Job Discussion Forums

Dee226 · Joined: 04 Jun 2011 Posts: 2

As I am looking through the job posting, I continue to see employers asking for a photo. I don't understand why. Why is this of any relevance to getting a job? Thanks for your responses ahead of time.

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

Much of the world is not so Politically Correct as North America and other Anglophone areas. Employers may well want the 'right' face. They may also be concerned about things like tattoos, weight, and general appearance. It's not necessarily nice, but it's the reality in many parts of the world that these things do matter - and keep in mind that laws in many countries DO allow employers to discriminate in ways that are not allowed in much of the developed world.

Dee226 · Joined: 04 Jun 2011 Posts: 2

Thank you for your response.

That is pretty much what I was thinking. However, I think it is a good idea. I would much rather know I don't have the "right" face before traveling across the world, spending time ( a precious commodity) and money.

I will apply for the job that has asked for the photo, just to see the outcome.

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 2:31 am Post subject:

MotherF · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:31 pm Post subject:

It also gives employer a little more insight into you--you'd be surprised how many people choose to submit inappropriate photos. Laughing

Isla Guapa · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:03 pm Post subject:

MotherF · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:10 pm Post subject:

This is from google images, but very much like one photo I recieved once. One difference was it was a bottle in his hand, rather than a plastic cup.

photo
The guy applied again the next year, with the exact same photo attached to his resume.

*I kind of wondered if it wasn't some kind of joke, but the rest of the application packet was in order.

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

Yeah, that's clearly a guy you'd want to send to your corporate clients, or to your eighth-graders.

I once had an interviewee who showed up in denim overalls, pigtails, and with her heels over the tops of her sneakers. Her CV was equally (un) impressive.

I dunno what some people are thinking!!

Isla Guapa · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:46 pm Post subject:

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

I've seen Brits, Kiwis, Aussies, and North American all looking wildly inappropriate. Seems to be a nationality - neutral error.

It's not usually necessary to mention such glaring errors: the hiring committee are all rather formally dressed, and ALMOST everyone who looks 'wrong' quickly realises. They don't get the job, either, though in my experience, it's never been only on appearance - there's always some other fatal flaw in their experience or approach to the possible job.

I have had to mention appearance to some trainee teachers, though. I vividly recall one Australian girl whose bared belly button ring just wasn't going to be OK with our business students, who were all in suit and tie.

artemisia · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 875 Location: the world

Being a native English speaker is certainly no guarantee of style or even basic awareness. I often find people measure you by how seriously you take (present) yourself in interviews and also (with students) in the classroom.

That's open to interpretation but only to a limited extent, I find. For most, quite formal business attire is what is seen as 'serious' and people will respond (or not) to that accordingly. Of course, it's not only clothes, it's also the attitude you project.

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 2:29 pm Post subject:

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

I was once recruiting for a position in the UK, it was an education job working with kids (not a teacher though). One guy was having trouble sending me his CV. It turned out it was getting caught by the email filter because his email address was something like ilovebigbouncyboobs at ... . He even had it written out on his CV. Rolling Eyes

MarkM · Joined: 28 Apr 2011 Posts: 55 Location: Lianyungang, China

I have realised that ageism is rampant in this business, especially in Asia. This is why the photo has to be 'recent'. At my age (54) this is a harsh reality. They want energised, entertaining youngsters, especially for dealing with young children. But they know that specifying or asking age doesn't go down well. So they ask for a photo. You may have noticed that for jobs that involve teaching adults, business English or ESP a photo is seldom requested.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 2:17 pm Post subject:

Reasons employers want to see a photo:

1. Your overall "look" - Do you have the "look" of a teacher?

This includes the way you are dressed, if you have neat hair, clear skin etc.

2. Race- White means you're hired, all others are suspect.

3. If you are female, are you attractive? Same also applies to men, but not nearly as much.

4. Age

5. Weight

6. Do you smile?