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Adam Bensari
07/15//2025
Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume?
Including a photo on your resume is a common practice in some parts of the world — but in the United States, it's generally discouraged and can even hurt your chances of landing an interview. If you're wondering whether to include a picture on your resume when applying for jobs in the U.S., here’s what you need to know.
Why You Should Not Add a Photo to Your Resume in the U.S.
In the U.S. job market, resumes should not contain any photos. This is largely due to anti-discrimination and privacy laws, which aim to prevent hiring decisions from being influenced by a candidate’s appearance, gender, race, age, or other personal attributes.
Because of this, most hiring managers, HR professionals, and applicant tracking systems (ATS) expect resumes to be text-only documents. Including a photo can make your application look unprofessional or even result in it being automatically filtered out.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes — but they are rare and typically industry-specific. You might consider including a photo if you are:
- Applying for a modeling, acting, or entertainment-related job.
- Submitting a creative portfolio, where visuals are part of the application.
- Sharing a LinkedIn profile, where a professional headshot is encouraged.
In nearly all other cases, do not include a photo in your resume.
How to Present Yourself Professionally Without a Photo
Even without a photo, you can make a strong impression. Here’s how:
- Polish your LinkedIn profile – This is where a professional photo is expected. Use a clean, well-lit headshot with appropriate attire.
- Use a clean and modern resume layout – A well-structured, visually appealing resume will stand out, even without images.
- Focus on content – Highlight your achievements, skills, and experience clearly and concisely.
- Include links to your online presence, such as a portfolio, GitHub (for tech roles), or personal website.
Where Can I Create a Modern Resume?
Creating a strong resume doesn’t require graphic design skills or expensive software. Try a free online resume builder like Modern Resume – it offers clean, ATS-friendly templates tailored to U.S. standards. No photo required, and no guesswork.
