Thinking of including a picture on your resume? You might want to think twice. It’s rare that you will need to add a headshot to this document. So, unless the hiring manager has specifically requested this, you should give it a miss. In the following guide, we will discuss how to decide whether to include a photo and some tips to help you along the way.
Here in the United States, it’s not common to include a picture on your resume. However, in other countries, the norm and hiring legislation may differ. Let’s break that down below:
| Include a photo on your resume: | It’s optional to include a photo on your resume: | Don’t include a photo on your resume (unless the recruiter asks for it): |
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As you can see from the grid above, the short answer is no. Many companies have anti-discrimination policies and believe that not only are pictures irrelevant, but they may play into a hiring manager’s unconscious bias.
A business owner might fear that a rejected candidate will believe a bias was involved in their not getting a job interview. In fact, under U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulations, it is illegal for a prospective employer to ask a job candidate for a photo to try to ensure biases don’t occur.
Photos may reveal any number of characteristics that should not be a factor in the hiring process. Just as you should not put your age on your resume, you should not offer a photo that gives away that information.
Keep things professional—always!
The keys to a great professional resume are clean lines, legibility, and simplicity. A photo can make your resume look unprofessional.
Apart from the anti-discrimination and bias issues, there are other reasons to avoid adding a picture to your resume. Let’s break them down below:
Put simply, including a picture on your resume is likely to detract from your credentials. It adds little to no value and may actually work against you. To save yourself the hassle, leave it off.
As we’ve covered, most of the time it’s better not to include a picture on your resume. However, there are always exceptions to this rule. For example:
In rare cases, you might find that a hiring manager requests a picture with your application. Should that be the case, you need to include one on your resume. However, you should be aware that this is not the norm. What’s more, every hiring manager (and business, for that matter) in the United States needs to adhere to the same regulations we mentioned above.
If you choose to include a photo, our resume samples will give you an idea of the best way to do so. Let’s take a look at the dos and don’ts you should keep in mind here:
First up, you should ensure that the picture you take is professional. This means avoiding selfies in favor of professionally taken photos. You also want to make sure that the background is neutral and that you are dressed as you would for a workplace environment. Additionally, you should avoid wearing too much makeup or opting for a “wild” hairstyle here.
Lighting can make or break your photo. If you’re working with a professional photographer, they can help you to get this aspect of the process right. You can also invest in a ring-light and use that. Alternatively, you may want to take the picture in natural light for the best results.
Be sure to use the same photo on your LinkedIn profile and your resume. This approach shows that you have a seamless professional brand. When the hiring manager looks you up online, they won’t be put off by your less-than-professional pictures on social media.
Using a heavy filter on your picture will get you nowhere fast. You’re not trying to create a dating profile. Instead, make sure that you keep your resume picture plain and simple.
Generally, you should not include a picture on your resume. However, keep in mind that corporate rules and social mores change over time. Perhaps one day soon, we'll all be including our smiling faces in our job applications. Until then, leave it off and play it safe.