Q: Should I put my photo on my CV? (ST, email)

A: We asked this very question on Facebook recently. Well, in point of fact, we asked ‘do you have your own photo on your CV?’ Quick as lightening, a woman replied: “No, I have Angelina Jolie’s on mine.” Game, set and match – we took our beating.

We did a LinkedIn survey on this recently. The sample size was small: just 16 people replied. Four of them (25 per cent) said Yes. One (six per cent) said sometimes. Which left the remaining eleven (69 per cent) saying No.

Photos on CVs are a rarity here in Ireland. The trend is more prevalent in America.

When people ask me this question, I tend to reply along the lines of “if you wish to.” I don’t see it doing any harm, and, also, in a competitive jobs market, it might help your CV to stand out.

If you’re thinking about it, I wouldn’t discourage you. It’s a personal choice, ultimately. Make sure it is a professional photo and not some frightened, dragged-backwards-through-a-whin-bush passport shot taken in a booth in Heuston Station. Compose it nicely and ensure that it complements your overall CV.

While we’re on the subject of visual addendums to your CV, you might like to check out a new Irish site I came across recently – www.cvintro.ie. “Getting your job application noticed and acknowledged is the first step in securing the job you want. CV Intro will allow you to create a unique online profile which can accompany any job application” say CV Intro on their site.

They allow you create an online profile that you can use as your CV on an on-going basis – what makes this offering unique is that you can create and host your own 60-second personal video on the site too. You record it using your smartphone or digital camera and upload it onto your profile. It might be something that would help you stand out from the crowd.

Second fiddle can play a sweet tune

Q: I wasn’t the first choice for the job. They contacted me a fortnight ago to say I was high up on the reserve panel. I was disappointed, but encouraged. I hadn’t done an interview for years and didn’t think I had performed that well. Then they contacted me this week to offer me the position. Now I feel like I shouldn’t go there because they didn’t want me badly enough. Should I swallow my pride and just go there? (HH, email)

A: It’s a complex question. If you want the position, and feel you can do a good job there, I would recommend you to take it: many’s the person wasn’t the first choice who went on to be a stunning success (GAA fans might mutter the name ‘Jim McGuinness’ and nod knowingly.)

If you feel you have the attributes, the manner of your selection won’t matter a jot after just a few weeks.

So, if all that’s separating you from taking the job is pride, I would certainly urge you to put it to one side. If, however, you have other reservations (e.g. salary, role definition, location) it is good to consider those fully before signing on the dotted line.

Sli Nua Careers offer CV preparation, interview training and mock interview services at their offices in Galway, Limerick, Dublin, and Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. More on www.slinuacareers.com