As of: February 28, 2024, 7:30 a.m
By: Laura Hindelang
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You can use your application photo to make a strong first impression on companies.
The choice of clothing should definitely be taken into consideration.
According to the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), a photo is a voluntary addition to the application, but in reality most companies still value a picture of the candidate.
HR managers hope that a photo will provide a complete first impression.
Therefore, the picture should definitely give the impression that the applicant fits the advertised position.
Clothing also plays an important role.
Application photo should match the job
One of the most important application tips: Ideally, the photo suggests that you have worked intensively with the company - and already look like a potential employee, advises the
Career Bible
portal .
The decisive factor for the type of photo is the industry you are interested in.
“If someone applies to a bank, I recommend preferring the serious and classic photo variant,” says Caroline Tillmann, career coach and managing director of the Tillmann Consulting career consultancy in Freudenstadt, to the
world
.
“If, on the other hand, the target is a young advertising agency, it can be more casual, creative and fun.”
It is important for the application photo that the photo fits the job and the company.
© Zoonar/Imago
To make as few mistakes as possible with your application photo, it's best to visit the company's website or social media profile.
From the photos taken by the employees you can see what the optimal choice of clothing looks like.
Or you can look at the profile pictures of employees on career networks such as Linkedin or Xing.
If you want to make it perfect, you can also pay a visit to the target company and see what the dress code is there.
This way you can dress in the same way in the photos as you would later at work.
Regardless, every application photo should meet certain standards.
The clothing must fit perfectly
The clothing must be clean, wrinkle-free and wrinkle-free – and fit perfectly.
Otherwise the fabric will stick out or create unsightly wrinkles.
Malte Reiter, a photographer for application photos
, advises in a blog post to iron your clothes beforehand and then take them separately to the photographer, ideally in a garment bag.
This way you don't run the risk of your outfit getting creased during your journey.
Ideally, you should bring a selection of several tops with you so that you can be photographed in different clothing and choose your favorite at the end.
This is essential when applying for jobs in different industries.
If you are unsure about which clothing suits your company, you are well advised to go with a classic business outfit, writes the
Career Bible portal.
This means a suit in dark colors with a matching shirt for men and a dark pants suit with a light blouse for women.
In any case, shoulders and upper arms should be covered and no neckline that is too low should be visible.
Men should make sure to button the shirt properly.
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Although the photo only shows you in portrait form, you should still choose suitable trousers and shoes.
Photographer Malte Reiter
explains why.
If you tuck your shirt or blouse neatly into your pants, the wrinkles in the fabric of the top will also disappear.
The clothes fit much better this way.
Women should also choose shoes with a slight heel for the photo session.
This means that most people have a significantly better posture and stand more upright and more confidently, says
photographer Malte Reiter
.
Always use jewelry and make-up discreetly
According to the career bible,
long hair should
be combed back or pinned up.
The HR managers assumed that applicants with these hairstyles had significantly more leadership skills than those with loose hair.
There is no objection to discreet jewelry in application photos.
As soon as necklaces, earrings or piercings distract too much from the face, it is better to avoid them.
The same applies to the use of make-up.
Makeup should help put you in the best light.
For example, by powdering shiny skin or concealing imperfections.
However, too much make-up could appear intrusive.
If you don't know what to do with your hands, you can fold your arms below your chest.
© Shotshop/Imago
Application photos should never come from a vending machine or from your free time.
Such images devalue the application by suggesting that you are not prepared to invest in your professional career, emphasizes the
Career Bible
portal .
To get the perfect picture, you should also consider the following points:
They stand in semi-profile, the head is directed forward or slightly turned to the side.
Her face is clearly visible.
They maintain eye contact with the viewer and smile.
The background is calm, neutral and not distracting.
In almost all cases, the application photo is the first impression a HR manager gets of you.
So putting time and effort into the optimal photo is worth it.
An image that radiates a positive impact can greatly increase your chances of a successful application and an invitation to an interview.