21-05-2025
'Too fat cannot, too skinny cannot': Employer asks for applicant's full-body photo
It may be normal for employers to request a headshot of an applicant, but is it normal to ask for a full-body portrait?
It is - or at least according to an employer at a cafe.
A WhatsApp conversation between a job applicant and an employer was shared in a TikTok video by user justwanttofindajob on May 20.
The conversation went smoothly until the employer asked for a photo.
"Please send me your recent photo showing your full height," he wrote.
Sceptical, the applicant asked for the purpose of the request: "Just wondering, may I ask what the full-body photo is needed for? I'd be happy to send one if it's relevant for the role."
In response, the employer sent two voice messages.
"This is a job interview, job interview we need to see photo," said the employer.
"I tell you why: too fat cannot, too skinny cannot, too ugly cannot, too pretty also cannot. So we have to see, okay?"
He then added that the request was "100 per cent relevant".
"If you go for a job interview, every interviewer will want to see your photo. Photo for job interview is 100 per cent relevant."
The video showed that the applicant has blocked the employer.
Netizens were alarmed by the request, with one writing: "That's a red flag right there."
Another quipped: "Sounds like chikopek (Hokkien for pervert)."
However, some noted that such requests are not uncommon in customer-facing roles: "I understand the full-length photo if it's for a customer-facing job. But the way he phrased it just weirds me out."
According to Ms Melissa Chua, senior recruitment consultant at Recruit Now Singapore, full-body photos are usually requested in specific industries like hospitality, where physical presentation is part of the job.
"In general, most employers require only a professional-looking headshot," Ms Melissa told The New Paper.
She explained that employers in certain industries might still favour good looks over ability: "While many companies claim to hire based on merit, there are still unspoken biases in certain industries. Some employers may have a mental image of what an 'ideal candidate' should look like."
Ms Melissa recommended that applicants clarify the purpose of photo requests, especially full-body photos, whenever they feel uncomfortable.
"If it still feels unnecessary or inappropriate, it's okay to express discomfort or decline."
