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.
Which countries require photos on your resume?
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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Should you include a picture on your resume?
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.
Why you shouldn’t include a photo on your resume, explained
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:
- It can detract from your experience. Your experience should do the talking on your resume. Adding a photo can detract from this which is the last thing you want.
- It can look like you’re lacking other attributes. The hiring manager may subconsciously sense you are seeking to make up for deficiencies with this picture.
- Your looks should not matter. Unless you are applying for an acting or modeling gig, your looks shouldn’t come into this decision. The hiring manager should be scanning your qualifications in that brief span of time, not studying your face or hair.
- It could interfere with the ATS software. The final consideration is that the ATS software may not display the photo in the first place. Rely on your career stories to secure you that interview, not the attractiveness of your photo.
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.
When should you include a picture?
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:
The hiring manager has requested a picture
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.
Tips for including a picture on your resume
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:
- Take a photo where you are dressed as if you are going to work.
- Hire a professional photographer for the shoot.
- Make sure that the background is neutral.
- Use the same photo on LinkedIn.
- Lazily use your favorite selfie image. Your iPhone isn't up to the job.
- Go too heavy on the make-up or hairstyle.
- Let the photo take up too much space.
- Show extremes of emotion in your facial expression.
Make sure the photo is suitable for work
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.
Get the lighting right
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.
Create a professional brand
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.
Don’t over-edit your picture
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.
Key takeaways
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.
