Resume conventions are constantly evolving, but the question of whether to include a photo remains a frequently debated topic for job seekers. While putting a face to your name might seem like a way to personalize your application, in most cases, adding a photo to your resume is not only unnecessary but can also be detrimental.
“The simple answer is no,” advises Graham Riley, CEO of CareerToolBox. He points out the limited space on a resume and the increasing use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). “Additional graphics could possibly skew how your information is presented to the recruiter” due to ATS limitations, Riley explains. Moreover, a photo can divert attention from your qualifications. Riley highlights the brief time recruiters spend initially reviewing resumes, often less than seven seconds. During such a quick scan, your resume needs to immediately showcase your skills and relevant experience, not your portrait.
When Including a Photo on Your Resume Might Be Acceptable
Despite the general advice against resume photos, there are specific situations where including one might be appropriate. Geographic location is a significant factor. As career blog Novoresume indicates, in many parts of the world, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Scandinavian countries, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America, a resume photo is generally expected. “Including a photo on your resume is generally recommended in the above areas, even if employers don’t explicitly ask for one,” Novoresume states. However, it’s crucial to remember that customs can vary even within these regions, and company policies can override general national standards. Always pay attention to specific instructions from employers regarding application materials.
Beyond location, certain industries may also favor resumes with photos. Ashley Cash, a resume writer specializing in $100K+ roles, identifies a couple of sectors where a photo can be advantageous. “There are probably one to two industries where there is a benefit to putting a photo on a resume,” Cash notes. Real estate is one such industry, where a photo can help build a “trust factor.” The other primary exception is the entertainment industry. For roles like model or actor, your appearance is directly relevant to your professional capabilities. “The second [industry] would be something within the entertainment industry: model, actress, etc., that is very based on what you look like in addition to your credentials,” Cash explains. In these fields, employers often need to assess if a candidate has the right “look” for a particular role.
Cash emphasizes that outside these niche industries, the benefits of a resume photo are minimal. She suggests considering alternative digital channels. “If someone wants to see your face, there are lots of other channels, LinkedIn, specifically.” For most professions, LinkedIn and other online platforms are more suitable places to showcase your professional image.
If you are in a field or region where a resume photo is acceptable, placement and image quality are key. Cash recommends positioning the photo near your contact information, typically in the top right or left corner of the resume. For the type of photo, professionalism is paramount. In real estate, use a high-quality headshot, similar to what you’d use for marketing materials. The same applies to entertainment; use your professional headshot or the image you typically use for branding. Under no circumstances should you use casual photos like “car selfies” or snapshots taken with a phone.
Why You Should Usually Skip the Resume Photo
For the vast majority of professions outside of the specific exceptions, adding a photo to your resume offers no added value and can even be detrimental. Riley points out that photos can introduce formatting problems, potentially “skewing how things look” and making the resume appear messy, especially within ATS.
More importantly, a photo can distract recruiters from the essential information on your resume – your skills and experience. In the brief time a recruiter spends reviewing your application, their focus needs to be on quickly assessing your qualifications. “They are not going to hire you necessarily on your face because what they are looking for is are you able to quickly share why you have the right sort of skills and experiences?” Riley states. The goal of your resume is to generate enough interest to secure an interview, and this is achieved through compelling content, not a photograph.
Cash uses an analogy to illustrate this point. “If we think of it like a book. It is not a kids’ book. We don’t need it to tell our story [with pictures].” Your resume should be a concise, professional document highlighting your career achievements and skills, not a visual biography.
Focus on Enhancing Your Resume and Online Presence
Instead of spending time and effort on choosing a resume photo, experts recommend focusing on strengthening the core components of your resume and your professional online presence, particularly your LinkedIn profile.
Riley advises starting by optimizing your resume headline and objective/summary sections. “The headline is this is who I am, and this is what you get if they read no further than the top third of your resume,” he explains. Your objective statement should clearly articulate the value you bring to a potential employer. “Just about every position that is hired for is being hired in order to solve a problem, and are you positioning yourself as a subject matter expert in that problem that has experienced skills and talent that will enable that company to solve that problem successfully?”
Cash emphasizes the importance of focusing on impactful achievements rather than just listing tasks. “What we really want to focus on are the most important components of the work that we’ve done, as it relates to what we want to do next,” she says. Highlight areas where you’ve driven significant results and outcomes for organizations. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.
Finally, remember that your LinkedIn profile is a crucial part of your professional marketing materials, and unlike your resume, it absolutely should include a professional photo. “Recruiters’ first impression of you is predominantly through your LinkedIn profile, which absolutely should have a profile photograph,” Riley states. Your LinkedIn profile photo serves as your professional “logo” in the online application process.
Key Takeaways: Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume?
- Generally Avoid Photos: For most industries and locations, a photo on your resume is unnecessary and can be a distraction.
- Recruiters Scan Quickly: Recruiters spend very little time on initial resume reviews, so focus on making your skills and experience immediately apparent.
- Exceptions Exist: Real estate, entertainment, and some international locations are exceptions where a photo might be acceptable or expected.
- Professional LinkedIn is Key: Focus on a strong LinkedIn profile with a professional photo instead of adding one to your resume.
In conclusion, for the majority of job seekers in 2024, the answer to “Should I Put My Photo On My Resume?” is a resounding no. Your efforts are better spent crafting a compelling resume that clearly showcases your qualifications and building a strong professional presence online, starting with a polished LinkedIn profile.
