The Argument for Including a Picture
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Humanizes the Resume: A professional headshot humanizes your resume by giving potential employers a face to associate with your qualifications. This can be especially beneficial if you’re applying for roles that require a strong personal connection, such as customer service or sales.
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Makes You Memorable: Resumes without pictures tend to blend together. A well-chosen headshot can help you stand out from the crowd and make a more lasting impression.
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Demonstrates Professionalism: A professional headshot conveys a sense of seriousness and credibility. It shows that you’re taking the job search process seriously and that you’re confident in your presentation.
The Argument Against Including a Picture
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Can Lead to Discrimination: Studies have shown that resumes with pictures can lead to bias and discrimination. A candidate’s race, gender, or age can influence how their resume is perceived, even if these factors are irrelevant to the job.
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Violates EEOC Guidelines: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recommends against using photographs on resumes because they can perpetuate stereotypes and bias.
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Not Required in Most Cases: Most employers do not require a headshot on resumes. In fact, some companies may even prefer to receive resumes without pictures to avoid potential issues of bias.
Key Considerations for Decision-Making
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Industry Standards: Determine whether including a picture is common practice in your industry. For example, it’s more common to include a picture on a resume for a creative role than for a technical role.
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Employer Preferences: Research specific employers to see if they have a preference for resumes with or without pictures.
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Your Personal Branding: Consider how a headshot fits in with your personal branding and career goals. If you’re looking to convey a professional and polished image, a headshot may be beneficial.
Tips for Including a Picture on Your Resume
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Use a Professional Headshot: Invest in a high-quality headshot taken by a professional photographer. The headshot should be well-lit, clear, and sized appropriately.
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Position the Picture in the Header: Place your headshot in the header section of your resume, next to your name and contact information.
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Keep it Subtle: Avoid using a large or distracting picture. The headshot should complement your resume without overwhelming it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using a Casual Photo: Never use a casual or self-taken photo on your resume. This comes across as unprofessional and can harm your chances of getting hired.
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Going Hatless: Remove any hats or sunglasses from your headshot. The focus should be on your face and expression.
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Including a Full-Body Picture: A headshot should only show your head and shoulders. Avoid including full-body pictures on your resume.
Current Status and Future Outlook
Currently, the inclusion of pictures on resumes is a matter of debate. Some industries and companies embrace headshots, while others discourage their use.
However, as the job market becomes increasingly digital, it’s possible that pictures may become more common on resumes. A well-chosen headshot can help you build a stronger online presence and stand out from the competition.
Conclusion
The decision of whether or not to include a picture on your resume is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. If you do decide to include a picture, make sure it’s professional and represents your best self.
