Should You Include Photos On CV: That Is The Question!

The question of whether or not to include a photo on a CV is a common concern for many job seekers. While some people feel that adding a photo can make a resume more personal and help them stand out, others are cautious due to the risk of discrimination based on appearance. In some countries, including a photo on your CV is expected, particularly in Europe and Asia, where it is common practice. Additionally, certain industries, such as modeling, acting, and hospitality, often require applicants to include a headshot as part of their application. However, in most cases, a photo is not necessary or expected on a resume. 

Here are some convenient reasons why you shouldn’t include a picture on your CV:

To Avoid Discrimination

In the UK, candidates are hired based on skills and experience. Submitting a CV with a photo for something other than UK companies is advisable. It’s illegal for UK recruiters to discriminate against any candidate based on age, gender, disability, race, etc.

Your picture may influence the employers of your looks, skin colour, gender, religion or other features visible in the photograph. Countries like the UK, which follow strict anti-discrimination laws, prohibit job applicants from providing CV images on their application. 

To Avoid Judgement

Your profile picture can easily judge who you are looking to hire. Hiring managers may judge your characteristics from the given picture. Like they might think you appear arrogant or rude, etc. 

For this reason, countries like the UK prohibit you from adding a photo to your resume. If you contact a professional CV writing service to take suggestions about attaching pictures to your CV, they will emphasise why you shouldn’t include your photo on your resume.

To Avoid Long CVs

There are numerous applications that hiring managers have to go through. It will take too much of their time to go through your CV. Putting a picture in your CV might take them a crucial amount of time. They will spend less time reading vital information like your education, skills, and experiences.

So, put any information that adds value to your CV, which is better than attaching a picture. Like any language skills you have, participating in Hackathon, or any extra-curricular activities you have done. Information will increase your chances of getting a job rather than pictures.

To Avoid Automatic Rejection

Appearance does not affect your ability to do the job. Some companies may automatically remove resumes with photos to prevent potential discrimination claims. This way, the industry you’re applying to will automatically reject your application.

Some job counsellors use Applicant Tracking System (ATS) scans to detect and remove CVs that have photos. Therefore, it is beneficial to not use a photo on your CV.

To Avoid Profile Skimming

If hiring managers select your profile for an interview, they will go through your social media profile. They usually check for criminal records, inappropriate social media posts, or criticism of previous employers or colleagues.

They may see your photo on social media, so adding it to your CV is unnecessary. Suppose you’re in a field where a personal website is considered essential, such as an actor, writer, or television personality. In that case, you can always add your portfolio link to your website on your CV. However, your LinkedIn profile must have your photo on it, as an incomplete profile usually gets rejected by recruiters.

To Avoid Being Unprofessional

A photo with your application needs to be more professional by hiring managers. CV is one of the documents that should show your professional expertise, like previous responsibilities and achievements, rather than your physical experience.

It would help if you made a great first impression over a face-to-face interview and not on your CV. So remember that recruiters expect not to see your CV picture but your credentials.