According to the General Equal Opportunities Act in Germany, the application photo has become an optional element of the application. Nevertheless, many employers (the majority) still like to see it, as it complements the overall appearance of the applicant and helps to give a complete impression of the documents. And many recruiters, especially in smaller companies, who have an application on the table without a photo, specifically search for the applicant on Google so that they can get an idea.

The main purpose of the application photo is to make an immediate positive impression: to show that you are ideal for the job. This is achieved not only through the choice of appropriate clothing and a serious pose, but also through the openness and friendliness that can be seen in your face. Ultimately, the application photo is an important element in setting you apart from the many other applicants and making a positive first impression. So don't let the recruiter find your party pictures on Instagram, but offer them a picture of you that perfectly matches the advertised position.

Creating the best photo for your application

When choosing an application photo, try to unobtrusively convey that you have researched the job and the company and have already soaked up the atmosphere of the organization to some extent. This will increase your chances of attracting the employer's attention. In the creative field, a less formal photo is more suitable than a classic portrait picture.

It is important not to turn yourself into a character or an actor in the photo, but to create an image that looks harmonious and fits in with the corporate culture. The perfect application photo contains small details that have an impact, even if it is on a subconscious level. A smile in a photo, for example, makes you look more attractive and friendly than in a serious photo. Non-smiling, even arrogant-looking people in application photos are only accepted in top management at best. Since I'm probably not one of them, let's smile and make a friendly face instead. Because if someone smiles at me, I automatically find them likeable.

When choosing a photo for your application, show restraint and professionalism. The photo should not be costumed or overly theatrical, but should convey the general harmony and suitability for the job. A perfect application includes a photo with positive details that give a good impression of the applicant. As can be seen in our generated application photos above.

Create impressions of yourself with an application photo

When taking photos for your application, think about the impression you want to make. Use the effect of the photo and subtle imagery in a targeted way. Take several photos so that you have a choice when applying for different jobs.

Remember that your photo should be current at the time of your job search. Update your photo once a year and show what you look like at the moment. This will give you a clear picture of yourself. After all, an employer needs to see the person they are inviting to join their team. If you were 10 kg lighter when the photo was taken and then show up for the interview looking different, the recruiter might think you haven't had your life under control for a while. That's why it's so important to keep your application photo up to date.

Your photo must be authentic and up-to-date. If you present yourself in a photo as someone you are not, you will not appear trustworthy.

The right application photo

1. The photo should show you in half profile.
2. Look at your interviewer and smile!
3. Keep your face and upper body in focus to make yourself stand out.
4. Your clothes should match your future position and be free of wrinkles and stains.
5. Take care of the light in advance. A well-lit photo creates a bright and pleasant image.

Try to pose naturally and relaxed. Don't tense up, as this will affect your expression and the overall impression of the photo.

Make sure you feel comfortable and confident before the shoot. This will help you look even more attractive in the photo.

The background should be calm and neutral.

The photo should be of high quality and the resolution should be large enough for printing.

Avoid mistakes when creating an application photo

Avoid vacation photos or pictures of poor quality.

Pay attention to the condition of your skin: avoid shiny and oily skin.

Do not take a full-length photo. Look friendly in the photo.

Pay attention to your hair. Don't leave it loose or uncut.

Avoid an overly striking look. Don't overdo it with piercings and tattoos.

If you print the application, make sure the paper is of high quality. Do not use a paper clip to attach a photo. The photo can be printed directly onto the paper with a good printer.

Answers to frequently asked questions about application photos

I will now answer the most frequently asked questions about application photos. Everyone has questions when taking an application photo. After reading this, you will be able to create a good application photo.

Do you still need an application photo today?

Since the introduction of the anti-discrimination law in Germany in 2006, the application photo is no longer mandatory. Some companies do without it and refer to it in job advertisements. These companies want to avoid misinterpretations based on the halo effect. However, most employers still prefer to include photos in the application. This not only makes a visual impression, but also shows certain qualities such as confidence, reliability and responsibility. People can tell you mean business when you take a photo.

