Should You Put a Photo on Your Resume?
Whether a photo belongs on your resume depends mostly on where you are applying. Here is a country-by-country overview and tips for choosing a professional photo.
In some countries, a professional photo on a CV is common. In others, most employers prefer not to receive one, partly to reduce the risk of bias in hiring. There is no single rule, so follow the norms of the country and industry you are applying to, and any instructions in the job posting.
Photo norms by country
| Country or region | General practice |
|---|---|
| United States | Leave it off. Most employers prefer resumes without photos, except for acting and some modeling roles. |
| Canada | Leave it off in most cases. |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | Usually left off. |
| Australia and New Zealand | Usually left off. |
| Germany, Austria, Switzerland | Photos are common but increasingly optional. |
| France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Portugal | Common and generally optional. |
| Netherlands and Nordic countries | Optional; many candidates leave it off. |
| India | Varies by employer and industry; optional for most private-sector roles. |
| Middle East and parts of Asia | Photos are often expected. |
These are general tendencies, not legal rules. Practices change and vary by company. When in doubt, check the job posting or ask the recruiter.
How CVCraftHub handles photos
In the resume builder, the guidance for your target country tells you how common photos are there, for example in the United States. You decide whether to include one. A photo appears only in templates with a photo area: Photo CV, Contemporary, Corporate and Creative Professional. To leave it off, untick Show photo on the resume. The builder keeps that choice when you change template or country, or replace or edit the photo. The Photo CV template is designed for markets where a photo is expected.
Your photo is processed in your browser and saved on your device with the rest of your resume. It is not uploaded to CVCraftHub's servers.
What makes a professional resume photo
- A recent, clear head-and-shoulders photo
- Neutral, uncluttered background
- Good, even lighting on your face
- Clothing you would wear to an interview in your field
- A natural, friendly expression
- No filters, sunglasses, group photos or cropped party pictures
Technical tips
- Use a JPEG, PNG or WebP image
- Choose a photo with enough resolution that it looks sharp when printed, at least 400 × 400 pixels
- Place it at the top of the page, near your name, at a modest size
- Use a simple shape. Circle and rounded square both look professional
Reasons to leave the photo off
- You are applying in a country where photos are not expected
- The job posting asks for no photos
- You are applying through systems that may not handle images well
- You would rather be assessed on your skills and experience alone
Browse 12 free templates, from ATS-friendly to photo CVs.
View Resume TemplatesFrequently asked questions
Can a photo hurt my application?
In countries where photos are not expected, some employers set aside applications with photos to avoid any perception of bias. Follow local norms.
Does a photo affect applicant tracking systems?
A photo does not usually stop text from being read, but it adds nothing for the system. Keep all important information as text.
Should I use a selfie?
A well-lit photo taken with a phone can work if it looks professional. Use a plain background and ask someone else to take it if possible.
Build a resume that represents your best work
Create your resume in minutes with ATS-friendly templates. No signup required, and your resume stays on your device.