my niece is job hunting and prospective employer asked her for her picture...?

Question

My niece has just received a job offer in the city where I live. She would like to relocate here. She had a phone interview with the president of a company here and I noticed in the string of emails (which she sent me) that she sent him two recent pictures. He must have asked her for them over the phone, because I didn't see a request in the chain of emails.

She is coming to town this week to meet the employer (the president) and the rest of the people she would be working with. I realize that having only had phone contact, that he might be curious as to what she looked like. But I didn't like that she sent him pictures. Am I being too paranoid?

Please, serious answers only.

The company is paying for her to fly here for an interview. The position is assistant to the president.

Answer 1

Legal? Probably.

Pervy? Probably not.

Truthfully the president appears to be weeding out specific types of people based on looks alone (color? weight? age?) which sounds like it borders on discrimination, BUT since she still is getting interviewed, she must fit into whatever it is he wants for his company.

The reason it wasn't in the emails is because the president of the company knows that this could be construed as a discrimination issue and he didn't want written proof that he wanted to see what she looks like.

Out of curiousity, is the company paying for her to come and interview?

Answer 2

Of course it is Its common practise among most employers. Lets face it . What real use is a written reference If its a poor one , you wont want to show it. If its a glowing one it makes the prospective employer wonder why your leaving Take heart from the fact ,that if your prospective employer is asking for a personal reference ,then they are interested in you

Answer 3

Some employers may ask for a photo if appearance is relevant to the position [such as a cruise ship job or entertainment]. I don't like it either; what kind of job did she apply for? I would advise her to be cautious. About divulging any kind of personal info, including a picture.

Answer 4

You have to realize in Europe it is the norm for resumes to have photos actually included.

I worked overseas for over 8 years and this was a norm. I was initially shocked to see this. However, this was needed because some firms post new applicants hired into local press and they need these photos from the applicants to do so.

See the attached site for more info;
http://www.young-germany.de/669.html?&cHash=2d92de8bbc&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=462

If the position is professional in nature, then I can see the reasoning behind it. If the position is general or clerical, sounds a little concerning.

Answer 5

In America it is illegal for a prospective employer to ask for photographs of an applicant unless they're relevant to the job, i.e. modelling or acting. An applicant can volunteer a photograph but it is not a requirement.

It's not illegal in many other places in the world. In fact, it is the norm.

Answer 6

Thats a really weird thing for an employer to ask for unless shes a model or an actress

Answer 7

I think she should go to that interview with someone, just in case
someone can take her to that interview and wait for her and be sure where she is at, just in case

but when an employer, is more interested on her looks instead of her professional knowledge is not good

Answer 8

I never heard of anyone asking for a picture.
No, you're not being paranoid. there's too many whackos out there.

Answer 9

Maybe he wanted to know that she didn't look like Milton Berle in drag. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~farmeral/blog/drag7.jpg
In which I'm sure he would have found some other reason not to hire her.

Answer 10

I think that it's fine. Some employers do ask for photos. If you are really worried, though, buy her mace. . . i don't think she'll need it, though.