You probably already know that hiring managers will carefully review every element of your resume. Here comes the decision of whether it is essential to add a picture to your resume or not!
Most people add a professional image to their resume. It will be the standard practice if we exclude this element from the summary because hiring managers also don't look at pictures.
They take 7 to 10 seconds to read out a resume as there are so many resumes for them to read. It will be good to keep a summary clear and concise.
Suppose something is only getting seven seconds or even 10 seconds of a glance. In that case, they are not going to hire you necessarily on your face because what they are looking for is whether you are able to quickly share the right sort of skills and experiences you have. That's going to create curiosity for an interview. So here we will discuss how to write a resume with or without a picture.
Most people suggested focusing on strengthening your resume and LinkedIn profile instead of adding a photo to your resume.
Countries that Prohibit Pictures in a Resume:
Countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States don't prefer to add a picture to your resume because of strict anti-discrimination and labor laws. Companies need to be able to demonstrate that there is no racial, gender, age, physical appearance, or other form of profiling in their employment procedures.
Therefore, as a precaution, they would rather not see candidate images attached to job applications.
Of course, there are times when this rule doesn't apply, such as when someone applies for a modelling or acting position.
Countries that Allow Adding Pictures in a Resume:
On the other hand, some countries think it is essential to add a picture to your resume. Even in cases where employers don't specifically need one, it is always advised to include a photo of yourself on your resume in the mentioned sections.
But keep in mind that national norms can alter and that customs differ depending on the organization.
As a result, some employers could request that you submit your application without a photo, so in such instances, you should follow their rules.
The following countries allow you to include a picture in your resume:
- Austria
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Portugal
- Spain
- Scandinavian Countries
- Middle East
- Africa
- Asia
- South America
A company would specifically request a photo with your application if it truly intends to use your appearance in the screening process. Remember that the hiring managers will probably look you up on the internet using social media or Google.
Because of this, even if you don't include a resume photo, they will likely still see a look of you online, which is why job seekers need to maintain a professional online presence.
Resume photos can also distract the recruiter or hiring manager. People who add images to their resumes are looking for a way to differentiate themselves.
However, as all of you know very clearly, recruiters take seven seconds to read a summary, so it will be good if you focus on your skills and background to grab their attention.
When You Should Put a Photo on Your Resume:
For the majority of occupations, use a photo on your resume sparingly since it can be distracting, take up space, and overall look out of place for job submissions. However, this is only sometimes the case.
According to Cash, there are just one or two industries where including a photo on a resume is advantageous. It all comes down to real estate since the pictures inspire a sense of confidence. The second business is entertainment-related, such as modelling, acting, etc. These jobs heavily depend on your appearance in addition to your qualifications.
Sometimes, it is required by your industry, in addition to your location. People must think of it this way in our digital world today. If someone wants to see your face, there are lots of other ways, i.e. LinkedIn, specifically.
Where to Put a Picture on Your Resume
If you are in an industry where it is beneficial to add a photo to your resume, you should put it next to your contact information in the top right or top left corner. As for the type of photo, if you are in the real estate market, use a professional picture, as you use for other marketing materials.
If you are in the entertainment industry, then use a decent professional picture or image you would like to lead with. You should not use a car selfie or a photo you took on your phone or a friend's phone.
FAQs
What size paper is a resume?
Resume paper should be the letter size standard, i.e., 8.5 by 11 inches in the U.S. or A4 in other parts of the world, the same as ordinary printing paper.
What is the best font for a resume?
Professional font choices for resumes include Arial, Cambria, Garamond, and Times New Roman. These fonts are widely used and considered appropriate for resume content.
Do employers like colorful resumes?
Using color on your resume may leave a negative impression on some potential employers. Color on job applications is acceptable in modern hiring practices.
