Community / April 14, 2015

8 Tips for Taking a Professional Headshot

1. Keep it simple.

When it comes to headshots, less is definitely more. The focus should always be on YOU and your face, not any other part of the photo.

2. Be confident!

Confidence and effort go a long way, and a great headshot can help you get noticed by employers. Once you have a professional headshot, be sure to feature it on LinkedIn, Twitter and your personal website.

3. Make sure your clothes fit well, are ironed and spotless.

Every aspect of your headshot should look as put-together and professional as possible. This includes your clothes. ZIPS dry cleaners on Route 1 will clean your clothes for $2/garment!

4. Sit up straight.

The more confident you look, the more confidence employers will have in you. Make sure you don’t slouch.

5. Don’t wear a patterned tie with a patterned shirt.

They will clash and make you look unprofessional.

6. Don’t squint when you smile.

Your smile should look natural. Think about something happy while you’re posing -- that will help your natural smile shine through.

7. Don’t look sloppy.

Employers pay attention to how put-together you are. For example, the top button of your shirt should be buttoned and your tie should be tied tightly.

8. Don’t wear too much jewelry/makeup or bright/distracting clothes.

The focus should be on your face, not your clothing and accessories. Try sticking to just one accessory, such as a simple necklace or stud earrings.

- Christina Germano, intern, Office of Marketing Communications

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283  
301-892-0973 Mobile
gmuraski@umd.edu 

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

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