Putting your photo on a CV

The Minstrel

I don't mean clipped on, but as part of the actual Word document. Is this a really naff thing to do, or is it normal/acceptable to incorporate a passport sized photo in your CV?

KTRIC

In Ireland no, never seen it being done. Here for example (Germany) its the done thing, personally I don't do it, seems wrong.

dory

Good question. I'm applying to an international organization so I'm thinking maybe I should! Is it the norm in other countries does anyone know?

projectmayhem

The Minstrel wrote: »

I don't mean clipped on, but as part of the actual Word document. Is this a really naff thing to do, or is it normal/acceptable to incorporate a passport sized photo in your CV?

Only ever seen it on Polish CV's and always thought it was strange. What you look like isn't the issue when getting a job (for the most part anyways)...

Mr. Incognito

I've always done it.

But I'm pretty.........................

Ellechim

Generally not done in Ireland but is common in Europe. I would only put a photo on if it was taken professionally and made you look great. Also, i've never seen it on more senior/experienced positions...........

brettmirl

I wouldn't do it, unless the job advert specifically asks for one.

AARRRGH

I see it a lot of CVs from eastern Europe. I also see it sometimes on CVs from other countries (including Ireland) where it's a girl who's pretty.

I think it is unnecessary and a bit weird.

Twin-go

The Minstrel wrote: »

I don't mean clipped on, but as part of the actual Word document. Is this a really naff thing to do, or is it normal/acceptable to incorporate a passport sized photo in your CV?

Your CV is all about marketing yourself. It needs to stand out. If you feel your picture on your CV will help to sell yourself by all means put it on. It must be a recent picture with nutral background and not one of you in the pub from your Facebook.

I have my picture in my CV and I have always got the interview (and the job).:p 5/5

fozzle

In a lot of Europe it's expected to put one on. Here it's rare, and in truth EU employment legislation says that potential employers are NOT allowed to ask you to include a photo as it opens the gates for more potential for discrimination. That's not to say it doesn't happen, but in Ireland at least employers seem to be pretty good at not asking. They can also not ask for marital status, age, religion, nationality and if you have children. There may be more but I can't remember at the moment. If you feel it helps your cv stand out then fire ahead. Both myself and my husband have been interviewers and we both feel having unneccessary stuff on it just makes it look like you are more inexperience in and lacking in knowledge about the Irish jobs market.

HarryD

Always done here in Hungary.
Personally I think it's pointless.
I'm not going to invite someone for an interview becasue of how they look.

Serafijn

It seems to be very common in mainland Europe and is becoming more so in Ireland.

I would echo some of the above posters in that yes, it will make your CV stand out a little more, but be extra careful with what picture you put on. Make sure you look professional but not too over the top, relaxed but not facebook style as already said.

Also get someone else to take it - I can't help but laugh when I see people blatantly holding the camera at arms length! And if you're below average in terms of looks then I would generally not recommend it!

TripleAce

I have never done it, but I should start attaching my picture (or maybe 3-4 of them) on my future CVs.....surely with my gorgeousness the interviewer (if a "she") wouldn't even need to read through the CV in order to hire me :cool:

Chinafoot

Passport photo was required when applying for a local authority. Found it odd myself.

godeas

i work in recruitment and its a huge NO NO even if u look like Cheryl Cole! the offenders mostly come from eastern europe and the photos are SCARY! Its the experience we're looking at, not the photos.

leeroybrown

I'd generally do whatever is the norm in the country the job is in. Here in Ireland I'd never include one unless explicitly requested. If I was application was going to a country where a photo was normally expected then I'd probably included one.

I do get see a few eastern European CV's that include a photo. What always gets me about them is that it's often a low quality washed out photo that would look more at home in a Garda photo fit. When you meet them they're quite often personable and friendly but the photo generally gives the opposite impression.