Resume photos: Do they help or hurt your chances of getting hired?

Should you include a photo on your resume? Discover why most recruiters recommend against it, when there are exceptions, and what to do instead.

Key Takeaways

• For most professional roles, don't include a photo on your resume.
• A photograph can introduce conscious and unconscious bias before your experience has been considered.
• Modern ATS may or may not cope with photos, but they gain absolutely no benefit from them.
• If employers want to know what you look like, they'll usually find your LinkedIn profile anyway.
• Only include a photo if it's expected in your profession or the country you're applying to.

One of the most common questions I get asked is whether adding a headshot to a resume will improve someone's chances of getting an interview.

I totally understand why people ask because a photo definitely makes a resume more personal and memorable.

The logic is that if you're competing against hundreds of other applicants, and let’s face it who isn’t these days, surely putting a face to your name helps you stand out, right?

Yes, that's true.

But, unfortunately, what’s also true is that standing out can actually be a bad thing.

A resume has one job and one job only. To convince someone to invite you to an interview.

Everything on the page should help achieve that goal. If it doesn't, it probably shouldn't be there.

There are a handful of situations where including a photo is expected, and we'll cover those later.

But for the vast majority of roles, leaving your photo off your resume is the smarter choice.

If you are on the fence about whether to put your photo on your resume, here are three important questions to ask yourself.

• Do recruiters want to see my resume photo?
• Do Applicant Tracking Systems want to see my resumé photo?
• Why do I want to add my photo on my resume?

Let's dive in.

Do recruiters want to see my resume photo?

Rather than answer that question immediately, let’s focus on what makes a great photo.

To do this, let’s pretend you are a recruiter.

Imagine you're recruiting for a Business Development Manager.

You've advertised the role, applications are coming in and the first four resumes land on your desk.

Each applicant has chosen to include a professional-looking headshot.

I want you to take a few seconds to look at each one.

Don't overthink it.

All you have to do is look at each and think, which one do I feel more positive about?

Which image do I think is the best of the bunch?

Here’s the first.

What was your first impression? Did they seem professional? Approachable? Experienced? Or perhaps something didn't quite sit right. There’s no right or wrong with this, just what you feel.

Now take a look at number two.

How about this one? Better? Worse? More trustworthy? Less experienced? Again, don't analyse it. Just pay attention to your first thoughts.

Next up, number three.

What did you think this time? Competent? Confident? Too serious? Too casual?

And finally, candidate four.

Now ask yourself, which candidate would you naturally want to know more about? Which one gave you the best first impression? Which one gave you the worst?

Made up your mind?

Good.

Now here's the important part. None of your answers matter.

Seriously, it doesn’t matter which photo you preferred. What matters is why you preferred it.

Whatever your reasons were, they almost certainly had nothing to do with the person's ability to do the job.

You made an assessment based entirely on appearance and you probably did it in less than two seconds.

That doesn't make you a bad person, it just makes you human.

The problem isn't your photo

People often obsess over their resume photo. They want to get it ‘just right’ to make the best first impression.

They worry about lighting, backgrounds, what they’re wearing, their hair, their ‘best side,’ whether to smile, their wrinkles, … the list is endless.

They then use AI or photoshop to smooth out their imperfections to make them look as attractive as possible.

But attractiveness is subjective.

When you put a photo on your resume it will be judged by a human reaction.

One person finds someone warm and approachable.

Another thinks they look inexperienced.

One recruiter sees confidence.

Another sees arrogance.

Someone reminds you of a brilliant colleague.

Someone else reminds you of the worst manager they ever worked with.

The point is that none of those reactions have anything to do with competence.

Yet once they're introduced, they're incredibly difficult to ignore.

Psychologists call this unconscious bias. Our brains constantly make rapid judgments based on incomplete information. It's something every human being does, usually without realising it.

Research has shown these snap judgments can be formed in a fraction of a second, long before we've had the chance to evaluate someone's qualifications, experience or achievements.

Your photo gives the reader information they simply don't need to make a hiring decision.

If your experience is strong enough to earn an interview, your appearance won't improve that.

If your experience isn't strong enough, your appearance won't fix it.

Either way, your photo isn't helping and could in fact be hindering your chances if the recruiter has a negative reaction.

Most recruiters genuinely want to make fair hiring decisions.

In fact, many organisations actively train hiring managers to recognise unconscious bias and minimise its influence.

That's one of the reasons blind recruitment has become increasingly common.

What is blind recruitment?

Some organisations deliberately remove photos during the early stages of recruitment so candidates are assessed on what they have achieved rather than who they are.

A resume without a photo makes that much easier because it allows them to focus on what actually predicts success in the role:

• Your experience.
• Your achievements.
• Your skills.
• Your ability to solve the employer's problems.

Exactly where the focus should be.

