Professional resume picture
Whether we want to admit it or not, before we get to know people personally, we all judge them based on their appearance. This is also true when it comes to evaluating job applications and CVs. Although it sounds unprofessional and unfair, most recruiter managers will be first drawn to your resume picture.
Recruiters will spend more time on your CV if you have an impeccable photograph which can sometimes make them overlook any flaws that might appear on your resume. A good picture will pique their curiosity and encourage them to read more, dwell longer, and learn more about you. Maybe they will even take an additional 10 seconds to look at your resume, and these 10 seconds might be crucial for choosing you over another candidate.
The latest study from PhotoAiD reveals that 71% of employers reject candidates based on their LinkedIn picture despite their high job qualifications. This means that a picture on your resume, whether digital or physical, influences your chance of getting the job. For this reason, you should be cautious when including a photo on the CV because using the wrong picture can cost you a job opportunity.
Useful tips for your resume picture
An excellent photo may visually carry the entire CV, and you can use it to establish your unique identity, which you present to the company. This is especially important for people from the creative industry who do not sell only their work but also their persona. However, when including a photo in your resume, you should bear numerous things in mind. We compiled a list of helpful tips to assist you in selecting the ideal photograph:
- Use an up-to-date headshot. Since a CV photo is similar to a passport photo, our suggestion is to keep it up to date and avoid using selfies, but instead, ask somebody else to take a photograph of you.
- Dress appropriately. Try to dress appropriately to appear professional and make sure that you are not overly casual. The best way is to consider the job position and the company you are applying for and dress accordingly.
- Use even lighting. Make sure the lighting in the photo is adequate. Avoid photographs with poor lighting or blurriness, as well as special effects or other filters. Uneven lighting will imply that you are not attentive to details.
- Avoid props. Sunglasses or hats might be a perfect prop for your social media picture, but when you create a photo for the resume, you should avoid using any kind of props because your face must be visible.
- If you use makeup, try to keep it natural. Depending on the company culture, excessive makeup might project a negative impression. It is better to use neutral colours and matte makeup because it is better for a flashlight.
- Use open arm posture. Although many people like to take CV photos with arms crossed, it is recommended to avoid doing it because, according to body language specialists, it suggests that you are distant, defensive, or that you feel uncomfortable. In the best case, use a headshot that shows only your head and shoulders.
CV photo size
There is no particular requirement regarding the size of the CV photo. Still, many experts recommend using a 35 x 45 mm photo, which corresponds to the standard photo size used for official documents in most countries. If you plan to print your Curriculum Vitae, your photo resolution should be at least 300dpi (dots per inch) to ensure that it looks clear. Pictures with a lower resolution, which appear blurred when printed on the paper, will convey a message that you do not pay attention to details.
CV photo background
If you want to create a professional photo for the CV that focuses on your face, a plain background is the best choice. You can take your photo against a white or neutral-coloured wall or curtain for the best effect, and any distracting objects such as furniture or plants should be removed.
If you do not have an appropriate place where you could take a photo or already have a photo that you would like to use, but your background is not suitable, numerous online photo editors can help you remove the background. The plain background will not only make you look professional, but also it will be a better match for your CV application.
Common CV errors
Although you are free to decide how you want to present yourself on the CV photo, there are several things that you should consider because they might signify an immediate red flag for a recruiter manager. These are the most common resume photo errors that you should avoid:
- Low-resolution pictures. No matter if you submit your resume online or if you print it, the quality of the picture matters. When printing your photo, make sure to save it in a high resolution so that it looks clear and professional. This might make an excellent first impression by demonstrating that you put in the effort to send a high-quality image.
- Lack of fully visible face. Your face mustn’t be covered by hair or any kind of props.
- A vacation picture. Although it is advisable to include your hobbies and interests in your CV, you should avoid using pictures showing you while on vacation or doing your hobby.
- A fake picture. There is nothing worse than including a false image on your CV. Rather do not include any photo if you do not have an adequate photo of yourself. The fake picture will not only leave an impression that you are unprofessional, but it will most probably cost you a job position.
- Lack of smile. A photo on which you smile is more likely to create a positive impression on the recruiter, therefore it is advisable to show off a friendly smile.
Why should you use our photo editor?
As already mentioned, a picture of high quality should be used for a CV application. Some of the options to get an outstanding CV photo would be to find a professional photographer or to go to a photo studio. However, both options are costly and time-consuming, and often they offer you just a limited number of photo-takes that you get for a certain price. This means that even if you do not like pictures that the professional photographer took, you will not have an opportunity to retake them unless you pay extra money.
Therefore, you should give photo editors like PhotoAiD a chance. This editor is not only used to create passport and visa photos but also resume pictures.
It's a ready-to-use software solution that guides you through the entire process of getting a professional CV photo. It is very convenient as you can use it at home whenever it fits your schedule. The editor allows you to take as many photos as you wish till you get the perfect one. After uploading the chosen picture, the editor will remove the background and crop it to the desired size. Another advantage of using this editor is that you can try different outfits as well as experiment with your makeup.
CV photo app for Android and iPhone
Besides the online version, Passport-photo is also available as a mobile application for both Android and iPhone users. Download the app to your smartphone and edit the photo that will be attached to your resume. Simply choose a photo from your gallery, upload it, and the app will do the magic and provide you with the perfect photo for your CV.
