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!
You may be interested in:
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!
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.