The CV photo must be professional so that, in combination with the entire CV, it makes a positive impression on employers. Although it is not a mandatory element, many people are happy to add it. Find out how to take a photo for your CV so that it is appropriate, which photo to choose from several options, and how to insert it into the document
In this text you will find information on:
- Take the perfect photo for your CV
- Does a CV have to include a photo? Answer
- A photo for a CV – we know what the most common mistakes are
- CV photo – answers to frequently asked questions
- A professional photo for your CV – with or without glasses?
- How to paste a photo into a resume?
- What is the best place to look at a resume photo?
- Which side of the photo in the CV?
- Photo in a GDPR CV – can you include your image in a CV?
- How to scan a photo for a resume?
- How to insert a photo into a resume in Word?
- How to take a photo for your CV yourself?
- Does a CV have to include an ID photo?
- Photo for CV – price
- Black and white photo in a CV – is it a good choice?
Take the perfect photo for your CV
- A CV photo should be portrait and have a formal style. The face and shoulders should be visible. You don’t have to position yourself directly to the camera lens, you can pose from a delicate profile.
- A light, subdued background in a solid color will be optimal. The presence of many colors on the back is distracting.
- Your outfit should reflect the seriousness of the position you are applying for. Depending on your profession, decide on a specific outfit.
- Avoid photos in informal clothing, such as T-shirts or sportswear.
- Smile slightly to appear friendly, but avoid overexpression.
A photo for a man’s CV – how to dress?
Wear a shirt, preferably white or blue.
Avoid unbuttoning more than one button.
You don’t have to wear a tie or bow tie, although a tie looks better in this case.
Even though a photo for a resume in a bow tie is not a mistake, a tie is more suitable for the job.
You can leave the bow tie for occasions such as weddings or other parties.
If the position you are applying for requires formal attire, remember to wear a jacket when taking a photo for your CV.
It will also be important to style your hair neatly and take care of your posture so that it matches the seriousness of the situation and at the same time is uninhibited.
A CV photo for a woman – what outfit will be appropriate?
The best choice for women will be formal or semi-formal attire in neutral colors.
Navy blue, black, gray, white elements or even beige are suitable.
If you are wondering what kind of photo for a woman’s CV is professional, go for the unforced classics.
You can wear a shirt or a high-top with a straight cut.
If you are applying to a company with an office dress code, pay special attention to the fact that the top of your outfit is adequate to the position.
CV photo dimensions – what to consider?
There are no specific size requirements, but it should not be very small, much less take up most of the page. Give up the idea of placing a large image. If you are wondering how to insert a photo into your CV, remember that it should be smaller than too large. After all, it is your competence and experience that should be in the foreground.
The optimal will be to decide on the size used in documents, i.e. 3.5 by 4.5 cm.
Does a CV have to include a photo? Answer
A photo on the resume is not required, although candidates often add one. Photography not only complements the document with an additional element that attracts attention, but also helps to get to know the candidate better. If you were wondering if there must be a photo for your CV, You already know that it is not. However, it is worth adding them for one more reason. An employer who knows what you look like will remember you faster and recognize you during an interview.
CV photo – when do you need to add it?
In some recruitment processes, attaching a photograph is an important requirement. This applies, for example, to work in modeling and television. If you don’t know if your CV should have a photo, Do you need to send them in a separate attachment, read the announcement. When applying for positions strongly related to image, sometimes you also need to add a photo of your silhouette to your CV. If you do not specify how to upload an additional photo to your CV, it is better to upload it in a separate file and leave the Curriculum Vitae itself in an official form with one professional photo.
Recruitment in foreign companies – do you need a photo for your CV?
Are you applying for a job in a foreign company and you don’t know if your CV has to include a photo? Consider cultural differences.
In some countries (USA, UK), adding a photo to a CV is not a standard practice due to the employment equality laws in force there.
In other countries (e.g. Germany or Poland), a photo is often expected.
When you’re applying for a position at a foreign company or want to go to work, find out what the laws regarding a photo on your CV are in a specific country.
A photo for a CV – we know what the most common mistakes are
Recruitment specialists are well aware of the mistakes made by candidates. Get to know them and you will know what to avoid.
- Make sure the photo is recent (taken within the last few months) to reflect your current appearance. Do not allow a situation in which recruiters simply do not recognize you during the interview because your image has changed significantly.
- A photo for a CV selfie is not a good idea. If you hold the camera in your hand, you will probably see it. It is much better to bet on a professional photographer or ask a friend for help. You don’t have to have an expensive camera, if you take care of the lighting and background, and additionally you have a mobile phone with good parameters, you may be able to take the right photo for your CV with your phone.
