Send a Photo with a Job Application?

[starrypawz]

So, I was doing my bi-weekly job search and found a position to apply for. It's with a local garden centre and it seems like a job that I could do. However, something has thrown me off as they ask 'please send a recent photo if possible'
Anyone else been asked to do this?/seen this on applying for a job?

[SnorkMaiden]

In Germany, it would be very unusual not to send in a picture with an application. In the UK, however, you hardly ever see applications with pictures. It is a bit unusual, yes, and I don't think anyone can force you to send in a picture. They are certainly not allowed to discriminate anyone because of their physical appearance. Then again, when a potential employer asks you for something that isn't completely unreasonable, you should better do it. I'd say if you've got a suitable picture, there's no harm in sending it. If you haven't, you could always check with HR whether it's required.

[Dewprincess]

Hmmm, I've only ever been asked to do that for acting or modeling jobs (for obvious reasons)...I haven't seen that on any other type of job, though!

[Loona]

here in Hungary it's perfectly normal for CVs to include pictures too - hence most of the job applications don't even mention one is required - if they do, that's because the picture they are asking for is a different one for a different reason (for instance, some jobs - like hostess ones, where appearance is important - require a full photo, and it is always stated). I don't see a reason for this in a garden centre job, but, as SnorkMaiden said, if they ask you to, it's best to send one.
good luck with the job!

[melodys_angel]

That just does not happen over here, unless its for modelling or somethng similar.

I would go over there and ask directly or forget about that position all together if you arent comfortable with giving them a picture.  They arent allowed to judge you based off of one, anyway!

[starrypawz]

Thanks.
To be fair all the photos of me that are halfway 'good' are several months old so I think I might just apply normally without a photo since it was a 'if you have one' rather than it being necessary.
I understand they might want it for ID purposes, but it threw me off as this is just a retail job

[Knibitz]

Yeah, the photo things is a bit weird.
I've not been asked for photos, but after I graduated college and was applying as a web developer, I applied for one business where they asked for a video to be included (online application, so you were just supposed to record it with your webcam right in the application itself) o_0
You had 5 questions to answer and had to do a video answering them.

I thought it was a bit odd, but I guess with the cast of a video could also be how well you speak, how you present yourself, etc.
Photo... I don't know...

They maybe had problems with false applications and are trying to cut down on that??? :/ I dunno!

[kaoskat]

I dunno. It seems odd to me but I'm in the US and know little about getting jobs anywhere else.

[Sebby6]

It does seem a bit odd.

What do you mean by bi-weekly job search btw?

[starrypawz]

It does seem a bit odd.

What do you mean by bi-weekly job search btw?

I basically activley go online job hunting twice a week. Partly because it gives me chance to find what's updated and it's also park of my 'agreement' with the job centre that it's one of the tasks I have to do.

[Beldarna]

Very usual in Sweden. Some won't even ask for it, but it's expected to do it anyway. It's a very good way to be remembered also.

[Enolaalone]

That's odd, I think the only time I've had to send a picture was for an ID card. And you'd think that if they were expecting a lot of applications they wouldn't want a lot of photos they'd have to wade through and then bin afterwards. Strange.

[Cumberbatch2012]

I applied for a seasonal job when I was younger that required me to film a video of myself and send it to them.  A woman interviewed me on camera and sent it along with my application to the employer.  I haven't seen anything like it before or sense.  I did get the job for that summer, though.  I don't know why they needed the video, though, since the job was restaurant work that required no public contact. 

[kiwimlp]

I don't know... if you look professional and employable it could certainly work in your favor over those who don't send photos.  Just a thought

[Sebby6]

It does seem a bit odd.

What do you mean by bi-weekly job search btw?

I basically activley go online job hunting twice a week. Partly because it gives me chance to find what's updated and it's also park of my 'agreement' with the job centre that it's one of the tasks I have to do.

When I was unemployed I spent about 8 hours a day actively job hunting and it still took me 2 months to find a job.