Ok - we know what you’re thinking – why in the world do you need my picture? Aren’t there laws against this? Isn’t this discriminatory? and you’re right…if we were talking about North American or Australian or New Zealand or British or Irish or even South African employers – but we’re not!
In the Asian countries that we work with all teacher applicants have to submit a picture with their resume – no ifs, ands or buts! Since you are applying to teach in Asia, the same applies to you. To help you out with this we have created some “don’ts & do’s” (yes, we know it’s usually written the other way around) to give you a clear idea of the best type of photo to submit.
Bad Picture 1 | Good Picture 1 |
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- NO SMOKING in photos! Please also refrain from submitting photos where you are drinking or enjoying other substances!
- Artistic shots are great, but not for these purposes… sorry budding artists!
- This image is too dark
| - There is no cigarette hanging out of his mouth (this is always a plus for professional photos)
- We can see his face clearly
- He looks happy and eager to teach!
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Bad Picture 2 | Good Picture 2 |
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- No group shots please… no matter how festive! Unfortunately, no one on our staff possesses the innate ability to guess which person in a photo is you, so help us out by submitting a solo shot
- Refer to the bit on substances in the photo above –thanks!
| - She is clearly sober!
- She is the only person in the photo so there is no confusion as to whom the applicant is
- She is looking at the camera and smiling (not away from it looking distracted)
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Bad Picture 3 | Good Picture 3 |
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- Is it a bird, a plane – who the heck knows – wait it appears to be a human – possibly male – point made we hope! No matter how great the view, we’re looking to see your smiling face not the landscape/monument/ scenery behind you!
| - We can clearly see the applicant
- There is no confusion as to what this is a picture of (we’re hoping it is obvious to everyone that this is a picture of a man in an orange striped shirt)
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Bad Picture 4 | Good Picture 4 |
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- We understand that you’re passionate about cycling or snowboarding or rock climbing or any other hobby you might enjoy. However, submitting a photo with a hat, sunglasses or anything else where we can’t see your features is a big no-no!
| - We can see her clearly
- She looks happy and friendly
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Bad Picture 5 | Good Picture 5 |
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- We love self-expression as much as the next recruiting company; but unfortunately submitting a picture to an Asian employer where you appear to emulate a rapper, ganster, or “thug” is never a good idea
- Please refer to the picture above re: hiding your features
| - She isn’t making questionable hand gestures
- She looks professional
- We can see her face clearly
- Parents will likely feel safe leaving their children with her – the same cannot be said for her other photo
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“My experience in Korea was one of the best of my life. I know, I know…so cliché…but it WAS. I am also of the opinion that Footprints Recruiting ROCKS. My year in Korea went off without a hitch…until…sigh, the end of my contract and my last paycheck. My director tried to scam me out of about 700 USD. I contacted Footprints and they stepped in and took action against my employer. Footprints has your back during the placement and throughout your contract. Make sure you cover your butt, go with a great recruiter.”
