Retouching headshot photo by myself or professionals while job application? Difference between various retouching approaches on facial impressions perception

Retouching photographs has become a common behaviour in daily life, because of the development of related technology. However, there is insufficient data on how such approaches affect impression judgments for job applications. This study aimed to evaluate the difference between various retouched profile photos as first impressions for male and female perceivers. A total of 158 perceivers were recruited, and six retouching approaches (original, self-retouch, professionally retouched with 2- and 8-year work experiences and self-retouch after the two types of professional retouch) were examined in the study. Visual analogue scales measured six dimensions of facial impression (trustworthiness, dominance, attractiveness, competence, confidence and likability). Results indicated that retouching approaches and perceivers' gender significantly affected the six impressions (all p < .01). The original photo and 8-year professionally retouched photo had the overall lowest (45.29) and highest (53.42) impression scores, respectively. The impression judgments improved after self-retouching the original photo (average score increased to 48.02). In contrast, self-retouch after a professional retouch generated a considerable decrease in trustworthiness, competence and likability by 1.79–2.0 scores. Female (51.45) perceivers gave substantially higher (all p < .01) impression scores than males (48.90). Interaction effects were identified in the feelings of trustworthiness and dominance (all p < .01). The results suggest that photos retouched by experienced professionals generated better impressions, regardless of the perceiver's gender. These findings offered practical guidance for job applicants and hiring professionals to optimize photo use in applications.