What's a photo on a resume?

A photo on a resume is an image of yourself in passport size that you can include either on the first page of the document or on a cover letter. The image can provide an overview of your appearance, allowing a recruiter to connect your photo to your qualifications, increasing engagement in reviewing the resume. You can create a professional-looking profile image by yourself or have an expert take one for you. The background can be neutral with blue, grey or black colours. Dressing professionally in business attire can also be essential in displaying professionalism.

Related: A Guide to Your Profile on a Resume (With Examples)

When to include a photo on your resume

Applying for roles for private households is one of the  instances where it is essential to include a photo of yourself on a resume, such  a career that relies on the appearance of an individual. Some examples of such occupations include elite nanny, PA, house manager and maid. These professions  insist on an individual providing an image portfolio or a video of them performing particular activities. Rules can be present that govern this process, such as minimal use of makeup or an image of you in specific attire being professional looking attire, hair tied back and smiling. A photo can also be important on resumes that link to additional social media platforms or websites.

Applying for a job through a agency website or any other platform may require including a photo as part of the recruitment process. An additional instance of including an image is when the recruiters for specific job markets ask prospective candidates for an image as a requirement. In such cases, it may be essential to research a job description to make sure you follow the recruiter's requirements.

Related: Should You Include a Resume Photo? A Complete Guide

How to include a photo on a resume

Here are steps you can follow to include your photo on a resume:

1. Research the resume requirements for the job

Various industries may have different requirements for a resume during the hiring process, so it can be essential to know if a photo is part of the required components. If including an image is a part of the hiring process, you can research how to do it. Use samples to learn more about where to place the image and determine which kinds of photos are professional.

2. Acquire a photo

Finding the right photo can be an essential step regarding the position you're applying for in your resume. You can take the picture yourself or engage the services of a professional. A cheap way os to go get a passport photo, tell them it for a resume not a passport. Smile and have hair neat tied back and looking clean and well presented. The passport office usually emails the photo to you and give you a copy.

3. Determine the size of the photo

The resume format can be important in determining the space available for the picture and you can choose a layout that accommodates the image efficiently. The content is more important, making the photo an additional resume element. A passport-size photo can be appropriate for this setting.

4. Establish the position of the photo

Deciding on the photo's location on the resume can help with the recruiter's first impressions of you. Placing the picture at the top right of the page can ensure the recruiter notices the image first before they do an overview of the rest of the resume. This first impression can increase engagement and interest in the resume.

Related: 6 Universal Rules for Writing Your Resume

Pros of including a resume photo

Here are some advantages of including your picture on a resume:

Gives the client a idea of how you present yourself.

Candidates in elite roles, such as elite nannies and major domos can have an extensive display of personality expression when formatting their resumes. A typical resume for these industries may require a photo that portrays unique features that are essential to show you are well presented and can blend in with the family . This process can make recruiting candidates that fit various professions easier.

Improves the first impressions

A first impression is an initial perspective that one can have towards a specific matter or person. Including a photo on your well-crafted resume can increase a potential employer's positive perception of you. The picture can help connect a face to your qualifications.

Cons of including a resume photo

Here are some disadvantages:

Bias

Bias is the tendency to choose something or someone from another. A photo can encourage a potential employer to pass on recruiting because of preferences or features that one lacks. Sometimes, this can be unintentional where employers have had prior issues with candidates of specific characteristics. Particularly if in your photo you look scruffy, or if there are children in the photo, as this breaks the rules of child protection and privacy.

Related: The Halo Effect: Definition and Examples in the Workplace

Related: 10 Best Skills to Include on a Resume

Tips for including a photo

Here are valuable tips to help you as you consider and prepare to include a photo on your resume:

• Use the passport office or hire a professional photographer. Using an expert can help you obtain professional photos for your resume. The expert can control specific features such as the background and lighting.
• Dress appropriately. A resume photo is part of a career portfolio, which can require a professional look by how you dress. A business fit, such as a suit or a blouse can be essential in attaining this look.
• Use minimal makeup with a simple  hair pulled back hairdo. For business settings, minimal makeup can help you appear more professional by highlighting natural features. A simple hairstyle makes you look well presented and  can allow attention to remain on the qualities of the face.
• Select a high-resolution image. The quality of the image can help increase the overall impression of the resume. A high-resolution image can also ensure that the image remains clear when recruiters print the picture from an online platform.
• Smile. A photo that displays a genuine smile can leave a good impression on the individuals who review the resume. A smile can help you appear enthusiastic about the role.
• Use an appropriate background. A plain or neutral background can help to keep the attention on your image. You can include a backdrop with some projects you are currently working on for creative roles.
• Use current images. Taking a recent photo for your headshot can be essential when applying for a new job. This can allow recruiters to see a more accurate representation of you.

Related: 139 Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand Out 

Frequently asked questions on including a resume photo

Here are common questions with answers on including photos on resumes:

1. Are there any available applications or software for building resumes that include photos?

Yes, they're available. You can research the available formats and decide which suits you best. Acquiring suitable software can help you determine a layout that includes a photo in your preferred location.

2. Does using a software template simplify resume writing?

Certain software can simplify your work as they provide a template, ensuring consistency as you draft the resume and including all the essential components. It can also help you determine the quality of both your summary and the photo you want to include. It can suggest otherwise if required.

3. Is it okay to use a resume builder?

Yes. Using a software to build your resume can also help you save time as you gain high-quality work. Writing your resume in this manner can also produce professional resumes that may increase your chances of getting hired when applying for job opportunities.

4. Does it make a difference having a photo?

Yes, a huge difference it will give you a edge over the other candidates if you have a well presented photo. We see it often, resumes with photo that the candidate looks professional.

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Related: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Professional Resume

Leave you feedback, what are your thoughts on photos on resumes?

Article has been edited to suit the Household staff industry. originally posted by indeed read original article here. https://sg.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/photo-on-resume#:~:text=The%20image%20can%20provide%20an,expert%20take%20one%20for%20you.