- The photo should be taken specifically to add it to your CV, or you can choose, for example, a frame from a business session. Don’t cut out your image from a photo with your friends.
- A photo from a private photo shoot where you don’t have the right outfit or your posture and facial expressions are too loose is also a bad idea. Even if it was taken by a photographer. A photo for your CV should show you from a professional side.
When you don’t have a suitable photo for your resume, you don’t need to add it. The employer should not reject your application for this reason.
CV photo – answers to frequently asked questions
Many job candidates have doubts about what photo for their CV is appropriate and how to put it in the document. We answer the most frequently asked questions.
A professional photo for your CV – with or without glasses?
If you wear glasses on a daily basis, you can take a photo for your CV in them. Under no circumstances should you pose in sunglasses, and do not take them to a job interview.
How to paste a photo into a resume?
The best way is to use the CV Creator, which will automatically place the graphic file in the right place. Such tools significantly facilitate the entire process of creating and formatting a resume. All you have to do is choose a resume template with the photo layout you like and upload a photo to your CV.
What is the best place to look at a resume photo?
The ideal location of the photo in your CV will be the top corner, right or left, it doesn’t really matter. If you decide on a resume template with a sidebar, you can paste the image right on top of it, in the upper part.
Which side of the photo in the CV?
It doesn’t matter if you choose left or right. Don’t just put it in the middle.
Photo in a GDPR CV – can you include your image in a CV?
Of course.
There are no regulations in force in Poland that say that you cannot paste a photo to your CV.
Just remember to include an up-to-date clause regarding the processing of personal data at the very end of your document so that your application can be taken into account.
How to scan a photo for a resume?
This problem should appear less and less often, because in most cases, when we go to a photo studio, we receive paper prints and photos in electronic form.
If you need to scan a photo, use a home scanner, if you don’t have one, ask your friends or look for a print shop or copy shop in your area.
How to scan a photo for a resume? – step by step
- Place your CV photo on the scanner glass.
- Select the “scan” button on your multifunction printer or scanner.
- If options appear, select the connected computer where you want to save the file.
- Confirm with the “scan” button.
Each device may work differently, if the above method is not good for your equipment, check the manual or search for it on the Internet.
How to insert a photo into a resume in Word?
In the top bar, select the “insert” and “image” option. Decide whether you want to upload a photo to your resume from your computer or from your hard drive. Set the size and position of the image accordingly. Keep in mind that files saved in DOC format may look different when opened on different devices or with different programs. It is best to save the file in PDF format. Don’t know how to do it? Use the CV Creator and save the file as a PDF.
How to take a photo for your CV yourself?
Don’t know how to take a photo for your resume at home? We present a short guide.
- Choose a plain and bright background, you can position yourself against the wall.
- Daylight will be best, so pose in front of the window.
- Wear an appropriate outfit, in a smart casual or formal style.
- Style your hair and put on makeup if you want. The best will be natural, without colorful accents.
- You can ask someone to take a photo, but if you’re taking it yourself, set the camera or phone at the right angle. A tripod or a telescopic, fold-out selfie stick will help you with this.
- Stand up straight and pose from a delicate profile.
- Smile gently. It is important not to look self-conscious.
- Look straight into the lens.
- Frame the image so that your face and shoulders are visible.
If you upload a photo to your CV to your computer, do not compress the image to make it of good quality.
Does a CV have to include an ID photo?
A photo for your CV does not have to be evidential, you can go to a photographer to do a short session specifically to create a complete CV.
On the other hand, the format of the ID photo (3.5 by 4.5 cm) is suitable for a CV.
Check out more interesting content:
Personal information in a CV – everything you need to know
A professional summary as a unique opportunity to interest the recruiter
Photo for CV – price
Price lists of individual photo companies differ from each other. You can find offers from a few to even several dozen zlotys. Most often you can come across a price of 50/60 PLN. It is best to go from a nearby photographer who has good reviews. Remember to submit your comments immediately if you do not like the photo for your CV . The photographer will have the option to correct this and set a different light or camera function.
Black and white photo in a CV – is it a good choice?
It is definitely better to choose a color photograph. Monochrome images are suitable for private sessions, they look interesting and artistic. The image in shades of black, gray and white looks nice, but it is not good as a photo for a CV. Black and white images can also be associated with sadness and mourning.
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Nika Walęcka
Copywriter, author of articles with practical advice that will help you look for satisfying employment. It provides a lot of information that is useful in preparing applications, conducting job interviews and building a professional image.
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