Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume? A Complete Global Guide

Few resume questions generate more confusion than whether to include a photo. The answer isn’t universal—it depends heavily on where you’re applying, what industry you’re targeting, and the cultural norms of the hiring organization. What’s expected in one country may be inappropriate in another, and what works in one industry might hurt you in a different field.

This comprehensive guide examines resume photo practices around the world, helping you make informed decisions about whether to include your picture. We’ll cover regional norms, industry exceptions, best practices for photos when they’re needed, and alternatives to traditional resume photos that achieve similar goals without the complications.

The Great Resume Photo Divide

Resume photo practices vary dramatically across the globe, creating a significant divide between regions where photos are expected and those where they’re discouraged or even prohibited.

Where the Divide Comes From

The difference stems from varying approaches to hiring discrimination:

Anti-discrimination focus: Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have strong emphasis on preventing appearance-based discrimination. Many employers specifically request no photos to ensure candidates are evaluated on qualifications alone.

Professional culture traditions: In countries like Germany, France, and much of Asia, including photos is long-standing professional tradition. Not including one may seem incomplete or unprofessional.

Legal frameworks: Some countries have laws discouraging employers from requesting photos, while others have no such restrictions.

Practical considerations: In some regions, photos help employers match candidates to interview records or verify identity. In others, this is handled through different processes.

Why It Matters

Using the wrong approach can hurt your candidacy:

In no-photo regions: Including a photo may seem unprofessional, create concerns about discrimination liability for employers, or suggest you don’t understand local business norms.

In photo-expected regions: Omitting a photo may make your application seem incomplete, suggest unfamiliarity with local customs, or create unnecessary mystery about your appearance.

Understanding regional norms ensures your resume meets expectations.

Regional Guidelines for Resume Photos

Let’s examine resume photo norms by region:

United States

Standard practice: Do NOT include a photo Why: Strong anti-discrimination laws and cultural emphasis on evaluating candidates without appearance bias. Including photos opens employers to discrimination allegations.

Exceptions:

• Acting, modeling, or on-camera roles where appearance is job-relevant
• Some customer-facing roles in entertainment, hospitality, or certain service industries may request photos
• When specifically requested by the employer

Recommendation: Unless explicitly requested or applying for appearance-relevant roles, omit the photo from U.S. applications.

Canada

Standard practice: Do NOT include a photo Why: Similar to the U.S., Canada emphasizes discrimination prevention in hiring.

Exceptions:

• Acting, modeling, and similar roles
• When specifically requested

Recommendation: Follow the same approach as the United States—no photo unless specifically required for the role.

United Kingdom

Standard practice: Do NOT include a photo Why: UK equality legislation discourages appearance-based hiring decisions. Photos are considered inappropriate for most roles.

Exceptions:

• Entertainment and media roles
• Some hospitality positions
• When explicitly requested

Recommendation: Omit photos for standard UK job applications.

Australia and New Zealand

Standard practice: Do NOT include a photo Why: Both countries follow similar anti-discrimination approaches as the UK, US, and Canada.

Exceptions:

• Performance and entertainment roles
• Specific employer requests

Recommendation: Leave photos off Australian and New Zealand applications.

Germany

Standard practice: Photos are EXPECTED Why: Traditional German business culture expects professional photos on CVs (Lebenslauf). While not legally required, applications without photos may be viewed as incomplete.

Current trends: Some international companies in Germany are moving away from requiring photos, and younger hiring managers may be more flexible. However, traditional German companies still expect them.

Recommendation: Include a professional photo for German applications unless the company specifically indicates otherwise or is clearly an international company with different norms.

France

Standard practice: Photos are COMMON and often expected Why: French CVs traditionally include professional photos. While not universally required, inclusion is common practice.

Current trends: Like Germany, some French companies are moving away from photo requirements, particularly international organizations.

Recommendation: Generally include a professional photo for French applications, especially for traditional French companies.

Spain and Portugal

Standard practice: Photos are COMMON Why: Southern European business culture traditionally includes photos on CVs.

Recommendation: Include professional photos for applications in Spain and Portugal.

Italy

Standard practice: Photos are EXPECTED Why: Italian CV convention strongly expects photos.

Recommendation: Include a professional photo for Italian job applications.

Netherlands and Belgium

Standard practice: MIXED—depends on company Why: These countries balance traditional European practices with international influences.

Recommendation: Research the specific company. International firms may prefer no photo; traditional companies may expect one.

Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland)

Standard practice: Generally NOT expected but not penalized Why: Nordic countries lean toward merit-based evaluation without photos but aren’t as strict as Anglo countries.

Recommendation: Photos are optional. Research company preferences if possible.

China

Standard practice: Photos are EXPECTED Why: Chinese hiring practices traditionally include photos on resumes.

Photo considerations: Formal, professional photos are expected. Casual photos are inappropriate.

