The default is to leave it off

For most jobs and most industries, the standard practice is to exclude a photo. Indeed's career guide notes that omitting the picture saves space you can use for evidence, and it keeps the early impression focused on your qualifications rather than your appearance.

There is a practical screening reason too. A picture can interfere with how an applicant tracking system reads your file, and in the United States, anti-discrimination law means many employers prefer a resume that does not signal race, gender, age, or appearance before your experience is read. Indeed also notes that recruiters often remove photos before forwarding resumes, so leaving it off can spare everyone the extra step.

The exception is set by country and role

Photo norms change at the border. Applying in Spain, Germany, Italy, or another market where a CV photo is customary, following the local convention helps you look prepared; applying in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia, the safer choice is to leave it out. Industries where appearance is genuinely part of the work, such as acting and modeling, are a separate case.

If the posting or application form asks for a photo, follow the instruction. When you do include one, use a current, front-facing headshot with a plain background, dress for the role's culture, and keep the image small enough that it does not crowd the page.

Use the right channel for your picture

A resume is not the only place an employer can see you. A professional headshot on a LinkedIn profile or portfolio is appropriate, and linking to one of those from the resume gives the reader a current image without adding an unreadable file to the application.

Before submitting, check the posting once more. If it names no photo requirement and you are applying in a country where photos are not expected, leave the picture out and let your experience lead; if local practice or the employer calls for one, include a clean, current version and keep every other detail accurate.

Sources consulted

This guide is an original synthesis of the following career guidance. Read the source material for its full context.