YOUR WORK QUESTIONS ANSWERED
I’VE HEARD SOME BOSSES SAY THEY LIKE SEEING A PHOTO ON A JOB APPLICATION BUT EXPERT ADVICE IS NOT TO INCLUDE ONE. WHAT GIVES?
EXPERIENCED DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND
We don’t advise including photos with your resume. Employers gain their first impression of you from your resume. You should try to keep it no longer than two pages, and that is difficult to do if a photo takes up valuable space. Including a photo means people can make decisions based on your appearance. Although it is illegal for an employer to consider things like age or race, you want them to focus on your achievements and capabilities, not your photo.
MID-CAREER ANDREA DAVEY CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, EMPLOYMENT OFFICE
Some hiring managers appreciate a photo on an application. Others don’t really mind either way. I think it comes down to which photo you choose to include. If you are going to add a photo, make sure it’s appropriate for a work setting. No selfies! You want to be wearing appropriate clothing and be well groomed. With social media, many people have come to expect to be able to look someone up and put a face to the name before an interview, so why not include a photo in your application?
UP & COMING BELINDA SHADIAC TALENT ACQUISITION CONSULTANT
My advice would be to avoid using a photo on your application. It’s best to keep the recruiter/hiring manager focused on assessing your skills and experience. There are many interpretations of whether it is a good idea to include it or not but because you, the applicant, cannot influence nor control the perception of you at the other end, I’d say it is best to avoid including it. Business-orientated social media networking platforms are much better placed to feature your photo.
THE EXPERT DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
My advice is to not include a photo with your application as it may invite potential (unlawful) discrimination that screens you out of the recruitment process. Including a photo increases the risk of the decision-maker excluding you as you tap into one of their negative biases. The role of your job application is to convey your suitability for the role. In an objective, fair, robust and rigorous selection process, your appearance has nothing to do with this.