Recommendation: Include a formal professional photo for Chinese job applications.

Japan

Standard practice: Photos are EXPECTED and highly formatted Why: Japanese rirekisho (traditional resume format) includes a specific photo placement. Photos should be formal passport-style images.

Photo considerations: Very specific conventions apply—typically 3×4 cm, recent (within 3 months), formal attire, neutral background, no smiling.

Recommendation: Include a formal photo meeting Japanese conventions for domestic Japanese companies. Western-style resumes for international companies may have different expectations.

South Korea

Standard practice: Photos are EXPECTED Why: Korean business culture expects photos on resumes.

Photo considerations: Professional, formal images are standard.

Recommendation: Include a professional photo for Korean job applications.

India

Standard practice: Photos are COMMON Why: Indian hiring practices often include photos, though this is changing with international company influence.

Recommendation: Including a professional photo is generally safe for Indian applications, though some international companies may not expect it.

Middle East

Standard practice: Photos are often EXPECTED Why: Regional business practices commonly include photos.

Recommendation: Include professional photos for Middle Eastern job applications, researching specific country and company norms when possible.

Latin America

Standard practice: Photos are COMMON to EXPECTED Why: Latin American business culture generally expects photos.

Country variations: Practices vary by country—research specific norms for your target country.

Recommendation: Generally include professional photos for Latin American applications.

Africa

Standard practice: VARIES significantly by country and employer type Why: Post-colonial influences from different European countries create varied practices.

Recommendation: Research specific country norms. International organizations may follow Western no-photo practices; local companies may expect photos.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Beyond geography, industry norms affect photo decisions:

Industries Where Photos Are Expected

Acting and theater: Headshots are essential portfolio elements, though typically submitted separately from resumes.

Modeling: Photos are core to the application process.

Broadcasting and on-camera journalism: Appearance is job-relevant, and photos or demo reels are standard.

Some hospitality roles: High-end hotels, restaurants, and customer-facing positions sometimes request photos.

Flight attendants: Some airlines request photos as appearance standards apply.

Entertainment industry broadly: Many entertainment roles have appearance components.

Industries with Mixed Practices

Real estate: Some markets expect agent photos for licensing and marketing purposes, which may extend to applications.

Sales roles: Customer-facing sales positions occasionally include photo expectations, particularly in certain regions.

Public relations: Some PR roles involve spokesperson duties where photos may be relevant.

Industries Where Photos Are Rare

Technology: Tech industry hiring typically focuses on skills and experience, rarely involving photos.

Finance and banking: Professional services generally follow no-photo norms in Western countries.

Healthcare: Medical hiring emphasizes credentials and experience over appearance.

Legal: Law firm hiring focuses on qualifications and rarely involves photos.

Government: Public sector hiring typically avoids photos to ensure fairness.

Academia: Academic hiring emphasizes scholarly credentials, not appearance.

Best Practices for Resume Photos When Required

If you’re applying in a region or industry where photos are expected, follow these guidelines:

Professional Quality Requirements

Hire a professional: Invest in professional headshot photography. Amateur photos hurt credibility.

Proper equipment and lighting: Professional photographers use appropriate equipment that produces polished results.

Recent images: Use photos taken within the past 1-2 years. Outdated photos create awkward situations when you don’t match your picture.

Composition and Framing

Head and shoulders framing: Standard resume photos show face and shoulders, not full body.

Face takes majority of frame: Your face should be clearly visible and large enough to be distinctive.

Eye contact with camera: Direct eye contact projects confidence and connection.

Centered or slightly off-center: Standard composition rules apply—centered or using the rule of thirds.

Background and Setting

Neutral backgrounds: Plain backgrounds (white, gray, light blue) work best for most professional contexts.

No distractions: Avoid busy backgrounds, other people, or environmental distractions.

Professional settings: If not using a plain backdrop, ensure any visible setting looks professional.

Appearance and Attire

Professional dress: Wear attire appropriate for your target industry—typically business professional or business casual.

Grooming: Well-groomed appearance is essential. Hair should be neat; facial hair (if applicable) should be well-maintained.

Minimal jewelry and accessories: Keep accessories understated and professional.

Natural makeup if applicable: Makeup should look natural and professional, not dramatic or theatrical.

Expression and Demeanor

Approachable but professional: A slight, natural smile often works well—friendly without being unprofessional.

Confidence: Project confidence through posture and expression.

Avoid extremes: Neither overly serious/stern nor inappropriately casual.

Technical Specifications

High resolution: Photos should be clear and high quality, not pixelated.

Appropriate file size: Large enough for quality, small enough for reasonable file sizes.

Standard dimensions: Follow any specific requirements; typically passport-size or slightly larger for print resumes, standard headshot proportions for digital.

