Industry jargon not your thing? Our glossary will enlighten you!
Application photos are professional portrait photos that are specially designed for use in application documents. They serve to give applicants a face and make a positive first impression on potential employers. In many industries and countries, application photos are an integral part of application documents.
First impression: A good application photo can make a significant contribution to creating a positive first impression.
Professionalism: A professional photo shows that the applicant attaches importance to a serious and professional appearance.
Personality: The photo can also reflect aspects of the applicant's personality and professionalism.
Professional execution: It is advisable to have the photo taken by a professional photographer to ensure the best quality and lighting.
Appropriate attire: Clothing should be appropriate for the job and industry you are targeting. As a rule, formal or business attire is recommended.
Natural expression: A friendly, natural facial expression is inviting and positive.
Simple background: A neutral background does not distract from the face and looks professional.
Standard size: Application photos usually have a standard format that is adapted to the size of the application documents.
Color or black and white: While color photos are common, in some cases black and white photos may also be suitable, depending on the desired effect and industry.
Individuality vs. professionalism: Finding the right balance between personality and professional appearance can be challenging.
Consistency with the application profile: The photo should be consistent with the rest of the profile and documents in order to convey a coherent image.
With the increasing digitalization of the application process and changing standards in the world of work, trends in application photos are also evolving. In some industries and regions, a more informal style is accepted, or photos are even dispensed with altogether in order to promote a more objective assessment of the application.
The necessity of application photos varies depending on the industry and country. In some industries and regions they are required as standard, in others they are optional or not usual.