Resume Photo: Yes, or No?-Drjobpro.com

The resume
photo, yes, or the resume photo, no?

Key Takeaways

Should you include a photo on your resume?
When is
it unnecessary to add a photo to your resume?
How do
you choose CV photos? Here are some tips.

Last Reviewed: April 2026 | Sources: DrJobPro Hiring Data Q1 2026.

What was
previously taken for granted is no longer so! And while some believe that
including a CV photo gives you an edge when searching for a job, others believe
that the CV photo is unnecessary.

And never
absolute truths, so to help you eliminate the confusion of adding or deleting a
personal photo in the resume, we write to you today!

Should you include a photo on your resume?

There is no sure
answer that applies to all CV situations; Recruiters differ in views, and
vacancies vary in terms of requirements and responsibilities.

Here, you
discover whether your correct resume with a profile picture is what you
customize according to each job.

When is
it unnecessary to add a photo to your resume?

As mentioned, there are no absolute truths.

But the best
thing is to remove your photo from your resume unless you are explicitly asked
to add it, as recruitment specialists now see that adding the image may lead to
looking or skin color discrimination, which is what all organizations now call
for to be avoided.

But also, we
have become in the internet era and the digital presence, there is no doubt
that the recruiter will see your digital accounts, so make sure that your image
there is professional and demonstrates your presence.

Below, we
will reveal the secrets of choosing the best job application image.

When do
you include your profile picture on your CV?

There is a
team that believes that, with exceptions, the best option is always to include
a photo in the resume. They attribute this to several reasons, including:

Adding a
person’s photo to a resume ensures greater application personalization, thus
making it less ambiguous and easier to identify.

The photo
establishes the first contact between you and the recruiter, which helps you to
be remembered more easily and makes it easier to make your selection among
other candidates.

A profile
picture in a resume conveys personal values and traits that can be recognized
from a simple photo (such as seriousness, professionalism, and self-care).

So, the most
straightforward scenario for including your photo is when it is explicitly
requested in the job posting.

But there are some other scenarios, including the following:

Submit
your CV in person

If you are
participating in career fairs, seminars, or workshops related to your field,
you must bring a copy of your CV and a business card.

On these
occasions, you always communicate directly with the recruiter, so to make it
easier for you to get chosen for the job, add your picture to the resume so
that it can easily remember you when reviewing hundreds of other resumes.

The job
advertisement did not explicitly mention it, and you are still hesitant. What
to do?

In this
case, the choice is up to you. But if it’s a stumbling block for you, we offer
you a compromise: point directly to your LinkedIn profile, explicitly
indicating that your photo is attached.

The recruiter will find your photo and more as he reads your information. It also helps if you think your appearance can help you get the job.

LinkedIn Tried and Tested Tips:

How do
you choose CV photos? Here are some tips.

Choosing a
photo to include in the resume is essential.

It is the
first picture of ourselves that we decide to show the recruiter. And as always known,
the first impression is what matters.

Here are 10 tips for choosing the best photo for your resume:

1- The
size and shape of the image

Your CV
photo is a bit like a passport or driver’s license photo: The photo included in
your CV should be close (not too close) with the neck visible and the beginning
of the shoulders, not preferably full-length unless you are looking for work as
a host or model.

The ideal
place to insert your photo is at the top, next to the Personal Details section.

2-
Use a front image

The correct
option is to have your photo forward with your eyes facing the camera. You can
also use a 3/4 image; what matters is that you are looking directly into the
camera.

3- Choose
a professional photo

Some people
may find it easy to include any photo they find on their resume. However, the
purpose of your resume is to get invited for a job interview.

So, avoid
using group or informal photos. And make sure that your clothes are elegant and
somewhat formal.

4-
Pay attention to the background

The
background of your resume photo should be as neutral as possible. This allows
you to focus attention directly on you: informal backgrounds or images can distract
the recruiter and make the whole image less formal and solemn. A white wall or
a professional setting: these are the best backgrounds.

5- Focus
on naturalness

The more
natural the image, the more perfect it will be. No strange expressions, frowning,
or exaggerated laughter: Whether you smile or relax, the rest will happen!

6- Choose
a picture that makes you easily recognizable

The
recruiter should not have trouble getting to know you at the time of the job
interview. So avoid using an old photo and ensure your inserted image is
perfectly compatible with your current look.

7-
Choose a well-lit, high-quality photo

The image’s
brightness also plays a significant role in your selection; If you include a
photo that makes you unrecognizable, your resume will likely be neglected.
Another aspect that should not be underestimated is image quality: avoid
low-quality images and choose a high-resolution image.

Good resume
photo/CV picture examples!

Bad resume photo/CV picture examples!

For more tips for a more professional resume, read:

And now your turn. Would you prefer to add a personal photo to your CV or not? Share your opinion in the comments!

Apply for latest jobs today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you include a photo on your resume?

There is no sure
answer that applies to all CV situations; Recruiters differ in views, and
vacancies vary in terms of requirements and responsibilities.

When is
it unnecessary to add a photo to your resume?

As mentioned, there are no absolute truths.

How do
you choose CV photos? Here are some tips.

Choosing a
photo to include in the resume is essential.

Resume Photo: Yes, or No?-Drjobpro.com

Should you include a photo on your resume?