Why a photo with my application?

[Lysistrata]

I'd never normally think of including a photo with my CV, but I'm about to apply for a market research role which has specifically requested one! This seems a bit odd to me as I can't think why they'd need it - if they want to make sure I'm not a total slob and could safely talk to clients, surely they could find that out at an interview, if I get that far. Given the general advice against including one for this kind of job, at least in the UK, I'm slightly worried now - though since they've specifically asked for one, not including it is definitely not going to help.

Anyone take a guess as to why they want it? And any tips? I assume a generic headshot with sufficiently professional-looking clothes should be ok.

[coccinelle]

I can't account for the UK, but asking for photos now in France with a CV isn't accepted. This used to be a very good way of seeing the colour of the person and also if this person was good looking or not and they wasted less time in interviews...

[CheekyChops]

Don't know why they ask for it but I recently went for an assessment and interview for a job with the DWP, they also asked for a passport photo and you couldn't take the tests if you didn't supply one.

I wasn't sucessful and they returned the pic with the rejection letter.

[sara3]

people make applications under false names in the Civil Service and probably for other jobs.. maybe it's an extra security feature?

[Lysistrata]

I suppose it must be some kind of security feature, though can't imagine why this company in particular should be more security-conscious, unless they've been caught out in the past.

As it's an email submission they'll have a copy whatever happens. I'm hoping they might give me more details when I've applied - is it reasonable to ask what happens to the photo if I'm unsuccessful, or to ask them specifically to delete it in that case? I don't want to come across as paranoid, but would rather not have it hanging around with them indefinitely. Maybe I am paranoid - but somehow I just don't like the idea. Not going to stop me applying though, so guess I should just get on and send it.

[Pigletion]

It could be a security feature, as said already.

Otherwise it is against discrimination laws. As they can tell if you're male or female, which you don't have to tell them (unless it's a special job with an exemption, don't think this job is). They can tell your age, colour, possibly nationality and maybe some things I haven't thought of from a photo, none of which they are allowed to ask you about.

Obviously some jobs do require this information - for example, if you apply for a job in the home office and they ask this info, they specify why and outline how it still complies with discrimination laws.