First impressions matter. And often, these impressions are solidified online long before a face-to-face meeting. With platforms like LinkedIn serving as the modern resume, the profile picture has become people’s main source of personal branding. Recently, a new trend has emerged: using AI to generate professional-looking headshots. But can an AI-generated profile picture actually help you land a job?
Where Did This All Start?
In the summer of 2023, a TikTok video captioned “using this trend to get a new LinkedIn headshot” went viral, reaching over 52 million views. The video showed a young woman comparing her real-life appearance with the polished headshots created using an AI-powered app called Remini. This sparked others interest and many followed suit, sharing their own AI-enhanced images across social media platforms.
Apps like Remini, Try It On AI, and AI Suit Up have unearthed a growing demand for professional-quality photos without the professional price tag. Users are prompted to upload eight to ten selfies from various angles and in good lighting. The AI then synthesises these images to produce a series of headshots where the individual appears well-groomed, confidently posed, and perfectly lit. Some users even notice subtle enhancements like smoother skin, refined makeup, and, occasionally, a slimmer appearance.
Cost & Convenience
For many, the allure of AI-generated headshots lies in their affordability and ease of use. Professional photography sessions can cost upwards of £100, a price point that many job seekers can’t afford on a tight budget. So, you can see the appeal of AI apps that offer free trials or charge only a small fee.
“Some people might not have the budget to go and get a professional headshot taken,” says Divya Shishodia, a 24-year-old digital marketer from Australia. “For the amount of time and effort you have to put in… the output is worth it.” Shishodia points out the challenges of taking a decent profile photo on your own — finding the right angles, mastering lighting, and avoiding unflattering shadows are why professional photographs are in business!
Similarly, Michelle Genobisa, 26, from Denmark, appreciates the flexibility these apps provide. “I quite often change my looks, like my hair colour,” she explains. “It was an easy way to collect some pictures with the effect of a professional photoshoot. To get that kind of photo taken professionally, it’s very expensive.”
The Psychology Behind It
First impressions are so important in the recruitment process. According to a study by The Ladders, recruiters spend an average of just 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume, and the profile picture is one of the first things they notice. A professional-looking photo can convey confidence, competence and attention to detail.
Consumer psychologist Dr. Paul Marsden notes that AI-generated images can make people feel their best. “It could allow us to put our best self forward and the image of ourselves that we want to project to the world,” he says. They might even motivate individuals to embody the traits in their AI-generated images.
But, as with everything, there’s a flip side. Over-reliance on AI enhancements can lead to feelings of inadequacy. “It could affect people’s self-worth and beliefs that they themselves are not good enough comparatively to their AI generation, resulting in low confidence,” Dr. Marsden cautions.
What Do Recruiters Think?
From a recruiter’s standpoint, the importance of a profile picture varies. Tristan Barthel of London-based Tate Recruitment has observed a significant increase in AI-enhanced photos but maintains that it doesn’t influence his hiring decisions. “I can see if a picture has been AI-generated, and it wouldn’t affect my decision,” he states. “For me, it’s about the qualifications.”
In highly competitive fields, any advantage can be huge. Actor Molly McCrann, 25, from Australia, initially criticised AI-generated images for looking “heavily edited” and not reflecting reality. However, she acknowledges their potential benefits. “If this is going to get me in the room, then I am going to use AI headshots to get the interview,” she concedes.
Is It Worth It?
So, can an AI-generated profile picture help you get a job? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. On one hand, a professional-looking photo can enhance your online presence, potentially capturing a recruiter’s attention in those crucial initial seconds. On the other hand, authenticity remains widely valued.
Here are some ways you can try to balance the best of both worlds:
Use AI sparingly: If you’re going to edit yourself, be subtle. Make enhancements that improve image quality without altering your fundamental appearance.
Consistency is key: Your online image needs to match who you are in person to avoid any disconnect (and awkwardness) during interviews.
Focus on qualifications: Remember that while a good photo can open doors, your skills and experience are what ultimately secure the job.
Author: Mark Ollerton
