Headshots on Resumes & CVs: Weighing the Pros & Cons

A picture is worth a thousand words

We’ve heard the saying a plenty of times, but is this statement relevant as we speak of headshots and resume? In the competitive job market, employers pay very little attention to each resume. In fact, as per a recent study, recruiters view CVs for an average of 7.4 seconds..

Job seekers need to put in more effort to stand out among competitors. One such technique is to add a headshot to your resume. 

Let’s dive deeper into the benefits and drawbacks of adding a headshot to your resume or CV, along with the best practices for maintaining its quality.

Why Consider Adding a Headshot to Your Resume or CV?

Imagine a headshot and resume that not only showcases your skills, education and experience but also leaves a lasting impression on the employers. Doesn’t that sound like a job well done? A professional CV headshot can play a major role in creating a memorable first impression with employers. Moreover, industries such as creative fields (modeling, acting, etc.) consider adding a headshot to a resume as a must-have. 

Let us dive deeper into this:

The Pros of Including a Headshot in Your Resume

Before you worry about your headshot and resume, take a look at the pros of including a headshot in your resume:

• Personalization: Add a personal touch to your resume with a well-lit headshot. This allows recruiters to associate your name with a face for easy recall. 
• Professionalism: A professional headshot for a resume helps showcase your approachable personality. It also adds to your professionalism, especially if you’re in the creative field or media industry. 
• Cultural Expectations: Specific countries and industries expect a professional headshot on resumes for careful consideration and selection. For instance, Asia, Berlin, and France often use CV headshots as tracking systems to identify your resume.

The Cons of Adding a Headshot to Your Resume

Below are some reasons why mixing a headshot and a resume might not be ideal: 

• Bias and Discrimination: Photos can be distracting and may cause employees to focus on your appearance rather than skills. It might also lead to discrimination based on factors such as age, race, or gender. 
• Privacy Concerns: Some companies have strict policies against CVs with headshots due to privacy concerns. It involves a risk that a company might use your picture for other purposes, such as marketing campaigns or promotional material. 
• Relevance: Countries such as the USA and those in Europe may view CV headshots as a means of discriminating based on their appearance. Additionally, they might also consider it unprofessional and a waste of time and space.

Regional and Industry Variations: When Is a Headshot Appropriate?

• International Practices: Many countries have different opinions about a headshot resume. Here’s a list for your reference:

Below are countries that don’t allow headshots on resumes as they prefer judging a candidate strictly based on their qualifications:

i) Sweden

ii) Australia

iii) United States

iv) United Kingdom

v) Canada 

vi) Ireland

vii) The Netherlands

Below are the countries that accept a CV with a headshot as part of their tracking system:

i) China

ii) Japan

iii) Philippines

iv) Belgium

v) Africa

vi) Germany

vii) Spain

vii) India

• Industry-Specific Norms: Adding a professional headshot to a resume is a standard practice in industries such as media, acting, or real estate. Whereas the finance, law, or tech industries might not appreciate this practice and consider it a distraction.

Best Practices for Adding a Headshot to Your Resume

Imagine you’re a theatre artist showcasing your portfolio—what’s the first thing you need? A clean, professional headshot to make a great impression. So, here’s how to get it right:

• Choosing the Right Photo: Say no to selfies and avoid wearing casuals. Opt for a professional headshot for a CV that includes a clean and neat background.  For instance, take a look at the difference between the two images, and you can see that variant 2 looks more appropriate for a resume headshot

• Placement and Size: Place the photo in the top right or left corner of your resume. Ensure it is passport-sized, allowing your face to be easily visible while keeping the focus on your qualifications.

• Consistency: Use the same headshot across all professional documents and online profiles for consistency. Ensure the image is clear and appropriately sized to avoid looking unprofessional.

Alternatives to Headshots: Making Your Resume Stand Out

• Visual Branding: Consider adding other visual elements such as white space, color, interesting fonts, and text boxes for a unique and visually appealing look. 
• Digital Profiles: Add edge to your resume by adding links to your online portfolio to your resume. For example, mention your Notion portfolio or WordPress blog in your CV.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to include a headshot on a resume?

No, including a headshot on a resume is not necessary but can enhance your candidacy depending on your field of work and regional regulations. 

2. How does a headshot on a resume affect the hiring process?

A headshot proves beneficial in showcasing your professionalism and approachability. It improves your chances tenfold, especially when applying to creative job roles.

3. What are the risks of adding a headshot to a resume?

It might lead to unintentional bias and discrimination, or a risk of violating the company policy. Therefore, it is advised to go through the company norms before adding a headshot to your resume.

4. Can I use the same headshot for my resume and LinkedIn?

Yes, a professional headshot can be used on your resume and any other professional networking platform. 

5. What are some good examples of resumes with headshots?

Actors, models, and real estate agents make use of headshot resumes to showcase trust and credibility.

Are you planning to sweep the employers off their feet?

You’re in the right place, as we at InstaHeadshots help you obtain professional headshots for your resume.

Why choose us?

1. Experienced photographers: Our in-house team of experts ensures high-quality headshots with desired results. 
2. Advanced equipment: We use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver exceptional results.
3. Competitive pricing: We offer competitive prices and flexible packages with excellent client service.
4. Quick turnaround time: Our quick delivery and turnaround time reflect our credibility and professionalism.
5. Guaranteed results: We are committed to standing true to your expectations by delivering the best-quality results. 

For queries, get in touch with us at. Visit our official website help@instaheadshots.com.  

Stand out from your competitors with our exceptional services. Get a professional headshot today!