The Perfect Job Application Photo
13 February 2017
Read by 4732 persons
Mike's tie is knotted halfway, his collar is worn, his glasses reflect the light. Against the chalky white background, the photo looks like it was taken in a train station photo booth. Dana invested a few more euros. She opted for a half-portrait that fills most of the cover. Her hands are crossed under her chin, large earrings dangle almost to her shoulders.
1. The classic photo has a serious effect
"In my career, I've seen hundreds of application photos," says Jutta Ganitis, a job application consultant, "from photo booth photos to partially nude photos. For me, the classic photo of approximately 6.5 by 4.5 centimeters or slightly larger has the most serious effect when professionally done."
But that's where the problems begin. Many job seekers avoid visiting a photographer, partly for cost reasons, partly because they feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. Jutta Ganitis knows the problem: "How many people like to see themselves in photos? How many find themselves attractive or appealing when they look at their application photo? Very few! And that's exactly the effect many application photos have on HR managers."
2. What tips the scales
Tense, shy, disguised - those who convey so little through their photo should not be surprised to receive negative responses. Of course, a good photo (see checklist) does not replace qualifications in a field, but it can tip the scales when two candidates are equal on paper.
Psychologists have found that an observer judges a photographed person, their abilities, and their behavior in just 150 milliseconds, less than a sixth of a second. Of course, the first impression is not set in stone and is often revised during the job interview, but the candidate must first get there.
3. Despite equal opportunity laws...
In the United States, application photos have long been prohibited. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, or origin, has provided the courts with a wave of lawsuits from rejected candidates. In order not to be liable, companies in the USA therefore automatically eliminate applications containing a photo.
In Europe, the EU's anti-discrimination directives are starting to take effect. Companies that refuse a candidate because of their nationality or age should expect compensation claims. The application photo could become an important piece of evidence in a lawsuit - which initially caused concern in HR departments.
4. Almost all companies want a photo
In the meantime, companies know that they meet the requirements of equal opportunity laws when they do not explicitly request a photo in the advertisement. Requesting to send "the usual important documents" clearly means: "We also want to see a face." "Despite this law, an attractive photo is still and always part of a successful and complete application file," says Michaela Gawel, another application consultant.
5. Purpose of the photo: to create a sympathetic effect
In Europe, the application photo should remain a standard for some time to come - as supplementary information for the HR manager who "literally needs to form an image of the candidate," finds Hesse. "It's not a beauty contest," he says, "but something much more important: sympathy."
(Christoph Stehr, 06/09)
6. 4-point checklist: Let's be serious!
Let the pros do it
Holiday or photo booth photos are absolutely excluded. It's better to make an appointment at a studio. A "business shoot" with several poses in different outfits takes 60 to 90 minutes and costs between 150 and 300 euros. For this price, you can expect clothing advice and basic makeup.
Those who also want to use the photos for publications also acquire the usage rights and image rights immediately. You can get a set of simple application photos from 20 euros.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Each industry has its own dress code, which should be reflected in the application photo. Banks like it classically correct. For advertising agencies, the outfit, pose, and background can be a bit more casual. The photographer already knows all this, but you should also tell them that the photos will be sent to different addresses.
The photo can be in "black and white" or in color - there are no specific preferences in this regard. Some career advisors consider "black and white" photos to be more expressive.
Pay attention to details
Decent colors - both on the body and on the face - have the best effect. No striking jewelry, no extravagant hairstyle. Stains on the suit or worn shirt collars are taboo. Those who always wear glasses obviously also have them on in the photo. And... smile!
Beware of photographic subtleties such as a cut-off head or an extremely oblique photo axis. Also pay attention to the digital retouching that some overly zealous photographer might offer you: you can retouch a button, but it's up to the dentist to replace a missing tooth, not the photographer.
Present yourself correctly
Those who submit their application "on paper" stick the approximately 6.5 by 4.5 centimeter photo in the upper right corner of the resume. Do not use a staple or paperclip, but a piece of double-sided adhesive tape. It is only recommended to scan and print the photo if the result is impeccable.
Proponents of the "cover page" in application files often get carried away with using a larger photo and a different form of representation, such as a half-format. Seriousness must not suffer. And proportionality must be respected.
Monster.fr
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