Say NO to Photos on A Resume 

Everyone wants to have a standout job application, so adding a decorative element to your resume template, like a headshot or photo, can be a tempting idea. Canva and other resume design softwares might even include a photo option in their resume templates! Don’t fall for it. It might seem like having a photo on your resume will boost your chances of securing an interview by helping the employer see what you look like, but in reality, it could impact your chances of getting an interview. There are a few reasons for this:

Do they need to know what you look like?

• No. You want to draw the employer to the important information on your resume which is your skills and experiences, not what you look like. Also adding a photo can potentially lead to unfair or unconscious bias, judgement and individual preference in deciding to give you an interview or not. A photo doesn’t really tell the employer anything about you and your ability to do the job. 

It’s distracting. 

• Employers usually spend only 6 seconds or less looking at your resume, so a photo can be a huge distraction and it takes up space! Your skills and experience will help you get the job, so you don’t want an employer to gloss over them entirely because your photo steals the spotlight. Stick to words and you’re golden!

Your application might get tossed. 

• A lot of organizations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which automatically screen applications. These systems often don’t pick up on design elements and including your photo on your resume could result in your application getting rejected. Stay on the safe side and leave your photo out!

There are very few industries which require photos on applications, so save yourself the trouble and pass on including your photo. At the end of the day, it’s easier to stay on the safe side and let your achievements and technical skills do the talking. Check out this article from Insight Global for more information on why you shouldn’t include a photo in your resume!