Pictures

[BeccaTheSM]

So lately I've been seeing a lot of companies asking for a photo in accompaniment to a resume/application, usually just prior to an interview, but sometimes with the initial application.

My question is, how professional should this picture be? Should it be almost like an actor's head shot, or is a casual picture that is nice and clean enough?

Also, is it just really weird that they are asking at all?

Thanks for any input.

[RuthNY]

I would actually just ignore that request, without even referring to it.  What you look like, should have no bearing on whether they choose to interview you or not. And if they want to preview your age and/or race, that sounds illegal anyway.

So lately I've been seeing a lot of companies asking for a photo in accompaniment to a resume/application, usually just prior to an interview, but sometimes with the initial application.

My question is, how professional should this picture be? Should it be almost like an actor's head shot, or is a casual picture that is nice and clean enough?

Also, is it just really weird that they are asking at all?

Thanks for any input.

[dallas10086]

I skip right over those jobs. Why do they need to know what their SM would look like? Never sits right with me.

[TheSingingSM]

SETC recently had (well, it still has) this partner website called "The Show Hub" where applicants for jobs are supposed to create a profile including resume and what have you. Apparently, it was so hiring companies could get a head start on their hiring process. Anyway, after I had filled out what I could, I got an email saying that my profile was incomplete because I didn't have a picture of myself. Luckily, I still have my old head shots when I was an actor (even if they're two years old); so I loaded one of those up. I found it pretty weird that they would have requested that, but I guess they wanted a face to go with the name. It also didn't help that all of the example profiles they sent out were all actors, and for someone who just recently switched from performance over to technical, it didn't help very much (in fact, the site seemed very actor-oriented). Thank God for great professors, otherwise I would have had the example they gave of "What NOT to do".

[Amandanellb]

In the Theatre where I do most of my work, our headshots go in the program right along with the actors. So, I could totally understand getting the pictures with the resumes so that they are on file. That would make it easier to get a jump start on the program.

[dallas10086]

In the Theatre where I do most of my work, our headshots go in the program right along with the actors. So, I could totally understand getting the pictures with the resumes so that they are on file. That would make it easier to get a jump start on the program.

If you were already hired then yes of course give them your picture to go in the program. That reasoning doesn't make as much sense when you're receiving resumes and applications.

[SMLois]

There are times that I have, by choice, sent a photo with my resume to help them put a face to my name, especially if I've met them, but not recently.  That said, I've heard the arguments on both sides and when I send out my next batch of resumes I am planning to NOT include a picture to see if that changes things in any way.

[BeccaTheSM]

SMLois, when you sent these out, what kind of quality were the pictures? Head shot-like or a good casual shot?

[ScooterSM]

Although the request for a SM photo with an application is an odd one, if you do choose to send a photo it should be a professional looking shot and not just a snapshot.   (The question of whether they should or shouldn't ask for it is separate issue).
Although employers should not be judging you on your gender, age, race, etc. that may be apparent in your photo, they can judge based on the quality of the materials you send them, and a picture with someone obviously cropped out, or with a party in the background or something similar doesn't present a professional image.  It would be like sending someone a resume with hand written notes.  It is a good way to just have your stuff tossed instead of read.

[MatthewShiner]

And although headshots can be pricey, I did get me new headshots . . . for $50.00 at picture people . . . which gave me a professional look in no time, for very little money - and the cd was handed to me.

My little avatar is a small version of that headshot.

I think a stage manager should have one . . . often in regional theater, stage managers are included in house boards and programs - so nice to have a professional one rather then just a snap shot taken in the lobby.

[missliz]

I was asked to get a headshot for a show I ran about a year ago, so I had a photographer-friend take one. (See my userpic.) I also have one that I have used for networking/job sites/etc...it's an outtake from a publicity shoot for another show that shows me sitting behind a desk with my script and smiling. (Yes, a candid rehearsal shot where I was happy!) I like it because it doesn't look like an actor headshot but is still a clear picture of me in my element.

[SMLois]

rpicket6 - It was the same photo as my avatar on here.  Similar to a headshot, but taken for free by a friend who happens to be good with a camera.  We met for coffee one afternoon and she shot a couple hundred pictures and then a week later gave me a disc with the best fifty or so, which I now have on my computer to use as I see fit. 

[bex]

I've had a couple of companies I've applied to ask for a headshot- some with the initial application and some once I'd been hired (for the program/lobby board).  My avatar is the picture I use for that, as well as for my user pic on LinkedIn, etc.  It was taken by a friend who, while by no means a professional photographer, is very good with a camera & had taken headshots for a couple actor-friends of mine.

I've done Job Contact at SETC & UPTA, and a lot of people that I interviewed with at these big conferences would ask if I minded if they took a photo of me- they interview upwards of 100 candidates over a couple of days and then have to go away to make further hiring decisions, and putting a face to the resume is helpful in the process.  Maybe these companies asking for photos with the application are doing the same thing- not to judge the candidate by appearance (although I think that subconsciously it's unavoidable...) but just to connect a face to the resume or voice on the phone.

I definitely wouldn't ignore the request- no matter their reason for asking for one, all it says to the potential employer is "I don't follow instructions well."

[keithhight]

i interview a lot of peoplle and forget who people are. also at auditions i take (my SM ) headshots of the actors who dont have pictures.
i would send them and then at the interview ask them

[bemalk]

I recently applied for a applied for a position and got a response telling me I was qualified and asking for photo, even before an interview and they did not ask for a photo in their online listing.  Is this odd?  I've never experienced it before.