BY Christian Schweitzer
One topic that remains contentious is whether or not to include a photo of you on your resume.
Depending on whom you choose to listen to, some HR practitioners or recruiters will say it’s a no-no whilst others actively encourage it because it’s good for personal branding.
So here are a few of the pros and cons to consider as to whether adding a photo on your resume is right for you.
In a world that’s highly visual, we continually link our name to our face — Facebook, dating websites, personal blogs and of course everyone’s defacto resume, LinkedIn. It’s becoming the norm and if you don’t do it, it invites all sorts of assumptions. What are you hiding? Conventional thinking therefore is why should your resume be any different?
Though before you go delving into InDesign to place your photo on your resume, consider this.
There appears to be some concern from some HR practitioners and indeed some employers within highly litigious societies who want to avoid at all costs any potential for discrimination in hiring practices.
Whether you like it or not, by putting your face on your resume, you’ll be judged. You reveal something about yourself — your gender, ethnicity and perhaps religious affiliation. And whilst there are anti-discrimination laws in place, a photo may be a red flag to an employer and result in your resume being dismissed.
So where is the future headed?
There’s software now available called Prezi that allows you to create an online, visual, story based career presentation, or ‘presume’, and if that’s the direction then we’re likely to see more and more photos on resumes.
Ultimately though, the decision should always be based on your personal preference and what you’re comfortable with saying about yourself.
