Quick answer: No, in most cases you should not put a photo on your resume if you're applying in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. Employers in these countries generally avoid photos to reduce bias and discrimination risk, some may discard resumes with photos, and photos can confuse applicant tracking systems. Include a photo only when it's expected: in many countries in continental Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, or for jobs where appearance is part of the role, such as acting and modeling. If you add one, use a small, recent, professional headshot.
It's tempting. You have a great headshot, and you'd like the recruiter to see your friendly, competent face. Maybe you even paid a photographer.
But in many countries, a resume photo can do more harm than good. In others, leaving it off makes your resume look incomplete. The right answer depends on where you're applying and what job you want.
This guide explains when to leave your photo off, when to include it, the countries where resume photos are expected, and how to choose and add a professional resume picture.
Why You Usually Shouldn't Put a Photo on Your Resume (US, UK, Canada, Australia)
1. It can invite bias
A photo reveals things like age, race, gender, and appearance, none of which should affect hiring. Even well-meaning recruiters can be influenced without realizing it.
2. Some employers screen out resumes with photos
In the US, laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics. To avoid any appearance of bias, some companies' HR teams remove or reject resumes with photos.
3. It can confuse applicant tracking systems
Images, text boxes, and graphic layouts can cause ATS parsing errors. A photo also takes up valuable space you could use for achievements. See what is a resume parser and ATS-friendly resume templates.
4. It looks out of place
Because photos are uncommon in these countries, a resume with one can seem unprofessional or out of touch with local norms.
5. Recruiters will see you anyway
Most recruiters check LinkedIn. That's where your professional photo belongs. See how to add your resume to LinkedIn and LinkedIn headline examples.
When You Should Put a Photo on Your Resume
1. When applying in countries where it's expected
In many countries, a photo is a standard part of a resume or CV. Leaving it off can make your application look incomplete.
2. When the job requires it
Some roles depend partly on appearance or on-camera presence:
- Acting and theater (use a headshot, not a resume photo). See theater resume
- Modeling
- TV presenting and on-camera roles
- Some hospitality and customer-facing roles in countries where photos are common
3. When the employer asks for it
If a job posting explicitly requests a photo, include one.
Resume Photo Rules by Country
Norms vary by country, industry, and company, and they're changing as more employers adopt anonymous hiring. Use this as a starting point and check local job postings to confirm.
Usually leave the photo off:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
Photo is commonly expected or standard:
- France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria (common, though increasingly optional)
- Germany (traditionally expected; now optional, and many employers accept either)
- Many Eastern European countries, such as Poland and Czechia
- Japan (a photo is standard on the traditional rirekisho resume)
- China, South Korea, and much of Southeast Asia
- The Middle East, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia
- Much of Latin America, including Brazil and Argentina
- Many African countries
Depends on the company or industry:
- The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, where photos are common but less expected, and some employers prefer none
- International companies anywhere, which often follow US or UK norms
Applying with a European format? The Europass CV includes an optional photo field.
How to Choose a Professional Resume Photo
If you do include a photo, it should look like a professional headshot, not a vacation picture:
- Recent: taken within the last year or two, and looks like you today
- Head and shoulders: your face should fill most of the frame
- Neutral background: plain white, light gray, or soft blue
- Professional attire: dress the way you would for an interview at that company. See what to wear to a job interview
- Good lighting: natural, even light with no harsh shadows
- Friendly expression: a natural smile and eye contact with the camera
- High quality: sharp, not pixelated or heavily filtered
- Solo: no pets, partners, or cropped-out friends' shoulders
Avoid: selfies, sunglasses, party photos, heavy filters, busy backgrounds, and anything you'd hesitate to show your grandmother.
How to Add a Photo to Your Resume
- Placement: top-left or top-right corner, next to your name and contact details
- Size: small, around 1.5 x 2 inches (4 x 5 cm). Japan's rirekisho typically uses a 3 x 4 cm photo
- Shape: rectangle or square is most traditional; a circle can work for modern designs
- File: save the final resume as a PDF so the photo stays in place
- Two versions: keep a photo-free version for online applications and countries where photos aren't expected
What About AI-Generated or Edited Headshots?
AI headshot tools are popular and can look polished. If you use one:
- Make sure it actually looks like you. Showing up to an interview looking noticeably different isn't a great first impression
- Avoid over-smoothing, fake backgrounds that look odd, or unnatural features
- Light edits like color correction and cropping are fine
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put a picture on my resume in the US?
No. In the US, photos are uncommon and can raise bias concerns. Some employers discard resumes with photos. Put your photo on LinkedIn instead.
Is it unprofessional to put a picture on a resume?
In the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and similar countries, it's generally seen as unnecessary or unprofessional. In much of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, it's normal and often expected.
Which countries require a photo on a resume?
Photos are standard in Japan and common in China, South Korea, the Middle East, much of Latin America, and many European countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, though norms are shifting.
Can a photo on a resume hurt my chances?
Yes, in countries where photos aren't expected. It can introduce bias, cause ATS errors, take up space, and make your resume look out of step with local norms.
What size should a resume photo be?
Small. Around 1.5 x 2 inches (4 x 5 cm) placed in the top corner works well. Your achievements should take up most of the page.
Should I put a photo on my CV for jobs in Europe?
Often, yes, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and many Eastern European countries. In the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and international companies, it's more optional. Check job postings in your target country.
Build a Resume With or Without a Photo
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