Should I include a photo on my CV?
Following on from our article on what makes a good CV, we commonly get asked whether a photo should be included on your CV.
As a general rule, a photo shouldn’t be included if applying for jobs throughout the UK. The only times this rule would not apply is for candidates looking for acting / modelling / hostess jobs, etc., (specifically a position were appearance is important), or where a recruiter actually requests one.
I do need a photo on my CV, so what now?
If you do use a photo, do not use photocopied versions – either attach a small passport size photo using a paperclip or, even better, scan a copy into your computer and insert the picture onto your CV itself. The size of your photo should be somewhere around 1.5″ by 1.5″.
The choice of photo can also be important…it is best to have a picture taken wearing a suit and looking smart – not on holiday in Spain last summer with your sunglasses on. This may sound obvious but we have seen CVs with photos like this attached!
Remember, if you need any advice with regards to including a photo on your CV, or even just writing your CV in general, do not hesitate to contact us!
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Teodora said,
July 11, 2006 @ 8:36 pm
Hello!
How can i insert a picture into my Cv?It’s an edited picture from my computer and it’s too big.I would like to make it smaller.
Thanh you!
The CV Store said,
July 11, 2006 @ 9:50 pm
Hi there!
This all depends on the software you’re using. For example, if you are inserting the photo into Microsoft Word, you can use the built-in picture editor to reduce the size.
However, if you’re trying to ammend the picture before inserting it, using software such as PhotoShop, you’re best off searching online for specific guides.
As a start, we found http://www.rideau-info.com/photos/changesize.html – this may be able to help you further.
Do not hesitate to contact us should you require further advice!
The CV Store
Khem said,
April 6, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
Hello,
I am looking to apply for an events organiser role. Would a photo on my c.v. be suitable for this position?
Thank you
The CV Store said,
April 6, 2007 @ 2:27 pm
Hi Khem,
No, I don’t think you would need a photo for this situation.
Maria said,
June 13, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
Hello,
I’m applying for a position at a consultancy company who are looking for a customer services representative with an immaculate appearance to meet and greet visitors etc. What should my photo be like on the CV? Is it appropriate to include a whole body photo where i’m in a smart short dress and heels, or is a headshot the only way to go?
Many thanks
The CV Store said,
June 14, 2007 @ 11:11 am
Maria – a head shot should be fine for a CV photo – if you use a whole body image, it would be hard to see as you’d have to scale it down to fit in on the page.
Nasim said,
December 11, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
Hi.
I’m applying for university admission and I’m wondering if I should inser my photograph in leftside or rightside?
Thank You!
The CV Store said,
December 12, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
Hi Nasim,
To be honest, I don’t think a photo is needed. However, if you did want to include one, it wouldn’t matter which side it was placed.
Hope this helps…
Mubashir said,
January 5, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
I m student of accountancy, applying for internship in an accountancy firm.
i dont hve any previous experience, please E-MAIL me some useful cv formats,
Thnx in advance,
percival said,
August 6, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
hello,
i’m a fresh grad from a university. i’m looking for my first professional employment as a mechanical engineer. do you think it’s necessary to add a photo (wearing suit) on my CV in this kind of situation. one more, should i add my personal info like height, weight or eye colour?
thanks
The CV Store said,
August 6, 2008 @ 10:55 pm
Percival – none of this information or a photo is needed in a CV.
Spencer Wood said,
March 21, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
Why not give a great impression by making sure that the photo is retouched first before putting it on your CV. This doesn’t have to be a celebrity style of “airbrushing” but rather to give the photo a professional/studio quality look. Fly-away hairs and spot removal can be done of course. Adding a subtle amount of vibrancy or converting it to a stunning black and white image can help make it eye-catching. A free trial to all new users is currently being offered Retouch Genie Ltd – CV photo retouching
Miroslav said,
April 3, 2009 @ 1:27 am
Does the position of photo important?
If yes, which side, left or right?
thanks
nima said,
April 26, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
hi, i am thinking of putting a head-shot photo in my cv but not the passport sort of photo. is it possible to do that. And what sort of photo is should NOT put. thanks
John said,
September 16, 2009 @ 5:44 am
I’m applying for teaching positions… could a photo help?
A few jobs ask for a photo, others don’t.
Stefan said,
September 21, 2009 @ 1:42 pm
Hi, I am applying for an internship in Germany. Do I have to use a photo in my CV
?? I heard a photo in CV is a must there. Is it true???
The CV Store said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
Stefan – yes, it may well be worth including a photo for a German internship!
Rico said,
September 22, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
Hi! I’m writing a Tabular CV as a part of my student application in a university in Switzerland. It’s one the requirements that they asked me to submit. And since they’re asking for a CV with a photo, I am wondering what size of picture would best fit this kind of CV. You’re advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.
The CV Store said,
September 22, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
rico – passport size on a CV is fine
max said,
September 24, 2009 @ 11:44 am
hi,I’m fresh graduated I’m confused about CV stuff i made many forms which contain or contain not pic on it . i graduated from faculty of commerce i will seek banks or partnerships hence pic needed or not
Claire said,
October 6, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
I’m a full-time student and looking for part-time work, mainly in restaurants or retail. Would it look better to insert a photo in a general CV? So maybe they can link a face to the CV…and since these jobs have a lot to do with presentation, would it help or just look inappropriate?
M.
Ahsan Habib said,
December 20, 2009 @ 9:03 am
Which side in my CV i put my photo?