Alternatives to Resume Photos

If you’re uncertain about including a photo, or want professional presence without traditional resume photos, consider alternatives:

LinkedIn Profile

Maintain a professional LinkedIn profile with a quality headshot. Recruiters will often view your LinkedIn regardless of resume photos. This provides the visual element without putting it directly on your resume.

Advantages:

• Acceptable in all regions
• Expected for professional networking
• Keeps photo separate from formal application

Professional Portfolio Sites

Professional portfolio platforms like 0portfolio.com allow you to present your professional identity comprehensively, including photos where appropriate, without forcing them onto every resume you send.

Advantages:

• Customizable for different audiences
• Separates visual presentation from resume document
• Appropriate even in no-photo regions
• Showcases work alongside professional image

Video Introductions

Some modern application processes include video introduction options.

Advantages:

• Demonstrates communication skills
• Provides visual element within structured context
• Only used when platforms support or request it

QR Codes to Professional Profiles

Include a QR code on your resume linking to your LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio.

Advantages:

• Gives recruiters easy access to your photo
• Doesn’t put photo directly on the resume
• Modern and tech-forward impression

Special Situations

International Job Search

If you’re applying to multiple countries with different norms:

Prepare multiple resume versions: Create photo and no-photo versions of your resume.

Research each employer: When possible, determine if companies follow regional norms or have international hiring practices.

Default to no-photo for uncertainty: If you can’t determine expectations, no-photo is generally the safer choice for Western companies; photo inclusion may be safer for applications in Europe and Asia.

Remote Work Applications

For remote positions with distributed teams:

Consider the company headquarters culture: A German company hiring remotely may still expect German-style CVs with photos.

International companies often follow Western norms: Companies specifically built for remote work often adopt no-photo practices.

When in doubt, ask: Reaching out to HR or recruiters to clarify expectations is reasonable.

Startup vs. Traditional Companies

Startups: Often more casual about photo requirements regardless of region. May follow international (often U.S.-influenced) norms.

Traditional companies: More likely to follow regional conventions strictly.

Career Changes and Returning to Work

Career changers: Follow standard practices for your target industry and region.

Returning after gaps: Same guidelines apply—photo decisions should be based on regional and industry norms, not employment history.

Age Considerations

In regions where photos are required, some candidates worry about age discrimination.

Focus on quality and professionalism: A polished, professional photo projects competence regardless of age.

Keep photos current: Using outdated photos to appear younger backfires when you don’t match your picture.

Consider your strengths: Experience and maturity are assets for many roles—project confidence in your photo.

Common Photo Mistakes to Avoid

If including a photo, avoid these errors:

Photo Quality Issues

• Blurry or pixelated images
• Poor lighting (too dark, harsh shadows)
• Low resolution that pixelates when printed
• Webcam or smartphone selfies (unless very high quality)

Inappropriate Photos

• Vacation or casual photos cropped for resumes
• Party or social event photos
• Photos with other people (even if cropped)
• Photos with alcohol, pets, or inappropriate settings
• Overly glamorous or stylized images

Unprofessional Appearance

• Casual clothing (t-shirts, workout wear)
• Heavy makeup or dramatic styling
• Unkempt appearance
• Unprofessional accessories or jewelry
• Inappropriate poses or expressions

Technical Errors

• Photos that are too small to see clearly
• Photos that are too large and dominate the resume
• Poor cropping or framing
• Misaligned or poorly placed photos in the document

Outdated Photos

• Photos more than 2-3 years old
• Photos that don’t represent your current appearance
• Photos from significantly different career contexts

Making Your Decision

To decide whether to include a photo:

Decision Framework

1. Identify the target country: What are the norms where you’re applying?

2. Research the company: Is it a traditional local company or an international organization?

3. Consider the industry: Does your industry have specific photo expectations?

4. Check the job posting: Does it specifically request or discourage photos?

5. When in doubt, default to regional norms: Follow the standard practice for your target region.

6. Use alternatives strategically: Maintain professional online presence regardless of resume photo decisions.

Regional Quick Reference

Include photo: Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, China, Japan, South Korea, Middle East, most of Latin America

Do not include photo: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland

Research specific situation: Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia, India, Africa, international companies

Conclusion

The resume photo question has no universal answer—it depends entirely on where you’re applying, what industry you’re targeting, and the specific expectations of hiring organizations. Understanding these norms and following them appropriately signals cultural awareness and professionalism.

When photos are expected, invest in quality professional photography that presents you at your best. When photos are discouraged, maintain strong online professional presence through LinkedIn and portfolio sites that give interested employers access to your image through appropriate channels.

Whatever you decide, remember that photos are just one element of your professional presentation. Strong qualifications, clear communication, and well-organized application materials matter far more than any image. Let your accomplishments and capabilities lead your application, with photos playing the supporting role appropriate for your target market and industry.