Applying for a Job? Make Your Facebook Profile Picture Employee-Ready!

Applying for a Job? How to Make Your Facebook Profile Picture the Best It Can Be for Employers
 
You may not be scheduled for an interview just yet, but there are ways to make yourself more presentable before you meet your employer in person—through Facebook. Because Facebook is such a large network today, job applicants who are on it must keep in mind that their employers may be doing a mini background check on them through the network.
 
The first thing employers will notice when they look at your profile will most likely be your profile picture, so be careful what you set as your default! Here are some ideal types of profile pictures that will help to impress your employers:
 
1. SMILE!
This is perhaps the most important and attractive aspect of your profile picture! It’s always better to have a picture with a big grin on your face—it gives off the vibe that you are confident and optimistic, which is what employers generally look for in their candidates. On a related note, make sure you avoid “emo” pictures in grayscale or shot from an unusual angle—employers probably wouldn’t want to hire someone who looks gloomy and unhappy. People generally look their best when they smile, so pick a picture of you cheesing!
 

2. Look Clean!
Obviously, since this may be your future boss looking at your picture, you want to look as clean and collected as possible. This means no clubbing/party outfits! Although employers may assume that since you’re in college, you occasionally party and have a few drinks, you don’t want to give the impression that that’s what you do ALL the time. If you have a picture of yourself in a professional environment (perhaps the UROP symposium or an award ceremony), use it! If not, a picture of your everyday self will work just as well—some examples include ones of you in the Diag on your way to class, at the Big House cheering for your team, or even at Starbucks with your coffee and laptop.
 
3. No party scene!
This goes with the no clubbing outfits rule: do NOT show your employers that you’re a party animal! It will definitely help if you avoid pictures that have alcohol or cigarettes in sight, even if you are legal—this just screams unprofessionalism and it most likely will not help you get the job. So, keep in mind that even if a picture is a really good one and you look awesome in it, it’ll be a huge turn-off if you’re holding a red plastic cup!
 
This may be a bit cliché, but pictures really are worth a thousand words! So, be wise in choosing your profile picture and go with a bright, positive and confident picture of yourself. Can’t find a good one? Get dressed, go outside, and SMILE!