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 creates an impression of the applicant that no employer wants around. Because of a poorly chosen photo and an incorrect application folder, about half of applicants fail the pre-selection.
An appealing application photo leads to success
The perfect application photo prompts the employer to flip through the application folder. The applicant strives for a good photo so that they will 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 mood of the applicant
- a confident posture and
- a charming smile.
If the applicant is looking for a job in an office, at a bank or in the public service, attention should be paid to clothing appropriate to the profession. The picture for the application should be in portrait format and measure 6 x 4.5 centimeters so that it attracts attention.
The application photo belongs in the application folder
The applicant should clarify in advance how they want to appear in the photo. The photo should be aligned with the type of career being pursued. Applicants appear solid and competent in the photo when they are applying for a job in banking. Aspiring fitness instructors present themselves relaxed, casual and sporty in a photo. Depending on which job the applicant is aiming for in business with their application, appropriate clothing should be chosen for the photo shoot. The perfect application photo shows a person who is the ideal candidate for the advertised position.
The employer sees the application photo first
The applicant can score points with qualified education. First he must overcome 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 and contains spelling or grammar mistakes, the subsequent certificates and qualifications are worthless. The employer does not leaf through further but places the application among 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.
