TIPS FOR AN ATTRACTIVE RESUME

Your CV is your opportunity to make a favourable first impression. Although it’s true that looks aren’t everything, a professional headshot can help make a good first impression. When applying for a job, it’s important to have a professional photo taken.

Take your resume photo to the next level by using these easy point-and-shoot photography skills.

A more detailed guide on writing a resume or CV can be found here.

1. 1. Understand the Headshot

If you want to wow potential employers with your resume photo, you should know what they’re looking for in a professional headshot. Simply put, a headshot is a frontal photo of the subject’s head, shoulders, and upper torso. Avoid having your whole body in the shot, and avoid having it taken from the side or in profile.

The profile picture you post on social media is similar in size to the headshot you use on your CV. However, unlike social media, professional photos should not feature distracting backgrounds, pets, or other people.

1. 2. Dress the Part

A professional headshot is the standard for a resume or CV. Men should wear a shirt with buttons. Even if the role doesn’t require it, a suit jacket and tie are usually appropriate when applying for executive positions or jobs in law firms.

blouses and dresses are acceptable wear for females. Put on some lipstick and some basic jewellery like a necklace and some earrings.

The only time you should ditch the suits and ties is if your job calls for a uniform. The medical industry is one such example. These are also acceptable for a professional headshot if scrubs are your usual work attire. To appear competent and put together, use scrubs in solid colours. Those in uniform, whether from the police or the armed forces, can do so for their headshots as well.

In the workplace, t-shirts, sunglasses, and other such items should be avoided at all costs.

1. 3. USE GOOD LIGHTING

Take care to ensure that your photo has even lighting. You don’t want harsh light that makes you look pale, casts unflattering shadows under your nose, eyes, and chin, or both. However, you don’t want your shot to be too dark, either.

Using natural light is a great option for striking this equilibrium. If you want a picture with flattering lighting, try taking it outside a window in the early morning or late afternoon. However, avoid standing in front of the window where you’ll be backlit. You’d blend in like a shadow.

Try to stay out of the direct path of the sun, as this can create a sharp effect known as hatchet lighting.

Selfie rings with built-in lights are a convenient alternative to shooting in low-light conditions. Light should be set to a warm, golden hue, and the ring light should be centred in front of the subject’s face. Because of this, there will be no dark spots or areas.

A picture reflector, which you can hold in your lap to direct light where it’s needed (your face) and avoid shadows, is another option. You can also use tin foil or aluminium foil for this.

1. 4. SELECT A PROPER BACKGROUND

We’ve stressed before that you shouldn’t have a noisy or busy backdrop. The best backgrounds are white or very light coloured walls, photo backdrops, projection screens, or even a wrinkle-free bedsheet hanging on the wall.

Select a plain brick, stone, or wood wall as your background if you must use a patterned one. You should eliminate any potential distractions, such as your kitchen, your kids’ artwork, etc.

Outdoors, a shallow depth of field can be achieved by adjusting the camera’s settings. Your face will be in sharp focus while the rest of the image is subtly blurred. Some cameras (and cellphones) have a “Portrait” mode that is ideal for this purpose.

1. 5. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER

By following the aforementioned guidelines, you can take a stellar shot for your resume or application. If you are having problems acquiring the perfect shot, though, it may be time to invest in the services of a professional.

Your photographer will use a professional camera and lighting equipment to get a stunning photo. A picture captured in this manner will always have greater clarity than one captured with a regular smartphone or point-and-shoot camera.

Find a local photo centre that makes passport photos if you need to hire a photographer on the cheap. The pictures will only be headshots, with a white background.

IN CONCLUSION

A professional headshot in business dress is ideal for your resume. Make sure your face is well-lit and there are no shadows on the background you choose. To get the best results, locate a window. Hiring a professional photographer is a safe bet.