Don’t Let Race And Age Bias Discourage Your LinkedIn Profile Photo Upload

On the LinkedInLNKD 0.0% job market, the aim is to stand out from the crowd. However, sticking out because of age or race has some candidates worried they might not land a first interview.

When profile photos and years of experience are missing, it can mean job seekers are hoping to avoid the barriers of bias.

“There is a real fear by candidates and how they might be perceived by their profile picture or presumed age,” said marketing veteran Jacob Brown. “I've heard of people not uploading profile pictures for more than one reason - fear of bias and lack of a professional headshot. Both are valid.”

Discrimination At Work

A glance at a LinkedIn profile often assumes race and age. This knee-jerk assumption, paired with recent data on workplace discrimination, supports some candidates’ cause for concern.

New data suggests that age discrimination is rising and is at its highest since 2003. Approximately “78% of older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace,” according to AARP.