Job Discussion Forums

gypsysong · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 8

I put in for a few jobs in China and I received an email today from one of them requesting a full length body photo of me. Is this common or is something amiss?

Thanks

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

nothing amiss. probably somebody thinking out loud.

Laurence · Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 401

Chinese employers just don't like to hire ugly or fat people.

lee_barttwater · Joined: 28 Jan 2011 Posts: 35

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

Clothes on or off?

xiaolongbaolaoxi · Joined: 27 Aug 2009 Posts: 126

I have never heard of an FT asked to provide full body photos. If they are asking for this and you are not a Playboy centerfold model for two years running (or any other verb) pass on this job as appearance is all they care about. Just wait until you see ads that would qualify easily as kiddie porn in any other country. Not a joke. The language mill thought it was no problem, the FTs (who basically loathed each other) said "Good luck without teachers 'cuz this has got to go." The campaign didn't stop, but magically, every poster was covered with a Christmas tree. The next week was a new campaign, starring a revolutionary famous for looking good (while fully clothed.) Perhaps I'm just jealous.

My wife (PRC native] translated various help wanted signs as saying [to the effect of] height and weight wanted, with the following measurements...

Physical attributes are highly valued in China, to an almost ridiculous extreme. This isn't just a "Do I look fat in this" conversation, but insanely skinny and curvaceous women will still think they will only have potential for a good job and subsequent husband unless they lose more weight.

The best answer to near mythical body expectations was given by a female British teacher, "Of course everyone wants that, but noone would be stupid enough to say that unless they were hiring for an advertisements campaign or a movie." Unfortunately I taught them to well, as they responded, "Only if I stay in China."

Rubenesque,

XLB

(or is it Da Long Bao ?)

samhouston · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 418 Location: LA

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

gypsysong · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 8

Thanks for the answers. I'm not worried about hiding or deceiving; I think it really does show more of a concern for physical appearance than the ability to teach.

Looking for a job in China is a fascinating experience! Smile

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

Did they ask for "full frontal"?

Captain_Fil · Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:29 pm Post subject:

Wow.

I can't wait to apply for a job in China!

Very Happy

Old Surrender · Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:00 pm Post subject:

I had one recruiter ask me for a full-body and he came back a with a 3,000 RMB gig in the sticks. Crying or Very sad

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

If you go to the "China Job Board" thread, the application asks for the applicant�s height. I thought that was kinda weird; this is really weird.

xzbakbook · Joined: 08 Dec 2008 Posts: 19

This is probably more common. I would say in my most recent job hunt 50% (maybe 12 schools) asked for full body pics. So apparently some FT's are sending them.

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

I'd love to see the uproar back home if any employer ever made this type of request.