Should you include a photo on your CV?

The short answer: no, not in the US or UK.

In the United States and United Kingdom, including a photo on your CV is generally discouraged and can actually work against you. Here's why.

Why you shouldn't include a photo (US/UK)

Employers in the US and UK are legally required to make hiring decisions without bias based on appearance, age, race, or gender. Including a photo can put conscientious employers in an awkward position — and some will discard CVs with photos to protect themselves legally.

Exceptions

Photos are standard practice in some countries and industries:

• Continental Europe (Germany, France, Austria) — photos are often expected
• Acting, modelling, and presenting — a headshot is a professional requirement
• Some Asian countries — photos may be standard on local CVs

If you're applying internationally

Research the norms for the specific country you're applying in. When in doubt, check job postings in that market to see whether photos are included in example CVs.

LinkedIn is different

Your LinkedIn profile absolutely should have a professional headshot. Profiles with photos receive significantly more views and connection requests than those without.

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