PICTURE ON MY RESUME?

Should I Include My Picture On My Resume?

Here’s a simple answer- NO!  Nothing against you personally as I am sure you have a very good professional look.  And I am sure that you want the hiring authority to “put a face with the resume.”  But what you may not realize is that by putting your picture on your resume you may inadvertently be eliminating yourself from consideration and putting yourself at risk.

Here’s why:

Many Human Resource Directors are mandated not to even consider interviewing people who have put their picture on the resume due to discrimination lawsuits.

People have filed complaints against companies because they have come to the conclusion that the reason for rejection is due to age, race, religious affiliation, etc- criteria that may be illustrated by the picture.  Therefore, H/R Directors play it safe by not contacting the candidate.

You never know who is looking at your resume.

A few years ago a candidate of mine shared a story about how she received a call from a “Manager at Johnson & Johnson” who had seen her resume and wanted to interview her at such and such hotel in downtown Denver.  Except he was not a manager at J&J.  And there was no hotel.  But now the creep had her address and her picture.  Thank God nothing happened- but you get the picture.  Be careful!

Initial Judgments are made on you even before you interview

When you walk into that interview room, the confident manner in which you enter the room, the firm handshake, the gratifying smile, the business attire, and your overall business demeanor can make a huge impact on the rest of the interview.  Those first few seconds are far more effective than any picture you have posted on the resume.  Plus, – and I don’t mean to be harsh – but in pictures, people generally look their best, and if you don’t look your best or don’t appear to resemble your picture, the interviewer may be disappointed. Don’t set yourself up for a potential letdown.

If you want to post your picture, do so on LinkedIn.  But don’t give anyone the opportunity to prejudge you prior to you walking through the door.  And you may never know who may be calling you.  Be careful!