5 Occasions When You Should Put a Photo on the Resume

A photo on the resume – should you use one? The general advice is not to. It may in fact in some cases leave a bad impression on the hiring manager and hurt your chances of getting the job.

However, here are 5 instances where you should put a photo on the resume: 

A model

Most modeling jobs require a set of professional headshots included in your portfolio. Therefore, as a model, you should include a headshot on your resume as your appearance and your looks are two of the requirements. A good resume photo might indeed give you an edge over your competitors.

An actor

Actors most of the time include photos on their resumes. Hiring managers are searching for a specific look and having your photo on your resume can be a deal-breaker.

A musician

There is not a requirement for a musician to put a photo on the resume, but for a musician a photo is a good way to display who they are. Music is very personal and the photo can stir interest in the hiring manager.

An author

As for a musician, a photo isn’t needed on an author’s resume, but here is an interesting point: The author often has his photo at the back of his book, so having a photo on the resume might be a good match. Double exposure!

The job ad specifically asks for a photo

Generally, a prospective employer won’t ask you to include a photo on the resume, but if he asks for one it is ok to include it. Keep in mind though that this is unusual and that in many cases he isn’t even entitled to.

One more occasion where you may want to use a resume photo:

Interestingly, there are also some countries where including a photo is generally recommended.

Keep in mind though that in countries like USA, Canada, Australia and England you run a risk of hiring bias due to anti-discrimination regulations.However, if you live outside such countries, it’s possible that employers expect or require a picture on your resume.

Should I smile in my resume photo?

The first concern is whether you should smile or not in the resume photo. Naturally a big grin will be inappropriate, but a small smile gives off a friendly and appealing impression. Give an inviting message with a friendly face an you will leave a good impression with the hiring manager and increase your chances of getting the job.

What picture should I put on my resume?

Choose a professional-looking photo. This usually includes a front-facing head shot on a solid, light background. Ensure that the photo is high resolution and not blurry or out of focus. You should limit the picture from your shoulders up. And please don’t use a selfie from your camera! Have a skilled person take the photo with a good camera.

 What is a good CV photo?

The first rule in a good CV photo is that you dress professionally and that your appearance is professional. Avoid overdressing, a messy hairdo, too much makeup or jewelry. Keep it simple.

Your photo should be a natural reflection of who you are. Look at the camera, exactly as you would do for your passport picture. You want to give the impression that you are confident of yourself and your abilities and that you are a good candidate for the position at hand.

Where do you put your photo on your CV?

The recommended location for the photo is in the top right-hand corner. The size of your photo should be somewhere around 1.5 to 2 inches square or 600×600 pixels. The photo shouldn’t be longer than your header.

We have a growing collection at this site and you will find the templates with photo here. Feel free to browse around and find the right one. Remember that these are TEMPLATES, a frame work for you to start updating your resume with, and that you adapt the chosen template to your needs.

And if you at any stage feel a need for help or that you have questions to ask, feel free to ask me. Throw me a mail at anita@targetresume.com.au and we will work it out together 🙂

PS! Also follow me at Pinterest 🙂 https://www.pinterest.com.au/targetresume

-Anita