Photograph – To include or not to include?

Last modified: 21. June 2024

It is important to emphasize that nowadays, it is not necessary to include sensitive personal information in your resume such as your birth year, marital status or your address.

However, it is advisable to use a photograph in your resume, but this should not be a picture from one of your well-liked social media party photos. Selfies and pictures taken at various events generally do not create a good impression, whereas a professionally taken photo can make you more appealing.

In some countries and industries, it is customary to attach a photo to your resume, while in others, this is not so common. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

 

When it is advisable to attach a photo:

• European countries: In some European countries, it is customary to attach a photo to your resume (for example, in Switzerland or France). In Hungary, it is often requested to attach a photo with your application.
• Business and service industries: In certain industries and positions such as acting or television, where appearance plays an important role, it may be beneficial to attach a photo.

 

When it is not advisable to attach a photo:

• In general: In Anglo-Saxon countries, it is not customary to attach a photo to your resume. Employers there generally avoid overly personal information.
• To avoid discrimination: Attaching a photo can increase the risk of discrimination. If an employer learns information about you from the photo that is not necessary for the job, it can lead to unfair treatment.

Here are some examples of what the photo attached to your resume should and should not look like:

IMPORTANT: Look at the camera, smile and ensure the background is neutral. Avoid bright colors and, if possible, seek the help of a professional photographer to make the best impression on potential employers.

In general, it can be said that a photo is not necessary for professional resumes. It is important that the content and formatting of the resume speak for themselves. If you  are uncertain about local customs, it is worth researching or consulting a career expert to create a resume that meets the local requirements.

 

Written by Zsuzsanna Zsanett Fentor
photos: pixabay.com, blog.careerangels.eu