Photo on a CV: when you need one and how to take a good one

A photo is often the first thing a recruiter sees on your CV. A good one makes you look professional; a bad one can undo a strong CV in a second. Here is when to add a photo and how to get it right.

Do you need a photo on your CV?

In Uzbekistan and the CIS, most employers expect a CV with a photo, and an obyektivka always has one (3×4). In much of Europe, including Germany, a photo is common but optional. In the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia, leave the photo out: employers there avoid photos to prevent discrimination, and some will skip a CV that has one.

What a good CV photo looks like

• Head and shoulders, facing the camera, your face taking up most of the frame.
• A plain, light background — a white or light grey wall works well.
• The clothes you would wear to an interview in that field.
• A natural, calm expression — a light smile is better than a serious stare.
• A recent photo: taken within the last two years.
• Sharp and well lit: daylight from a window in front of you, no harsh shadows.

Common mistakes

• A selfie at arm's length or in a car.
• A crop from a group or wedding photo.
• Sunglasses, caps or busy patterns.
• Beauty filters and heavy editing.
• A blurry or tiny picture that turns into pixels when printed.

How to take one with your phone

In OSON CV you upload a photo once, crop it right in the editor, and can switch it off for countries where photos aren't used — everything else stays the same.