Should I Include Photo in Resume?

peachpurple Level 1

December 11, 2017, 10:08 am

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Should I Include Photo in Resume?

I had been searching for jobs online at Jobstreet, for real offline job that pays fixed salary. Most of the employers are requesting for resume or CV, last drawn salary, current salary, working experiences, education qualifications but only a handful requested for a photo or selfie attachment.

Hence, I didn't send my photo, just my resume. Is that compulsory? Should I include selfie photo ?

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Tronia

Tronia

No, including a photo of yourself in your resume isn't obligatory at all. It is something that has become more "popular" lately but not everybody does it. I never did when I was looking for an offline job. Why would the employer care about your look in the first place? Unless you'd be auditioning to be a model or a personal promoter etc. otherwise it should not matter. So, unless they specifically ask you to send a picture of yourself, you don't have to worry about it.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

Dear @Tronia
Thanks very much for your advice. The job I am applying is admin assistant, so looks is not important and the photo is not required in the job application either. I also agree with you that looks is not important.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@peachpurple it's absolutely correct that a picture or photo isn't needed for application letters. It's probably after the application and it comes to selection and verification that passport are required.

7 years ago

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Marako0406

Marako0406

I believe what's important is the content of your resume and that you really have what the employer is exactly looking for. I one can really do the job they will more likely to be hired regardless how they look as long as they can do it. Photos nowadays can be edited and it doesn't really matter if you add a photo or not in your resume. Personally, I don't put my photo on my resume I just give them if requested by my employer. I just make sure that I get the job that I want and perform.

6 years ago

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Russet

Russet

In the US is sure does matter. Companies often specify *not* to include a photograph. Having a photograph that provides information about potential minority status, or other status that opens them to a discrimination action, is something they actively do not want to be exposed to. Unless a photograph is specifically requested including it is a very bad idea in the US market.

6 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

A good portion of your comment is very cool, I totally agree with it but I must chip in something on what you said about why employers caring about one's looks. I'm quite sure that you are familiar with the word appearance speaks a great deal about someone, so therefore in as much as I agree photographs aren't necessary for resumes but it's paramount for any employer to care about his prospective staff looks.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

Dear Martinsx1,
Thanks for your input, I have not submit my photo yet, already had one interview on the way, will be having a phone call interview on Wednesday, keeping finger crossed.

7 years ago

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EfficientNinja

EfficientNinja

Here in my country, sending resumes with photos are very common. I think everyone here does it and employers might even get suspicious if we don't include our photos. It's news to me that people from other countries do not include their photos in resumes.

7 years ago

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romyter013

romyter013

True. In our country we just get used to it to submit a resume with a photo so they know if they are talking the exact person on the resume. But you were all correct, as long its not about talent portion, modeling or anything about advertisement, yes you can go ahead and submit your resume even without your photo on it.

6 years ago

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gelotologist

gelotologist

Very well said, they're probably not looking for a model or what, they're probably looking for a person that can or would fit perfectly on the job. I remember passing a resume with my friend and as he saw my resume he told me that why I don't have any picture on it, I also told him "why? what's wrong?"," I know that they want a decent looking person but is that the first thing they would look on a resume?". And he also told me that if a company requires a picture on a resume, I must go to a shop where they edit your photo and put a fake suit on you to make you a more decent looking guy.

7 years ago

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mar06

mar06

I guess so, but not those unnecessary photo of you. That should be formal picture of your because they will use that in your resume and attach to it. So far that's all I knew about resume.

7 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

Yeah I think that including a photo of yourself in a resume is only utilized in the modeling/acting industries, hence the existence of "headshots." I'd say it definitely isn't advisable to include a photo of yourself unless it is specifically asked for. It might not do much harm in doing so, but the person reviewing it might think to themselves "What was this applicant trying to achieve by sending me a picture?" which might indirectly influence their opinion negatively.

7 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

Yep, companies/ people who hire online usually do not really care for that as long as you do your job well. Only the traditional companies still do it.

7 years ago

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bienn05

bienn05

I think it really depends on the company. Some companies look for a picture of the applicant. Some do not require applicants to put a picture. But I think it should be required in every company. It should be fair to all people. Some people are just hired because of the looks not the skill.

6 years ago

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Judas2018

Judas2018

Not really. If they request one, sure I'd oblige but most of the time the only jobs that request a photo are modeling, acting or film related work.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

Yeah, modeling and some of the other jobs might want to see your pictures before you're considered for the job. I don't think other jobs will ask for such.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@Brida others jobs don't ask for pictures or passport unless you are are fortunate to get the point of verification for the job after processing all the applications received. But I do know that modeling absolutely need one's pictures and passport before taking any step further.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

Dear @Judas2018
thanks for your heLp. I guess I don't have to include my self photo. I don't look good in it.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

I have actually worked with one movie industry and they certainly demand for more than just passport. Pics are very much needed for such field and modeling as well cannot do without pictures.

