Job Discussion Forums

dackinator · Joined: 17 Sep 2010 Posts: 105

Think of it this way: do you really want to work for an employer who is picky enough to browse through your photos? I wouldn't, imagine what they would be like to work with. If they search me and take offense because theres a photo of me doing something silly then great, there are plenty of better schools out there.

80daze · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 118 Location: China

I think nothing of attaching a photo on my CV as it's standard practice in the UK to do this.

Granted there is a big difference from attaching a photo for a job within in the UK to say an ESL job in somewhere like China but it really is standard practice in most of Western Europe.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Yeah, I've no objection to the photo. I look quite PC, though. Maybe there are more pitfalls if one's outer appearance is outside the norm (or the desired norm) for a particular region.

AirHorn · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 20

This may not apply to you, but it is also important to look YOUNG. If you are a middle-aged teacher like myself, your picture needs to take a few years off. Asian schools in particular don't really want teachers over 40.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 1:11 am Post subject:

It's awfully hard to generalize- it's age they're looking for in some places, race in others, attractiveness in some...none of this seems legit to me, though, which is why I still won't do it. No photos of me available.

It's not that I imagine a photo would hurt my chances. I just think that it's not likely to be "needed" for any purpose I want to support.

Best,
Justin

kazpat · Joined: 04 Jul 2010 Posts: 140 Location: Kazakhstan

Perhaps in some circumstances the photo can help you. I am a mixed race (white/black) guy in my 30s. When I applied to my school in KZ they asked for a photo. I was a bit worried about the whole dark skin thing. After receiving my photo the schools consultant who handles recruiting called me and said "you did not tell us you look like Vin Diesel." He went on to say that this would be great for marketing.

I feel lame typing that Vin Diesel thing by the way.

In the end the school liked my credentials and background but once here the consultant told me one night after having a few too many vodkas that the photo sealed the deal.

And now my face is indeed on several billboards around town. One of my students joked that if it was a white guy they would just think I was a Russian. Very Happy

So not all Asian schools are looking for a white face, at least in Kazakhstan.

I spent a year helping to recruit for a company that I worked at in the states and the idea that an employer can ask for a photo is very foreign to me. It is the norm here in KZ though.

I admire your stance Justin.