Maybe you’ve filled in your LinkedIn Profile with all the right data: an attention-getting Headline, solid Summary, robust Skills, and appropriate Experience / Education.

However, it’s possible your carefully selected LinkedIn Photo doesn’t even show up!

Why? You neglected to make it visible.

That’s right: people outside your network cannot see you unless your Profile Photo Visibility is set for Public views. Here’s why this is important:  according to LinkedIn, the ability to see your face online can net you up to 21 times more Profile views.

Think this is a no-brainer? Think again.

Countless faceless Profiles exist, either lacking a Photo or refusing to show it. Yours could be among them if you haven’t checked Visibility settings.

So you not only need to select and upload a great headshot, but if you don’t take the right steps, it won’t be seen by prospective connections (in other words, recruiters or employers).

If you still think photos should only be shown to your connections, think about what happens when you’re confused and trying to track someone down on LinkedIn.

Without a photo, how can you tell if you’re looking at the right Profile? Remember, you’re on LinkedIn to build professional connections and establish rapport:  both are crucial steps to reaching next-level career success.

Changing your Photo from faceless to easily found is simple. Sign into LinkedIn and click on your photo; you’ll see “Visibility” at the lower right-hand corner. Clicking here will show you the current settings and allow you to select Public. If you’re uploading a Photo for the first time, you’ll see that Visibility defaults to Public.

Nothing is as unique as your face – so ensure your LinkedIn audience can match your it to your value proposition, name, and reputation.

Need a competitive edge in your job search? As an award-winning executive resume writer, I create branded, powerful resumes and LinkedIn Profiles that position you as the #1 candidate. My clients win interviews and top C-suite, EVP, VP, and Director positions at Fortune 500 firms, niche companies, start-ups, and emerging industry leaders, enjoying the competitive advantage of powerhouse documents and executive job search techniques tailored to today’s job market. Get in touch with me to experience the outstanding results I can bring to your transition. – Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CPBA, TCCS, COPNS, CIC, CTTCC