To include a photo of myself on my CV?

[OooohhDeer]

I havdon't been madly looking for a new job and sent out I reckon at least 30 applications. I'm at a point where not sure what exactly I should do or doing wrong.
I have been reading tip etc of how to improve CV cover letter etc. And the photo thing came up. I haven't got a photo of me on my CV yet but think might worth a try. What do you think about it? Pros and cons?

TBH, I'd think it was really, really weird.

In what way do you think it will affect how your application is considered?

It'll be removed by either the agency or HR for the vast majority of places; so that there can be no suggestion of discrimination.

At my current job; we ask people to reapply without a photograph. At the place before, it was stripped out by our application software.

Are you applying for jobs in an industry where appearance matters?

My husband included a picture. It didn't seem to make much difference.
At my graduation I got conned into buying 30 passport photos for CV's and the like. I was too embarrassed to used them. Costed as fortune, too.
I am now in a position where I help with hiring. I don't think having a photo makes too much difference. I always think would I like to work for a company that gave me a chance based on my looks? But, y'know I feel like that because I'm really ugly.

Nope it's cringy and will have no effect on the outcome

It would be a no in our company as well (HR would remove it).

I used to screen CVs for my boss at a previous job, and found it really weird when photos were included. Seemed to be more common on applications from Europeans, so maybe it’s the done thing in some countries?

Don’t! Unless it’s mdelling or acting?
Have you tried the free online cv review sites? Have a look at what colour is your parachute website and book for great suggestions of how to conduct a targeted job hunt. Are you on LinkedIn? So many jobs are found by networking.

I think it's more common now with younger people which is bizarre given the focus on bias (unconscious or otherwise). Personally I wouldn't do it. I've been involved in the hiring process at a couple of different companies and it put off/annoyed some of the older decision makers.

We also used to get a lot of CVs from Asian women, who always included their marital status on their CV.

No, unless the company specifically requests it as part of the application process. For example working as a Nanny for an agency a picture is often requested.

Have you looked at the content of your cv? Failing that any open social media that could reflect badly?

Brilliant thanks for the answers. I leave the photo off my CV.
Just to answer the questions appearance does matter in the industry I'm trying to land a job in.
I don't know what difference it would make. I'm just desperate and a bit miserable now. Looked a few tips up online. I guess I felt it might just make my CV stand out that tiny bit more

The main 'pro' is that it might make your CV stand out more.

There are various pitfalls I can imagine. Firstly, it might not please the traditionalists. Secondly, you might be judged on the photo for a variety of reasons - if it's a stunning picture, people might think you are trading on your looks; or people might think you look too conservative/not conservative enough, too young, too old, etc.

Having said all that, if I had sent out 30 applications and got nowhere, I would probably think 'what the heck' and give it a whirl.

Wishing you luck in your job hunt whatever you decide!

Unless it's a performance type career, don't do it, it's cringey, also most HR departments remove gender age etc from applications so they'd need to remove your photo too

As others have said, it will only get removed to avoid any issues with discrimination. You're much better off focussing on content. An important thing to remember is that it's tough applying for jobs and easy to feel disheartened but keep persevering and you'll get there in the end.

Tailor your CV to the specific job role, if you don't have time for that just tweak your personal statement and make it clear that this role is what you aspire to do.

Ensure you have "Other skills" as a section where you can list everything you can do relevant to the role but perhaps doesn't fit in employment history or education. For example I'm in IT and would list the softwares I'm familiar with.

Bullet points are your friend. Recruiters do not have long to focus on each CV so make sure your points are brief and relevant. You can delve deeper in the interview, if you waffle on your CV they may fall asleep.

Include things outside of your career if they are relevant, if you have done something in your spare time stick it in there. I see people often forget that they are as skilled as they are. I helped someone recently who is just starting out in his career so didn't have much to show on his CV. I questioned him about what he does at home, how he helps friends. He didn't think it was relevant but it not only demonstrates skill but passion too to do it without pay.

Include what you want as well as what you can offer. Make sure to be honest about where you want your career to go and, if it fits with the company then they know you are likely to be a loyal employee and stick around to progress.

Apply direct to the companies if you can, it means no recruitment fees for them and rightly or wrongly they may factor this in even if they don't admit it.

Ensure spelling and grammar is perfect, I've known people dismiss CVs for that even if it was a minor typo. Make sure formatting is consistent and professional looking, especially if you are claiming to be proficient in Office.

Content really is key here but remember that there is so much competition at the moment, it's going to be tough but that is no reflection on you. Good luck!

We remove names, dates and universities from CVs to avoid unconscious bias, so a photo definitely wouldn't get through.

I'm sorry you're not getting anywhere with your applications. Have you tailored your CV to every role you apply to?

It will make you stand out but not necessarily in a good way. When I have been recruiting a handful of people have sent CVs with their photo on and none of them were selected for interview.

When recruiting we look at CVs in terms of both what they say and, more importantly, what they don't say. Adding a photograph to the CV immediately suggests the candidate is either self-obsessed or worse, think that the recruiter will be swayed by their physical appearance. Neither of which is a plus point for you.

Of course if you are gorgeous and the person recruiting you is incredibly shallow, you may get a positive result on the strength of your image - but is this something you really want?

Only include a photo if you're applying to a modelling agency

I look at CVs sometimes and this would massively put me off an application.

Is your CV nicely designed up or is it just very 'word doc'? Might be worth having a go at designing something a bit more eye catching.

I had a photo of me on my CV when I applied for a job working for a skin care brand. Not so much image but appearance was important, so I wanted to show I was presentable and fittted in with thier brand. I got the job so it worked for me! However I’m now in a diff industry doing office work and I wouldn’t put a photo on as it’s not relevant.

No.