What Is Your Headshot Saying Behind Your Back?
When Marcus got laid off after eight years at the same company, he updated his resume, polished his LinkedIn profile, and started applying for jobs immediately. He had the skills. He had the experience. But weeks passed, and nothing happened. Then a friend said, “Hey, your headshot looks like it was taken in 2012… on a flip phone.” Ouch. Marcus hadn’t even thought about it. But he changed it—and everything changed with it.
Your headshot is the first impression people get before they ever speak to you. In fact, according to a 2020 study by Princeton psychologists, it takes just 1/10th of a second for someone to form an impression based on your photo. That’s before they read your résumé, check your references, or scan your credentials. One glance, and they’ve already decided if you’re competent, trustworthy, likable, or… not.
Why? Because images speak nonverbally. A headshot isn’t just a picture—it’s a story. It tells the viewer about your confidence, your professionalism, your personality, and even your attention to detail. And whether you realize it or not, you’re already telling a story every time someone sees your face online.
But is it the story you want to tell?
Too often, job seekers grab a selfie, crop it tight, maybe add a filter, and call it a day. But a poorly lit, low-quality image can signal carelessness or disconnection. A stiff, outdated photo can read as disengaged or behind the times. A casual or awkward smile might say, “I’m not serious about this,” even if you’re more than ready to work.
At TRG Headshots, we specialize in helping job seekers control that narrative. With professional lighting, expert posing, and an understanding of the psychology behind first impressions, we help clients craft headshots that speak clearly and powerfully. No noise, no confusion—just the message you want employers to hear.
A study by CareerBuilder found that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates, and 43% have decided not to interview someone based on what they found. That includes the visuals. If your LinkedIn photo looks lazy, so might your work ethic in the eyes of a recruiter.
But here’s the good news: A strong, intentional headshot can do a lot of heavy lifting. It can instantly position you as capable, confident, and hire-ready. It shows you understand the game—and that you're playing to win.
At TRG Headshots, we’ve worked with hundreds of professionals across Ellis and Dallas Counties, helping them look like the people they’re becoming, not the people they used to be. Whether you’re breaking into a new industry or climbing the next rung on the ladder, your image should walk into the room before you do—and start the conversation in your favor.
Does your headshot say 'hire me'... or 'skip me'?
