As people continue to relocate around the world for jobs, many job seekers may wonder if they should include a photo on their CV, especially in the UK.
In general, no—the hiring manager has plenty of information on which they base their decision to invite you to an interview, so a photo won’t add much benefit. Plus, if you look like Brad Pitt or Gal Gadot, you might have an incremental advantage, but it is not as significant as you might think. The UK has strict anti-discrimination laws, so including a photo shows a lack of awareness.
While it’s not customary to include a photo on your CV in the UK, there are limited situations where it’s expected. This guide will walk you through the following:
There are certain things that should always be on a CV—employment history, education details, and a section outlining your skills. Save for rare exceptions (detailed later), a photo will never be mandatory and is typically best left off.
Although it’s illegal for companies in the UK to discriminate in the hiring process, it can happen. Your best bet is to do what you can to reduce any bias or discrimination, and one way to do this is by keeping pictures off of your CV. Of course, this won’t mitigate all possibilities of discrimination, but it can at least get you into the interview room.
Because it’s not typical to put a picture on your CV, doing so runs the risk of making you look out of touch with current professional norms.
Your CV should showcase all the ways you’re the company’s next great hire. Placing a photo on your CV takes up excess space that could be better used to detail your work experience, education, and skills.
Even if you choose to include a photo, the applicant tracking system storing your CV may not be able to show it. Some systems can’t pick up on image formats and will simply parse the information into a new format.
There are rare professions where it’s customary to include a photo on a CV, like acting or modelling. These fields certainly require more than just a photo, but the headshot is an expected part of the full application.
What if you’re relocating outside of the UK? Consider the CV conventions of your new country.
Don’t include a photo on your CV in these locations:
UK, Ireland, Canada, US
Consider including a CV photo in the following countries, but research first:
Continental Europe (especially Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and Scandinavia), Middle East, Africa, much of Asia.
If you’re in an industry where it’s conventional to put a picture on your CV, it’s important to do it right in order to make the strongest first impression. Here are some tips:
Avoid the temptation of using a social media filter to enhance your photo; your CV should accurately reflect you, and that extends to any photo you may include. You never want a hiring manager to think you’ve lied or exaggerated.
It’s not typical for CVs in the UK to include a photograph, so it’s best to avoid adding a photo to your CV. Adding one puts you at risk of seeming out of touch, plus it takes up space that’s better used to tell your career story.
If you’re in one of the few professions where a photo is customary—like modelling or acting—make a strong first impression with a photo that’s professional and aligned with your brand.