Having a professional photo on your resume is a controversial topic. Some argue it allows employers to connect a face with a name, while others claim it opens the door for potential discrimination. Here is an in-depth look at the debate around photos on resumes.
The Case For Photos
Those in favor of including resume photos argue:
- It helps form a personal connection – A photo allows the employer to visualize and remember you.
- It shows you have nothing to hide – Including a professional photo demonstrates confidence and openness.
- It aligns with social media norms – Social media profiles uniformly include photos, so a resume photo brings expectations in line.
- It gives a competitive edge – Photos make you stand out compared to other generic, text-only resumes.
Additionally, some argue that resume photos are commonly expected in certain countries and cultures, so candidates should include them when applying to companies in those regions. For example, photos are standard practice on resumes in many European and Asian countries.
The Case Against Photos
Those opposed to resume photos make the following case:
- It opens the door to discrimination – Seeing a photo makes age, race, gender, and physical appearance readily apparent.
- It places too much emphasis on looks – Your capabilities and experience should be the focus, not your face.
- It raises privacy concerns – Candidates may not want to share their picture so publicly.
- It takes up valuable space – The limited real estate of a resume should highlight skills, not headshots.
Many argue including a photo encourages unconscious bias during the hiring process. Recruiters may reject qualified candidates based on looks rather than abilities.
Professional Opinions on Resume Photos
The professional consensus from most career experts is divided when it comes to resume photos. Here are perspectives from various thought leaders:
Against Photos
- “Avoid including a photo unless you are in a field like modeling or acting where looks do matter.” – Alison Doyle, Job Search Expert for The Balance Careers
- “Include a photo only if your personal appearance is a key requirement of the job.” – Laura Riley, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition for Ceridian
- “In the U.S., photos are not yet the norm on a resume. Erring on the conservative side is best.” – Debra Wheatman, Certified Professional Career Coach
Neutral on Photos
- “Opinions are split. Some hiring managers like photos, others ignore them, and a few are biased by them.” – Jenny Foss, Job Search Strategist & Career Coach
- “If your gut says including one feels right, go for it. But get an outsider’s opinion first.” – Jessica Hernandez, Certified Professional Resume Writer
In Favor of Photos
- “Photos allow employers to put a face to a name and give a competitive edge.” – Hannah Morgan, Career Blogger at CareerSherpa.net
- ” adding a professional photo can help you stand out and make an employer more inclined to call you.” – Lisa Rangel, Certified Executive Resume Writer & Career Coach
As demonstrated above, experts disagree on whether resume photos are a good idea. Most advise caution and using judgment based on the situation.
A Statistical Look at Resume Photos
Independent research offers some data-driven insights on how resume photos are perceived:
Study | Key Finding |
---|---|
MRI Network Study | Including a photo makes you 2.5x more likely to get an interview request |
HumanResourceMBA.co.uk Study | 83% of HR managers said photos have no impact on hiring decisions |
OfficeTeam Survey | 49% of HR managers said photos are unprofessional |
TopResume Survey | 57% of recruiters prefer resumes with no photo |
The data shows mixed reactions to resume photos among hiring managers. Overall, HR professionals and recruiters seem to lean slightly against photos, but not overwhelmingly.
Tips for Professional Resume Photos
If you do opt to include a photo on your resume, follow these best practices:
- Choose a professional, high-quality headshot – no selfies, group shots, or candid photos.
- Dress professionally as you would for an interview – business formal attire.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression – no big smiles or other exaggerated expressions.
- Use a simple, light-colored background – avoid busy or distracting backdrops.
- Pick a current photo – select one taken recently that reflects how you look today.
- Remove metadata from the photo file – strip away potentially sensitive EXIF data.
- Insert a small photo – around 2″x3″ size – in the top corner or along the side.
- Use the same photo across all application materials for consistency.
Key Considerations for Your Situation
When deciding if you should include a photo on your resume, consider the following:
- Your industry and location – Some fields and geographic regions are more photo-friendly than others.
- The role and company culture – More progressive and creative companies may be fine with photos.
- Your personal comfort level – Only include a photo if you are completely comfortable doing so.
- Physical appearance requirements – Roles like modeling or acting where looks matter warrant a photo.
You can also try A/B testing – send some applications with a photo and others without to see if it impacts your callback rate.
Conclusion
The debate around resume photos remains open-ended. There are reasonable cases to be made both for and against their use. Much depends on the unique situation and your specific application.
In the end, you must evaluate the prevailing cultural expectations where you are applying, weigh the risks and benefits, and act according to your own best judgment. A decision that enhances your candidacy with one company may hurt it with another. Proceed thoughtfully and strategically.