The Quick Answer: It Depends on Your Location

The decision to include a photo is primarily determined by geography and local hiring norms:

Do NOT include a photo: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand. In these countries, including a photo is considered unprofessional and can lead to immediate rejection or legal concerns.

Photos are often expected: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, many parts of Asia including China, Japan, and South Korea. In these regions, CVs without photos may appear incomplete.

Photos are optional: Scandinavia, Italy, Portugal, and some Eastern European countries. Photos are neither required nor discouraged, though they are increasingly common.

Why Photos Are Discouraged in the US, UK, and Similar Markets

In countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, CV photos are strongly discouraged for legal and practical reasons:

Anti-discrimination laws: These countries have strict employment discrimination regulations. Photos reveal age, race, gender, and other protected characteristics, potentially opening employers to discrimination claims. Most companies actively avoid this risk.

Focus on qualifications, not appearance: The hiring culture emphasizes skills, experience, and achievements. Including a photo shifts focus to appearance, which is irrelevant to job performance in most roles.

Professional norms signal competence: Recruiters in these markets expect CVs without photos. Including one signals unfamiliarity with local standards, suggesting you have not researched proper application practices.

ATS compatibility issues: Many Applicant Tracking Systems in these countries cannot process photos or may automatically reject CVs containing images to avoid bias.

Automatic rejection by large companies: Major corporations in these regions often have policies explicitly prohibiting photo CVs to protect against discrimination lawsuits. Your application may be discarded unread.

Why Photos Are Expected in Germany, France, and Parts of Europe

Conversely, in many European and Asian countries, professional photos are standard and expected:

Cultural hiring norms: In Germany, Austria, and similar markets, the professional CV photo is an established tradition. Omitting it can make your application seem incomplete or lazy.

Personal connection and professionalism: European hiring culture often values making a personal connection. A professional photo humanizes your application and demonstrates attention to presentation.

Standard CV templates include photo space: The widely-used Europass CV format and local templates explicitly include designated photo sections, reinforcing the expectation.

Demonstrates investment in your application: Getting a professional headshot shows you have taken the application process seriously and invested in presenting yourself well.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Beyond geography, certain industries have different photo expectations regardless of location:

Modeling, acting, hospitality, customer-facing roles: Photos are often expected or required regardless of country, as appearance is considered relevant to job performance in these fields.

Creative industries (design, fashion, media): Photos are more common and generally acceptable as part of presenting your personal brand, though not always required.

Corporate, finance, legal, tech: In the US and UK, photos are strongly discouraged. In continental Europe, they may still be expected even in conservative industries.

Academia and research: Generally no photo in English-speaking countries. May be expected in other regions depending on local university hiring practices.

Government and public sector: Usually no photo to ensure objective evaluation, though this varies by country.

What Makes a Good CV Photo If You Include One

If you are applying in a region where photos are expected, follow these guidelines to ensure your photo helps rather than hurts:

Professional quality: Use a professional headshot, not a selfie or cropped party photo. The quality should be sharp, well-lit, and properly framed.

Neutral background: Plain white, light grey, or soft blue backgrounds work best. Avoid distracting patterns, outdoor settings, or busy environments.

Professional attire: Dress as you would for an interview in your industry. Business formal for corporate roles, business casual for creative industries.

Head and shoulders framing: Your face should be clearly visible, typically showing head and upper shoulders. Not too close, not too far away.

Neutral, friendly expression: A slight, professional smile works well. Avoid overly serious expressions or exaggerated smiles. Look approachable but professional.

Eye contact with camera: Look directly at the camera. Your eyes should be clearly visible, not obscured by glasses glare or hair.

Recent and accurate: Your photo should represent how you currently look. Using a photo from five years ago creates awkwardness if you get the interview.

Appropriate size and placement: Typically a small square or rectangle in the top corner of your CV, not dominating the page. Common size is around 2x2 inches or 4x5 cm.

Common CV Photo Mistakes to Avoid

When photos are expected, these mistakes can undermine your application:

Using casual or social photos: Beach photos, party pictures, wedding photos, or anything with other people visible is unprofessional. Invest in a proper headshot.

Poor lighting or blurry quality: Dark, shadowy, or low-resolution photos suggest lack of effort. Ensure your photo is well-lit and sharp.

