People wonder if posting an image is an advantage or not. Some are skeptical that it literally presents the wrong image. Common problems that arise during the “to publish or not to publish” debate are:

> MATURE:

“If they see how old I am, they will never hire me.”

“They will project that they cannot pay me because I am experienced.”

“They will think that I cannot fit in with the younger workers.”

> WOMEN:

“This is too much like a dating service.”

“I want to be hired for my accomplishments, not for my looks.”

“They don’t hire because I’m _______.”

> MINORITIES:

“I want to be hired because of my accomplishments, not because I satisfy a need for diversity.”

“They don’t hire because I’m _______.”

“Employers fear complaints of discrimination if there are problems with performance, promotion or firing.”

All the concerns indicated are valid for those who express them. That we should consider these things is the real problem. Given that these concerns exist, what is the answer to the question in the title, “As a job seeker, should I post my image on LinkedIn?” The answer is yes and this is why:

You use LinkedIn because it is the number one online professional networking medium. It’s a place for you to express your talents, accomplishments, and visions, and market your skills, services, and ideas to millions of people around the world. This gives you access to professionals in all fields, gives you a front-row seat for discussions with experts, and is invaluable to job seekers.

Did you know that 80% of the people in charge of screening applicants go online to do preliminary research on applicants? They search you on Google, check your Facebook page, your Twitter account and your LinkedIn profile.

If your photo is published and there is a discriminatory trend lurking in the practices of the hiring company, it will be removed for, perhaps, one of the reasons listed above. It can be hard to believe that this is actually a good thing. Why? First, would you like to work for a company or manager that has that bias?

Second, if you are asked to attend an interview and you did not post a photo, they will see you in person and you may face an awkward situation. If you’ve ever met someone whose prejudice (of whoever you are) is very clear in their expression, you know how it makes you feel. If he had known what his biases were, he would not have taken the opportunity. If you had posted your photo, you may not have been invited for an interview. Either way, the awkward situation would not have occurred.

You can avoid that type of experience by eliminating the opportunity to meet people who encourage that type of discrimination. Save yourself the trauma of meeting someone else who is not part of the global tolerant community. If someone does not choose you because of what your image tells them, it is their loss in many ways.

Post your photo. Be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished. There is an employer who will be delighted to have you in their organization.

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