Is this normal? Job Application

[BlackVelvet]

I applied for a job last week, it was just for an admin person at a local builders merchants. I got an email yesterday from someone there asking for a copy of my CV (which I had already sent) and a recent photo Is this normal? Why would they need to see what I looked like for an admin job...

 

[BlackVelvet]

Oppps posted in the wrong place!

 

[noodle_]

sometimes yes...

i always tell myself as they want a "if your face fits" person(literally)!!

 

[CobsGalore]

I agree I would think this is strange! ...why does it matter what you look like!?

 

[AmyMay]

As far as I was aware, they shouldn't be asking for photos.

 

[WelshD]

Its not completely unknown but not usually standard for an admin job

They shouldnt really ask as it can be a way of getting around the things they cant easily ask you

 

[nikki-lynne]

I work in hospitality and its a very common thing but they cannot discriminate against you based on looks so I never understand why they want one

 

[BlackVelvet]

I'm not sure I want to send a random man a photo of myself really!

 

[AmyMay]

Well, it only has to be a head shot, I'm assuming.

I would phone and ask why they want it though.

 

[its_noodles]

no, not normal for desk admin job...

 

[snooples]

The only reason I can think of is when you come for an interview they can picture your face to the cv...
but then again it should be simple to do that with just your name..

I got asked for my photo for all jobs i was applying for in china but thats china where they are perfectly allowed to discriminate!

 

[horsesatemymoney]

I don't think I'd want to send it

 

[megwan1]

They might want to see what to look like, because maybe you might come into contact with their customers and they may to see that you look presentable/smart.... some companies might not want to employ someone with pink hair or face peircings or tattoos on show. Just examples... no offence meant if that's you!!!

 

[GeorgeyGal]

I've only had my pic taken when registering with an agency, I guess to jog their memories a bit after they interview someone as they go through a lot of candidates.

I had to send a photo when I applied for air crew.

Sounds like they just want some dolly bird tottering around the place! Cynical, moi!

 

[wallykissmas]

A friend was telling me that young clothing chain who's shops are very dark and only have spot lights above the clothes and one spot light in the changing rooms ask for pictures before an interview and your classed as a model if you work there.

It makes me feel old, I mean spot lights in the changing room , I would fall over and be rolling around in the dark for sure

It does sound as if its being rather judgemental about what you look like

 

[_GG_]

If you haven't sent it yet, you've already let them know you aren't that interested in the job. All they need is a headshot, it is not that strange a request in my opinion. Many people have a headshot on their CV, it is to enable the prospective employer to see that you are a presentable and professional looking person to represent their company.

You may be telling them unconsciously that if you were in the job, you would be more likely to do nothing than complete a task or at least ask about it.

I would personally say it would be a good idea to get a passport photograph taken, pop one into the reception desk with an apology that you didn't have any at their time of asking and that you will also email a copy if necessary.

Shows willing, politeness and that you will make the effort for them.

 

[TheoryX1]

As an employer all I can say is that although you cannot be discrminated against by what you look like, dont forget your personal image may not fit the company's image. For example, I would not employ somebody with multiple piercings, tatoos and avant garde clothing to be in a customer facing job, no matter how talented or qualified they are. However, I am an estate agent, and you are expected to 'look' like one! However, for say an arty, design type job, the appearance I have described may not matter.

I have to say we dont normally ask for photos, but I have heard of this practise more often these days. We also look you up on Facebook as well, so if you have been putting naughty stuff on FB, well ............. Again, this is perfectly normal practice in most companies these days, plus we get to see what you look like!

 

[rachel_s]

No it's not normal except for specific occupations. Builders merchants are not known for a need for their staff to fit a certain style.

 

[Boxers]

I would not have thought that was 'normal' to request a photo.

I work in the NHS as admin and when they interview, the panel actually doing the interview don't get ANY personal information at all, just the body of the CV, no name, no gender, no age, etc.

 

[BlackVelvet]

The whole thing sounds weird! Ive already sent my cv in which is where he got my email from, now hes asking for a photo and asking questions which are answered in my CV, after some digging its also less money than im on now so i think i will leave that one!!

 

[its_noodles]

The whole thing sounds weird! Ive already sent my cv in which is where he got my email from, now hes asking for a photo and asking questions which are answered in my CV, after some digging its also less money than im on now so i think i will leave that one!!

yep, just leave it...
sure they will be plenty more opportunities...