Does LinkedIn Profile Picture Discrimination Happen Updated for 2020

Does LinkedIn Profile Picture Discrimination Happen Updated for 2020 Have you ever asked yourself, Does LinkedIn profile picture discrimination exist? or Will putting my picture on my LinkedIn profile make recruiters and hiring managers discriminate against me? According to this research, the answer is, Yes.  However, putting your picture on your LinkedIn profile can also make it more likely that members, including recruiters and hiring managers, will engage with you.  Arguments for a PhotoI think of LinkedIn like its the hallway outside an industry conference keynote speech. You wouldnt mingle with the other attendees wearing a mask. Thus, in general, you shouldnt show up on LinkedIn hiding your face.In addition, your photo displays on profiles where you write recommendations and endorse skills. Those affirmations carry more weight when you show your face than if you dont.The Potential for DiscriminationSadly, many people worry that using their photo will cause recruiters and hiring managers to discriminate against them.Their  concern might be MSUing (making stuff up), or it  might  be smart.People who discriminate do just that, they discriminate. If they dont like your gender, age, weight, race, etc., a profile photo will certainly help them figure it out quickly.What to ConsiderThe calculus here is, if they met you in person, versus in an online photo, would you be able to overcome their prejudice?The question is important. When discrimination happens, it affects our ability to earn a living.For all the benefits LinkedIn offers, this is a real concern for many people.Anecdotal Data  I originally shared this post in 2013 with a strong bias for including a photo. Im reissuing it because I have additional information to share:1. You will see comments (below) where people clearly encountered discrimination with a photo and got better results without a photo.2. The successful candidates in my last two C-suite searches didnt have photos on their profiles. I didnt care.3. I often get people in my page one search results who dont hav e photos. My eye isnt drawn to them as quickly, but LinkedIn doesnt appear to be penalizing them in search results.I still think its usually better to show your face than not, but its a career myth that you always need a photo on your LinkedIn profile.What you always need is good judgment about whether or not to use a photo â€" and maybe a change or with/without testing as described in the comments below.Let’s Connect on LinkedInPlease don’t hesitate to invite me to connect on LinkedIn  here:  Donna Svei, Executive Resume Writer.The more I know about my readers, the better I can make my blog.Image: Fotolia.com/biker3 Updated November 2019 2014 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has written for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Bu siness Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. LinkedIn â€" Profile Pictures (6 Posts) Does LinkedIn Profile Picture Discrimination Happen Updated for 2020 Have you ever asked yourself, Does LinkedIn profile picture discrimination exist? or Will putting my picture on my LinkedIn profile make recruiters and hiring managers discriminate against me? According to this research, the answer is, Yes.  However, putting your picture on your LinkedIn profile can also make it more likely that members, including recruiters and hiring managers, will engage with you.  Arguments for a PhotoI think of LinkedIn like its the hallway outside an industry conference keynote speech. You wouldnt mingle with the other attendees wearing a mask. Thus, in general, you shouldnt show up on LinkedIn hiding your face.In addition, your photo displays on profiles where you write recommendations and endorse skills. Those affirmations carry more weight when you show your face than if you dont.The Potential for DiscriminationSadly, many people worry that using their photo will cause recruiters and hiring managers to discriminate against them.Their  concern might be MSUing (making stuff up), or it  might  be smart.People who discriminate do just that, they discriminate. If they dont like your gender, age, weight, race, etc., a profile photo will certainly help them figure it out quickly.What to ConsiderThe calculus here is, if they met you in person, versus in an online photo, would you be able to overcome their prejudice?The question is important. When discrimination happens, it affects our ability to earn a living.For all the benefits LinkedIn offers, this is a real concern for many people.Anecdotal Data  I originally shared this post in 2013 with a strong bias for including a photo. Im reissuing it because I have additional information to share:1. You will see comments (below) where people clearly encountered discrimination with a photo and got better results without a photo.2. The successful candidates in my last two C-suite searches didnt have photos on their profiles. I didnt care.3. I often get people in my page one search results who dont hav e photos. My eye isnt drawn to them as quickly, but LinkedIn doesnt appear to be penalizing them in search results.I still think its usually better to show your face than not, but its a career myth that you always need a photo on your LinkedIn profile.What you always need is good judgment about whether or not to use a photo â€" and maybe a change or with/without testing as described in the comments below.Let’s Connect on LinkedInPlease don’t hesitate to invite me to connect on LinkedIn  here:  Donna Svei, Executive Resume Writer.The more I know about my readers, the better I can make my blog.Image: Fotolia.com/biker3 Updated November 2019 2014 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has written for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Bu siness Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. LinkedIn â€" Profile Pictures (6 Posts)