Whether or not to include a profile picture on your CV is a question that divides opinion — and often depends on industry norms and regional expectations. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons.
Pros
1. Makes Your CV More Personal
Adding a photo can humanise your application and help a hiring manager put a face to the name. This is particularly common in creative industries or client-facing roles, where personality and presentation may be part of the job.
2. Can Help You Stand Out
In a stack of plain text CVs, a clean, professional headshot can make your application more visually appealing and memorable.
3. Useful in Certain Countries
In some countries (like parts of Europe or Asia), including a photo is standard practice and sometimes even expected.
Cons
1. Opens the Door to Unconscious Bias
Photos can unintentionally influence hiring decisions based on age, gender, ethnicity, or appearance — things that shouldn’t affect your chances but sometimes do. To avoid this, many UK and US recruiters prefer CVs without photos.
2. Takes Up Valuable Space
Your CV should be concise and focused on experience and achievements. A photo takes up room that could be used for more relevant content.
3. Risk of a Bad Impression
Using a silly, poor-quality, or unprofessional photo can be worse than using no photo at all. A selfie in your car or a picture from a night out might make a potential employer question your judgement — and in some cases, instantly discount your application.
Final Thoughts
If you’re applying in a country or industry where photos are standard, then a clear, professional headshot can work in your favour. But if there’s any doubt — especially in more conservative or formal sectors — it’s usually best to leave it out. If you do include one, make sure it’s appropriate, well-lit, and reflects the professional image you want to present.
