Working in the recruiting space, we come across a lot of resumes. While somewhat rare to see, we’ve recently observed an uptick in resumes that include headshots.
Should you include a headshot to stand out from other applicants, or stick to a tried-and-true, pictureless resume?
Our simple response: Experts advise against including a picture on your resume.
Our slightly longer response: While some industries may welcome a personal touch, for the most part, you should not include a headshot; HOWEVER, there are exceptions. Keep reading to see if you fall into a gray area and may want to have a professional headshot on your resume.
The Risks of Including a Headshot on Your Resume
Even the most well-meaning and experienced hiring managers are subject to unconscious bias. As the majority of recruiters rely on intuition, about 85% to 97%, recruitment practices are not as defined as we think. In a diverse job market where equality and fairness are critical, companies and job boards often recommend keeping resumes neutral. By not including a headshot, you prevent potential biases—whether positive or negative—based on your appearance.
1. Legal Concerns and Discrimination
A resume with a headshot may inadvertently lead to discrimination based on race, gender, age, or physical appearance. In fact, in many countries, including the United States, employers are discouraged or even prohibited by law from asking for photographs with job applications to avoid discrimination claims. Including a photo can open employers up to potential lawsuits if they make hiring decisions based on that photo.
2. Focus on Skills, Not Looks
Your resume should tell your professional story through your relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Including a headshot distracts from your qualifications and credentials. If you’re applying for a data analyst position, the hiring manager will care more about your proficiency with Python or SQL than about how you look. A headshot won’t reflect your ability to solve business problems, manage teams, or increase productivity.
3. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. ATS software scans for specific keywords, experience, and qualifications relevant to the job post. Most ATS programs can’t interpret images, meaning that adding a headshot may confuse the software and cause your resume to be rejected entirely. It’s important build your resume to be ATS-friendly, as a 2023 study by Jobscan found that 97.4 percent of Fortune 500 companies used an ATS.
When Including a Headshot Might Make Sense
While the general advice is to avoid headshots, there are a few instances where including your photo could be beneficial:
1. Creative and Visual Roles
If you’re applying for a role in acting, modeling, or certain creative industries, including a headshot can be relevant to the job. Your appearance may play a part in how you’re selected for certain roles. Similarly, if you’re applying for a graphic design or photography position, including a headshot could showcase your personal branding and creative skills.
2. International Standards
In some countries, especially in parts of Europe and Asia, including a photo on your resume is standard practice and expected by recruiters. It’s important to research the local norms if you’re applying for jobs outside of your country.
Alternatives to Adding a Resume Headshot
Rather than including a headshot on your resume, consider adding links to your LinkedIn profile or personal website where a recruiter can view your professional headshot if they’re interested. This gives them a choice to see more of your professional background without emphasizing your appearance in the initial stages of the job application and saves valuable resume space for ATS-optimized content that makes you stand out based on your professional qualifications.
The Verdict: Should You Include Your Headshot?
In most cases, the answer is no—you should not include a headshot on your resume. The risks associated with unconscious bias, legal concerns, and ATS limitations make it an unwise choice for job seekers in most industries.
It’s up to you to evaluate your individual situation and see if it makes sense for you, but generally it is best to focus your resume space on what truly matters: your skills, experiences, and how you can add value to the employer. Let your achievements shine and leave the headshot for more informal professional spaces like LinkedIn.
Get More Career Tips with TalentAlly
If you’re reading this, you’re likely looking to optimize your resume and move forward in your career journey. That’s where we can help. TalentAlly, formerly the Professional Diversity Network, offers a comprehensive, free job search and career resource warehouse. Visit our job board or attend a virtual career fair to find open opportunities from inclusive companies in the United States.
