Job Discussion Forums

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

Am applying for a new university gig through a recruiter and I've been asked for a 'lifestyle photo' in addition to the normal passport page.
I've gotten my previous jobs by direct approach to the university concerned and this is my first experience of any middleman or agency.
Is this a common request?

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

Always be suspicious of unusual requests such as this one. If they do clarify what the photo is for, please let us know.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

That's weird. I'd send them a nice picture, with work clothes or a picture teaching.

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

In Japan I once had a school ask for a similar picture- their goal was to make sure that their applicants were physically intact for lack of a better way to put it.....

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

Am on the golden side of 50 so maybe bradley is right - it is a 'can he stand upright' check.
I've sent the photo but had second thoughts - hence my OP.
I'll post again when I hear further.

suanlatudousi · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 384

"second thoughts"

What is so ungodly horrible about sending a full body photo ?

Should they ask for hard copies of your last colonoscopy then you should take stock.

Geez

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Moon Over Parma · Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 819

It sounds like it's a Chinglish way of asking for a photo of you actually doing something, like hanging out with friends, teaching, hiking, etc. Something that gives a less stuffy impression than the usual passport photo/head shot. If that is the case, the request isn't that unusual.

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

They may want to screen out morbidly obese individuals or are looking for someone to use in a condom ad being made by a friend of someone at the school.

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

Though I wasn't asked for a "lifestyle" photo, I did send an initial picture of myself in my office work environment: a shelf of books and a picture of my aged parents and my sister in the background. The neck of my guitar is visible as is a high school trophy that was awarded to me for some long-forgotten reason.

LOL! A colonoscopy image might be a little suspicious.

My suggestion: maybe a picture of yourself holding a scrawny fish you caught during summer vacation or maybe a candid family picture.

Hide the beer bottles and anything else that might reinforce any negative preconceptions that some folks hold of all foreign teachers.

englishgibson · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 4345

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

A winning photo every time:

1. Drop pants.
2. Hoist yourself onto a copier butt on the glass.
3. Press "Copy."
4. Send

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

Thanks to all (except suan).
What is it about Dave's that attracts these 'outbursters'.
I OP'd to get some group input and that has been forthcoming.
Clearly other posters were wondering if it was a good idea to send a photo without knowing the purpose.
China is not a place where you act on the premise of 'what is wrong with...'
I'll post again when/if recruiter responds.