Should I put a Picture on my CV?
I often get asked to check a CV, read a motivational letter, or simulate an interview. Lately, I was asked: Should I put a picture on my CV?
My answer was: It depends.
Whether or not to include a picture on your CV depends on several factors, including the norms of your industry, the country where you are applying for jobs, and the specific company culture.
I have been working as an HR Professional in different countries and noticed some differences.
Quick example about differences by countries:
- In Belgium, people choose whether to put a picture or not. Candidates generally put a good picture but do not have the habit of visiting a professional photograph. Recruiters don’t have expectations of seeing a photo on CVs. An overall culture of non-discrimination promotes avoiding pictures on CVs in different industries and positions.
- In France, people increasingly talk about an anonymized Curriculum Vitae without a name or picture. The idea is for Recruiters to avoid discriminating against candidates by ethnicity or any other visual criteria.
- In Germany, there is an overall culture of visiting a professional photograph to include a professional picture on CVs. It is a non-written rule to have a professional photo on the CV.
A picture on your CV brings a personal touch. It can make your CV more personal and help hiring managers put a face to the name. It can make you more memorable, especially if the hiring manager has received many applications. In some industries, particularly creative fields like design or media, a photo can be a way to express your personal brand.
Be aware that a photo can introduce unconscious bias related to age, gender, ethnicity, or appearance, which could affect your chances negatively. For many roles, your appearance is irrelevant to your qualifications or ability to perform the job. Some ATS software might not handle CVs with images, potentially causing formatting issues or excluding your CV from consideration.
How can you decide whether you should put a picture or not?
- First, ask yourself if you feel comfortable putting your picture on your CV. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it.
- If you decide to include a picture, be aware it is a professional headshot with a neutral background and that you are dressed appropriately.
If you are not sure what a professional picture is, here are some tips:
- Look at sample CVs or ask contacts in your industry for advice.
- Get appropriately dressed. A single-colored Shirt is always a good start. Don’t pick a shirt with dots or lines, as this does not come out well on the camera and can be very distracting for the eyes. You can also add a jacket if you apply for Sales, Procurement, Consultant, or Managerial positions. Don’t use aggressive colors like Red. Use pastel colors or classical colors like white and blue.
- Visit a professional photograph or ask a friend to take a picture. Don’t do Selfies.
- Make sure you have a neutral background. A white wall is always a good choice. Choose a financial building in the background if you prefer to take a picture outside. To make it more neutral, you can blur the background. Avoid taking a photo with people other people in the background.
- Have an open posture. Leave your arms simply at your body’s sides. You can also sit on a chair if you feel more comfortable.
I hope this article is useful.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any support preparing your CV or an interview.
If you have any other HR-related questions, feel free to ask them. I will do my best to reply.
Your HR Mom,
