AI headshots are changing the way job seekers are seen and get hired in changing labor market
**The Rise of AI Headshots on LinkedIn and Professional Portfolios**
AI headshots are rapidly gaining popularity on LinkedIn and in professional portfolios as job seekers look for affordable ways to enhance their profile pictures and gain a competitive edge. Since first impressions happen almost entirely through a screen, a clean, appealing photo has become just as important as a strong resume. In today’s competitive job market, a good headshot can make a significant difference.
### The Cost Barrier of Professional Photography
Professional photography has long been a financial barrier for many applicants, with starting costs in the U.S. easily running into the hundreds of dollars. Melanie Fan, head of growth at Plush—an AI-powered online search platform for personalized shopping—recalls her experience at Yale: “It was $200 for a 15-minute session for students. It was really expensive. The process of getting the pictures back, rendering them, looking at which ones I looked the best in, and then sending it back to the photographer for edit.”
This frustration has fueled the explosion of AI headshot tools such as InstaHeadshots, PhotoPacksAI, HeadshotPro, and Aragon AI. These services promise professional-quality images in minutes at a fraction of the price, often under $50. Users simply upload selfies, select a background, and receive dozens of polished headshots—no photographer necessary.
“After I changed my LinkedIn photo, the amount of inbound inquiries from companies has skyrocketed,” said Fan. “I received three to four times more messages from companies.”
### Canva Joins the AI Headshot Trend
Design company Canva recently launched its own AI headshot feature, offering users a quick way to create realistic headshots with options to retouch or restyle images. According to a recent Canva job market research report, 88% of job seekers believe a polished digital presence influences hiring decisions—a 45% increase from the year before.
The use of AI in the hiring process is also on the rise. Ninety percent of hiring managers reported using AI to assist with hiring, while 96% of job seekers who used AI during applications received callbacks.
Danny Wu, Canva’s head of AI products, emphasized that the goal isn’t to replace real photography, but to make high-quality imagery accessible to everyone regardless of budget or location. “Once a user uploads an image, Canva can use AI to adjust or change the background, reposition elements, and style the photo. This is just a more accessible way to get professional and unique headshots.”
### Concerns Over Authenticity and Ethics
While anyone with a smartphone can now create a LinkedIn-ready headshot, the rapid adoption of this technology has raised questions about ethics and trust. Many candidates worry about appearing fake or deceptive, and recruiters are increasingly scrutinizing AI-generated portraits that look overly smooth or stylized, emphasizing that authenticity matters most.
“It is perceived as risky to use an AI headshot,” said Sam DeMase, a ZipRecruiter career expert. “While recruiters do accept them, a poorly done AI-generated headshot will put off most recruiters. It’s easily recognized and reads as inauthentic, which can hurt a candidate’s chances.”
However, recruiters admit they are struggling to distinguish AI-generated headshots from real photos—and as technology improves, it will become even harder. “It’s becoming more difficult to tell whether a headshot has been enhanced or generated by AI,” DeMase added.
### Personal Experiences with AI Headshots
Chris Bora, founder and principal AI architect of Bora Labs and a former Meta engineer, created his own headshot generator, Nova Headshot, after being disappointed by existing options. “Some made me look taller and skinnier. Others made me look lighter, so it wasn’t really me,” he explained. “You don’t need to spend thousands to look professional anymore. You just need a tool that makes you look like yourself on your best day. With Nova, it takes less than ten minutes.”
On the other hand, Amber Collins, an AI headshot user, still feels uneasy about the technology, especially since not every app produces flawless results. “There are a lot of bad apps out there,” she said. “Seven fingers, half a necklace missing—these errors make me feel guilty using AI. There’s a stigma. I’d 100% prefer to get actual headshots done.”
But Collins acknowledged that the benefits outweighed the risks. “In this economy, you have to be mindful of where you put your money. I don’t need to have my face out there excessively, but having a couple of really good, professional-looking headshots is worth it to me.”
### Balancing Innovation with Authenticity
Danny Wu emphasized that job applicants should aim to balance realism and creativity without losing their identity when using AI tools. The tension between technological innovation and accessibility on one hand, and authenticity on the other, will continue to shape this evolving trend.
A LinkedIn spokesperson told CNBC that while the platform allows the use of tools—including AI—to enhance or create profile photos, “the photo must reflect your likeness. Profile photos that don’t comply with our user agreement or professional community policies may be removed.”
DeMase noted that many candidates remain hesitant to adopt AI headshots. “A headshot is one of the few places you can inject humanity into the job search,” he said. But with job seekers now able to access the same studio lighting, camera, and editing tools as professionals, the trend towards AI-generated headshots is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/18/jobs-search-ai-resume-cv-headshots.html
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