Lindsay Mustain, a former recruiter for Amazon and Comcast, shared one of the most alarming experiences she encountered while reviewing résumés: a photograph of a man holding a gun.
Startling Discovery
In 2007, while hiring for an entry-level call center position at Comcast, Mustain encountered a résumé that left her shocked. Among the standard two-page résumé, she found a selfie-style image of the candidate holding a shotgun.
Inappropriate Addition
Mustain expressed disbelief at the inclusion of such an image, questioning the candidate’s judgment in deeming it acceptable. Despite the gun not being aimed at the camera, Mustain found the choice of including the photo highly inappropriate.
Professional Recommendations
As the CEO of Talent Paradigm, Mustain advises against including personal photos on résumés, except in certain professions like modeling or real estate. She emphasizes the potential negative impact such images can have on a candidate’s prospects and reputation.
Concerns of Bias
Mustain’s concerns are not unfounded, as including photos in résumés can introduce unconscious bias into the hiring process. Experts suggest that excluding photos helps prevent discrimination based on various factors like race, age, or appearance, enhancing fairness in recruitment practices.
Addressing Unconscious Bias
Studies have shown that even factors like a candidate’s name can influence hiring decisions, highlighting the importance of mitigating unconscious biases. Strategies such as removing identifying information from résumés before review can help promote equality in hiring opportunities.
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