share it with friends, colleagues, or professionals you trust, and ask for their honest opinions. By seeking out feedback, you’ll gain a better understanding of how others perceive you and your brand and learn what works and what doesn’t.
Invest in a Professional Headshot
Finally, investing in a professional headshot is worth considering. A professional photographer can work with you to capture your personality, brand, and style, and help you choose the right settings, lighting, and angles to showcase yourself in the best possible way.
In conclusion, getting a professional headshot is essential for anyone looking to make a significant impression in their career. Updating your headshot every 1-2 years is generally appropriate, but many factors, such as changes in your appearance or job position, can affect the frequency of updates. Above all, remember the importance of creating a memorable personal brand and using your headshot effectively to represent who you are and what you do. Investing in a professional headshot is a great way to reflect your professional self in the best light possible.
