Seertak guide
When to use a photo on your CV
Expectations about photos vary by country, sector and employer. No single rule fits every application, so begin with the instructions for the role.
Published
Check before adding one
Follow any instruction that says not to include a photo. When none is given, review local practice for the country and sector, and ask whether a photo adds relevant professional information.
Prepare a restrained portrait
Use a simple background, balanced light and a crop focused on the head and shoulders. Avoid heavy filters, group photos and unnecessarily large files.
- Use a trusted JPEG, PNG or WebP file.
- Review the crop inside the chosen template before export.
- Keep a photo-free CV version available when needed.
Treat the image as personal data
A portrait is personal information. Use a service that stores it privately, and avoid placing it in a public or indexable link by accident.