# Employable Avatar A growing focus on the profile picture signifies increase in professional social. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published May 10, 2016 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/employable-avatar ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Employable Avatar trend? **Employable Avatar:** Though sites like LinkedIn have established specific communities online for recruiting and professionalism, the prevalence of social media has made all social networks fair game for employers. This has ushered in a new attitude toward online personal branding that skews more toward polished, permeating something as simple as the profile picture. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 8, 2015 to Apr 20, 2016 - Published: May 10, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Employable Avatar trend ### Online Personal Branding The growing importance of online personal branding has created opportunities for the development of services like Photofeeler to help users create a strong online presence through curated images and anonymous feedback. ### Professional Headshot Services The Photo Opportunity Tour from LinkedIn illustrates the potential for professional headshot services or workshops, which can help individuals create a good impression on social media and improve their job prospects. ### Visual Content Creation The demand for visual content to represent an individual or brand has spawned creative services like Posti Photography or the PhotoFeeler infographic guides, which aid individuals in creating professional photos. ## What the Employable Avatar trend means for industry ### For Social Media The rise of online personal branding and the demand for curated and professional images has created opportunities for social media platforms to expand their services beyond providing mere networking tools. ### For Photography The need for professional headshots and image curation has widened the scope for photography businesses to cater to corporate clients and individuals looking to create a strong online presence. ### For Marketing With the popularity of visual content, companies in the marketing and advertising industry can create innovative campaigns like Posti Photography that target individuals seeking more polished and unique online profiles. ## Workshop question How is your company adapting to the changing professional landscape? ## Trend signals for Employable Avatar Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 45%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Employable Avatar trend 4 featured examples from Aug 8, 2015 to Apr 20, 2016. - [Professional Selfie Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/posti-photography): Posti Photography Encourages People to Hire Real Photographers (Category: Fashion) Implication: The photography services industry can leverage the Anti-Selfie Movement trend by offering specialized packages and promotions that emphasize the advantages of hiring professional… - [Professional Headshot Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/professional-headshot): LinkedIn is Touring the US to Give Profile Advice and Headshots (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity to offer professional headshot services for various events and locations to cater to job seekers and professionals. - [Profile Picture Manuals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Professional-Images): This Graphic Shows Social Media Users How to Post Professional Images (Category: Social Media) Implication: As the importance of profile pictures to professional personas grows, professional photography services may see an increase in demand. - [Anonymous Photo Feedback Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photo-feedback): This Service Helps Users Choose Curate Their Online Photos (Category: Tech) Implication: Social media platforms can leverage anonymous feedback services to improve user retention and attract new users. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Social Media - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Nostalgic Dating App Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hily-dating) - [Weekly People's Choice Cookie Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choice-menu) All articles: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia)