Picture Yourself!

Putting Your Best Face Forward

by Bob Blanchard

It is a controversial subject regarding putting your actual photo somewhere in your resume’.  However, putting a photo on your webzume is encouraged.  Unless you are applying for an acting or modeling job, it probably isn’t a good idea to insert or include a photo of yourself on your resume’.  It can take focus away  from your resume’ qualifications and you could be dismissed from the running for a position because your picture may be the only thing remembered about you.  There is however, a place for a photo on your webzume!  You see, your web resume’ is an extension of your online presence and it is almost expected for you to have a photo of yourself.  Much like someone having a blank avatar on their Facebook page, you risk getting skipped over for lack of putting a face with a profile.  A photo on your webzume shows a human element involved in an electronic world.  Inserting a photo of you getting an award or a certificate validates the integrity of your merit.  Perhaps you worked at a machine shop and you were an integral part of  a long term project.  A picture of  yourself taken with the end result may be in order. When putting yourself out there it is important that you project a positive image of yourself and show that you are real.  Employers who are active in social media and employment sites are expecting to see your webzume as a dynamic entity.  Putting your best face forward plays an important roll in doing just that.