When it comes to your job search, the application photo is a key element of your application. Many employers see your photo as your business card. Not only does it make a first impression, but it also conveys important qualities such as cleanliness, diligence and attitude. A clean, professional photo can enhance your application and make a good impression on a potential employer. Choose your photo carefully so that it reflects your professional qualities and makes you stand out from other applicants.

Creating a good CV is just as important as creating an application photo. In Germany, it is especially important to not only have good skills, but also a professionally written application that shows your preparation and organization. TutKit.com has an extensive library of templates to help you create an application correctly and efficiently. By using these templates, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful application and an invitation to interview.

Requirements for creating an application photo

Whether or not you include an application photo is up to you. After all, according to the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) applicable in Germany, employers are not allowed to request an application photo. And there are similar regulations in other countries. This is intended to prevent discrimination - after all, appearance says nothing about an applicant's qualifications. Nevertheless, it is still important in Germany to have a photo in the application. Especially in small and family businesses. Personal impressions still count here.

Here are three important requirements for your application photo:

1. Your application photo should be taken for this purpose only. It should emphasize your professionalism and present you as a suitable applicant. Do not use passport photos from a vending machine, vacation photos, party photos or selfies.
2. Application photos should be taken by a professional. A professional will help you show your best side and take a high-quality photo. If you cut corners here or even try to take the photo yourself, you should also have professional knowledge of photography and image editing.
3. The more recent your application photo is, the better. It should not be older than a year. This is because an outdated photo can indicate listlessness and a lack of motivation. Employers also want to see what their future employees look like today and not be surprised by the person who turns up for the interview.

Tips for creating a professional application photo

I will now give you a few basic tips on how to take the best possible application photo. This will give you a better chance of getting a job. Take a close look at the positive and negative examples in comparison.

High-quality background for application photo

When choosing the background and design, the general rule of thumb for application photos is: less is more. Because you should be the center of attention. Anything that distracts from this is ineffective. This means - visualized here with AI images:

• Simple, calm background: normally a white or black and gray background is used for the application. Muted colors can also be used, but bright and saturated colors are not suitable.
• No colorful patterns: Avoid bright and eye-catching patterns on the background. They can create an unprofessional impression and distract from the essentials. Delicate patterns can be used, but do not exaggerate the contrast.
• Lack of shadows: Shadows caused by incorrect lighting can give an unprofessional impression.
• Natural light: If possible, choose a location with good natural light. This will make your photo look fresh and natural.
• Minimalist style: Avoid superfluous decorations and objects in the background. The simpler and cleaner the background, the better it will emphasize your personality and professional look. If you choose a background, it should match the business context.

Modern application photos are often taken in a working environment, e.g. in an office or in front of a large window, and not in a studio. The background is often intentionally blurred so that you are the center of attention. The other details in the picture should not distract from you.

Don't take photos that are too saturated, be modest and don't pretend to be the CEO. Overconfidence rarely triggers positive feelings in recruiters.

Best pose for the CV photo

When it comes to choosing the angle for an application photo, the most important thing is to focus on the applicant's face. A half-portrait in a vertical orientation is the best choice for an application photo. Show the head and shoulders, but not the whole upper body. The lower edge of the half-portrait is approximately at chest height - elbows or waistline are not visible. If you want to use the photo on the cover, you can change the orientation to landscape format.

Try to avoid frontal shots if your appearance could appear confrontational too often. It looks more open and likeable if your body is turned slightly to the side but your face is turned directly towards the camera. Make sure your posture is straight and your gestures are positive.

It is most effective to look into the camera lens so that you are at the same height as the person looking at you. Looking down into the camera can give the impression of insecurity or even submissiveness. On the other hand, looking down or avoiding the gaze can make you look arrogant and unattractive.

Be yourself and smile

It is important to give the impression of a reliable and professional person in your application photo. Remember that companies are looking for a serious employee and not a joker.

Nevertheless, you should always be yourself. If you look like a model in a photo with a shiny tie and slicked-back hair, but are dressed more casually at the interview, this can raise questions. Such exaggerations often do more harm than good.

It is better to present yourself in a neutral or professional look that is common in your industry in the application photo. Your choice of clothing plays an important role - more on this later.

If you have long hair, you should tie it back or style it neatly. Men should not have unshaven stubble, but should be well shaved or well trimmed. Women can wear subtle make-up and accessories.

A smile always makes a good impression. But it must be genuine. A false, fake or strained smile can be off-putting. Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to relax and smile naturally in front of the camera. If you're unsure, take a few photos - some with a smile and some without. Then talk to your photographer, your friends or your family: the decision will be easier together.

You don't have to show any creativity in your application photo

Creative application photo: rarely a good idea. If you decide to deviate from templates and use creative ideas in your application, you should have a good reason for doing so. This is particularly important for the application photo.

Remember: this photo should convince recruiters that you are suitable for the job. So only use a creative photo if you are sure that it will be more effective than a normal picture.

Also pay attention to the following: The more original and qualitative the approach, the more successful the result. The best idea can turn into a failure if it is implemented amateurishly.

A dancer, photographer or actor can use creative application photos, but an insurance employee can't.

The right choice of clothing for the application photo

Many people don't know how to choose the right clothes for a job application photo or which color combinations to choose. In this section, I will show you and explain how to choose the right clothes to increase your chances of a successful application.

When it comes to choosing the right clothes for an application photo, there are several ways to decide:

• Consider the industry and the position: different companies have different degrees of formality. In a bank, for example, it is common to wear a business suit, while in creative agencies a more casual style is desired.
• Check the company's website and social media: This will allow you to see what clothes the company's employees are wearing in photos. This will give you an idea of what style of clothing is preferred.
• Think about the average style of the company: If the company operates in a mixed style industry where formal and informal clothing is combined, choose clothing that suits this average style. This could be chino trousers with a shirt, for example.

Clothing should be clean, neat and in keeping with the style of the company. It is always better to choose a more conservative style if you are not sure that this approach is appropriate.

It's not always a good idea to create an application photo yourself

Creating an application photo on your own can have negative consequences. You have to take into account the professionalism and experience that photographers usually have. They know all about light, angles and composition, which is important to create a high-quality photo. And image editing is also one of the skills you need for great pictures.

Unprofessional photos can weaken the impression of the applicant and not convey a professional image. Blurred, poorly lit or badly framed photos, for example, can give the impression of carelessness and unprofessionalism.

It is better to entrust the creation of a photo to a professional. They will be able to emphasize your assets and improve the visual impression of you.

Answers to frequently asked questions about application photos

Application with or without a photo

In Germany, it is not mandatory to include a photo with your CV, but in large companies where many applicants are selected and you do not have the opportunity to get to know each one individually, it is still an important detail. A photo on the cover page can therefore not only be useful, but even essential.

How big should the application photo be?

The size of the photo can vary depending on the employer's wishes or the standards of the country in question. In Germany, standard sizes such as 4 x 6 cm, 6 x 9 cm, 9 x 6 cm, 6.5 x 6.5 cm and 9 x 9 cm are common. The choice of format may depend on the layout and style of the CV and application.

I sincerely hope this article is useful to you and you take a professional photo that will help you land your dream job. We wish you good luck and professional success!