Is it right for employers to ask for candidates to send their picture when applying for a job?

Question

Employers are so hypocritical. They talk about wanting a smart, hardworking person in their ad when advertising for a job then they want you to send a picture of your self. If the person fits all the qualities they are looking for does it matter how they look? It really pisses me off because some pretty people are really dumb and they would prefer to hire the ones that look good.

Answer 1

I would say it was okay if you are appling for a model job or a part in a commercial.  

Answer 2

No they do not have any right to ask for a picture  of you.They need to hire for your  qualifications Not  for what you like.That is discrimination.

Answer 3

Depends.

If the job is something like acting, modeling, or the like, then submission of a picture is standard.  In these industries, it is legal to hire someone based on looks.  And, yes, that can include race.

However, for most other jobs, it is NOT standard to ask for a picture.  One may be required in some specialized situations, such as when the picture is being used as support for a security check.

Any company that asks for a photo in order to hire based on looks (outside of those listed above) is being foolish.  An interview can be used to see what someone looks like.  At which point, short of obvious illegal discrimination, they can make a decision about how you look and hire you based on that... without being obvious about it.

Like it or not, it can matter what you look like.  Expensive clothing stores, for example, like to have sales associates that are attractive.  There a legit business reason for hiring only attractive people.  That may not seem fair.  But, as long as it's not discrimination based on race, s*x, etc., then it's totally legal.  There are no laws to protect people that are less attractive.

Answer 4

I didn't think they could ask for your photo when applying for a job.  Anyway, I wouldn't want to work for a company that did.  Try another place!

Answer 5

They may be trying to figure out how old you are.  btw, you look as good as you think you do.  How you view yourself mentally has a lot to do with how others see you.

Be pretty too.

fs

Answer 6

They aren't so much looking for "pretty" people. They may want a pic to see how you present yourself, your hygeine, your dress style, how you take care of yourself, etc. Think about this, you want to hire someone and you have 2 candidates--one is dressed professionally and clean, and the other is not so much. Who would you want representing your company?

Answer 7

well u really cant judge a book by its cover so no i dont think its right but at the same time they dont want someone applying for the job looking like they just crawled out of the gutter either.  As long as they dont base the job solely on the picture then its ok in my opinion

Answer 8

I think ugly people are the only ones that really worry about that.

Answer 9

clothed?

Answer 10

No its not i think you should report them for sexism

Answer 11

Since its illegal to ask what race you are, I suspect this would be illegal too.  

Answer 12

You are completely right

Answer 13

Not unless it's for modeling or acting.

Answer 14

if the job needs a pretty face to get others deals done.....then you have to screen you people....in the business to make money sometimes s*x sells.....fair no does it happen yes

Answer 15

I took a career prep course in college and the instructor suggested we put a color photo of ourselves on the top right corner of our resumes so I guess it's ok.

Answer 16

If it is a job in acting or modeling... yes you do need pictures... if this is any other regular job... I believe it is illegal for them to request a picture.  You should call the board of labor.

Answer 17

They do this all the time in other countries and of course it matters how you look.

Answer 18

The ONLY time it is correct for employers to ask candidates to send a picture when applying for a job is when the job is a MODELING job.  That would even make sense, you want a "pretty person" to model your clothes, be the spokesperson for your product, etc.  Otherwise it is possible discrimination if you ask for a picture for a job that doesn't require your looks.  In all honesty, that's what an interview is for.  It is used to see what you know, how you present yourself to the corporate environment and to gage whether you fit in with the team, a picture alone doesn't tell anyone that.

Hope this helps.

Answer 19

It's not legal in the United States unless your looks are relevant to job performance.  For example, if you are an actor, then looks are highly relevant.  Otherwise, it's not legal.

Answer 20

They dont want fat people raising the price of the company's health insurance.

Answer 21

sorry never heard of that one before.. learn something new everyday I guess.

Answer 22

What kind of job are you applying for? I've never had them ask for a photo, just a resume. If they like what's on the resume, they'll invite you to an interview.  

Answer 23

I've heard of this procedure before, but usually after an interview has been performed. The reason the potential employer may ask for your photo AFTER an interview is to remember who they interviewed by associating a face with a name. Again, I've heard of this practice after an interview, but never before.

So if they're asking you to send in a photo prior to an interview, then something doesn't sound right. I just hope you're good looking :)

Answer 24

It depends upon the job. Modeling, acting, etc., are all very much based upon looks and so headshots are sent. If you're working at a desk, then no this isn't right. I'd simply report any written or verbal communication you've had that indicates this stance to the EEOC, and look for a company with less shallow managers.

If they want to see how professional you look and how well you conduct yourself, they should ask you to interview.

Answer 25

Are you in the US?  Discrimination based on gender, race, or age is illegal here.  A picture gives a potential employer all that information without them ever having to ask you one of the illegal questions.  There have been some lawsuits in the US where employers have asked for a photo as a means to weed out black males or women over 40.  

Thirty years ago, ads that said, "Include picture with resume" was common in ads for sales or marketing, or executive/personal assistants.  It's pretty rare these days.  If an ad requests it, I usually put something like this in my cover letter: "I consider my Glamour Shots to be false advertising, and the rest of the time I'm the person behind the camera, not in front of it.  Please let me know if this position requires some kind of governmental security clearance or background check, and I will be glad to provide a photo when we meet for my interview."  

Answer 26

unless you are applying to be a model or something, i don't see why it would be ok

Answer 27

It depends what kind of job. Some jobs are for "attractive people" only. Just look for jobs that say equal opportunity employer on the application form.  

Answer 28

in the UK its illegal unless its for modeling or advertising etc

x

Answer 29

Yes, since they are doing the hiring they should have the right to hire who ever they want, and if looks is what they want , thats what they should get don't ya think??  

Answer 30

i think it is mostly hypocritical.

but i do understand that there are companies who want a specific type to represent their company. law firms, banks , especially.

but, like i said, it is mostly some type of discrimination.

Answer 31

this doesnt sound right, unless it is for a modeling agency