Putting a picture on your resume might seem like a good idea, especially if you’re struggling to stand out from other candidates. However, in some cases photo resume templates can leave a negative impression on employers.
To help you make the right choice when writing your resume, we’ve put together a list of photo-related resume tips that explain exactly when you should and shouldn’t include a resume photo, and how to take a professional picture (if you do decide to include one). Let’s jump in:
Should you include a picture on your resume?
No, you shouldn’t include a picture on your resume if you’re applying for work in the US, the UK, or Canada. Many employers from these countries will reject applications with photos on them to avoid being accused of discrimination or bias in the hiring process.
Our free-to-use resume builder can make you a resume in as little as 5 minutes. Pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.
If you’d like to provide employers with a photo of yourself, the best way to do this is by including your LinkedIn profile URL on your resume.
However, there are still some situations when including a resume picture is acceptable or desirable. Read on for a list of reasons why you shouldn’t include your photo, followed by a list of exceptions:
Why you shouldn’t put a photo on your resume
In some situations, including a picture on your resume can sabotage your chances of landing a job.
Want a simple explanation? Here’s a short TikTok video briefly covering the reasons why having photos on your resume might not be the best idea. Check it out:
@resumegenius Wondering if you should add a photo to your resume? 🤔 The answer is: you shouldn’t. Here’s why ⬆️ #resumetips #careeradvice #jobsearchtips #jobsearching #resume ♬ Strawberry – Prod. By Rose
Here are all the key reasons you shouldn’t include a photo on your resume:
1. Employers consider resumes with pictures unprofessional
In North America and the UK, job applicants traditionally don’t put a picture of themselves on their resumes. So when hiring managers come across the rare resume with a photo at the top, most find it strange or unprofessional.
Even if the employer isn’t concerned about bias in the hiring process, including a picture of yourself is still irrelevant to your qualifications, and might be seen as a distraction from what’s actually important: the skills on your resume, your education, and work experience.
2. Putting a photo on your leads to the possibility of hiring discrimination
Even in countries with strict anti-discrimination and labor laws, putting a photo on your resume still leaves you more at risk of experiencing hiring bias than not including a photo in the first place.
Despite being illegal, workplace discrimination is still commonplace in the United States. By including a picture of yourself, you may be putting yourself at risk of being discriminated against based on your:
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Disability
- General appearance
Our resident career expert, Conrad, breaks it down for you in this TikTok:
@resumegenius Replying to @felix_lll Is it true? No photo in resume? #resumetips #careeradvice #careertips #resumeadvice ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
3. Pictures aren’t ATS friendly
Many larger employers use a type of software called an applicant tracking system (or ATS) to filter through job applications and identify qualified applicants.
However, ATS software isn’t always advanced and can have issues properly scanning resumes that use nontraditional resume formats, unusual file types, or complex elements like graphics and images.
While recruiters or hiring managers can still download your resume directly to see it, it’s best to keep your resume ATS-friendly by removing images. This will save you time when you’re asked to re-enter your information into the company’s hiring portal, and will ensure that your resume is scanned and sorted correctly.
In addition to avoiding pictures, you should also stick to a traditional resume layout to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly.
When to put a picture on your resume
There are some situations when you should include a photo on your resume. For example, if you’re writing an acting resume or applying for jobs in modeling, it’s acceptable to put a photo of yourself on your resume because your appearance is directly relevant to the job requirements.
However, most modeling jobs require a set of professional headshots included in your portfolio. So while adding a photo on your resume is a nice addition, it’s not necessary or important for the job.
Additionally, many countries have different customs regarding resume photos. If you live outside North America or the U.K. it’s possible that employers expect or require a picture on your resume.
If you’re unsure what the custom is in your country, don’t worry. Here’s a list of countries that require resume photos and some that don’t:
Use a resume photo in these countries:
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Philippines
- Most of Continental Europe
Don’t use a resume picture in these countries:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- The Netherlands
- Sweden
- India
If for whatever reason you’re still unsure whether or not you should include a photo on your resume when applying to a company, it’s safer to simply not include one.
Even in countries where including a photo is acceptable, many international companies use or are at least familiar with American hiring practices and won’t mind your resume not having a photo on it.
How to take a good resume picture
If you decide to add a picture on your resume, it should always be professional and leave a positive first impression.
Any photo you include should be professionally-taken, well-lit, and clearly show what you look like. You should also be wearing professional or business casual attire in your resume photo.

This will be the hiring manager’s first impression of you, so you don’t want to look unprofessional or unreliable.
Using a selfie or otherwise unsuitable resume photo is common on bad resume examples, and is likely to get your resume discarded.
Professional Photo Dos and Don’ts
Do use a:
- Professionally-taken photo
- Photo where you’re facing straight toward the camera
- Photo with good lighting
- Photo where your face is clearly seen
- Photo of you with a friendly smile
- Photo where you’re dressed business casual
- Photo where your hair is neat and out of your face
- Photo where you’re wearing tasteful accessories
Don't use a:
- Selfie
- Photo taken at an angle
- Photo with bad or harsh lighting
- Photo where your face is obscured
- Photo where you look bored or unenthused
- Photo where you’re wearing inappropriate attire
- Photo where your hair looks unkempt
- Photo where you’re showing too many piercings, tattoos, or accessories

Yolaine Amaro
Social Media Lead
Yolaine Amaro is the Social Media Lead at Resume Genius, where she creates and manages content that empowers job seekers. She frequently collaborates with other career industry experts to bring new perspectives to her audience and provide valuable career advice. Yolaine graduated from the University of Angers in France with a Master’s Degree in Tourism - easily impressing with her people skills and ability to thrive in multicultural environments. When she’s not brainstorming content ideas, she channels her creativity into art and craft projects or plans her next travel adventure with her knack for organization. For any partnership or media-related query, don’t hesitate to contact her via LinkedIn or yolaine [at] resumegenius [dot] com. Please note that Resume Genius does not accept guest posts, and all such requests will be ignored.
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