I’ve been asked before if you should add your picture in a resume? Well the answer for everything in IT is “It depends”. If you’re getting ready to join an IT career, this is the common answer. Why? Well, people in an IT career are very process focused. It’s never YES or NO, it’s always it depends based on the data.
Having good picture can help your chances of getting a job or reduce them. There’s studies that show back when there were minimal TV’s, presidential debates on a radio where people focused solely on voice had a whole different result when someone can see the faces on a tv.
So what factors do you have to consider about?
- It depends on where you live and the culture around it?
- Do you have a good picture that gives off a good impression of you?
- Does the message from your picture reflect the position you’re applying for?
Environment:
Before you put your picture on your resume, is this normal? Is it taboo in your region? In these scenarios, it’s better to follow the standard. Look up people in the same field as you on LinkedIn – do they do it? Is there anyone you know in the field that can help give you insight?
Quality of the Picture?
Do you have a great picture that shows professionalism? Or is it in poor lighting, an awkward smile? I’ve heard of resume pictures that are similar to prison pictures or something you might find on a social media post. I’ve actually seen some pictures that are out of focus, or show someone’s backyard more than their face. Your picture should represent your brand and show you in a good light. If you don’t have any pictures like this, please do not include it.
If you have a good picture, but awkward background, use free tools like http://remove.bg to remove the background. It’s very straight forward to use. (See my resume picture to see how I’ve used it to remove the background in my other post). Ideally, if you can afford it, get a few done professionally. The 40$ will pay off exponentially when you get that job.
Does the Message of the picture align with the Job?
My favorite resume I got of someone applying for a senior position had a picture of him BBQ’ing in a T-Shirt. What message is your picture giving? Is it super colorful and full of excitement when you’re interviewing for a role that is asking for discrete and conservativeness? Are you showing a face without a smile for a role that requires a lot of positive public displays? Contradicting pictures on a resume can definitely hurt you more than you realize!
Some of you reading this might say – but this is obvious. The reason I actually have to write it out is that, apparently it isn’t. I’m still surprised at how some pictures are attached to resumes that could make someone lose a chance of an interview.
Think through what you’re saying with your picture, and if you have to ask – my 1 bit of advice is not to put it.
Good luck,
Rick@ITJob.Coach
ITJob.Coach 