How to Get a Headshot That Actually Gets You Hired

Choose Your Outfit for Your Job, Not a Party

Think of your shirt collar as the frame for your face. A wrinkled, loose, or overly flashy frame distracts from the masterpiece—you. I once photographed a brilliant software engineer who showed up in a Hawaiian shirt. He looked great for a barbecue, but the photo screamed "I don't take this seriously." We swapped it for a simple, well-fitted navy crewneck. The change was instant: he looked competent and approachable.

Your goal is visual shorthand. A project manager might wear a structured blazer in a solid color; a creative director could opt for a textured, dark sweater. Stick to one to three colors max. Avoid loud patterns, logos, or anything that glitters. Fabric is key—a crisp cotton oxford or a fine-gauge merino wool photographs with a subtle, professional richness. Thin, cheap polyester can look shiny and sad under studio lights.

Bring three options. I always tell clients to pack a neutral (grey, navy, black), a color (burgundy, forest green), and a wild card. We lay them out and see what works with the skin tones and background. This simple act of preparation prevents panic and gives you control.

Your Expression Says More Than Your Resume

I don't just mean "smile." I mean the specific smile, or thoughtful look, that fits your field. A corporate lawyer needs a different expression than a kindergarten teacher. The dead-eyed, stiff "camera face" is the number one killer of good headshots. Your eyes must be engaged.

Here’s a trick: don’t think "cheese." Think of a real, specific thought. For a warm, approachable look, imagine your favorite colleague just walked in and said hello. For a confident, competent look, mentally rehearse the opening line of a presentation you nailed. I’ll often ask clients to tell me about their dog or their favorite project—the moment they start explaining, their face comes alive, and that’s when I shoot.

Practice in a mirror for two minutes the night before. Find your "engaged" face. Notice how your eyes change when you’re genuinely thinking versus when you’re just staring. That micro-expression of intelligence and presence is what hiring managers connect with.

Pick a Background That Works for You

The background is not just empty space; it’s context. A messy office, a busy brick wall, or a blurry tree can fight with you for attention. You want a background that supports your professional story without telling its own.

A clean, soft grey or off-white studio backdrop is a universal classic—it puts all the focus on you. A slightly textured wall in a deep charcoal can add gravity and depth. If you’re using a natural background, like an out-of-focus bookshelf or a clean architectural wall, make sure it’s simple and not brighter than you are. The light should be on your face, not on the wall behind you.

I advise against the "corporate lobby" shot unless you have perfect, flattering light. Those giant glass atriums often create harsh shadows or make you look like a tiny figure in a vast space. Your headshot is about your face, not the fancy architecture of your building.

Five Headshot Mistakes That Scream 'Amateur'

These are the errors I fix every single week. Avoid them, and you’re instantly in the top 20%.

• The Selfie Angle: That camera held high above your head distorts your face and looks unserious. The lens should be at your eye level.
• The Harsh Downward Shadow: Overhead lighting, like a ceiling bulb, creates scary shadows under your eyes, nose, and chin. Good light comes from the front and slightly above.
• The Distracting Jewelry: Large, shiny statement necklaces or dangling earrings pull the eye away. Keep it minimal—stud earrings, a simple watch.
• The Bad Crop: Showing too much torso (like a full suit) makes your head small. Cropping too tight at the scalp feels claustrophobic. Ideal crop is from mid-chest to just above the head.
• The Over-Editing: Skin that looks like plastic, eyes whitened to an alien glow, teeth turned neon white. Retouching should remove temporary blemishes, not your pores. You must look like you, on your best day.

How to Use Your New Headshot Everywhere

A great headshot is a tool. Use it consistently. Update your LinkedIn profile picture the same day you get the photos. This is non-negotiable—it’s your first impression for 90% of recruiters.

Resize a copy for your company’s internal directory, your email signature, and your professional social media (like Twitter or industry forums). Use it for speaking engagement proposals, bylines on articles, and conference badges. Consistency builds recognition.

Create two versions: one formal (for LinkedIn, corporate site) and one with a slightly warmer, more relaxed expression (for a team "About Us" page or a personal website). This gives you flexibility for different audiences while maintaining a cohesive brand.

Your headshot is often the first handshake you never get to give. Investing in one that looks like the professional, capable person you are isn’t vanity; it’s strategy. Get the details right—the shirt, the light, the genuine expression—and the photo will work for you while you sleep, sending a clear, confident message before you even say a word.