There is essentially no downside to taking a more professional photo. There is absolutely potential downside to having too casual of a photo (even if it's a silly truth)
Honestly, for better or for worse, and I think some hard working folks here will agree with this: I don’t want to be invited by companies which prioritize appearances over merit. At least not to that extent. It’s a vibe thing. And too much pro photography can also send a certain message: vanity, narcissism, ambition.
OTOH I did get a sales gig a while back and I do look good in my profile. So I’m not advocating bad photos. You should simply look like someone everyone would like to work with and get along. I used a bright city-vacation photo in which I look happy because I really am happy.
But if I were to get a higher position, more responsibility, then a serious conservative professional studio photo might become more appropriate.
> I don’t want to be invited by companies which prioritize appearances over merit
I don't think that is what is necessarily (or likely) happening. Humans have many subconscious biases, and preferring more professional photos when looking to hire is probably a common one.
So that’s literally the first thing I “opined” here on - I wouldn’t prioritize the photo unless it’s something god awful.
I recently had to endure a job search and did not have a “good job” for longer than I would like. So I’m speaking from recent experience of thinking about the appearances I give off.
OTOH I did get a sales gig a while back and I do look good in my profile. So I’m not advocating bad photos. You should simply look like someone everyone would like to work with and get along. I used a bright city-vacation photo in which I look happy because I really am happy.
But if I were to get a higher position, more responsibility, then a serious conservative professional studio photo might become more appropriate.