Don’t put your photo on your CV is still the best move, but with the growth of social media you are encouraged to put a “photo” on your profiles. So when and where should you include that headshot to improve your “credibility”?

Chances are that as a Brit you have been told “ never put your picture/photo on your CV”. The main reason is that  companies are uncomfortable with CV’s  that include photos because it puts them at risk of being seen as discriminating against someone because of race, age or gender.

When it comes to your online profile, disregard that advice.

Today the internet has torn down most barriers and the development of social networks/media has accelerated this. People from all round the world, from cultural diverse backgrounds now connect and become “friends”. But in this environment you are encouraged and most do, to include a “headshot” or with some sites even more pictures

One driver is the realisation by the owners of these sites that web based communication can appear to be more anonymous and can lack authenticity thus making communication seem impersonal. BUT by including and encouraging both headshots and other pictures on the site, your profile and the whole experience comes to life and became “real”.

So getting your “mug” up and out there is now critical. It makes you come alive and allows a connection to your “virtual identity”

It makes your content more credible and brings “you” to life.
In this instance the headshot is a professionally taken photo, it is the first visual impression of “brand you” so invest some money in a session and don’t just have one headshot. Have a selection and you can use different ones on different sites.

Try to get photo’s that “reflect” different aspects of your personality. Don’t forget some recruiters may do a Google Image search on you!!

Where to show your face?
So if you are now convinced that having a strong visual image of you on the web is a positive, the next question then is “Where to include your headshot?”:

1. Social-networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Naymz, Plaxo, Eacademy etc, but if you are in a more “global organisation” and want to find even more social networks click here.

It is now common practice on most sites to “suggest” you use a photo and has become a key part of your profile.

2. Your e-mail Signature
A great place to make your e-mails more personal. But with the company e-mail always check what is allowed or acceptable..  

3. Your Blog
Are you a blogger, if not why not? (a blog helps build your brand)  you should post your photo (preferably on the homepage).  If you have a reputation in your industry, write, speak or are an expert source do include an area where; journalists, event organizers etc can get download your photo.

4. Flickr and other photo-archiving sites
This is a valuable resource for sharing images and a great place for you to store all of your professional photos including your headshot and the photos that you have from real-world networking meetings or that were taken when you were delivering a presentation.

5. Web-bookmarking sites - like Digg and StumbleUpon
These tools help you store, archive and rate your favorite content on the web and allow you to upload a profile. As with social -networking sites, they provide an opportunity for you to include your photo.

6. Your comments on other Web sites and blogs
Blog-commenting software like Disqus (pronounced discuss) allows you to upload a profile and photo . Your profile is automatically included when you post comments on Disqus-enabled blogs.

7. YouTube
Include your photo on your YouTube profile and other video-sharing sites you use.

8. Skype
It’s great for people to connect a face with a voice. Upload your photo on Skype – especially if you don’t have a webcam to make video calls.

9. Twitter
Include your photo on your Twitter profile. You can also customize you Twitter page with any images and backgrounds you choose.

So CV no, social media yes and be professional this is you and they might be your future employer.