Should I add a photo of me and my birth date / age on my CV for a creative application in the UK?

I've been told both answers, so I am a bit confused ;)

Replies18

  • Hi Agatha, I had exactly the same conundrum and decided against using a photo. But I think if an employer is interested in you they will check out your social media profile where more likely than not they’ll see your profile photo. Good luck with your applications! Katharina
  • I never included a photo or my D.O.B. when I used to send CVs. I think achievements, experience and how the document is presented should allow the interviewer to decide whether or not they want to see someone. Uncouncious bias is also something to bear in mind. When I carried out interviews photos would have highlighted that the CV wasn't tailor made to the UK market (not great if positions advertised were for sales & marketing).
  • It depends which market you're applying for a role in - Western/North Western Europe, its expected. UK and US - No. Personally, I think it adds an additional unconcious bias to a hiring manager already presented with other unconcious bias factors.
  • Thank you all for your answers @Nicole Niemann thank you for the link
    Everything is very helpful!
  • Hi, maybe another tip for CV's: https://hbr.org/2020/09/how-to-get-your-resume-noticed-and-out-of-the-trash-bin?utm_medium=40digest.intl.home&utm_source=email&utm_content=&utm_campaign=campaign
    As I am looking for jobs as well, came across this link. Maybe it might come in handy for you as well.
    Good luck!
  • Definitely not...How you look and your age and age should be irrelevant to the application. Fair selection involves judging you on your talent and capabilities rather than age or looks.

    Good luck
  • Hi Agatha, no a profile picture and birth date are not needed on your CV. It’s best to not put it there. Good luck with your applications!
  • In case of photo also it's a slightly outdated practise. You should consider rather make it look on a way that it reflects your creative style but even that not too much.
  • Hi Agathe,

    I would say no it's not relevant. I get further if someone is asking for your age is unprofessional because it's not relevant to your professional career at all. You should put on key dates like graduation, when you started and finished a job but no birth date.
  • Hey Agathe, it’s illegal to discriminate based on age (and a lot of other things) in the UK, which means people generally do not include this information on their applications.

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