Should you put your picture on your resume 2020?
Christopher Davis
Updated on March 19, 2026
Adding a picture to your resume could hurt your chances of getting the job. Resumes are meant to display what makes you a great candidate. If recruiters need and/or want to see you, they’ll be able to view the pictures on your social media profiles or meet you face-to-face during an interview.
Is it OK to put photo in resume?
A resume should address your experience and skills in an articulate, concise and professional manner, so it’s about knowing what to include in a resume that is of added value. For this reason, it’s recommended to avoid adding a photo to your resume.
Should I put a picture on my resume or cover letter?
No, you should not put a photo on your cover letter. Including a photo on your cover letter goes against proper cover letter formatting, and will make you look unprofessional. If the application requires a photo, add it to your resume instead.
Is it illegal require picture with resume?
In general, it is illegal to ask an applicant to include a photograph with a job application. Several laws prevent employers from doing this. These include the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
How do I put picture on my resume?
How to Take the Perfect Selfie CV Photo
- Frame from the waist up. Profile photos should be of your profile.
- Dress professionally.
- Hair and makeup should be neutral.
- Keep facial expressions and hand gestures neutral.
- Avoid props.
- Think “passport photo,” not “Facebook selfie”.
- Ask someone to help.
Should my resume have color?
Should a resume have color? Yes, in many cases a resume should have color. Adding color to your resume makes it stand out from the resumes of other job seekers and makes your application look more appealing. But a colorful resume can sometimes come across as unprofessional, especially if it’s difficult to read.
How do I put a picture on my resume?
If you decide to include a resume photo you should place it at the top or near the top of the page. The top-right corner is a popular choice and a good one. It leaves plenty of room on the left for your contact details and your resume objective or personal statement.
Why do recruiters ask for photos?
Many people are visual, and it helped us remember the candidate, a year or two down the line. Clients then started requesting photos. When they are interviewing several people in one day, it helps to look back on the CV and photo, to recall and reflect on the interviews.
Why do employers want a photo?
You see it every once in awhile. A job posting will ask for a recent photo to accompany your cover letter, résumé, and salary history. They’ll say they need it for “security reasons.” The problem with submitting a photo is that it can lend itself to age and race discrimination.
What is the size of resume picture?
Acceptable size The usual size of the photo in the resume should be a square measuring 2 inches on each side which is normally known as a 2-by-2 picture. However, some companies also accept the passport size photo which has a 4.5 cm by 3.5 cm dimension.
Is it necessary to put a photo on a resume?
Adding a photo to your resume might impact your application negatively and not let your talents and accomplishments shine through had you not included an image. It’s completely up to each individual job seeker if he or she chooses to include a photo on a resume. After all, in some countries, it’s mandatory to include one.
What’s the most common debate about a resume?
We know it’s confusing, so we’ve broken down the five most common resume debates. Here’s what the experts have to say—and how you can read between the lines and send the best resume for the job. Let’s start with one of the most hotly debated issues we’ve seen at The Muse.
How do I get my picture back on my resume?
If you deleted the profile photo option and wish to add it back, you can easily click on Layout in the top menu and from there select “Photo” back.
What should I not put on my resume?
Don’t: Use a selfie or a posed, party or group photo taken down at the pub, club or beach. Do: Ensure that the photo is well shot with a high resolution and isn’t blurry or out of focus. Don’t: Use an avatar, cartoon or funny photo. It’s better to go without.