Should you include a photo on your resume?
The short answer is NO.
Surprising, right? Here in the Philippines, a photo is an integral part of the resume. College graduates are even taught the right way to have their picture taken, the business attire that goes with it, and of course, the size: 2 x 2 inches. So, why is it not advisable to have a photo of yourself on your resume?
The first and foremost reason is discrimination. Consciously or unconsciously, some people might make assumptions based on your photo "“ and they might be detrimental to your chances for employment. The resume is a tool that you use to get you to an interview, so it must be solely focused on your skills and qualifications.
Also, some employers frown at seeing photos in resumes (with good reason "“ they can be accused of discrimination), they might immediately discard your application once they see the picture. However, since we're now at the digital age, there are several exceptions to the no-picture-on-the-resume rule that you can do.
1. Attach your business card with your resume
Another option that you can use is your business card. You can attach your business card with your resume when you send your application, either online (email, recruitment portal, etc.) or offline (walk-in, job fairs, etc.). This is especially useful if you're also looking for new contacts or if you're handing out your resume to companies that interest you during conferences or job fairs. Having a photo and your contact numbers readily available will make it easier for certain people to remember you.
2. Include your other social media accounts
If the work you're targeting is digital in nature or something to do with online communication, you can include your social media accounts on your resume. They're going to check it anyway so it would be prudent to just put them there, just make sure that the social media accounts you'll put on your resume are "sanitized." No hirer would want to see your drunk videos or workplace rants.
Other ways can be utilized to stand out
Other than the odd picture on your resume, there are other ways, more creative ones, that you can utilize to stand out. You can send out a video resume of yourself, make a website and fill it with your works, or forego the traditional resume and go all out on a creativeone. Although just be sure that the company you're aiming for, is of the creative or digital kind before doing something out of the ordinary.
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