One of the most common questions i come across is should I include a Photo or not to include a Photo on my CV ? Let us do our best to answer this question together by going through point by point on the brief but informative article.
Including a photo on your CV is a practice with pros and cons, and it actually depends on where you’re applying for a job. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Arguments for including a photo:
- Memorable: A photo can help you stand out, especially if you’re applying for a job where there are many applicants with similar qualifications. People tend to remember faces better than text, so a professional headshot could increase your chances of being remembered by the recruiter.
- Credibility & Professionalism: A well-taken headshot can project confidence and approach-ability. In some cultures, a photo is standard on a CV and seen as a sign of professionalism.
Arguments against including a photo:
- Discrimination: There’s a chance your photo could lead to unconscious bias based on race, age, gender or other factors. In some countries, including a photo can even be illegal for some genders.
- Focus on Skills: The most important thing your CV should convey is your skills and experience. A photo can take up valuable space that could be better used to highlight your qualifications.
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Many companies use software to scan resumes for keywords. These systems can’t read photos, so your photo might be ignored altogether.
Here are some additional things to consider:
- Industry norms: Research what’s typical in your field and the country you’re applying to. In some creative fields like modeling or acting, or customer facing roles like receptionist , customer care agent a photo is expected. In others role like Field Engineer , Mining Operator, it could hurt your chances.
- Company culture: If you can research the company dress code or office environment, it can give you clues about how they might view a photo.
In general, when in doubt, it’s best to leave the photo out. Your skills and experience are what will get you the interview, and a photo shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Here are some resources that you might find helpful:
- Should You Include a Picture on Your Resume or CV in 2024? Should You Include a Picture on Your Resume or CV in 2024?: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/should-you-include-picture-your-resume-cv-2024-lets-have-elmalik-t9sqf
- Should I put my picture on my resume? Our advice – no! Should I put my picture on my resume: https://www.roberthalf.com/au/en/insights/landing-job/templates
Conclusion: To include a Photo or not to include a Photo on a CV ?
So in conclusion to To include a Photo or not to include a Photo on a CV ? that is the Question , the answer is for most cases dont include a Photo, unless it has been stated that you should include it on the Job listing advert or that the industry that you are applying to will favour your looks as a selling point.
