"When I interview you I want it to be like Blind Date"

In my time I have had many CVs sent to me, but it was not until I started receiving applications for a student-led consultancy scheme that I started to see something completely new to me.. Photos.

So, why would you put your photo on a CV?

In many countries a photograph attached to or built in to your CV is a customary feature.

For some jobs your employer may need to know what you look like, i.e. model, sales person, working at Hollister, and this practice may again be the custom, (though this isn't something I have come across before), but should you be putting a photo on your CV or not?

Unless you know you are going into an industry where looks are the be all and end all, I would recommend strongly avoiding this. Employers should not be looking to employ you based on your looks but your ability, and even at a basic level this is just a waste of perfectly good paper you could be writing more info about how great you are on.

I asked some employers what they thought and this is what they had to say:



"When I interview you I want it to be like Blind Date. You should get invited to interview because I like what I've read about you, and it isn't a thing we see a lot on CVs and so I would question why that person has included a photo. Really I just want to ask you questions and I will pick you based on a scoring system based on those responses". - Public Sector employer



Source: primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk



"I would take that photo off and throw it in the bin. That just has employment tribunal written all over it. Imagine if I employed a really good looking person, that's not a reason for someone to get a job and if anyone found out that was the reason why I could be in serious trouble. For employers it opens up all kinds of doors into discrimination. AVOID" - Private Sector employer

This may be something you've never even thought about, I know I certainly never had. But it raises an important point, you need to research firstly and most importantly, the country your CV is going to. Present to an employer what they expect and avoid having your hard efforts overlooked or thrown in the bin. Secondly, research

your sector, it may be normal for you to attach a photo, or it may be normal for you to attach an example of your work. Speak to people and seek advice, remember every CV you send out should be different, tailored to that employer, that extra five minutes could really get you places.