How Your Resume Picture May Be Sabotaging Your Job Search

What Recruiters Think of Resume Pictures

Some job seekers choose to include a picture of themselves with their job applications. The picture may be featured on the resume itself or attached as a separate document. This is a controversial practice. Some say it makes a resume more personal and makes a stronger first impression. Others say it contributes to unfair hiring practices. So what do recruiters think of resume pictures? And should you use one? This guide will show you:

• Why you should not include a picture with your resume
• Other tactics you can use to make a personal connection with hiring managers
• The one exception to the rule about resume pictures
• Frequently asked questions about resume pictures

Why a Resume Picture Will Lower Your Chances of Getting Hired

While resume pictures may seem commonplace, you may be surprised to find out that a resume picture is not a good strategy for getting a new job. There are several reasons why a resume picture will work against you in your job search.

• Including a picture with your resume may be seen as unprofessional. There are more appropriate places to display your picture. For example, you may include a link to your social media or LinkedIn accounts that may display a headshot or other photographs. You may also choose to include links to press or publications that feature your image.
• The hiring manager or recruiter reviewing your resume may be instructed to throw out any applications containing photographs. Some companies have very strict guidelines on bias, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. To meet diversity requirements and comply with discrimination policy, resumes with photos may not be considered in the hiring process at all. By including a photo, no matter how great it is, you could be taking yourself out of the running for the job.
• Many hiring managers use an applicant tracking system, or ATS, to screen applicants. The ATS will scan resumes for the format, keywords, and other critical elements. A photo may change the format of your resume from layouts ATS can easily scan, which might lead to ATS rejecting your resume out of hand.