Guide · Updated October 20, 2026

Should you put a photo on your resume?

Short answer

In the US, usually not: put a professional photo on LinkedIn instead.
In Spain, much of Latin America and parts of Europe and Asia, a CV photo is common.
If you add one, it should be professional, recent and look like you.

These are hiring customs, not rules: when a job ad says otherwise, follow the ad.

United States: leave it off, use LinkedIn

Most US career advisers recommend not including a photo, partly so that appearance doesn't influence hiring. Recruiters do look you up, though, so a current, professional photo on LinkedIn matters more than ever. Are AI headshots OK for LinkedIn?

Spain, Latin America and elsewhere: a photo is common

In Spain, much of Latin America and parts of Europe such as Germany, CVs usually include a small photo, as they do in many countries in Asia and the Middle East. A CV without one can look incomplete there, and a casual or cropped holiday photo looks worse than none.

What a good resume photo looks like

Head-and-shoulders framing, face centred, a little space above your head.
A plain background (grey, white or soft blue) or a blurred office.
The clothes of the job: a blazer or smart top for office roles, scrubs or a white coat for healthcare.
A natural expression, looking at the camera.
Recent: you should be recognisable on interview day.
Small on the page (top corner, next to your name), but a sharp file.

Make one from your phone photos

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Questions

Should I put a photo on my resume in the US?

Usually not. Most US career advisers recommend leaving it off, partly so hiring decisions aren't influenced by appearance. Put a professional photo on your LinkedIn profile instead; recruiters look there.

Where is a CV photo expected?

It's common in Spain, much of Latin America and parts of Europe such as Germany, and in many countries in Asia and the Middle East. When in doubt, follow the job ad or look at CVs from people in that country and field.

Can I use an AI headshot on my resume?

Yes, if it looks like you today: the interviewer will compare it with you. Use one made from your own recent photos and pick the most natural one, not the most flattering.

What should a resume photo look like?

Head and shoulders, facing the camera, a plain or softly blurred background, the clothes you'd wear to the interview, a natural expression, recent and sharp. No selfies, sunglasses, filters, group crops or holiday backgrounds.