We've spent a year in lockdown. It looks like we're coming out of it...or are we?

The other day I met a colleague for lunch whom I've only ever spoken to on zoom or slack. It was an absolute win for me when she said:
'You look exactly how you look online.' This may have actually been a bigger win than her thinking I was 7 years younger than I actually am.

Conversely, I've also met a few people now in the flesh having only met them at virtual networking events. I've certainly had to do a double take and/or squint in some instances to ensure a person is who I deemed them to be online.

Now, you may be thinking this is an age old point. Well it is, however in the last week, I've seen a number of posts from people about refreshing their websites or that they are out and about getting some fresh head shots. This is great, if you feel comfortable having some done! If not, I'd invite you to reflect on how old some of the shots you have of yourself are. 

Whether it be for that next date, or for a role or a job, ensuring that impression is as authentic as possible is key. How do we determine that:

• Recency of photograph - for professional shots,  some people may be sympathetic to the fact that a profile pic may be 12-18 months old due to lockdown, however be honest with yourself, have you changed much in that time?
• Realism of photograph - these days most up-to-date modern mobile phones can do a decent job. Not selfies but having someone take a couple of shots for you. If you know you look different compared with pre-lockdown, time to show it
• Relevance of photograph - I come at this from a 'work has changed' angle. A professional, corporate looking headshot has evolved. I concur with the view that your Linkedin profile picture is not the same as some of the other social channels and that you can still look smart based on what you are wearing as opposed to looking too formal.

​As important as having an up-to-date CV and constant improvement and review of anything that leaves an impression of you, I can't stress enough the importance of investing (time or money) in that something that tells a thousand words of your story right now.

Photo Credit: Warren Sheng

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