Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume?

Carlos Stanza

November 26, 2024

The question of whether to include a photo on your resume is a divisive one. While some job seekers see it as a way to personalize their application and stand out, others worry about the potential for bias or rejection due to cultural norms. The truth is, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your industry, the job market, and where you're applying. Let’s dive into the facts, share key statistics, and explore the pros and cons to help you make the best decision.

Global Norms and Expectations

Resume practices vary widely across the globe. Understanding these differences can help you tailor your approach:

• United States, Canada, and the UK: In these countries, photos on resumes are generally discouraged. Many companies avoid them altogether to comply with anti-discrimination laws.

• Europe: Including a photo is standard practice in countries like Germany, France, and Spain. According to JobTeaser, around 80% of European resumes include a photo.

• Asia: In countries like China, Japan, and India, resumes with photos are customary. Not including one may even put you at a disadvantage.

• Australia and New Zealand: Photos are generally avoided unless explicitly requested, following practices similar to North America.

Why You Might Want to Include a Photo

Adding a photo to your resume can have its advantages:

1. It Makes You Memorable Recruiters often review dozens (if not hundreds) of resumes. A study from the University of Iowa found that visuals improve memory retention, with recruiters being 65% more likely to remember candidates who included a photo.

2. It Enhances Personal BrandingIn creative fields like marketing or design, personal branding is key. A polished photo can reinforce your professional identity and help you stand out. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 37% of employers check candidates’ online presence, and a professional photo can leave a lasting impression.

3. Role-Specific RequirementsFor roles in entertainment, hospitality, or customer-facing positions, a photo might be part of the evaluation criteria. Including one demonstrates you understand the expectations of the industry.

Why You Might Avoid Adding a Photo

While there are benefits, there are also risks to consider:

1. It Can Lead to BiasStudies from the National Bureau of Economic Research reveal that resumes with photos increase the likelihood of bias based on age, gender, and ethnicity. Applicants with "ethnic-sounding names" or non-traditional appearances were 33% less likely to receive callbacks.

2. It Can Fail ATS Systems98% of Fortune 500 companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems focus on text, not images, and including a photo could result in your application being rejected before it reaches a recruiter.

3. It May Be Viewed as UnprofessionalIn industries like finance, law, or healthcare, where achievements and qualifications are the priority, a photo may seem out of place. Worse, it could give the impression that you don’t understand industry standards.

4. Legal and Cultural ConcernsIn the U.S., the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) discourages photos on resumes to minimize legal risks related to discrimination. Employers may reject resumes with photos to avoid liability.

When and Where Should You Include a Photo?

Appropriate Situations for a Photo:

• International Applications: If you’re applying in a country where photos are the norm, including one is recommended.

• Creative Industries: Fields like acting, graphic design, or photography may expect visual resumes.

• LinkedIn and Portfolios: While not necessary for a resume, professional headshots are a must on LinkedIn and other online profiles.

Situations to Avoid a Photo:

• Applications to industries that prioritize qualifications over appearance, such as finance, law, or academia.

• Resumes submitted in North America or other regions where photos are uncommon and could lead to unintended bias.

Best Practices for Including a Photo

If you decide to add a photo to your resume, follow these tips to do it right:

1. Choose a Professional PhotoUse a high-resolution image with a neutral background. Dress appropriately and ensure your expression is friendly yet professional.

2. Keep the Placement SubtleAdd the photo in the top corner or a designated space, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm the content.

3. Ensure ConsistencyUse the same photo across your resume, LinkedIn profile, and online portfolio to build a cohesive personal brand.

4. Know Your AudienceTailor your resume to the industry and job market. Research whether a photo is culturally or professionally appropriate before including one.

Alternatives to Adding a Photo

Not comfortable adding a photo? No problem—there are other ways to stand out:

1. Highlight Your LinkedIn ProfileInclude a link to your LinkedIn profile, which should feature a polished headshot. According to LinkedIn, profiles with photos are 21 times more likely to be viewed than those without.

2. Create a Personal Branding StatementUse a short, compelling statement at the top of your resume to emphasize your unique skills and value to employers.

3. Use a Custom Resume TemplateChoose a modern resume design that reflects your personality while remaining ATS-friendly.

Key Statistics to Know

• 76% of resumes are rejected due to unprofessional formatting, including photos (TopResume).

• Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning a resume, so visuals must not distract from critical details.

• 15% of companies are implementing bias reduction tools, meaning unconscious bias is still a significant challenge in hiring.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to include a photo on your resume is a strategic choice. While it may enhance personal branding or align with industry norms in certain cases, it can also expose you to bias or cause issues with ATS systems. When in doubt, focus on creating a clean, professional resume that emphasizes your skills and achievements. Use platforms like LinkedIn to complement your application with a polished, professional photo.

What’s your take? Have you included a photo on your resume, or do you prefer to leave it off? Let us know in the comments below!

Need help crafting an ATS-optimized resume or deciding if including a photo is the right choice for your resume? Contact me today at carlos@resumefin.com!

Works Cited

1. National Bureau of Economic Research. "Resume Studies: Unconscious Bias and the Hiring Process." nber.org.

2. CareerBuilder. "How Hiring Managers Evaluate Candidates." careerbuilder.com.

3. LinkedIn Research. "Profile Optimization Statistics." linkedin.com.

4. JobTeaser. "Resume Trends in Europe." jobteaser.com.

5. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. "Guidelines on Resume Photos." eeoc.gov.