Job Discussion Forums

imderek2 · Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Posts: 16

Is it common practice to attach a passport sized photo of yourself to your resume when applying for English teaching jobs in China and the rest of Asia, even when the employer doesn't ask for a picture?

I've been sending out my resume and cover letter to some places without a picture and was wondering if I was doing it wrong.

If I send my resume and cover letter as a pdf file, should I add the pic in the pdf or make a seperate attachment of the photo with my email.

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

common practice is to send scanned copies of your degree(s) to
confirm your educational background, and a scanned copy of
your passport to confirm you meet the melanin standard.

xiguagua · Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Posts: 768

I haven't ever included a separate photo. My photo is on my passport and I send them a color scan of that which should suffice. I know some teachers that include "action shots" of them in their "natural habitat" back home which is a little ridiculous I think.

I've also NEVER brought my actual diploma anywhere. I use a color scan of that as well and if it isn't enough for them (i've never had that problem) then well, they're out of luck because it's safe at home in America. Why would you carry around your actual diploma?

imderek2 · Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Posts: 16

Oh, well I'm not in China, I'm still in the US and sending my resume and cover letter by email to some schools that are posting jobs.

It seems a bit much to send in a scan of my degree and passport at the same time i send them my resume. I mean it seems to be setting myself for identity theft!

I can understand sending a scan if my passport and my degree if they show interest and ask for it for an interview, but seems soon with only my resume.

danasoverseasemail · Joined: 08 Jan 2012 Posts: 86

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

The medical exam form that one is usually required to send with his application for his visa requires a head shot to be attached.

dean_a_jones · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 1151 Location: Wuhan, China

I would attach a picture to the resume, but when I applied I didn't send off the passport scans/diploma stuff until contacted.

Worth noting that in China, most people attach a photograph to their CV so it is probably expected.

I don't know if 'action shots' or pictures of you doing a sport, or in a classroom or with young people would help or hinder an application. But most places will want to know what you look like so you don't lose much by sending a photograph (or inserting one into your CV).

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

MNguy · Joined: 01 Feb 2010 Posts: 129

Maybe someone's parents framed their diploma and think it's a really special piece of paper. You can get another one if you contact your Uni and send them $20.

Guerciotti · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 1:35 am Post subject:

I send a recent head shot with my resume and other docs. I'm not sure it matters much if you do or don't unless you're really hot - or not.

I brought my original degrees with me. Again, I don't think it matters a whole lot if you do or don't. I have .jpgs of my degrees and that seems to be all I need.

xiguagua · Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Posts: 768

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Protect your identity by taping over the number of your passport and maybe your middle name before scanning.
As to lifestyle photos remember, in the initial application you are NOT competing against the job description, but against the other applicants.
A lifestyle photo fleshes you out and gives a welcome edge over other more coy types. 'Ridiculous' it is not!
I worked many years as a recruiter and have written two books on job seeking.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

I don't understand what a lifestyle photo is.

What do they want? A picture of you playing tennis? Eating pizza and drinking a pitcher of beer? Cooking breakfast or feeding your goldfish? Lounging about in your Lower-Manhattan penthouse with a couple of breezy girls? A picture of you kissing a baby? A picture of you not holding hands with someone of the same sex?

I worked as a commercial photographer for awhile in the '90's and I photographed a couple of naturist (nudist) weddings. That's sort of thing that I'd consider a "lifestyle photo".

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Any or all of those situations MilesSmiles Very Happy

Should be full length ie standing.
If you have China teaching exp something with students.

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

some advise the more 'mature' teachers, those approaching or
slightly over the school/province age limit, to attach lifestyle
photos.

pictures showing that the ft is not a decrepit old geezer and
probably won't die during the first week of classes. something
showing how fit and active they are, despite their age.