How To Insert a Resume Photo: Dos and Don’ts

Table of content:

Adding a photo to your resume can be a smart choice, depending on where the position you want to apply for is located.

In this article, we’ll talk about:

• When you should include a resume photo
• Advantages and disadvantages of a resume with a photo
• How to add a professional photo to a resume
• Which countries prefer resume photos

You can also take advantage of our AI-powered resume builder to make adding a photo to your application easier.

Keep reading to find out specifically when and how to include a photo on your resume to make sure it increases your chances of landing the job.

Should You Put a Picture on Your Resume?

In the U.S., the default answer is no. You should avoid adding a photo unless the job posting explicitly asks for one.

• Adding a photo when it was not requested could:
• Trigger unconscious bias
• Distract from your qualifications
• Cause an ATS to reject your file

Most recruiters prefer a clean, text-only resume that focus on your skills and experience, not your appearance.

When putting a picture on your resume makes sense

A photo may make sense in a few cases:

• Appearance-based roles. Headshots are expected in the acting and modelling industries.
• Personal-brand fields. A professional photo could add credibility for roles in real estate, coaching or creative industries.
• Job applications outside the U.S. This is the case in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, for example, where CVs with photos are the standard.

If the industry expects it or the country norm favors it, use a photo. Otherwise, skip it.

How to Add a Photo to Your Resume

If you decide that a resume with a photo will benefit your job search the most, you have to understand:

1. The type of photo you are going to use
2. What size to make it
3.  Where to put the photo

Adding an image to your resume in the wrong location or one that’s too big or small can make it look unorganized, If your photo is unprofessional, it can hurt your chances.

Review the following steps of adding a photo to a resume to add yours the right way. 

1. Pick the right photo

The type of resume photo you choose largely depends on the position you are applying for. But most importantly, it must look professional, which means avoiding selfies and photos you’ve taken with friends or family. 

In your resume photo, make sure you’re:

• Maintaining a neutral expression with a slight smile for corporate positions to convey professionalism
• Using a front-facing headshot on a solid and light background

You should also tailor your photo to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for an office job, wear office attire in your resume photo.

2. Set the size

Space is precious in a resume, and the main focus should always be on the content, such as your skills, work experience, and qualifications.

Large photos will take up too much space, but small photos are difficult to see. The key is to strike a balance.

In general, a passport-size photo will be large enough to read without wasting space. Most templates you use will incorporate a “2 x 2” photo.

3. Place it in the right area on your resume

Most resume photos look best when placed near the top right of the page. This positioning allows the left corner to list your contact details and your resume objective or personal statement.

Enhance Your Existing Resume With AI in One Click

Worried about getting the size or placement wrong? If you add a photo with a resume template, you can find the right spot for your photo easily.

Our AI resume builder lets you switch templates, place your photo correctly, and improve wording and formatting in seconds. Just upload your resume and get an enhanced version instantly.

You can also choose to generate a completely new, ATS-aligned resume with AI, ready to send to recruiters.

Pros and Cons of Adding a Picture on Resumes

Adding a photo can come with benefits but also some drawbacks. Take a look at why adding a professional photo to your resume can both help and hurt your chances. 

Still not sure whether to add a photo to your resume? Consider adding a professional headshot to your LinkedIn profile instead.

Cultural Considerations When You Add a Photo to a Resume

In the US, Canada, and the UK, adding a photo to your resume goes against anti-discrimination and labor laws.

Unfortunately, certain studies have shown there are both opposite-race and same-race biases when hiring managers review resumes with photos.

 For this reason, adding a resume photo isn’t common.

However, you’ll probably find resumes with photos, especially in more creative fields, in countries like:

•  France
• Germany 
•  Spain. 

Here’s a quick table showing where adding a photo to your resume is common, and where it’s best to avoid it:

Region	Photo?	Expectation of CV/Resume Photo
United States, Canada, United Kingdom	❌	Photos are discouraged; resumes are usually text-only due to anti-discrimination norms.
Western & Southern Europe (e.g., Germany, France, Spain)	✅	CV photos are common and often expected. Nordic countries less so.
Eastern Europe	✅	Many employers still prefer a CV with a photo, though practices vary.
Asia (especially China, Japan, South Korea)	✅	CV/resume photos are standard or formally required.
Middle East	➖	Mixed. Photos are accepted or preferred in many roles, but it depends on the country.
Latin America	➖	Varies widely. Some countries still use CV photos; others are shifting to no-photo norms.
Australia & New Zealand	❌	Photos are generally not used on resumes.

Always verify employer and country-specific guidelines before including a photo, as requirements and preferences can vary.

Alternatives to including a photo on a resume

If you think that a photo on your resume will do more harm than good, there are a few other places you can include a photo and include a link on your resume instead.

• Your LinkedIn profile
• Your personal website
• Your social media pages (for applicable industries)

Key Points 

So, do you think adding a photo will help your resume appeal to employers?

Adding a photo to your resume can be worth it if you keep in mind the information we’ve mentioned, such as:

• Applying for a position in countries such as Spain, France, or Germany
• Keeping your photo professional
• Ensuring it’s the right size
• Putting it in the right place on your resume

Remember, you can also add a photo to your resume online hassle-free by using our resume builder.

Resume Photo FAQs

Do resumes include pictures now?

In the U.S., pictures are still not included on resumes as a rule. Globally, you’ll still see both.
In most English-speaking countries, resumes usually don’t include photos. But in many parts of Europe and Asia, adding a CV photo is still common.

When you’re applying for remote jobs, always follow the norm of the country where the job is located, not the country you live in.

What kind of picture should I put on my resume?

Always choose a professional-looking photo for your resume. A front-facing headshot with a neutral expression on a solid, light background is ideal. 

Make sure that the photo is high resolution and captures you from the shoulders up. Avoid casual selfies or group photos to maintain a professional appearance.

What size should my resume photo be?

Your resume photo should be passport-sized, typically around 2” x 2”. This size is large enough to be clear without taking up too much space. It’s important to keep the photo well-positioned to maintain focus on your skills and experience.

Where should I put the resume photo?

Place your resume photo near the top right corner of the page. This position allows your contact details and personal statement to occupy the left side and gives you a balanced layout. 

The placement helps keep the focus on your qualifications while still providing a professional visual element to your resume.

What is the 7-second rule in a resume?

The 7-second rule comes from eye-tracking studies showing that recruiters spend around 7 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to keep reading.

This is why your layout must be clean, your key achievements must be easy to spot, and any resume photo has to be small and unobtrusive.

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