Should Your CV Include A Profile Photo? Pros & Cons

In today’s ever-digitising world, standing out in the job market is more challenging than ever. Employers are (literally) swamped with hundreds, if not thousands, of CVs, and the competition for that dream job can be fierce.

One heated topic of debate when crafting a CV is whether or not to include a profile photo. Is it a great way to add a personal touch, or could it backfire? For some, it feels like a good way to make a personal connection with potential employers, while for others, it seems unnecessary or even risky.

So, what’s the right choice? We are going to explore the advantages and disadvantages of including a photo on your CV so that you can make the most informed decision.

Pro: A Picture Personalises Your Application

The main benefit of using a profile photo is that it gives your resume some personality. If you work in an industry like marketing, hospitality or customer service where personality and first impressions really do matter, a high quality profile photo can give your resume a serious competitive edge. It brings an element of humanity that most text-only resumes often lack.

However, it’s not just about slapping any old picture onto your CV. You’ll want to use a clean, polished headshot that reflects your personality in a professional way. Remember — your photo should complement your CV, not complete with it.

Good lighting, a neutral background (non-distracting), and suitable attire are key factors in making the right impression. This is where an image background remover tool can be super useful. Even if your headshot was taken in a less than ideal setting, an image background remover will set the focus on you by removing distracting backgrounds. This little detail will speak volumes about your attention to presentation and professionalism.

Pro: Helps Build a Personal Brand

In certain industries, especially creative fields, personal branding is just as important as your experience. If you’re a designer, content creator, or social media manager, having a profile photo can strengthen your personal brand. Likewise, if you have a consistent image across all platforms (LinkedIn, portfolios etc), you help to further establish your brand both online and in-person.

Not just that, but a professional photo in your CV could convey that you understand the importance of digital presentation. In fields where personal branding and self-promotion are part and parcel of the job, a headshot sends the message that you know how to market yourself. It shows that you’ve taken the time to present yourself in a way that aligns with your industry and reflects how you approach your work.

However, with that said, choosing a photo that is equal parts personality and professionalism is key. You may love that photo of you at your best friend’s birthday party, but it may not be appropriate for your CV. So, be sure to choose wisely. You’ll want to pick a headshot that adds value and reinforces your identity as a professional in your field.

Pro: Immediate Engagement

The fact is that most employers spend a mere few seconds looking at CVs. So, naturally, anything that grabs attention within the blink of an eye always helps. A professional photo can engage the recruiter immediately, making them more likely to pause and read your CV in detail.

A profile picture can act as an extension of your work, especially if you are in a creative field where presentation is everything. So, think of it as part of the entire design of your CV, not just a random addition. Make sure the colours, style, and overall vibe of your image align with the job you’re aiming for. When a potential employer is glancing through your CV and a curated profile photo catches their eye — that image might be the one thing that makes them spend a few extra seconds on your application.

Con: Risk of Bias

Sure, a photo can set your CV apart. But equally so it could open up the possibility of unconscious bias. Whether we like to admit it or not, first impressions are often formed based on appearance, and this can work against you in some cases. Including a photo — and being judged on that basis alone before you walk into the interview room — could expose you to bias, whether it be ageism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination.

This is actually the reason that many HR professionals and recruiters advise against including a photo. There are companies taking steps to reduce bias in their hiring processes by adopting blind recruitment which strips out names, photos and other personal details and focuses only on qualifications and experience. It might be a good idea to leave out the profile photo on your application if you are applying for companies known for these efforts to keep the focus where it matters: your skills and qualifications.

Con: It’s Not Always The Norm

One thing to remember is that in many countries and industries, adding a profile photo to your CV isn’t standard practice. For example, in the US and UK, resumes don't usually include a profile shot due to regulations against discrimination. In fact, some recruiters may even find it off-putting if you include a photo, as it’s simply not the norm in their country or field. By contrast, some countries could see a profile picture as being mandatory (Germany or Japan), meaning not including one would be regarded as a misstep.

Our best advice: BEFORE you click “Apply” do your research on the hiring norms in that country or field you’re applying to. What works in one country/field may not work in another, so be sure to tailor a few different versions of your CV accordingly. You don’t want to risk your application being dismissed simply because you didn’t follow the conventions of that particular job market. Comparatively, tailoring your resume to fit local industry standards can help you make a stronger first impression with your CV by showcasing your attention to detail.

Con: May Not Add Value to Certain Roles

Lastly, not every job requires (or benefits from) a profile photo. For more technical roles, such as engineering, data analysis, or IT, employers are more interested in what you can do and less about how you look (besides a clean appearance).

Additionally, if you’re applying for roles where you’ll be judged purely on the work you can deliver (research positions or academic roles etc,) adding a photo could feel irrelevant or even unnecessary. In these cases, a profile photo might not add much to your application and could even detract from the emphasis on what you have achieved so far in terms of professional experience.

Conclusion: Should You Include a Profile Photo?

So, should you include a profile photo in your CV? Well, it all comes down to the industry, company or even country you are applying to.

On the one hand, a great photo can humanise your CV and tell an impressive story about your personal brand; on the other, it may open doors to bias or seem out of place in more formal or technical industries.

Ultimately, the best course of action is to assess every job application independently. If the role calls for a bit of personal branding or creativity, go ahead and include a professional, polished headshot. However, if you’re applying for a more traditional or technical role, consider skipping the photo and letting your skills speak for themselves.

As with many things in life, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Take the time to consider the industry, location, and specific role you’re applying for before making your decision. Ultimately, the goal is to present yourself in the best light possible, whether that involves a profile photo or not.

All the best and happy job hunting!