In Singapore's recruitment industry, attaching a photograph of the applicant in the job application is an optional practice, although some job advertisements specifically request for the applicant to 'attach a recent photograph of yourself'. While Tracy has seen many professionally taken photographs of applicants, she has seen her fair share of photographs which aren't so professional and as a result, affect the applicant's chances of beings shortlisted for an interview. Some major faux pas include:
- Taking a photo against a clubbing backdrop
- Taking a photo against a bedroom backdrop
- Photos with heavy make-up
- Photos showing a significant amount of skin (and cleavage)
- Applicants who photograph at an angle
- Applicants who do not smile (and look dead serious)
How To Take A DIY Photo For Your CV
We have a choice of either going to a professional studio and have a corporate shoot taken (which usually costs between $25-50 for 4-6 photos), or for the more budget-conscious, take our own photos. Here, Tracy shares some very simple and straightforward tips on taking your own photo, using either your camera phone or a digital camera.
- For Men: Wash and style your hair. Men's hair is short and tends to stick out in all directions, especially in the morning. Also remove any trace of moustache or beard undergrowth. You'd want to look clean and professional, ready to blend into the workforce. Put on a business shirt. The most basic shirt you can start off with is a white collared shirt. Don't bother with pants; you can wear berms or shorts for all you like. You don't need a full-length shot!
- For Women: Style your hair and put on light make-up. "Less is more." It's better to look under made up than over made up. I'd say a light make-up includes a basic shade of foundation to cover any pores, blemishes or marks, thin eyeliner to brighten your eyes (you'd never imagine how many women tend to over do this!), a light shade of eye-shadow and light to moderate coloured lip gloss or lipstick. Put on a business blouse - collared shirt or any non-collared top that has a modest neckline.
- Select a plain backdrop. You can most definitely do this in your bedroom, but make sure there is no furniture or paintings showing within your camera frame. Bedroom or house walls are great choices for backdrops because they're usually in pale, plain colours.
- Well, today's technology is amazing. There're front-facing cameras on handphones now and if your phone does have this feature, use it! If not, either get a friend / family member to help you take the photo, or experiment with the self-timer option. Your photo should capture from the very top of your head to just above the chest area or bustline.
- The final step - Smile! Give a nice grin that shows the top row of your teeth. Showing both rows is a little over gregarious and you should reserve that smile if you win the lottery.
Examples Of Photos That Are Not Suitable For Job Applications
Photo Editing
Save My CV can perform a mini makeover on your looks if you don't have the resources to take your own photo. Simply send a recent camera-facing photo of yourself to Save My CV and Tracy will be happy to spruce it up for you.
Services
Services
- Crop image to size - FREE!
- Hide pores / blemishes / uneven skin tone --- $0.50
- Change backdrop from dark to white --- $0.50 to $2.00
- Whiten teeth --- $0.50
- Adding lipstick / changing shade of lipstick --- $0.50
- Other requests --- please contact Tracy