Photo with application form??

churchrat

hi
I'm looking about for a new job at the moment and one advert was for a receptionist at a dentist. hours are good, can do the work etc but they ask for a passport sized photo to go with the cv.
Its been a while since I looked for a job--is this usual practice?? is it even allowed under discrimination law?? should I get my hair done???
many thanks for any info
churchrat:rolleyes:

Lord_Dante

I think it helps them remember who you are. That way if they like your CV they can put a face to it when they interview you if that makes sense. Had this done to me in the past. Usually get the photo returned if I'm turned down.

bristol_pilot

It is quite unusual these days and points to likely discrimination, or at least an intention to select on appearance.

Motivatedworkingmum

Terrible. No worthwhile employer or experienced recruiter would ever ask for a photo. I think Lord Dante is being very generous by saying that its to remember you. Bull****........its so that they can weed out the 'not so pleasing to the eye' people (it is a receptionist role)and not waste time interviewing them. Up to you if you want to send a photo to them but I wouldn't! Shortlisting should be based on experience and skills not how gorgeous looking you are!! Check out the people that work there at the moment. If they all look like Cindy Crawford you know why they're asking!

ohreally

churchrat wrote: »

is it even allowed under discrimination law??

Is it discriminatory is one is cosmetically challenged??

briona

bristol_pilot wrote: »

It is quite unusual these days and points to likely discrimination, or at least an intention to select on appearance.

On reading the OP's post, I assume as the job's for a dentist, that they are simply looking for someone with good teeth! (as opposed to selecting someone based on race or ethnicity). A person with really bad teeth or numerous missing ones wouldn't be a great advert for a dentist!

To the OP, assuming you've got good teeth, I would smile for the photo!

Philippa36

I had to take a passport sized photo with me when I went for literacy and numeracy tests for a post within the CSA.

I had to rush to get the photo before the tests and the machine was playing up, I ended up with a rather odd photo of me pulling a silly confused face! I didn't have time to get another one taken so had to have that attached to my application :rolleyes:
I didn't ask why they needed a photograph? I hope that its not the one they use if I get the job, for my identification pass :eek:

I doubt I would apply for a job that requires a photo alongside my cv. - its difficult enough to get a decent job without being judged on appearance too.

NOVASTAR

I work in Recruitment (Medical) and all Applicants are asked to send in two passport sized photos for I.D. badge purposes. Mind you its nice to see a picture of who i'm talking to on the phone!!!

CCFC_80

To me this is discrimitory based on a persons cosmetic appearance unless they need your photo for a company ID card. They should surely ask for this if and when you are offered a job

SomeBozo

Everyone is over-reacting.

To ask for a photo is not discrimination! Plenty of employers can (quite legally - depending on the job) turn down applicants with tattos or piercings on their face.

For others where this is not applicable, its ok to ask for a photo, just not to use as part of the selection procedure.

After all, they will see your face when you go for interview!

Bozo

DKLS

Agree with SomeBozo, there are some roles where looks and appearance are important, where you wouldnt want a munter representing the company.