Should I Add a Photo on My CV?

The age-old question: should you include that polished headshot on your CV? It sounds simple, yet it’s sparked years of debate amongst job seekers, career coaches, and HR professionals alike.

The Short Answer: No, You Shouldn’t

Unless a job advert specifically instructs you to include a photo, do not add one to your CV in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA. In these regions, photos are considered unnecessary, unhelpful, and in some cases professionally inappropriate.

Here’s why recruiters strongly advise against it:

1. It Helps Maintain Professionalism and Objectivity

A CV should showcase your achievements, experience, and value — not your appearance. A photograph can unintentionally shift the focus away from your skills and towards personal traits that have nothing to do with your suitability for the role.

2. It Reduces the Risk of Bias

Even when unintentional, biases related to age, gender, ethnicity, disability, and physical appearance can influence hiring decisions. Removing your photo helps ensure employers evaluate you purely on merit.

3. It Shows Cultural Awareness

While some countries expect a photo, many English-speaking regions discourage it. Including one where it’s not the norm can seem culturally unaware or overly informal. A photo-free CV ensures suitability across diverse and international job markets.

4. It Improves ATS Compatibility

Most organisations now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to shortlist candidates. ATS software can’t interpret images and may struggle to parse CVs containing embedded graphics. A clean, text-based CV gives you the best chance of making it through the initial scan.

5. It Helps You Stay Compliant with Privacy Laws

Data protection regulations restrict how employers can collect, store, and use personal information. Photos add unnecessary personal data and may raise privacy concerns — particularly in highly regulated jurisdictions.

But How Can Employers “See” You Without a Photo?

If you still want to create a strong visual first impression, there are better, more professional ways.

Use Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is the perfect place for a professional headshot. Make sure your profile:

• is fully up to date
• aligns with your CV content
• includes a high-quality, professional photo

This gives employers a clear, complete picture of who you are — without risking bias or ATS issues on your CV.

Showcase a Portfolio

For creative, technical, or project-based roles, a portfolio is far more powerful than a photo. Consider including:

• project samples
• reports or case studies
• designs, documents, or code snippets
• client testimonials

This allows employers to assess the quality of your work rather than how you look.

A Great CV Works Without a Photo

In a competitive Australian job market, a well-structured, professionally written CV will always outperform one that leans on visuals. Focus on strong achievements, clearly presented experience, and clean formatting.

Need help standing out? Our experts can draft a compelling, ATS-friendly CV designed specifically for the Australian employment landscape.

Get a FREE CV Review today and step into your next opportunity with confidence.