The Picture Perfect Technique

Get ready for a politically incorrect (yet often effective) suggestion. This one goes against almost everything written about proper resumes. But it still works in the majority of cases.

Put your picture on your resume. Not pasted on, but scanned in as a small 1"x1" graphic at the top right on the page.

I know, I know, you are not supposed to do that. And companies are not supposed to care about what you look like. But they do. Especially when hundreds or thousands of miles separate you, it can effectively communicate the vital message: "I am a real person. Talk to me."

There are some caveats to this technique. If you look like the Unabomber, you might want to skip. But for 90+%, there should be no problem with personal appearance. Remember, this is going to shrink down your photo to less than one inch square, so complexion problems or even a large nose will not matter much.

Many large company Human Resources departments will screen or cover up the photo, therefore masking a small part of your resume. So only use it if your resume is going direct to the hiring manager or if it is a smaller company. And finally, the main reason that all the books say this is wrong is because of the potential for discrimination. They are right, but only to a very limited degree. Bottom line is that there are still some rednecks out there who will discriminate against you for your race, your sex, your religion, and any of a variety of protected classes. You probably would not want to work for them anyway. Discrimination does happen. So if you are worried about potential discrimination, you have to go into this one with your eyes open. But remember that for every redneck, there are scores of professionals who will value your diversity. It is a risk, yet it is up to you to take that risk in a calculated way. If you feel it has the potential to enhance your job search, use it. If not, don't.

You are welcome to browse this material as a visitor of our site, but please do not violate the copyright by making copies of this material, either electronic, paper or any other type, with the exception of one paper copy of each page permitted for your own personal use and reference.