The perfect application photo in the application folder is the applicant's trademark. The employer gets a first impression from the application. Poorly chosen photos, handwritten cover letters and résumés immediately send the application to the rejection pile. The applicant should keep in mind that their folder is like a business card. If the folder is sloppy and incomplete, it gives a picture of the applicant that no employer wants around them. Because of a poorly chosen photo and an incorrect application folder, about half of applicants fail the preselection.
An appealing application photo leads to success
The perfect application photo prompts the employer to browse the application folder. The applicant strives for a good photo to be successful. A professional photographer knows what matters in an application photo. Criteria for a good photo include
- an appropriate background that puts the applicant in the right light,
- a positive expression of the applicant
- a confident posture and
- a charming smile.
If the applicant is seeking a job in an office, at a bank or in the public sector, attention should be paid to clothing appropriate to the profession. The photo for the application should be in portrait format and measure 6 x 4.5 centimeters so that it gets noticed.
The application photo belongs in the application folder
The applicant should decide in advance how they want to come across in the photo. The photo should be tailored to the type of career being pursued. Applicants appear solid and competent in the photo when they are seeking a job in banking. Prospective fitness trainers present themselves as relaxed, casual, and athletic in a photo. Depending on which job the applicant is aiming for in business with their application, attention should be paid to appropriate clothing when having the photo taken. The perfect application photo shows a person who is the ideal fit for the advertised position.
The employer sees the application photo first
The applicant can score points with a solid education. First, they must get past the hurdle of the application photo. The cover letter and the applicant's photo give the employer a first impression. If the photo is poorly chosen, the cover letter is handwritten, or it contains spelling or grammatical errors, the subsequent references and qualifications are worthless. The employer will not look any further but will place the application with the rejections.
Pay attention to styling for the application photo
Men should ensure a perfectly shaved face and a neat haircut before visiting the photographer. Women should use makeup and jewelry sparingly. A subtly made-up face and a simple necklace look attractive in the photo. With a well-designed and complete application folder, a perfect photo, and a correct cover letter, nothing stands in the way of success.
