Alice Marwick explains how social media allows us to
broadcast sophisticated branding strategies throughout the internet. This is a
modern way of showing our skill set and professional qualities. Self branding
is a way to market our self as a commodity throughout the web world which has a
remarkably wide reach globally. We had an interesting discussion in class on
Wednesday November 11th regarding ones appearance on social media. More
specifically we discussed whether or not one should be judged based on their LinkedIn
profile picture.
Some people said the judging of one’s profile picture is
bias and maybe even prejudice; one’s physical appearance should be irrelevant
and it should be based solely on qualifications and skills. On the other hand
some argued we live in a digital era where one’s profile picture on LinkedIn is
as relevant as one’s appearance when going to an interview—a certain amount of
professionalism is expected.
I’m curious to know what you guys think, should people be
judged on their LinkedIn profile by potential employers?
This is a topic I am particularly passionate about as I am really interested in the effect of nonverbal communication on people’s perceptions. I think that it is discriminatory to judge someone on their LinkedIn profile photo; although it is a fair argument to point out that the potential for discrimination can still occur once you walk into an interview. The difference in my opinion though is that an interview allows the recruiter to get to know the person and their potential a lot better than the text offered in a LinkedIn profile. This could help change the recruiter’s first impression they made based on looks. Being judged on a LinkedIn profile photo may cause discrimination early on and never give a person the opportunity to prove themselves in an interview. As much as recruiters might say their decisions are not based on looks, studies using an eye tracking heat map have proved that recruiters look at your profile photo first before anything else on your profile and they spend 19% of the total time on your profile looking at your photo.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.businessinsider.com/should-you-include-a-picture-on-your-linkedin-profile-2012-5
There have been many studies that have proven the tendency humans have to judge based on looks, often rating someone more favourably if they are more attractive. A class at Laurier called Nonverbal Communication goes in depth about this. Unfortunately it is just the reality of humanity that we tend to make decisions that are bias based on looks; therefore it can obviously benefit a company if they hire someone with a “better look” in a role that deals with clients but this does not mean it is ethical. While some may benefit from recruiters being able to see a profile photo when deciding whether you should get an interview, others will be at a disadvantage. Here is a very interesting article about a study that identified the characteristics of a perfect photo based on over 60,000 ratings of perceived competence, likability and influences for over 800 profile photos. This is proof of the sensitivity we have as humans in how we perceive others. By just changing certain aspects in your profile photo, a recruiter might perceive you as more competent. https://blog.photofeeler.com/perfect-photo/
As Diana mentioned, man kind is inherently biased.By even including your picture in the application eliminates fairness. Therefore I believe that employers should objectively study applicants.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, there are certain jobs which require a headshot. The obvious example would be an actor. It is especially in those cases where how you look is the basis on whether you will get the job. The said job could have prejudicial connotations because we often see certain races stereotyped to certain roles.
I think that being judged by your LinkedIn profile picture is a replacement for being judged by your appearance back in the day when you would physically give a resume to a possible employer. The reason for an emphasis on a photo is to add personalization to an informal system of hiring. Somebody might look amazing on paper based on their resume but maybe their not the "look" or type of person you feel would mesh well with the rest of your profession team. It is not harmful to be judged by your appearance; in someways it can benefit you if you present yourself in the right ways. The idea of needed to "brand' ourselves is a product of our technologically advanced and dependent society. In order to stand out in a crowd of similar resumes with similar experience level, what makes you different? Self-promotion and branding are things that recent and new graduates are having to do to secure employment. We can sit here and say that "looks shouldn't matter" but they do. That's the way it is and you can either work to make to show yourself in the best light or sit back and watch everyone around you being hired.
ReplyDeleteAs we discussed in class, I think that potential employers know that your LinkedIn profile picture is likely not indicative of you as a person or an employee. So, then why is it so important? I think that a LinkedIn profile picture is more of an ideology of your best self. This is the self you want a potential employer to recognize that you CAN be. Even more importantly, I think your LinkedIn profile picture is vital once you enter a workplace. It's how unfamiliar coworkers will recognize you in meetings or corporate outings. Your profile picture is your first impression before you get one.
ReplyDeleteAnother relatable topic to this is the idea of attaching a headshot or picture to your resume. This started in Europe several years ago, in fact it is the norm there. It's starting to become common in North America especially in fields of Marketing and Advertising. A picture is a way for a recruiter or HR person to remember you. It's an opportunity to show them that you know how to market yourself first and foremost.