Headshot initiative helping jobless get back on track

BOSTON — Just one look at the unemployment rate and it becomes clear the novel coronavirus pandemic is causing a lot of financial pain for people throughout New England.

Companies have cut thousands of jobs and job seekers are finding it difficult to find new employment.

On Wednesday, 200 photographers across the country tried to help by offering free professional profile pictures to the unemployed for use on job hunting sites like Linked In and other social media.

It’s all part of what is called the Headshot Initiative. At the Natick Mall, 80 people signed up for free headshots.

“What we are trying to do is help people get back on their feet who are struggling, being affected by corona virus,” said Boston-based Headshot Photographer Barry Braunstein.

All morning long, in an empty storefront between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom people put on their best clothes, their best smiles and posed for their free headshots.

For Paul Patella of Beverly, who lost his job of 20 years during a wave of company layoffs in March, said this was the first time he needed a headshot for a job.

“It’s great, I’m happy they are doing it,” said Patella. “And it’s something that I don’t have to have come out of my pocket and do something while I’m trying to do something and move forward in my life.”

The cost of a professional headshot can easily reach $300.

At the Natick Mall, during the Headshot Initiative there was no cost, only encouragement to capture the perfect headshot that could help land the perfect job.

“It’s just been negative income [in recent weeks], it’s just nice to have something that again, you are starting a new time, it’s nice to have a new headshot to put out there,” said Eileen Sullivan of Medway.

For Melitta King of Somerville, the free headshots are giving her hope that she will find a new job soon.

“It’s another positive thing I’ve done to try and make things better for myself and stand out a little bit when I’m looking for a job,” said King.

Photographer Barry Braunstein told Boston 25 he is finding tremendous satisfaction in helping so many people during these difficult economic times.

“Giving them a great headshot knowing they can take that, post it on their Linked In profile and feel good about themselves, ideally help them find a good job, it doesn’t get any better than that,” said Braunstein.

For more information on the Headshot Initiative, visit their website here.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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