In today’s competitive job market, crafting a resume that stands out is crucial. One question that frequently arises for job seekers is whether to include a photograph on their resume. While resume norms have evolved, the inclusion of a photo remains a debated topic. For many, the answer is still a resounding no, particularly in specific industries and regions.
“The answer is no,” states Graham Riley, CEO of CareerToolBox, regarding the inclusion of photos on resumes. “There is limited space on a resume, and many are processed through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Depending on the sophistication of the ATS, adding graphics like photos can interfere with how your information is extracted and presented to recruiters.”
Furthermore, resume photos can divert the recruiter’s attention. “People who add photos often aim to differentiate themselves,” Riley explains. “However, studies have shown that recruiters spend less than seven seconds reviewing a resume.” It’s therefore paramount to ensure a recruiter’s brief attention is focused on your skills and relevant experience.
However, geographic location can influence the appropriateness of including a photo. Career blog Novoresume indicates that job applicants in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Scandinavian countries, the Middle East, Africa, and South America are generally expected to include photos in their resumes.
“Including a photo on your resume is generally recommended in these regions, even if not explicitly requested,” Novoresume clarifies. “However, it’s essential to remember that customs vary across organizations, and national standards can change. Some employers might specifically request that you omit photos, in which case, you should always comply.”
To delve deeper into this topic, we consulted with Riley and Ashley Cash, a resume writer specializing in $100K+ roles, to understand when a resume photo is acceptable and when it’s best avoided.
When is it Acceptable to Include a Photo on Your Resume?
Given the potential for distraction and the limited space on a resume, adding a photo is generally discouraged for most professions and job applications. However, certain exceptions exist beyond just geographic location; specific industries might also warrant a photo.
“There are likely only one or two industries where including a photo on a resume could be beneficial,” Cash points out. “Real estate is one such industry, where photos can foster a sense of trust and personal connection. The second industry is within the entertainment sector – for roles like models or actors, where physical appearance is inherently part of the job requirements, alongside qualifications.”
“Is the candidate the right ‘look’ for the role?” becomes a relevant question in these fields. Outside these niche industries, Cash believes photos offer little advantage. “In today’s digital age, it’s important to consider that if someone wants to see your face, numerous other channels exist, most notably LinkedIn. Therefore, I would argue that photos are beneficial only in very specific industries where there is a clear, tangible advantage.”
Alt text: Professional working on their laptop, crafting a compelling resume for job applications.
Where to Place a Photo on Your Resume and the Ideal Photo Type
If you determine that your industry or location necessitates a resume photo, proper placement and photo type are crucial. Cash advises positioning the photo near your contact information, typically in the top right or left corner of the resume.
For the photo itself, professionalism is paramount. In real estate, utilize a professional headshot, ideally the same branded headshot used in your other marketing materials.
“The same principle applies to the entertainment industry,” Cash explains. “Use your professional headshot or the image you typically use for branding. It should go without saying, but avoid casual photos like car selfies or snapshots taken on a phone. Maintain a professional standard.”
Why You Should Generally Avoid Photos on Your Resume
For the vast majority of industries outside of the specific exceptions, including a photo on your resume offers no added value, according to Riley.
“It can potentially disrupt the visual flow of your resume,” Riley elaborates. “Formatting issues can arise, the photo might shift out of place, and it can create a cluttered appearance.”
“With recruiters spending just seconds on initial resume reviews, they aren’t hiring based on appearance. They are rapidly assessing if you can demonstrate the necessary skills and experience,” Riley emphasizes. “The resume’s primary goal is to spark curiosity and secure an interview. If your resume fails to generate that curiosity about your capabilities, you’re unlikely to receive many interview invitations.”
Instead of focusing on a photo, both Riley and Cash recommend investing time in strengthening your resume’s content and optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
“Our resume is designed to generate enough interest and convey our career narrative compellingly, motivating the reader to schedule an interview,” Cash explains. “We can effectively communicate our story, career highlights, and competencies without relying on a photo. Think of your resume as a professional document, not a picture book. It doesn’t require visual aids to tell your professional story.”
When crafting your resume narrative, avoid treating it as a mere biography, Cash advises.
“The focus should be on the most impactful aspects of your work, directly relevant to your career aspirations,” Cash emphasizes. “This is a common pitfall. Don’t simply list tasks; instead, highlight the high-impact areas where you’ve demonstrably driven results and positive outcomes for organizations. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, focusing on real-world results and outcomes. That’s where your time and energy should be directed.”
Start by enhancing your resume’s headline and objective/summary sections, Riley suggests.
“Your headline should immediately communicate who you are and your key value proposition, even if the recruiter reads no further than the top section of your resume,” Riley advises. “If that’s all they see, what lasting impression do you want to leave?”
“Your objective statement should articulate what you bring to the table. Every role being filled is intended to solve a problem for the hiring company. Position yourself as a subject matter expert capable of addressing that problem, highlighting your relevant skills and experience that will enable the company to achieve its goals.”
Furthermore, pay close attention to your LinkedIn profile’s presentation.
“A recruiter’s initial impression of you is often formed through your LinkedIn profile, which absolutely should include a professional profile photograph,” Riley stresses. “Your cover letter, resume, and LinkedIn profile are all components of your professional marketing materials. Your LinkedIn profile photo functions as your ‘company logo’ – a visual identifier that accompanies you throughout the application process.”
Instead of dedicating effort to selecting a resume photo, unless you are in an industry or region where it is customary, redirect that energy into refining your resume to showcase your qualifications and suitability for the desired role.
Top Takeaways
Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume?
- In general, avoid including a photo on your resume, especially in English-speaking countries and for most industries.
- Recruiters spend minimal time reviewing resumes initially; photos can be a distraction from key qualifications.
- Real estate and entertainment industries, along with certain geographic regions, are exceptions where resume photos might be acceptable or expected.
- If you do include a photo, position it professionally near your contact information and use a high-quality headshot.
