CV Photo: Does It Help or Hurt Your Job Application?
Thinking about adding a photo to your CV? Our templates make it simple, but first learn when a CV photo can help your application — and when it might hold you back.
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Should you put a photo on your CV?
Adding a photo to your CV might feel like a way to stand out, but in the UK, it is generally not recommended. Most employers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) expect CVs without photos, and including one can sometimes work against you.
There are two main reasons for this:
- Unconscious bias: Photos can lead to decisions being influenced by appearance rather than skills or experience.
- ATS compatibility: Images can disrupt the formatting of your CV, making it harder for automated systems to read.
Instead of placing a picture directly on your CV, a better place to showcase a professional photo is on your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters almost always check LinkedIn as part of the hiring process, so that’s where your image can help you make a strong, professional impression.
Want a CV that gets noticed for the right reasons? Browse our expert CV templates to create a professional application that makes a strong impression and helps you secure more interviews.
Photo CV: pros and cons
Including a photo on your CV has both potential benefits and clear drawbacks. Understanding them can help you decide if it’s the right move for your application.
Advantages of a photo CV
Adds personality: A photo can humanise your CV and make it feel more personal.
Industry-specific roles: In sectors such as acting, modelling, TV, or sometimes hospitality, appearance is directly tied to the role, making a CV with a photo standard or even required.
Creative portfolios: For jobs in design, marketing, or the arts, a CV with a picture can reinforce your personal brand and help you stand out visually.
Cons of a photo CV
Not standard in the UK: Most UK recruiters prefer CVs without photos, focusing on skills and experience instead.
Risk of bias: Photos can introduce unconscious bias in hiring decisions.
Wasted space: Valuable CV space could be better used to highlight achievements.
ATS issues: Some applicant tracking systems struggle with images, which could reduce your chances of getting through the first screening.
When you shouldn’t add a photo to your CV
In some countries, including a photo with your CV or résumé is strongly discouraged or even against the law. In these markets, employers often use anonymous hiring practices, and an application with a photo could be rejected before it is even read. Sticking to a simple, professional CV format without a picture is the safest option in these regions.
- United States: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) advises against including photos. Employers avoid them to reduce the risk of discrimination claims based on gender, ethnicity, or age.
- Canada: Human Rights legislation makes it clear that employers cannot request a photo during recruitment. The hiring process is designed to be free from visual bias.
- United Kingdom: Under the Equality Act 2010, CVs should not contain personal details that could influence hiring decisions unfairly, such as age, marital status, or appearance.
Other countries may not ban CV photos outright, but the practice is still discouraged. These include:
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
When you should include a CV photo
Elsewhere in the world, CV photos are not only accepted but often expected. In these regions, a headshot in the top corner of your CV is part of the standard application format.
It is also worth noting that multinational companies often follow the hiring standards of their headquarters rather than the country where the role is based. For example, if you are in India applying to a UK-based firm, you should avoid including a photo to align with UK norms.
Jobs that expect a photo on your CV
Regardless of location, certain industries always expect a CV photo. If you are applying for roles in acting, modelling, or similar appearance-based professions, a professional headshot is considered a necessary part of your application. Consider using one of our photo CV templates below.
Photo CV examples
Our CV builder features a range of professional photo CV templates that strike a balance between design and readability.
With these templates, you can:
- Choose modern or classic layouts with a dedicated photo section.
- Easily add or remove your picture depending on the role or country for which you are applying.
- Keep your CV ATS-friendly.
- Save time with modern designs.
Whether you need a clean, academic CV or a creative design that shows personality, our photo CV templates give you the flexibility to build an application tailored to your career goals.
Sample 1: Professional photo CV
Sample 2: Modern photo CV
Sample 3: Photo CV
Tips for using a photo on your CV
If you decide to include a picture on your CV, it is crucial to present yourself professionally. A poorly chosen image can harm your chances, while the right photo can support your application in industries where appearance matters.
Here are some simple tips to get it right:
- Choose a professional headshot: Use a recent, high-quality image with a clear background and work-appropriate clothing.
- Keep it simple: Neutral colours and natural lighting work best — avoid filters or heavy editing.
- Avoid casual photos: Selfies, holiday snaps, or cropped group pictures are never suitable for job applications.
- Use the right photo CV format: Select a layout with a designated photo section (such as our photo CV templates) so your image appears as part of the CV and not squeezed into the page.
What really matters on a CV
While adding a photo can feel like a way to personalise your CV, it’s important to remember that employers are far more interested in your skills, achievements, and experience. Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds scanning each CV, so clear content and structure matter much more than visuals.
The areas that make the biggest impact include:
- Work history: A concise, well-structured record of your most relevant roles and achievements.
- Key skills: Both technical and soft skills tailored to the role you’re applying for.
- Achievements with results: Numbers, outcomes, and examples that show how you added value in previous jobs.
- Education and training: Relevant qualifications that support your application.
- Professional summary: A short introduction that highlights your strengths and career goals.
A CV format that prioritises these elements will always outshine one that relies on design or photos alone. Employers want evidence that you can do the job — and that’s best shown through clear examples of your work and impact.
Tip: To see what this looks like in practice, view our CV examples.
CV photo FAQs
Should you put a photo on your CV?
In the UK, the answer is usually no. A photo on your CV is not standard practice and may even hurt your chances by introducing bias or distracting from your skills. Recruiters care more about your experience, achievements, and CV format.
Is a CV with a photo ever a good idea?
Yes, in some cases. A CV with a photo can work in creative industries or in roles where appearance is part of the job, such as acting, modelling, or hospitality. It’s also expected in many European, Asian, and African countries.
Should you include a photo on your CV if applying abroad?
Research the country and industry first. For example, a photo on a résumé is discouraged in the US, UK, and Canada, but encouraged in Germany or Spain. Always adapt to local norms.
Are CV photos ATS-friendly?
Not always. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) sometimes struggle to parse CVs with images, which could prevent your CV from being read properly. A clean, text-based CV format is the safer option.
MyPerfectCV: A smarter way to build your CV
Whether you prefer a CV with a photo or without one, MyPerfectCV gives you the flexibility to choose the format that works best for your career goals. Our builder offers templates with dedicated photo sections as well as clean, photo-free designs, so you can create a CV that fits your industry, country, and personal style.
Our CV builder is designed with both recruiters and ATS software in mind, helping you create an application that stands out for all the right reasons.
With MyPerfectCV, you can:
- Choose from recruiter-approved templates, with or without photo sections, that combine great design with professional formatting.
- Save time with pre-written content tailored to your industry and experience level.
- Easily edit and customise your CV with an intuitive editor and real-time previews.
- Boost your chances with ATS-optimised formatting and keyword suggestions to help your CV pass initial screening.
Andrew Smith
Senior Content Writer
Meet Andrew Smith – an accomplished English copywriter with a strong background in SEO optimisation. Passionate about producing engaging content, Andrew has written across various fields, including health and fitness, security, travel, and tourism.
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