Should You Include a Picture on a Resume?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should include a photo on your resume, you’re not alone. In fact, one recent survey revealed that 42% of millennials and 46% of Generation Z job seekers would consider including photos in their resume submissions. That suggests many younger candidates believe including a headshot picture on a resume will improve their chances of getting noticed and hired.

There are some guidelines that will help you understand when a photo belongs on your perfect resume – and when it's in your best interest to avoid the practice.

When should you include a photo on your resume?

It’s important to recognize when you should have a photo on your resume or include a headshot as part of your overall application. While most experts recommend that you not add photos to a resume, there are two situations where that advice can be safely ignored:

• Jobs in entertainment: If you're applying for a job in the entertainment industry (e.g., models, actors, dancers) and your “look” is part of the job, then you should include a photograph of yourself. However, don't put the photo directly on your resume unless requested to do so. Instead, include the image as part of your application package.

If you have an online portfolio of your work, it's perfectly acceptable to include a link to your site at the top of your resume, along with your other contact details.

• Jobs in the real estate industry. Real estate brokers may include photos on their resumes. Those photos are an important part of the profession because they help to generate trust with buyers and sellers. That personal branding often begins with resume photos.

• International applications: If you're seeking a position outside of the United States, you'll find that many countries will expect your CV to include a photo of yourself.

These include member countries in the European Union (EU); Latin America (e.g. Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Argentina), with the exception of Mexico; Southeast Asia (e.g. Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam); and the Middle East (e.g. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates).

When should you not include a photo on your resume?

So, is it good to have a photo on your resume when you’re applying for other types of jobs, or positions in countries like the United States? Most resume experts and hiring professionals agree that you should probably avoid including a photo on your resume in those circumstances. 

• Photos can lead to discrimination. Some countries, like the United States, have strict labor and anti-discrimination laws. A photo will likely reveal your race, gender, and age, which could inadvertently lead to discrimination in the hiring process. As a result, employers in these countries may be uncomfortable when they see your picture on a resume.

Plus, there's no need to provide an employer with those types of details before they've considered your qualifications for the role. Often, employers will try to avoid discrimination claims and unconscious bias in their recruitment process by rejecting resumes that contain photos.

• Photos in your resume can make you look less professional. Some hiring managers and recruiters may see a photograph on a resume and conclude that you’re egotistical or lack good judgement. 

TopResume asked recruiters, hiring managers, and human resources executives, “What are your biggest resume 'deal-breakers' that can cost a candidate the job?” You probably won’t be surprised to hear that “including a headshot” made the list of top 10 worst resume offenses.

• Resume photos waste space. Photos also occupy valuable resume space that could be used to provide more details about your job qualifications. Ultimately, those qualifications will determine whether or not you get considered for an interview, so any unnecessary content – like a photo – could force you to omit relevant skills or achievements that the employer wants to see.

• Photos can confuse applicant tracking systems. You also need to consider the impact that a photo could have on your resume’s ability to get past any applicant tracking system. Charts, graphics, and photographs can confuse an ATS, which might lead to your resume being rejected by those automated scanners.

Tips for selecting the best photo for your resume

If you're planning to apply for a position in a country or profession where a resume photo is standard, then you should follow the same guidelines you would when selecting a photo for your LinkedIn profile. 

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Professionalism

The selfie you took with your friends at the bar last weekend is not appropriate for your job search. Instead, choose a professional-looking, high-resolution photo. Your outfit should be appropriate for the industry you're pursuing.

If you're short on funds or simply not interested in investing in a professional headshot, ask a friend who owns a decent camera to take a picture of you in a well-lit area and with a simple backdrop that won't compete with your face for attention.

Relevance

While you may love how you look in an older photo, you're better off if you select a recent photo of yourself. Also, make sure that you’re the only person in the photo. Employers don't want to see a family photo or other group shot on your resume, and they aren't interested in a headshot that's a decade old. Your photo should reflect what you look like now.

Proper cropping

Remember, your photo should be a headshot rather than a full-length body shot. Select a photo where your face takes up approximately 60% of the frame. Crop the image from just below the top of your shoulders to just above your head, so that the emphasis is placed on your face.

AI can be a powerful tool to help you select and update a resume photo so that it covers all of the above criteria. There are several free AI-photo generator tools, like Canva, that you can use. Referring to an AI content generator, like ChatGPT, can also guide you in whether you should or should not be using a photo for your type of role or industry.

Make the right decision about whether you should include a photo on your resume

Without clear guidelines, it can sometimes be difficult to know whether you should include a photo on your resume. Fortunately, the tips and recommendations we’ve included in this guide should help you make a more informed decision about how you approach this complicated issue.

If you’re unclear about whether you should be including a photo on your resume, it’s usually better to err on the side of caution and leave it out. Employers who want or need to see a photo will typically ask for one during the application process, or they’ll just review your social media profile.

Why not submit your resume for a free review to ensure it covers all the nuances required to write an effective resume? Our team of professional resume writers is here to provide the expertise you need.

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Ronda Suder and Ken Chase.