A resume makes up the core of the first impression that people will make when seeking a job. Listing one’s skills and experiences is undoubtedly essential, but what about a headshot? There is a debate on this topic among both recruiters and jobseekers. On the one hand, every profile on LinkedIn and similar sites includes a headshot, but should people put a picture on their resume, whether it be a hard copy or digital version? If so, how much thought and effort should go into it? We’ve put together some tips to help decide when to use a photo on one’s resume and how to make that photo look professional.
Does Having a CV Image Really Matter One Way or the Other?
A CV photo can impact potential employers and form their opinions on certain applicants. But since human perception is always subjective, this first impression is equally likely to boost your career and destroy it, depending on the company’s cooperative culture and the job you apply for.
For instance, recruiters in Italy and France often expect a resume with a photo, especially if you apply for creative or customer-facing roles. In contrast, in the United States or the United Kingdom, including a resume photo is not as common and sometimes frowned upon because it can spark racial, ethnic, gender, age, or religious discrimination disputes.
Understanding when and where to use resume images redefines the applicant’s self-presentation and ensures the application is noticeable for the right reason.
When Adding a CV Image Is a Good Idea

If you determine that adding a photo to a CV is the way to go, make sure that the photo looks professional and presents you in the best way. Remember, your CV picture presents your professionalism and creative demeanor, and it is the first chance to represent your personal style and unique creative approaches.
Don’t worry about whether or not you are photogenic. With the right lighting, pose, and expression, we can all look our best for a CV headshot.
Situations Where a CV Picture Harms Your Application

In fields like finance, law, and other corporate sectors, professionalism is measured more by one’s credentials and experience. Showcasing the way one looks in a CV may be considered unprofessional and unserious. It can create an impression that they are unaware of the industry norms or do not value them enough.
In North America and the United Kingdom, pictures on CVs are considered more harmful than beneficial. In these regions, anti-discrimination laws are strict, and hiring professionals are encouraged to focus solely on qualifications. Knowing how an applicant looks can raise red flags and lead to bias, intended or not, shifting the focus away from the person’s skills and accomplishments.
Tips for CV Pictures

If you decide to include a photo in your job application, or if a client approaches you with the intention of capturing a headshot intended for use on a CV, ensure that the photo works for you or your client to increase the chances of being hired. Consider the target industry, and make the picture look professional, polished, and appropriate.
Headshots Vs. Selfies
Start with a high-quality headshot that presents the subject in a positive light. It should be noted that there’s a distinct difference between headshots and selfies. Avoid casual selfies or cropped social media photos. They seem unserious and unprofessional. Prioritize minimalist shots with muted and plain backdrops to eliminate distractions.
Editing & Design Tips for Photos on Resumes
Whether you’re a hobbyist or pro photographer, using tools like a portrait editor can help you adjust lighting, sharpen details, and create a polished look. The goal is to look approachable and professional while keeping the focus on the applicant’s qualifications. Apply adjustments selectively and cautiously, and avoid excessive sharpening or smoothing to prevent an artificial effect. Basically, you’ll want to limit your edits to adjusting the brightness, exposure, and white balance to ensure colors are represented true to life. Once the photo is edited, optimize the image for both digital and print formats. There’s no point in capturing and editing a quality photo if you present in a less-than-stellar format.
In regard to design, the CV should be balanced and easy to read. For that reason, place the image in the top corner, no larger than 2×2 inches (or 51x51mm). It should be relatively small so as not to compete with the resume content or dominate it. In most European countries, resume templates include a space for a picture to make your application look professional, polished, and cohesive.
Alternative Options

If including a CV photo is inappropriate or risky, you or your client can explore alternative ways to be represented on the CV. For instance, let’s circle back around to that LinkedIn profile that we mentioned earlier. People can always provide a link to their LinkedIn page. Potential employers can then find the headshot alongside one’s professional history if they want, and this helps keep the resume from becoming overloaded with visual elements.
Furthermore, consider creating a professional portfolio and developing a website. This option can prove especially helpful for jobs in creative fields. Employers will be able to see your work, style, and any pictures of yourself in context without the possible negative consequences of including photos directly in your resume.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to include a resume photo depends on the industry, region, and the specific job that one is seeking. A well-placed CV photo can enhance an application in creative fields or in countries where it is expected. However, in many corporate or professional settings, especially in regions like the US and UK, adding a photo can put the application at risk of being dismissed. If you choose to use a resume with a photo, ensure that it is professional and aligns with the job you want to have. Alternatively, you can seek other ways to showcase your professionalism, such as linking to your LinkedIn profile or creating a portfolio. Whether you opt for a resume photo or not, ensure your qualifications, experience, and achievements shine through.