Are we all VERY GLAD our photos don't accompany things like our job or loan apps? (In fact, am I glad that this, I am pretty sure, is not legal
in the US?)
Good points you make there, Ann.
As far as this goes... I'm not sure about "not legal" but I have at least been told that companies in the US just completely disregard applications with photos so that they don't run the risk being sued on the grounds that they had made their pick by reasons of appearance/race/gender/age...
I have also heard that people in the US don't usually include things like age/gender/marital status in their CVs - right?
Well, the situation is quite different here in Germany (and in most European countries IIRC): You are definitely not under an obligation to include any of this - and prospective employers (etc.) are forbidden to enquire or [officially] reach their final decisions by those factors, but so far, an application without a photo or without stating the date of birth is widely regarded as totally unprofessional and will probably (if there are many applicants) not be seriously considered. Basically tradition, I think, and it seems to be changing over time - especially with new anti-discrimination legislation in place in most EC-countries.
Anyway, best wishes,
Wolfgang.
(who would also prefer to keep his mugshot out of applications and the like)