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

Here where I live, attaching a photo is more standard regardless of what job you are applying for, so maybe it just differs from culture to culture. It's why I'm more inclined to attach one even if it's not asked but really I would more likely do research on which path is better to take depending on where I am applying since I would prefer to increase my chances as much as possible when applying and attaching a picture when it's not required might hurt my chances.

7 years ago

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Soulwatcher

Soulwatcher

I don't think that there is anything wrong with sending you resume and a photo. Today's day and age everything is changing and you have to either adapt or get left in the dust. Because my guess is that company is looking for a certain look and they're not even going to look at the applications without a photo.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

But there is need for some of these companies to state clearly what their requirements should be when they're looking at employing New people so that those ones will understand what it is all about.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

Dear @Soulwatcher
Does it mean that if I am applying for a admin assistant job, I am age 40+, the employer still wants to look at my photo? I thought job experience is more important

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I agree. I think you should take all the advantages you can get these days when there is a lot of competition. It's not like they will not research you by checking on your social media pages anyway so might as well just attach a photo there as I don't imagine it would hurt your chances when you do, unless they specifically instruct not to do so and you still do it which makes you seem like you can't follow instructions.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Nothing is wrong with sending with a photo or passport but the question is does it warrant sending at the point of submitting just application letters? And on that point I definitely do not think it's necessary at least for now with the way things are done.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

The words alone should be able to convince the company about how good you're with what you do. I would advise that you do comprehensive research about each firm you want to seek job in order to be ahead of questions they might throw at you when you go for the interview.

7 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

That's always a wise thing to do. Whenever I used to apply for a job, I did all of the research BEFORE even applying just so I could get a full picture of how good the company/business is and what I can expect.

If you do get invited for an interview, you should always do extensive research about that firm and their field of operation - prepare yourself for the various questions they throw at you and impress them with your knowledge.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

Then, you've been doing the right thing. I mean that doing such research will enable one be ready for the interview and also a sign that one cares for the company they're interested in.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@Brida you are so correct on point, this was exactly what the human resource personnel in charge of the interview I attended told me in the course of our discussion. She actually asked me to keep it up.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@Tronia I actually had an experience with such. It was with a beverage firm, and luckily for me, I had a project research done on that same particular firm while I was still in the university. The research really did me solid in getting the job.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@Brida that's a very good point you just pointed out about making a research about the hiring firm. Any information arrived at would definitely be instrumental in helping one secure a job. I find out lately that most companies like to hire people who know their history.

7 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

Usually, in my country including a picture is a must. Honestly, that's not an obligation, but I guess it will show the company who you are, and they will get their first impression of you. Sometimes they look for a certain profile, so that could be perfect for them. Maybe, you should sent just your resume, and in case they need a picture they will request it. Obviously, that's the moment when you can't deny it for anything in the world.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

That's not the same with how recruitment is done in my country for one got to present the CV and if accepted, you can come for interview.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@Brida This is actually how it's done in my own locality, it's after one's CV has been processed and approved, then the individual is invited for interview which is followed up by verification where passport is required should the person pass the interview, both oral and written.

7 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

We do have an interview too, but sending or delivering your CV first, is the common way. As I said, in my country, everybody includes a personal picture on their resume, so that way the company you are applying, knows exactly who you are. If you have a profile on Internet, they will check it too, just to know the kind of person they're hiring.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

I believe different companies in different countries have its own way of recruiting and the procedures involved. So therefore, it's left for one to follow any instructions and directives given to the latter.

7 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

Exactly, after sending my CV a lot of times, and to different job opportunities, I've come to the conclusion, that you never know exactly what they want to see on a resume. Obviously, you can have a general idea depending on the company profile, maybe a friend who works there, or some online reviews, but honestly all of them have their own way to recruit employees. Best thing to do, is to prepare a general overview of your main goals and aptitudes.

7 years ago

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mildredtabitha

mildredtabitha

You can include photo in resume if the company requested for it. It is just a passport sized photo, isn't it? They will still see you when you go for interview or when you finally start working there. Sending a photo should not be a big deal.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

If it's on request, there is no reason the poster shouldn't put it as one of the things needed. The question should be what of situations where it was not requested, what do you think will be the steps to take?

7 years ago

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mildredtabitha

mildredtabitha

If it was not requested, then no need to attach a photo. Adding a photo will just be a bonus . I think someone should attach a photo if he or she is comfortable with it.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

I am applying for the post as Admin Assistant, should I include my photo? A selfie or ID photo?

