You may want to be more careful while uploading photos on your Facebook profile, especially if you are in search of a new job. A new study conducted by the University of Gent in Belgium suggests that Facebook profiles influences the hiring of an employee.

Stijn Baert, a professor of empirical economics at the University of Gent found that "candidates with the most ‘beneficial' photos were a lot more likely to receive invitations for job interviews than those with least effective photos," the eFinancialCareers website reported. In the experiment, fictitious job candidates applied for real vacancies in Belgium. The candidates had similar backgrounds except for their Facebook profile photos. The website further reported that Facebook profiles are also influential when candidates are highly educated and the recruiters are women.

The experiment showed that the color blue on a Facebook profile photo creates a positive impact on recruiters. Smiling faces and avoiding negative body language, like crossing your arms or shielding your face, also bring a positive impact. Based on the study's findings, candidates are not recommended to upload a photo wearing green or dark colors or sit in a park with despondent face. The study further demonstrated that there is a 39 percent chance of getting a job interview invitation if you have an "effective" photo and 21 percent more likely to receive positive reactions from recruiters compared to an "unfavorable" photo. Profile photos are checked for their attractiveness, extraversion, agreeableness, emotional stability and openness.