Should you include a photo on your resume? This is a question no HR manager or recruiter has a definite answer to. We tried to figure out whether the presence of a photo on a resume is important, and what the photo should look like in order to attract the attention of the potential employer.
Should I put my photo on my resume?
It is difficult to say for sure whether everyone must attach a photo to their resume, but sometimes you definitely cannot do without a photo. For example, the positions of HR manager, hostess, secretary, sales assistant, or sales manager involve constant communication with people, so the candidate's appearance plays a vital role in these jobs. You can also include your photo on a resume if you apply for remote work to win over a recruiter or employer.
What do employers think of photos on a resume?
According to research, 88% of recruiters consider all resumes, regardless of a photo's presence. Only 4% of recruiters do not open a resume without a photo. 71% of employers believe that a good resume photo helps in employment.
So how to choose an effective photo for your CV?
When choosing a photo for your resume, pay attention to the following points:
1. Make sure the photo is high-resolution and high-quality
![A poor-quality photo and a high-quality photo](https://internetprotocol.co/content/images/2021/03/Make-sure-the-photo-is-high-resolution-and-high-quality.png)
Grainy and blurry photos are no-good for a resume.
2. Choose portraits, not full-length photos
![A full-length photo and a portrait](https://internetprotocol.co/content/images/2021/03/Choose-portraits--not-full-length-photos.png)
The purpose of a resume photo is to show your face, the most important part of your appearance.
![](https://internetprotocol.co/content/images/2021/01/Tips-for-Writing-a-Great-Resume.png)
3. Photos from parties or vacations are inappropriate
![A photo from a party and an average photo](https://internetprotocol.co/content/images/2021/03/Photos-from-parties-or-vacations-are-inappropriate.png)
Applicants add all kinds of photos on their resumes: group photos (probably offering recruiters to try and guess which of these people is a candidate), photos in swimsuits and revealing outfits, bathroom selfies, etc. Serious candidates do not do that.
4. Passport photos will not do
![A passport photo and a less formal photo](https://internetprotocol.co/content/images/2021/03/Passport-photos-will-not-do.png)
It would seem that a passport photo is the embodiment of seriousness, which means it is perfect for a resume, but it is not. Photos like these can seem too formal, and the faces in passport photos are often very tense.
5. The photo should be up-to-date
![A photo of a young man and a photo of an old man](https://internetprotocol.co/content/images/2021/03/The-photo-should-be-up-to-date.png)
It's a little strange if a recruiter sees a photo of a burning brunette with a bob haircut in a resume, but a girl with blue dreadlocks comes to the interview. Make sure your resume photo keeps up with your changes in appearance and age.
![](https://internetprotocol.co/content/images/2020/08/Recruiter-s-Blacklist.png)
6. Do not overdo with Photoshop
![A photo of a girl with too much Photoshop and an average photo](https://internetprotocol.co/content/images/2021/03/Do-not-overdo-with-Photoshop.png)
In pursuit of the perfect shot, don't overdo it with enhancements. You're not on Tinder.
7. Take a photo specifically for your resume
![A photo with bad lighting and a photo with good lighting](https://internetprotocol.co/content/images/2021/03/Take-a-photo-specifically-for-your-resume.png)
If you cannot find a suitable photo for your resume in the archive, do not be lazy to arrange a mini-photo session for yourself. Call a friend with skilled hands, choose an outfit, and take high-quality shots with good lighting.