You know, you’d think that there wouldn’t be a need for a guide on how to take professional mugshots… but apparently, reality and what you would think are mutually exclusive, as they often are.
And as I stand here corrected, I shall try to be too inclusive with my unmatched sense of humor for this blog post. That’s right, no hysterical jokes from your friend today. I’m not sure, but I think – and I can’t believe I’m saying this – that I’ve developed an inclination toward “professionalism.”
First impressions this, first impressions that
You’re probably reading this for the millionth time, so I’m going to save you the trouble by being as brief as possible: Your CV picture is a professional representation of you. It is also the equivalent of your hiring manager’s first impression. People will judge you based on what they see. The key is to understand what to avoid so that most of these judgments lead toward a positive conclusion. Follow the guidelines below, and you’ll be just fine.
You have party pictures? Leave them for Instagram
I’m all for partying and having fun (when it’s time to have fun). But when it’s time to get serious, it’s time to get serious. That means no photos with background (or foreground) objects of an unambiguous nature (i.e. anything that is telltale evidence of where the photo was taken).
Shadows are your enemy
Hiring managers (and people in general, to be honest) don’t want to see your silhouette. I don’t suppose you want to, either. Anyways. For best results, use natural lighting (e.g. window of a room that’s basked in sunlight) coming from the front. Can’t go wrong there.
Turn that frown upside down
If you are mean-mugging from the very start, that’s like raising the most humongous professional red flag in your name. It’s taking the idiom “raise the flag and see who salutes” to a whole other level, in fact – because people never salute someone who seems difficult to get along with. (Note how I said “seems” and not “is.” You could be the sweetest person in the world, but strangers don’t know that. They will judge you at first glance and not give it a second thought. Yes, the world can be harsh sometimes.)
What the fluff?
I understand why you might feel inclined to feature your animal companions in your CV picture (they are creatures of wonder, after all). However, your hiring manager might not be too impressed with your evident feline/canine affection. Leave dogs and cats (and horses, if you’re rich) out of the picture. Literally!
Leave nostalgia out of this, please
You might be attached in some form or another to your autochrome photos. Sorry to sound harsh, but your hiring manager couldn’t care less that you traveled to Italy in the ‘80s. They want to know what you look like now. Right this moment. Immediately. Tout de suite. (Pardon my French.)
No, selfies aren’t permitted either
Yes, I know you spent a good 10 or so minutes choosing the best photo out of burst mode, but whatever you choose, it’s sadly going to be unprofessional. Don’t forget to save it for your social media profiles, though!
Don’t forget to say cheeeese!