Where do you take your application photo?

Avoid automatic photo booths or photos you took on vacation. This will make your application look less serious. Saving money in this case is a negative signal and shows that you don't want to invest in your professional development.

For a high-quality photo, it's best to go to a professional photographer in a studio. Some photographers may offer you artistic work that looks good, but such photos are rarely suitable for a job application. Take a professional application photo yourself or contact a photo agency. If you know someone who also has talent and a sense of design, it is also possible to create a series of photos with your smartphone, which can then be digitally optimized.

Standard dimensions of the application photo

The most common formats for application photos today are 4 x 6 or 6 x 9 centimetres. The larger format is suitable if the photo is to be placed on the cover page, as there is more space available. Both formats follow the golden ratio and look particularly harmonious.

The standard dimensions for application photos are:

4 x 6 cm
5 x 6 cm
6 x 9 cm
9 x 6 cm
6.5 x 6.5 cm
9 x 9 cm

However, these standard dimensions are no longer mandatory. Use the application layout as a guide to the size that best suits the rest of the content.

Nowadays, portrait format is the most common. If you choose a landscape format, you can stand out better. However, this only works if the photo format is framed correctly and matches the design and layout of the application. It's an experiment and in most cases will go wrong. If in doubt, it is better to seek professional advice if you are focusing on a more unusual presentation of your application photo.

Can an application photo be taken in black and white?

The choice depends on your preference. Black and white photos look elegant, but can appear unnatural. They emphasize the contours of the face, which is good for smooth features. For large facial features, it is better to opt for color photos. They look more authentic and natural, but can look unrepresentative if the lighting is wrong. It is therefore important to entrust the creation of the photo to a professional. The basic rule is: you want to apply and not date. So stick to the classic style that recruiters expect from you.

Clothing in the application photo

If you choose a color photo, you should make sure that you choose the right colors: muted, harmonious colors that match your style and the general mood of the photo are ideal. For black and white photos, shape and contrast are more important.

What jewelry can I wear?

In general, there is nothing wrong with wearing jewelry in application photos. However, it should be modest and not attract too much attention. Certain jewelry elements could also encourage the wrong interpretation by the recruiter. Less is more!

Just as with jewelry, this also applies to make-up. A little make-up will help you look good in your application photo, give you an even complexion and put you in the best light. But don't overdo it. A moderate use of jewelry and make-up supports the overall impression, exaggerated details can be rather intrusive.

How do I include the photo in the application?

It is better to attach the application photo with glue and not with a paper clip! This looks sloppy and gives the impression that you want to reuse the photo. It is best if the application photo is printed directly using a high-quality print on better paper.

When digitizing an application photo, you should pay attention to two things:

• High resolution for better print quality.
• Use high-quality photo paper.

How to creatively design an application photo?

When choosing a creative application photo or CV, it is important to choose an image that matches your overall style. Unusual photos, unconventional angles or backgrounds attract more attention than standard application photos. However, they should harmonize with the rest of the documents - from the cover letter to the letter of motivation. Otherwise, an unusual photo will look out of place and inappropriate.

Unusual photos are just a stylistic device. They should be used deliberately. It is important to remember a basic design principle: "Form follows function". If a photo helps to support the overall design, it's great. But you shouldn't include such images just to attract attention. This is perceived as a spectacular attempt at manipulation and rarely comes across as serious.

Conclusion and recommended action

After reading this article, you will have learned a lot about creating and the basic rules for application photos. You have seen comparisons with good and negative examples.

But that's not all. The most important thing after you have interested a potential employer is to properly present information about yourself and your skills. This is the main purpose of the application. Now that you have learned so many subtleties about application photography, there are even more rules and tips on how to create a good application. The application photo is only a small part of creating a really high-quality CV.

To save time, you can use our application templates. They are very modern and help you to stand out from the mass of applications with their professional design.