Inappropriate backgrounds: Cluttered rooms, visible beds, or distracting environments look unprofessional. Use a plain, neutral background.

Overly edited or filtered photos: Heavy filters, excessive smoothing, or dramatic editing looks artificial. Natural, professional photos work best.

Wearing sunglasses or hats: Your face should be fully visible without accessories obscuring features. Save the sunglasses for your social media.

Inappropriate facial expressions: Overly serious "mugshot" expressions or exaggerated smiles can create the wrong impression. Aim for friendly professionalism.

Photo too large or poorly placed: A massive photo dominating the top of your CV wastes valuable space. Keep it reasonably sized and positioned.

Using photos with other people: Even if you crop others out, group photos look unprofessional. Get an individual headshot taken.

What If You Are Uncertain About Expectations?

If you are unsure whether to include a photo for a specific application, use these strategies:

Research the company and country norms: Look at the company's website, LinkedIn profiles of current employees, and local hiring guides for that region.

Check the job posting carefully: Some postings explicitly request or prohibit photos. Follow these instructions precisely.

Look at sample CVs from that country: Search for CV examples from the specific country you are applying to. If most examples include photos, you probably should too.

Ask the recruiter or hiring manager: If you are working with a recruiter, ask them directly. They can clarify company and regional expectations.

Default to no photo for international companies: Multinational corporations, especially those headquartered in the US or UK, typically follow photo-free policies globally.

Prepare two versions: Create one CV with a photo and one without. Submit the appropriate version based on the specific application.

How Unconscious Bias Affects Photo Decisions

The reason many countries discourage CV photos is the well-documented impact of unconscious bias:

Age bias: Photos reveal approximate age, which can trigger conscious or unconscious discrimination against younger or older candidates.

Racial and ethnic bias: Research consistently shows that identical CVs receive different response rates based solely on the candidate's perceived race or ethnicity.

Gender bias: Photos make gender immediately obvious, potentially triggering stereotypes or bias in male-dominated or female-dominated fields.

Attractiveness bias: Studies show that more attractive candidates receive preferential treatment, which is irrelevant to job performance in most roles.

Weight and appearance discrimination: Physical appearance factors that have no bearing on ability to perform the job can unconsciously influence hiring decisions.

This is precisely why countries with strong anti-discrimination protections actively discourage photos — to focus evaluation on qualifications and skills rather than appearance.

Alternatives to CV Photos

If you want to add a personal touch without using a photo, consider these alternatives:

LinkedIn profile with professional photo: Include your LinkedIn URL on your CV. Recruiters can view your photo there if they choose, but it does not dominate your application.

Personal website or portfolio: For creative professionals, a link to your portfolio website allows you to present yourself visually without putting a photo on the CV itself.

Video introduction: Some candidates in creative or sales roles create brief video introductions and include a link. This is still uncommon but growing in certain industries.

Professional logo or personal brand: Creative professionals sometimes use a simple, professional logo or personal brand mark instead of a photo.

Country-Specific Guidelines Summary

Here is a quick reference for major markets:

United States: Never include a photo. It is considered unprofessional and may result in automatic rejection.

United Kingdom: Do not include a photo. Focus on qualifications and achievements only.

Canada: Photos are inappropriate and discouraged for the same anti-discrimination reasons as the US.

Australia and New Zealand: Photos are not expected and generally should be omitted.

Germany: Professional photos are strongly expected. Omitting one may hurt your chances.

France: Photos are common and often expected, especially in traditional industries.

Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland: Photos are standard practice and generally expected.

Spain, Italy, Portugal: Photos are common but increasingly optional. Including one is safe.

Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland): Photos are optional and becoming less common.

China, Japan, South Korea: Professional photos are typically expected.

Middle East: Expectations vary significantly by country. Research specific norms for your target country.

How CV On The Go Handles Photos Flexibly

Navigating photo requirements across different countries and industries is complicated. CV On The Go makes it easy:

Optional photo sections: Easily add or remove a professional photo depending on where you are applying. No reformatting required.

Region-appropriate templates: Choose templates designed for different markets, some with photo space, others without.

Save multiple versions: Create one CV with a photo for European applications and another without for US/UK applications, switching between them instantly.

Proper photo sizing and placement: When you do include a photo, our templates ensure it is appropriately sized and positioned for professional presentation.

Easy updates: Change your photo quickly when needed, without disrupting the rest of your CV layout.