Updated by the HeadshotGenerator.pro team
Headshot for Resume: When to Use One
Whether to add a headshot for resume use depends mostly on the country you apply in. In some countries a photo on the CV is common; in others, including the United States, resumes are usually sent without one. This guide explains when to include it and how to choose it.
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When a Headshot for Resume Use Is Expected
Resume photo norms vary by country and industry. Check job ads, company career pages and local career advice for the country you are applying in.
Roles where appearance is part of the job, such as acting, modelling or some presenting jobs, may ask for photos even where most resumes don't include one.
When to Leave the Photo Off
- United States: resumes are usually sent without a photo, as Indeed's career advice notes.
- Applicant tracking systems: some read text only, so an image takes space without helping.
- When the ad says no photo: always follow the employer's instructions.
- When unsure: leave it off and put your headshot on LinkedIn instead.
Choosing a Resume Photo
If you include a photo, keep it simple: head and shoulders, plain light background, clothing you would wear to the interview, and a friendly but composed expression.
Use a photo that looks like you today. The person who interviews you should recognise you from it.
Your LinkedIn and job-site profiles are where a headshot helps most, even when the resume itself has none.
Formatting a Photo on a CV
Where photos are expected, they usually sit in the top corner of the first page, next to your name and contact details. Keep the photo small, the same height as your contact block, and make sure it doesn't push important text onto a second page.
Save the finished resume as a PDF so the photo stays in place across devices. Check the file size before sending; a full-resolution photo can make a resume too large for some application portals, so resize the image before inserting it.
Recommended Looks in the Generator
After you upload your photo, pick these options in the generator. Each generation gives you 2 variations, and regenerating the same look is free.
Background: Clean White
Outfit: Formal, Navy
A plain background and blazer match the formal CV-photo style.
Background: Clean White
Outfit: Semi-Formal (Button-Up Shirt), Light Blue
A softer option for less formal fields.