Removing photos allows recruiters to adopt a bias-free process where they can select those that are the best fit for the role regardless of race, age, weight, gender, attractiveness, or personal style. This protects themselves and their employers from allegations of discrimination. 

Further, it is also normal practice for recruitment agencies to remove photos from resumes before they send them to their client companies for reasons of confidentiality.

This means that your photo won’t be seen by a hiring manager if you are working with an agency.

So, if you ask a recruiter if they want to see your resume photo, the answer will be no.

There is another very good reason not to put your photo on your resume and that is ATS.

Do Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) want to see my resume photo?

If you've spent any time researching resumes online, you've probably come across warnings like "never include a photo because ATS can't read it."

Now, there is some truth in that. I used to write exactly that a few years ago, but times have changed.

Modern Applicant Tracking Systems have come a long way and are far more sophisticated than they were even five years ago. Some can process highly designed resumes surprisingly well. Others still struggle with tables, graphics, text boxes and unusual layouts.

That's exactly the problem you face.

Every employer uses different software.

Every system has different capabilities.

Every company configures its ATS differently.

As a job seeker, you have no way of knowing what technology sits behind the application form you're about to submit.

You have no idea whether they are using the latest most sophisticated version or something from the past that struggles with anything that isn’t straight text.

So, instead of asking "will this ATS cope with my resume?" you should ask yourself “why am I making it work harder than it needs to?"

What an ATS actually does

There's a common misconception that an ATS decides whether you're hired.

In reality, an Applicant Tracking System is simply a database designed to organise applications and make life easier for recruiters.

It’s basically a faceless glorified filing cabinet. Or an Excel spreadsheet on steroids, with a sprinkling of AI magic on top.

It is not out to get you, it just wants to extract information such as:

• Your name and contact details
• Employment history
• Job titles
• Dates of employment
• Qualifications
• Skills
• Keywords relevant to the position

This process is known as parsing.

The cleaner and more straightforward your resume, the easier it is for the system to identify and categorise that information correctly.

Your photo contributes absolutely nothing to that process.

So, these days, will a photo cause your resume to be rejected?

Usually? No.

Could it? Potentially.

But really that's actually the wrong question to ask.

The better question is what advantage does a photo provide?

If adding a photo increased your chances of getting an interview, there might be a reason to accept a small technical risk.

But the truth is it doesn't.

It simply introduces another non-essential element into a document that is designed to communicate information as clearly as possible.

It's like adding glitter to an engineering drawing. It might look fancy and stand out, but it certainly won’t improve the document's purpose. Or be an appropriate choice to make.

So, now you know that Applicant Tracking Systems don’t want to see your resume photo, your left with the final question.

Why do I want to add my photo on my resume?

Whenever I work with clients that argue strongly for keeping a photo, invariably it comes down to this.

"I want to add some personality so I can stand out from my competition"

If you feel like this, I want you to consider it from the other side of the desk.

Imagine you're a recruiter responsible for processing 250 applications for a role. Would you rather receive:

• A clean, well-structured resume that imports perfectly into your ATS
• Or a heavily designed document containing graphics, icons, columns, logos and a professional headshot that only partially gets parsed into your ATS?

Trust me, recruiters don't sit there admiring resume layouts.

We're trying to identify the strongest candidates as efficiently as possible.

Anything that makes that process slower or more difficult doesn’t help us so, in turn, it definitely won’t be helping you.

Simple almost always wins.

One of the biggest myths in resume writing is that more design equals more interviews.

In reality, the opposite is true because the best resumes are usually the easiest to read.

• Clear headings.
• Logical structure.
• Consistent formatting.
• Strong achievements.
• Relevant keywords.

That's what both recruiters and ATS respond to.

• Not photographs.
• Not graphics.
•  Not fancy templates downloaded from the internet.

After reviewing thousands of resumes over the years, my advice is simple.

Whether you're applying through an online application system or direct to an employer or recruiter, always choose a reverse chronological resume format without confusing and unnecessary graphics and photos.

This will allow your experience and value to shine.

They don’t want to see your picture. They want to know whether you are suitable for shortlisting for an interview.

And, when a recruiter wants to know more about you, they'll type your name into Google or ChatGPT to access your Social Resume.

What is a social resume?

Your Social Resume is your digital footprint.

It's everything that appears when someone searches your name online.

That includes:

• Your LinkedIn profile and other social media accounts;
• Your professional photo and other photos of yourself;
• Any articles you've written;
• Podcasts you've appeared on;
• Presentations you've delivered;
• Company websites;
• Professional association profiles;
• Awards;
• Media coverage;
• Even the way you interact with people online.

Together, these create a far richer picture of who you are than a tiny headshot squeezed into the corner of a resume ever could.

This is where people want to see your headshot, not your resume.

They have already decided you are worth researching and they go to a platform where you can put your photo into context by truly highlighting your skills, experience and personality.

