Korean Job Discussion Forums

[oskinny1]

People, please learn what is an appropriate photo to use for your resume.

Dos-
shirt, tie, jacket (for men)
blouse, suit, whatever (for women)
combed hair
clean shaven (no scruff, beard is fine for men)
plain background

Don'ts-
take pic in a bar
take pic holding the camera in front of your face (this isn't myspace)
take pic while a bunch of other junk is stuck to the wall behind you
have a background that resembles a Carnival float


It's simple. Go to a studio or Emart and pay 5,000 won to get a few head shots. 4 of the 6 resumes I was asked to review were tossed just because of this. 1 escaped the trash solely because I had to choose 2. Only 1 actually had a proper pic. He wasn't the most qualified but at least showed signs of professionalism.

[morrisonhotel]

Not in any way related to your post, but I love the avatar.

[oskinny1]

Thanks, it's my "What? I'm not stalking you" look.

[joltaxt]

Not so sure about this.

I sent pics of me in a suit to most recruiters.

Some recruiters told me to send casual pics ("you with your friends is OK")

Another one told me to send pictures of me in a hat because I don't have blond hair.

Dress conservatively to be safe. But be ready to send more pics on top of that.

I noticed different recruiters had different things to say. It was odd.

[kinerry]

Please, stop helping my competition.

Sincerely, me.

[frankly speaking]

recruiters make up the most ridiculous crap sometimes.

Why would an employer want to see a picture of someone and their friends?

I agree with the OP, except it is also best to add a warm sense to the photo. You want good lighting as well as a nice gentle smile. A professional look is important but so is a gentle disposition.

A very serious expression is as bad as a party photo, especially if it is for a position teaching children.

[ChilgokBlackHole]

You can go into any photo shop and ask them. Korean photo shops are amazing, and for what they charge? Great service.

There was an awkward moment when I had my passport photo retaken, and the lady behind the counter looked at me funny. "Well, uh, thanks?" She stands there... "Oh, I'm sorry, you want *money*?" That got a laugh, and I just said "Don't be shy!" They want you to pay up front.

The thing that stuck in my mind was the guy was using some obscenely expensive body, you can actually count my nose hairs. Literally. Tell them you want the full sized .jpg *and* you want another one that's been shrunk.