Remember the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. This saying means a lot especially since we are living in a digital age. Pictures of us are everywhere. There is really no way to escape it, unless you are like my mother who will take O.J. leaps across furniture whenever someone takes out a camera. It’s not that she does not like to take pictures, but more because of her fear that she will be broadcast all over the internet to never go away. At 72 years old, she feels that our images on the internet are the first way for someone to steal your identity. She may have some valid points, but it’s like my daughters-her granddaughters- have told her, it’s also beneficial for job searches, college recruitment or to share memorable moments with family and friends that are not always around to see our accomplishments and disappointments.

With the rise of social media sites, especially those catering to professional networking, the use of pictures is increasingly expected by employers. Many job seekers are reluctant to post a picture for various reasons, but studies have shown that employers do look for profile pictures when reviewing job applicants on networking sites. TheLadders studied “eye-tracking” by recruiters and found that 19 percent of the total time they spend on a profile is looking at a potential employee’s picture.

It is up to the job seeker whether to post a profile picture or not, but both the applicant and recruiter have responsibilities. The applicant must decide which photo to use and the recruiter must be diligent to view photos objectively during the hiring process. Candidates must be mindful of the types of pictures posted and the perception that will come from it. Follow the simple of rule of: Keep it Professional! Those in the position to hire should be aware of unconscious biases that may arise from viewing photos, but also select candidates in a responsible manner. You are not expected to hire someone who post a picture of themselves on a Miami beach in swimsuit, unless they are applying for a swimsuit modeling job.

There is no right or wrong answer concerning whether to post a profile picture on social sites. Use your best judgment when posting pictures and reviewing pictures. If an applicant chooses to post a picture it should not just be professional but possibly relevant to their career. Just as we expect to see a sales executive in a suit, many would expect to see a healthcare professional possibly in their scrubs- both are professional and relevant.