All the things that make you unique, which is so important in this age of mass applications for each role advertised.

So, in answer to why you want to put a photo on your resume, I get it. I know you want to stand out.

The problem is that it is the wrong place to do it. Concentrate on your social resume instead.

Are there any times when you should include a photo on your resume?

Up to this point, it’s been pretty clear.

For most job seekers, leave your photo off your resume.

But notice I didn't say all.

There are situations where including a professional photo is expected and in some cases, not doing so could actually work against you.

Certain professions

There are occupations where appearance is genuinely relevant to the role.

• Actors.
• Models.
• Television presenters.
• Performers.
• Promotional staff.
• Certain hospitality and leisure positions.

In these industries, employers aren't simply assessing your experience.

They're assessing whether you're suitable for a role where your appearance forms part of the product, brand or performance.

In those situations, a professional headshot isn't unusual but expected.

Specific countries

Recruitment practices also vary around the world.

In countries such as Germany, Austria and parts of Europe, including a professional photo on a CV has traditionally been standard practice, although this is gradually changing as employers place greater emphasis on reducing unconscious bias.

In countries like Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, however, the opposite is generally true.

Most recruiters don't expect to see a photo and actively prefer that you don't include one.

So, if you're applying for roles overseas, don't assume the rules are the same everywhere.

Spend a few minutes researching local recruitment practices before submitting your application because a small adjustment could make a big difference.

Particular recruiters and employers

If the employer requests a photograph as part of the application process, follow their instructions.

There's little point arguing whether it's necessary and it’s your choice as to whether you want to apply under those conditions.

If you do, provide a professional image.

If you don't, look for an employer whose recruitment process better aligns with your values.

What makes a great resume photo?

If you absolutely must include a photo, let's make sure it's working for you and not against you.

Over the years, I've seen every type imaginable.

Some excellent, some less so.

Let’s just say they are memorable for entirely the wrong reasons.

Based on what I have seen, and the reactions to photos I have witnessed from fellow recruiters and hiring managers, here are some simple guidelines that will help you make the best possible impression.

Don't use a selfie

Yes, I know this sounds obvious but apparently it isn’t.

I've reviewed resumes where you could still see the person's outstretched arm.

Others where the phone was reflected in sunglasses.

Some even had part of a bathroom mirror in the background.

If you're going to include a photo, invest the effort to do it properly.

A professional photographer is ideal but if that's outside your budget, ask someone else to take the picture using good natural lighting.

It will almost always look more professional than a selfie.

Dress like you're going to work

This isn't the place for your favourite holiday photo.

Or the picture from your cousin's wedding.

Or the one where everyone keeps telling you how amazing you look.

Dress the way you would if you were walking into an interview for the role you're applying for.

Professional, neat, and appropriate for your industry.

You're trying to reinforce your professional credibility, not your social life.

Keep the background boring

This is one time where boring is exactly what you want.

Choose a plain, uncluttered background.

The less there is to distract the reader, the better.

Your bookshelf, your kitchen, the beach, your new car, your fishing boat, and your holiday in Bali.

None of those improve your application.

In fact, they simply create more opportunities for someone to make an unnecessary judgement.

Head and shoulders only

This isn't Instagram so people don't need to see your full outfit.

A simple head-and-shoulders photograph keeps the focus on your face.

Smile naturally

Don't go for a rigid false grin or a serious brooding "corporate CEO" stare.

Aim for approachable, confident and professional.

Think about how you'd naturally greet someone at the start of an interview.

That's the expression you're looking for.

Avoid anything that is potentially contentious

This is probably the most important tip of all.

Your goal is to remove distractions, not create them.

Avoid clothing or accessories that unnecessarily shift attention away from your professional capability with:

• Political slogans.
• Controversial statements.
• Novelty clothing.
• Anything likely to divide opinion.

Conclusion

Let's go back to those four photographs at the beginning of this article.

Can you remember which one you liked the most?

More importantly, can you remember why?

Chances are you can't fully explain it because you simply had a feeling.

That's exactly the point.

You made a judgement before you knew anything about the candidates' experience, qualifications, achievements or ability to do the job.

However much we try not to do it, we all do because it's human nature.

The problem is that every judgement about your appearance is a judgement that isn't being made about your experience.

After spending years building your career, developing new skills, solving problems and achieving results, why would you risk having your application influenced by something completely unrelated to your ability?

Recruiters are happier if you don't add one because it enables their process to be untainted by unconscious bias.

ATS don't want you to add one because they add no value and can actually get in the way of parsing vital information.

And if an employer wants to put a face to the name, they'll almost certainly visit your LinkedIn profile long before they invite you to interview.

So unless you're applying for a role or in a country where photographs are expected, my advice is simple.

Leave your photo off your resume.

Let your achievements speak first.

Your personality can take over once you've earned the interview.

FAQ