Should I put a photo on my resume? Our advice – no!

Video

"Should I put a photo on my resume?" Here's why you shouldn't
When a professional photo is appropriate

In today's competitive job market, crafting a standout resume is crucial. But one question often sparks debate: "Should I put a photo on my resume?"

Whether you're a new graduate, re-entering the workforce, or changing roles, you must make your resume give you the best possible chance at landing the role. Consequently, along with details such as your nationality, marital status, political or religious beliefs, photos of yourself should not be added to your resume.

When it comes to your resume, always consider whether the information you’re adding is relevant or beneficial to your job application.

Related: How to write a career objective

A resume should address your experience and skills in an articulate, concise and professional manner, so it's about knowing what to include in a resume that is of added value. For this reason, it's recommended to avoid adding a photo on your resume.

The inclusion of a photo on a resume is standard practice in some countries, like many in Asia. In others, like the US, UK and Australia, it's generally not recommended.

For any candidate asking if you should put a picture on your resume when applying for roles in countries where photos are uncommon, there are two critical factors to consider to ensure you avoid making a resume faux pas:

One of the hardest things about writing a CV is ensuring you fit all your relevant skills, qualifications and experience within two-four pages (maximum).

Why take up room with a photo that is irrelevant to your job application (unless of course you’re a model or an actor)? Knowing what you look like will contribute little to a hiring manager assessing your ability to deliver on daily tasks, manage projects, or deal with challenges in the workplace.

Use the space on your resume to sell yourself and your abilities, rather than your appearance. Recruiters will always remove any headshots added to a resume before it is put forward for any jobs with clients.

“In Australia, you don’t need to put your picture on your CV at all. In fact at Robert Half, if you do apply with your picture on your CV we edit it off prior to sending it off for any roles we are recruiting for with our clients,” says Emma Sestic, Associate Director at Robert Half and specialised HR and business support recruiter.

“This way, the hiring manager can just focus on the skills at hand.”

Whether it’s deliberate or not, a picture on your resume could result in discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender or other factors.

Your resume is a tool to help you secure a job interview – don’t give a potential employer any reason to ignore your skills and experience by focusing on your appearance.

Will Cannaby, specialised finance and accounting recruiter with more than a decade of experience says “keep your photo for places like LinkedIn. A picture won’t add any value to your resume as it doesn’t say anything about your skillset or your experience. If it is on your resume, it could give some bias against you. For example, you might be dressed in a suit, but the person reading it works in a casual environment.”

Related: What not to include on a resume

When it comes to adding photos, it's more appropriate to include a professional portrait on your LinkedIn profile. On social media, a photo can help paint a broader picture of who you are as an individual, while in the context of other functions of social media.

When choosing a professional photo for social media, consider these dos and don’ts when shortlisting potential snaps.

Do: Choose a professional-looking photo. Favour a front-facing headshot on a solid, light background.

Do: Ensure that the picture is well shot with a high resolution and isn’t blurry or out of focus.

Do: Make sure the photo fits in with, and complements, the overall impression of your career experience.

Don’t: Use a selfie or a posed, party or group photo taken down at the pub, club or beach.

Don’t: Use an avatar, cartoon or funny photo. It’s better to go without.

Don’t: Use a dated or altered photo. Choose a current one that’s true to who you are today.

Related: How to create the perfect resume layout

Resumes should be a professional insight into what your skills and capabilities are to execute and deliver on a job.

A visual representation of what you look like (whether it's available online already or not) not only adds little value to your job application, but can open doors to bias that is not appropriate or reflective of what you are truly capable of in a work environment.

Concentrate your efforts instead on writing a powerful resume (and cover letter) that speaks greater volumes about your career ambitions and why you're best suited for the job on offer.

Related: How to find the professional resume template that is right for you

Are you currently looking for your next exciting career opportunity? Upload your resume or view our current available roles on offer and one of our expert recruitment consultants will be in touch to help find the right opportunity for you.

Should I include a photo on my resume in Australia?

No.

When is it okay to put a photo on my resume?

Generally, it's not recommended to include a photo on your resume unless you're applying for a job in a country where it's the cultural norm, like many in Asia. However, some exceptions exist, such as specific creative fields where a headshot might be expected as part of your portfolio. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and leave the photo off.

Does a photo on my resume hurt my chances of getting hired?

Putting a photo on your resume can lead to unconscious bias which could hinder your chances of getting hired. To remove this potential barrier, do not include your photo.

What are the alternatives to including a photo on my resume?

Instead of a photo, focus on creating a polished and professional resume that showcases your skills and experience. Use a clean, easy-to-read format, highlight your accomplishments, and tailor your resume to each specific job application. Additionally, consider building a strong online presence through LinkedIn or a personal website where you can share more about yourself in a controlled environment.

Will recruitment agencies keep or remove my photo on my resume?

Usually, no. In most cases, recruitment agencies will remove your photo before sending it off to the client.

When is a photo appropriate on a resume?

If you're applying for a job in the performing arts, modelling, or other creative industries where appearance is a factor, a photo might be expected.

If you're applying for a job in a country where including a photo on your resume is standard practice, it may be appropriate to follow their norms.

3 straightforward ways to avoid work overload

Why do you want to work in customer service?

4 frequently asked cyber-security interview questions