Does your headshot need an update?

Your professional headshot should reflect your intelligence, your expertise, and your approachability. It should also be regularly updated so you’re not reusing an image that’s a decade old. If you need a new headshot image for your career, check out these five things you can do to get images that you—and any potential employers—will love.

1. Find the right photographer.

The most important step in getting the headshots you want is finding the right person to take them. You may have a friend who fancies themselves a photographer, but hiring an experienced professional is well worth the investment.

Not sure where to look? Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations or just start with a simple online search for professional headshot photographers in your area. Look for someone whose previous work matches the style you want for your headshots and set up an in-person or phone meeting to get a better idea of their personality and if they’re the right fit for you. You want to choose a photographer who makes you feel comfortable and who you feel you can trust.

2. Choose your wardrobe.

Think about you want to present yourself in your headshots. What do you want people to see and feel about you when they look at your images? Talk to your photographer about the professional image you wish to convey and what outfits they recommend for your session.

In general, it’s a good idea to bring a variety of outfits and layers, like cardigans and blazers, so you can mix and match and have multiple options. Try to avoid busy patterns as they can be distracting. Instead, go for solid colors and fitted clothes to give you a neat, well-put-together appearance. Choose pieces with different textures to add visual interest to your photos.

3. Take care of your appearance.

Once you’ve scheduled your headshot session, make an appointment at your salon as well. Make sure to get your hair cut a week or two before your photo session so you have time to get used to your new length and to learn how to style it.

Ladies, if you choose to paint your nails, go for a neutral color that won’t attract attention. You may think your hands won’t appear in your headshots—they’re called headshots after all—but you may be in a pose where your hands are visible, so make sure your nails don’t distract from your smiling face.

Just as you chose a professional to take your headshots, you’ll want to work with a professional makeup artist before your session. A pro will know the right amount and type of makeup to make you look good on camera and not washed out. Plus, you can enjoy a little relaxation to calm your nerves before you step in front of the lens!