The folks over at photofeeler.com recently published the results of a study aimed at isolating the characteristics of profile photos that influence ratings of competence, likability, and influence. The results confirm some suggestions that professional headshot photographer Peter Hurley has long espoused: accentuate the jawline and squinch the eyes. In total, the study revealed seven key traits of headshots that increase ratings of perceived competence, likability, and influence.

1. Avoid eye obstructions (e.g., sunglasses, hair, glare, shadow).
2. Squinch the eyes
3. Accentuate the jawline
4. Smile with teeth, but don't laugh.
5. Dress formally with conservative colors.
6. Use a photo of the bust (head and shoulders) or torso (head to waist) but not face-only or full-body.
7. Avoid overmanipulated photos with obviously high saturation or with decreased brightness.

If you have a headshot that just doesn't measure up, it's probably time to think about getting a new one!

A recent study from theladders.com highlights the importance of having a professional and high-quality headshot for your online resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Tracking recruiters over a 10-week period with eye-tracking equipment, researchers discovered that an astonishing 19% of the time spent looking at LinkedIn profiles was devoted to examination of the profile picture.

With everything we know about physical attractiveness bias in hiring, this research underscores the fact that having a professional profile picture is REALLY important. If you have an old, blurry, or low resolution photo that currently serves as your profile photo, it's probably time to review some helpful guidelines for high-quality headshots and take something new.