Following on from our article on what makes a good CV, we're regularly asked whether a photo should be included. There are arguments both ways: a photo can personalise your application and build your professional "brand" — but it also puts companies at risk of discrimination claims, which is why UK employers rarely request one.
of CVs with photos included were automatically rejected by recruiters. With numbers this high, is it really worth the risk?
As a general rule, a photo should not be included when applying for jobs in the UK. The only exceptions are for candidates in acting, modelling, or any role where appearance is a core requirement — or where a recruiter specifically requests one.
CV Photo Tips
If you do need to include a photo on your CV, follow these guidelines:
-
Dress appropriately If you're in a profession with a recognisable uniform, wear it in your photo. For example, if you're a Chef, wearing your jacket or tunic makes your CV's target immediately obvious.
-
Consider a professional photographer A professional shot can also be used consistently on your LinkedIn profile, helping to build your personal brand across platforms.
-
Never use a selfie This will look unprofessional. Think passport photo — neutral background, facing forward, no filters. Avoid holiday photos, sunglasses, or anything casual. This may sound obvious, but we have seen CVs with exactly this kind of photo attached.
-
Embed the photo in your CV The standard position is the top right-hand corner of the first page.
-
Keep the size to 1.5–2 inches square This is commonly referred to as a "2-by-2" and is the accepted standard for professional documents worldwide.
Regional Differences: CV Photos Around the World
🇬🇧 UK & Ireland
Photos are not expected and can actively work against you. UK equality law makes employers reluctant to have any basis for appearance-based decisions before interview.
🇪🇺 Continental Europe
Photos are generally expected in most countries. Exceptions include Sweden and the Netherlands. Germany is a special case — privacy law technically prevents employers from requesting one, yet including a photo remains the cultural norm.
🌍 Middle East
As covered in our guide to preparing a CV for the Middle East, photos are standard practice in countries like the UAE. Anti-discrimination laws differ significantly from the UK and US, so a photo is widely expected.
🇺🇸 USA, Canada & Australia
Photos are not expected and generally discouraged, similar to the UK. Equality legislation in these countries makes appearance-based judgements at the application stage legally problematic for employers.
Your Questions Answered
I'm applying for an events organiser role — would a photo be suitable?
No. For a standard UK events organiser role, a photo is not needed and we would recommend leaving it off.
I'm applying for a customer-facing role requiring an immaculate appearance. Should I use a full-body photo or a headshot?
A headshot is always the way to go on a CV. A full-body image would need to be scaled down so small it would be impossible to see clearly — and would look unusual on a professional document.
I'm applying to a UK university. Do I need a photo, and if so, which side should it go?
A photo is not needed for a UK university application. If for any reason you wanted to include one, placement side is entirely your choice — there is no convention here.
I'm a graduate applying for a mechanical engineering role. Do I need a photo, height, weight, or eye colour?
No. For a UK job application, none of this information belongs on your CV. Keep the focus entirely on your qualifications, skills, and achievements.
Should a CV photo be retouched?
Light retouching is perfectly acceptable — removing flyaway hairs or blemishes, adjusting brightness, or converting to a clean black and white. The goal is a professional, studio-quality appearance, not celebrity-level airbrushing. Any professional editing tool such as Adobe Photoshop will do the job; GIMP is a capable free alternative.
Does the position of the photo matter?
There is no strict rule, but the top right-hand corner is the universally accepted standard position for a CV photo.
I have jobs asking for a photo and some that don't — what should I do?
Prepare two versions of your CV. Send the version with a photo only to recruiters who have specifically requested one — and send the clean version to everyone else.
I'm applying for an internship in Germany — is a photo expected?
Yes. Despite privacy legislation that technically prevents German employers from requesting a photo, including one remains standard practice and is widely expected by German recruiters.
I'm applying to a university in Switzerland. What size photo should I use?
A passport-size (2-by-2 / approximately 1.5–2 inches square) photo is the accepted standard for CV documents internationally, including Swiss university applications.
I'm looking for part-time retail or restaurant work in the UK. Would a photo help?
No. UK employers in retail and hospitality will not expect to see a photo on your CV, and including one is unlikely to make a positive difference. Focus on your customer service experience and availability instead.
I'm a foreign student in Sweden applying for a teaching role. Do I need a photo?
Sweden is one of the European countries where photos are less expected than elsewhere. While not essential, feedback from Swedish recruiters suggests it is seen as desirable by many hiring managers — so including one is unlikely to hurt.
I'm relocating from Wales to England. I currently have a photo on my CV — is that OK?
We would recommend removing it for UK applications. A photo is not expected and could inadvertently introduce bias before you've had the chance to make your case in person. Good luck with your move!
Want a CV that makes the right first impression?
Our expert writers know exactly what UK recruiters want to see — and what gives them pause. Let us help you get it right.