Should You Add a Snapshot for biography? The Pros & Cons Explained

Including an illustration on a Curriculum Vitae is a debated issue. Some recruiters state that it can give you a competitive edge and draw attention, while the others insist that adding a photo is a big no-no and will get your Curriculum Vitae rejected. At resumeperk.com, we have analyzed the conflicting opinions and prepared a detailed guide for images in Curriculum Vitas. Continue reading for explanation who and when can use a picture, and who shouldn't to avoid negative consequences.

Why you shouldn't put a picture on Curriculum Vitae?

We are starting with the cons because in most cases it is not recommended to incorporate a snapshot. It can lead to unnecessary bias, discrimination or may be considered not expert. Here are the main reasons why you should avoid adding a pic:

It can lead to discrimination

Workplace regulations prohibit discriminating candidates based on their gender, age and other factors. Many recruiters do not consider bios with images to avoid discrimination claims. For this reason alone, a pic is not the best idea – especially if the employer requests not to add it.

It can take space and distract

A Curriculum Vitae is meant to concisely present your strengths, qualifications and your fit for the company. If you add an illustration, you'll probably need more pages to fit all the needed information. Moreover, the recruiter will probably be reviewing your snapshot instead of reading the summary of qualifications resulting on unintentional (or deliberate) bias. In this case scenario, your look becomes the decisive factor, not your qualifications.

It might not open correctly in ATS

Large and mid-sized companies use applicant tracking systems to automate the selection process. Such software often recognizes only text and removes any graphic elements. If you use images, the formatting of your bio could be destroyed, or the entire profile will be tossed.

It is not common in the US or UK

Although there are exceptions, photographs in CVs are generally rare in the US. Unless you are 100% confident that photographs are acceptable in your industry, it is best to restrain from adding them. If the recruiter expected a text bio, a photo of the candidate can confuse them.

A bad picture can spoil the impression

Nothing can spoil your outstanding image faster than a profile image taken in the garden, in the summer vacation, or if you use a selfie taken in the nightclub. In situations when a picture is welcomed by employer, a not expert pic can do more harm than good.

When can you put a picture on a Curriculum Vitae?

Curriculum Vitas with pics are less common that purely text ones. However, they are acceptable – and even welcomed – in these cases:

It is common in your industry

Including snapshot in a bio is welcomed if you work in the entertainment or beauty industry, for example, as an actor, model or a TV presenter. Adding a picture may be required for some real estate and sales positions. If most employers in your industry expect a profile with a picture, be sure to add it.

It is a rule of thumb in your country to put a picture

In countries like Germany, France, Belgium and Portugal, as well as in the Middle East and South America, it is common to introduce an illustration as it is a part of the work culture here. So if you plan to apply for jobs in these regions, be sure to attach an outstanding image even if the employer does not specifically ask about it.

To enhance your professional image

Like it or not, people are social creatures, and we evaluate each other based on appearance subconsciously. If your photo is taken in an outstanding setting, you are well-dressed and smile confidently, such a portrait will make a positive impression.

How should a profile picture look like?

Your Curriculum Vitae pic deserves just as much attention as you pay to the rest of Curriculum Vitae content. When in doubt, follow these tips:

• Take a snapshot from the shoulders up. A full height portrait does not belong to a bio. Your face and shoulders will suffice.
• Use a good background. Ideally, your illustration should be taken somewhere in a pro setting, but this isn't a must. Take it in front of a wall of a curtain of a neutral shade so that there are not distracting elements in the background.
• Make sure it's well lit. Choose a location with good natural light, or experiment with several locations. Taking a snapshot outdoor or near the window is usually the best idea.
• Your face must be in focus. Blurry pic are irritating and unlikely to make the needed impression. Smile is the best possible facial expression.
• Use natural colors in your illustration. Avoid heavy color processing and black-and-white snapshots. You can slightly adjust the contrast or saturation to make the picture look better.
• Dress expertly. No crop tops and bare shoulders. Ideally, take on something that you typically wear to the office or a professional conference.
• Use a current image. Avoid adding the one you've taken seven years ago, even if it's outstanding and you like it. Misleading the employer about your look can undermine credibility right from the start.
• Hire a pro photographer. Ideally, find a photographer who can take care about all of the above aspects. The result will be better than if you tried to take pics by yourself. Moreover, a photographer can also take pics for your personal website, LinkedIn account and other pro resources.

If you apply for a job as an actor or a model, an employer can ask for a full height portrait, or set other requirements. Follow their requirements closely, otherwise your application might not be considered.

Portrait for a Curriculum Vitae: Good and bad examples

To get a better idea of how you should look in a CV illustration, take a look at the examples below:

The four snapshots at the top are examples of how your image shouldn't look. The first image has bad lighting and shadows on the candidate's face so it's difficult to see. Moreover, the candidate has a weird facial impression that doesn't look outstanding. The second candidate's picture is taken outdoors, and in addition to bad lighting, there are issues with the background. The green leaves distract us from the person's face.

The third snapshot is generally good, but the shoulder is cut, which is not recommended. And in the fourth image, a woman isn't looking at the camera, so she doesn't look outstanding and approachable.

In the lower row, there are all good examples of what type of pic to make. The background is even and neutral, people look at the camera and smile. All of them are dressed outstanding and make a positive impression.

So, should you put a photo on your Curriculum Vitae?

As a resume agency, we work with job-seekers in many industries, and our general recommendation is no. Including a portrait is not necessary if you apply for jobs in the US and UK, and if you add it, this can lead to bias or get your Curriculum Vitae tossed if the employer wants to avoid discrimination claims.

If you want to show off your pro appearance, here's the solution. Add an outstanding image on your LinkedIn account. Add the link to your LinkedIn in your profile next to contact details. Illustrations on LinkedIn are expected and welcomed, moreover, you can expand on your experience and skills in an online profile.

Whether to incorporate a portrait in your bio depends on many factors: your industry, location, and employer's requirements. If you want to receive personalized tips and advice about your Curriculum Vitae, you are welcome to use our Free CV Review service.

An experienced biography consultant will critically review your old portfolio and explain whether it can bring results in your job search. You will also receive an email explaining the strengths and weaknesses of your bio, and tips for improving it. This service is free of charge, and your personal information is secure with us.

Recommended reading:

• CV Help: The Future Of Work
• Check My CV: Must-Haves of a SuccessfulCurriculum Vitae
• Skyrocket Your Career with The Help of a CV Writer

Author: Editorial Team at ResumePerk.com

Reviewed by: Certified Career Expert

Last updated: November 2025