Is it illegal for employers to require a photo with your resume?

Question

I've been told its a form of discrimination, because they can use a photo to discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, etc. Does anyone know of laws to this effect? A link would be lovely!

Answer 1

It's poor practice, not necessarily illegal, since it could leave a discrimination complaint harder to defend against.

It is legal and very common for a company to require a photo after you have been hired.

Answer 2

It's not illegal to ask, but the reason for asking might be.  

I can think of no legal reason why an employer would want a photograph of a potential employee (unless, of course, it's a talent agent).  

Answer 3

How bad do you want the job........if your that upset don't apply.......someone else would love to have that job..........it is legal

Answer 4

It is not illegal for an employer to request a photo, unusual yes, questionable yes, but not illegal. I guess it would depend on what kind of job you are applying for to know why they are asking for one. Actors/actresses, models, spokesmodels would all be reasonable to ask for this. Other professions I would question why they want this.

Answer 5

I would have to agree with Rob.  

And....it should definitely not be a requirement because it is very easy to discriminate when a photo is attached.  And actually that makes the employers job alot easy when they can just look at a picture and say "yeah this person looks professional and nice, lets call them for an interview." And that would be wrong unless of course you are modeling or something like that.  I would not attach my picture and if they required it, I would apply somewhere else.

Answer 6

In the USA, yes, it is for the reasons you describe.  (www.eeoc.gov or www.dol.gov both have info on labor practices; the EEOC deals with discrimination issues.)

In Europe and Latin America, it's fairly common to require a photo to be submitted with a C.V.

Good luck.

Answer 7

It's not illegal but it could be used in an illegal way like discrimination.  This is why most employers will not require it.  I usually delete photos from resumes when I save them.

Now there are exceptions for certain positions like models, actors, TV personalities, etc.  In those businesses there is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) to have a certain look