Resources

Your profile photo is one of your most important tools to securing you the job (or internship) you want - so think, plan and invest wisely before uploading it to your AUT Internz or LinkedIn profiles.

Think you've got a professional photo? You could ask your friends for an honest opinion, or even better, ask Photofeeler, a nifty tool to get honest feedback from a sample of people around the world about how professional, honest, influential and likeable your profile photo makes you look.

And don't worry, we've got your back. If you upload a photo on here that's unlikely to meet employer expectations we'll give you some honest feedback and ask you to try again.  Meanwhile here are a few helpful tips of things to keep in mind when taking your shot:

Do:

• Use a simple background and make sure the photo is close up – aim for head and shoulders.
• Smile! and give yourself options. Start with a warm grin, grow into a baby smile, open your smile then try out a cheesy grin.
• Practise – try different backgrounds, a different jacket, hairstyle whatever! Enjoy yourself and make sure you capture a confident, professional looking photograph of yourself.
• Think about lighting – try clear and bright. A dark, shadowy face is not very flattering.
• Think about the way your image will appear once uploaded – Is the image the right way up? Is the file tiny or too large?

Don’t:

• Use a photo of you with a friend – The purpose of your profile photo is for potential employers to know who they are reading about and will be talking to, you defeat this purpose when you send in a photo of yourself and a friend. Think about it for a second….
• Use grainy, pixelated or unclear photos
• Take a selfie, especially in the reflection of a mirror – If the phone that’s taking the picture features in the picture, it’s not a photo for work.
• Use something that's not a photo. If you don’t really 'do' photos please don’t be tempted to use a logo or photo of your latest project. Try to understand this is just part of the process and a professional requirement. Do your best to take/find one that matches how great your skills are. Besides, they will eventually see your face every day in the workplace.
• Use a photo with your private living areas in the background, you will appear unprofessional if you have included your bed, overflowing cupboards, drawers or bathroom towel rail in the shot.

Also, remember that AUT Internz provides every attendee of Match Ready Employability events held throughout the year with a set of professional photos - find out about the next event on the AUT Internz website or by emailing internz@aut.ac.nz.