Photo in Resume – Double-Edged Sword?

Conventional wisdom will tell you not to include a picture in your resume. Adding a photo of yourself is discouraged to prevent biased hiring.

Really? Then why not beat the system at it’s own game? If a picture can influence a hiring manager on decisions, we should use the power to our advantage!

Consider this – when we’re at a new restaurant, chances are we’re going to order something that’s pictured in the menu. This is due to the psychological phenomenon known as the “Picture Superiority Effect”. It suggests that we are more likely to remember concepts when they’re presented in images rather than words. Seeing a photo helps us form a more complete picture (pun intended), leading to a deeper connection.

However, be aware, this is a double-edged sword. A poor photo can harm our chances. Just like how, when a restaurant serves us a dish that doesn’t match the picture, we express our disappointment, “It doesn’t look like the picture, wei!” So, if we decided to include one, ensure it represents us professionally.

Remember, it’s not about bending the rules, it’s about understanding them and making informed choices to maximize our chances.

Meanwhile, what do you think of this photo? Does it give you a vibe that I’m a good salesperson? Or a friendly boss? Will you ‘order’ an interview with me?

#AuntyHR #ResumeRevamp #CareerAdvice

Snap a Selfie with Me @Sim Ling KU


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