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@peachpurple I believe a passport photograph would be most appropriate if a picture is needed. Just make enquiries about the particular one to make use of, so you don't get disqualified for a useless reason.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@mildredtabitha Choice is a freewill thing but it's always wise to use discretion in making them so some decisions don't come back and bite one in the ass.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@Brida that's a very good question and I have a likely answer to it. Definitely it's not the company's first time of hiring, so simply research on the criteria which they used in employing their incumbent workers and you are good to go with first hand Intel.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@mildredtabitha it's absolutely no big deal in sending a passport or even a a full, but it's better to observe protocol. It shows you have respect for the company's running policies. If they ask for it give it, if not hold on to it till they request it.

7 years ago

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mildredtabitha

mildredtabitha

Exactly! We should only give when they ask. I remember attaching my passport photo on a form where there was a square sized space for a photo. They tore my photo and told me it was not needed.

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I always include one and I think it is better to use one as long as the photo is professional. My thinking behind it is that seeing your face makes them more familiar with the whole package you offer. Even if your face really isn't as important as the accomplishments you present, it's still a nice addition to show them who you are as a whole. If it were me I'd just add the photo just in case.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@Baburra You point is quite good, it's definitely good to use a professional picture probably a suit or corporate wear picture to use and likely entice the employer and interviewers that you are already ready for the job lol.

7 years ago

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RhealaineS

RhealaineS

I have to agree with you. I've never tried applying using a resume without a photo. I did not actually know that you can submit a resume without a picture. It is very seldom for an applicant to submit a resume without a picture here in the Philippines. I think it's a way to know how the applicant looks like so that you know who to expect during the interview and not because the employers care about how good looking the applicant is.

6 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

i would say that this is actually a bad idea. If you are an actor or something, then maybe, but the regular resume should just speak for itself with your credentials documented, etc. I would ONLY do this if the company requested it. I have been on several hiring committees, actually, and I can tell you that this practice is frowned upon (and sometimes even laughed at) under some or most hiring situations. People will get to see your face in the interview if your credentials on paper get you that far.

7 years ago

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Judas2018

Judas2018

Yeah that's a good point. It sounds to me like these people could be the type that request photos of women before they hire them. This happens in companies that are look-obsessed and is a form of job discrimination. They want only girls they consider to be 'pretty' or 'slim' to be working at their firm or company. This is done for a number of reasons - two of which include the lewd motive of giving the 'boys' something to oogle and look at. Another is using the female employees as bait or a lure to catch or retain high priority clients. Restaurants use this practice as well with waitresses and servers. This is the form that modern day sexism takes.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

In my country and almost everywhere it's must to attach a photo in a resume. Most employers would like to see what his applicants look like. And having a photo in your resume is a plus factor when you're applying for a job.

6 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Exactly @JoeMilford including pictures or passport in resume should strictly on request and nothing more. I believe that the picture is to intensify familiarity but there are steps to pass first before looking for the firm to familiarize with the prospective employee.

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

A photo isn't necessary unless of course, they have asked for you to include one in your resume because if you haven't after they have requested to do, they might not want to hire you. If not then it should not be a problem at all really but if you want you can include one. It won't go against you but I don't think it will be that advantageous to you either.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Yeah @DarthHazard the pictures or passport isn't necessary if it's not requested to be included in the resume. It's practically of no use should it be added if it's not demanded of the prospective employee.

Of course yes, it's not going to be any added advantage when it's not asked for. And if care is not taken should it be temperament human resource personnel that is heading the recruitment committee, some would pick issues with it.

7 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

Same here. I've included photos whenever I submit mine. But it didn't really change things. I think we've become used to assuming photos are required. It's not. Just make sure to add it when they do ask you.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

The answer to what you are asking is capital NO as long as your photo wasn't required or requested by the prospective employer to be provided in the document.

I know you might probably come up in contact with some article where some said a photograph is to be included, it's definitely not necessary unless you are asked to.

7 years ago

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Judas2018

Judas2018

I think the boundaries between what potential or possible future employers can and cannot request or ask for from potential employees? Have been pushed and altered greatly from where they were even 8 years ago.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Yeah @Judas2018 you are absolutely correct. Procedures changes on daily basis but with the issue of photo in resume, that one is yet to take a new turn. So therefore, it's best to stick with what's obtainable for now till change comes in the section.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

Thanks @Martinsx1, the employer did not ask for my photo.

7 years ago

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mar06

mar06

As far as I know you should need picture in a resume but not those nonsense picture but your face picture. It should be needed in a resume because they use it as a proof if you really interested in what company you applied .

7 years ago

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