One question I am often asked, and am sometimes presented with, is “Should I include my picture on my resume?” My short answer is “No”. But this is considered a resume “grey area” so let’s discuss:
Traditionally, the reason for omitting pictures on resumes has been to protect employers and job candidates from allegations and/or discrimination based on race, age, weight, gender, and general appearance.
But in this modern world. we can find a picture of someone with a simple Google search (or let’s face it, a quick creep on Facebook). Potential employers can learn a whole lot more than just what you look with the click of a few simple buttons, rather than a photo that you may or may not include on your resume.
Alison Doyle, an aficionado in the art of the job search, suggests looking into adding your picture to LinkedIn instead – a professional social network widely utilized by candidates in their job search and by recruiters sourcing talent. “If you believe your appearance would be an asset for your target job, incorporating a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume is a safe and acceptable way to showcase your looks. Though a certain appearance is essential for actors and models, an attractive, trustworthy or approachable appearance can also be an asset in many other fields. Sales representatives, receptionists, bartenders, financial planners, public relations representatives, recruiters and many other service providers can benefit from projecting a certain image.”
If a job posting explicitly asks for you to provide a photograph, it’s important to ask yourself “Why is my picture important to this employer?” As an employer myself, I believe that hiring decisions should be based upon skills and experience as opposed to an excellent picture. “It’s important to consider what value a picture will add” Doyle explains. As I said before, a resourceful hiring manager will likely be able to find one with a quick online search – so next time, let’s discuss our social media presence when job-searching, shall we?
Want to learn more resume tips? Check out Alison Doyle at https://www.thebalance.com/alison-doyle-2058389
Recruiter Confidant 