[Attention College Students] Is a "Selfie" Okay for Part-Time Job Resumes? Professional Etiquette & Tips to Avoid Failure
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"I want to apply for a part-time job, but I don't have a resume photo!"
"Going to get one taken is such a hassle. Can't I just use a selfie from my smartphone?"
When applying for your first part-time job or preparing amidst a busy college life, it’s easy to push getting a photo to the back burner. However, the photo on your resume is a crucial element that hiring managers use to judge your enthusiasm and personality.
In this article, 19Studio—a specialized studio for job hunting and ID photos located in Shinjuku—breaks down the basic etiquette for resume photos that college students often struggle with, along with tips to ensure a flawless result!
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Is a "Selfie" Really a No-Go? Choosing Your Shooting Method
To get straight to the point, it is best to avoid using selfies, even for part-time job applications.
While there are apps that can erase backgrounds nowadays, smartphone selfies inevitably suffer from facial distortion and unnatural lighting. When a hiring manager sees that, you run the risk of making them worry: "Does this person understand basic manners?" or "Do they tend to do their work carelessly too?" It would be a shame to lose an opportunity over that.
| Shooting Method | Pros | Cons |
| Smartphone Photo | ¥0 and convenient. Can be taken anytime. | Prone to harsh shadows; lacks a sense of reliability. |
| Photo Booth | Affordable at around ¥1,000. No reservation needed. | Few opportunities for retakes; skin blemishes tend to stand out. |
| Studio Portrait | Includes hair and skin retouching. Digital data included. | Costs more than smartphones or photo booths, but professional adjustments ensure a high-quality finish. |
4 Strict Rules of Resume Photo "Basic Etiquette"
Here are the fundamental rules you must follow when it comes to resume photos:
1. Write your "University Name & Full Name" on the back
This is an important piece of etiquette to ensure that, in the unlikely event the photo peels off the resume, the hiring manager can easily identify whose photo it is.
While sticker-type photos are becoming more common, you should generally use an oil-based marker to write your university name and full name on the back. This subtle attention to detail to prevent potential mishaps leaves a highly positive impression on hiring managers.
2. Size: 40mm H × 30mm W
The standard size for a resume photo slot is generally 4 cm × 3 cm.
Because the dimensions are designated down to the millimeter, you must be extremely careful if you cut it yourself so that it doesn't end up crooked or jagged.
At 19Studio, we use a specialized cutting machine to deliver the exact dimensions, so you can just glue it straight on!
3. Taken within the last 3 months
The photo serves as proof of who you are right now. Therefore, the rule is to use a photo taken within the past three months. Thinking "I have one I took a while ago, so I'll just use that" and using an old photo can lead to a disconnect when you meet in person for the interview ("They look different from their photo..."), which can negatively impact your perceived reliability.
Always show up looking exactly like your current self.
4. Background: Solid Blue, White, or Gray
To make the subject stand out, resume photos are generally taken against a solid background of blue, white, or gray. Cropping a snapshot from your personal life or using a photo where furniture is visible in the background is a major no-go, as it will make hiring managers question your common sense. At 19Studio, we recommend background colors that provide a clean look and make your face look its absolute best.
What Hiring Managers Actually Look For! Tips to Make a Great Impression
19Studio regularly conducts independent surveys with hiring managers from numerous companies. Here is a little sneak peek into their honest thoughts:
Facial Expression:
You don't need to force a giant smile.
The important thing is that the photo doesn't look vastly different from how you normally look.
If you go for a smile, lift the corners of your mouth slightly without showing your teeth. If you want to project a more serious, professional impression, don't force a smile—instead, focus energy into your eyes for a sharp, dignified look.
Hairstyle:
If your hair is covering your eyes, your face will look dark, giving off an impression that lacks confidence.
Simply sweeping your bangs to the side to show a bit of your forehead or tucking your hair behind your ears will instantly brighten your entire face and dramatically boost your look of cleanliness. This is the number one point you should check when looking in the mirror before shooting.
Get an Edge in Interviews! A Special Experience Only at 19Studio
While waiting for your photos to be ready in the studio, you are welcome to read our independently produced booklet: "Survey of Hiring Managers: Their Honest Thoughts."
Packed with real voices from the field regarding "What kind of people are easy to hire" and "What parts of the resume they place the most importance on," this single booklet has a reputation for making interview prep significantly easier!
3 Reasons Why College Students Choose 19Studio
If you are a college student thinking, "Going to a professional studio sounds expensive..." 19Studio is the perfect place for you.
① One of the most affordable rates in the Shinjuku area! Save even more with a review discount
Our package includes shooting, skin-blurring retouching, 6 physical prints, digital smartphone data, and free shipping to your home. For students, you can get all of this starting at just ¥5,480~ by taking advantage of our review discount. Among photo studios around Shinjuku, 19Studio is the only one offering this comprehensive of a set at this price point!
② Solves the "I don't own a suit" problem!
No need to worry if you think, "I don't want to buy a suit just for a part-time job..." or "I left my suit back at my parents' house." By using our "Suit Compositing" option (+¥1,500), you can come to the studio in your everyday casual clothes and get a photo that looks naturally styled in a suit.
③ Data delivery is handled entirely via LINE
Web applications are the mainstream for part-time jobs today. We send your completed photo data directly to your phone via LINE or other digital methods, allowing you to upload it straight to application forms from your smartphone. You can leave the studio immediately after shooting, making it a perfect fit for the gaps between classes or club activities!
Studio Photography is Highly Recommended!
If you want to prepare an ID photo that leaves a great impression, shooting at a professional studio is the way to go! 19Studio, located in Shinjuku, even accepts same-day reservations.
During the shoot, we utilize professional lighting techniques to make your complexion look bright and healthy, creating a clean and natural impression. We also apply natural retouching so that your photo doesn't deviate drastically from your actual appearance at the interview, bringing out your unique charm.
With a wealth of services geared towards students—such as our casual-to-suit compositing option (+¥1,500), dark hair color correction, unlimited retakes until you are satisfied, and same-day digital data delivery—we are a photo studio specifically optimized for job hunters.
We are here to meet your "I need a photo taken right now" needs!
Summary│Win That Part-Time Job with Your Absolute Best Photo!
It’s just a photo, but it means everything. Preparing a high-quality photo shows respect for the employer.
For all the college students out there thinking, "I want to save money, but I don't want a low-quality photo," we look forward to seeing you at 19Studio!
