Thu, November 12, 2009 - 3:31:36

First Impressions Count… Even Online.

By now, nearly everyone knows that when posting your pictures online, it’s best to exercise discretion and steer clear of unflattering photos filled with college antics, compromising situations, and skimpy outfits.  But, as Live Science reports, a new study conducted by scientists at Sonoma State University reveals that the online profile pictures we choose—flattering or otherwise—can actually play an important role in how we are perceived by others, particularly strangers.  And as more and more employers search social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace before inviting potential hires to an interview, these little pictures provide the all-important first impression that can make or break your job search.

The study presented photos of 123 students, each of whom submitted a portrait in a neutral pose and another in a spontaneous pose, to two small participant groups.  Based on the information they could glean from the photographs alone, the participants were asked to evaluate the individuals pictured based on 10 personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, openness, likability, self-esteem, loneliness, religiousness, and political beliefs.

Researchers then compared these ratings to lists provided by each of the 123 students pictured, along with lists prepared by three friends.  Surprisingly, just by “judging a book by its cover,” the participants had an average accuracy rate of 70 per cent.  But, when looking at the essential traits of likability and agreeableness, participants were more than 10 per cent more accurate when looking at the spontaneous pictures over their posed counterparts.

Why?  The answer could be as simple as posture.  In the neutral photographs, those pictured typically held a more rigid stance, which was interpreted negatively by the viewers.  On the other hand, the relaxed carriage exhibited in the spontaneous photographs communicated gregariousness, confidence, and high spirits.  Another small yet powerful gesture?  The smile.  Those with natural smiles in their spontaneous pictures were described as warm, friendly, and outgoing.

As we write in our book, THE POWER OF SMALL: Why Little Things Make All the Difference, although it only takes about seven seconds for someone to decide how they feel about you, everything you do after that point will be viewed through the filter of “likeable” or “unlikeable,” making those first few seconds crucial… even if they’re only virtual. 

So, if you think it’s time to update your profile picture, stop and take a second look before clicking “upload” and consider the silent impression your photo might be giving.  After all, that little photo could affect your image for a lifetime.

Posted by Linda and Robin