Professional Photo for CV? Yes, But Do It Right

When to add a photo and when not? We will show you how to get a shot that supports your professionalism.

To include a photo on your resume or not? This question has plagued candidates for years and opinions vary. From our 15 years of experience, we know one thing: a well-chosen photograph can help, but a bad one will definitely hurt. Let's say how it is.

When YES to a photo and when definitely NO

When to add a photo:

  • Client-facing roles – sales, reception, customer service

  • Representative roles – PR, marketing, business development

  • Leadership positions – managers, directors, team leaders

  • Creative fields – marketing, advertising, media

  • When the company explicitly requests it

  • When you truly have a quality professional photo

When to rather leave the photo out:

  • Technical positions – IT, production, accounting (unless the firm demands it)

  • You only have a selfie or a vacation photo

  • You are not sure about the quality of the photo

  • International firms – often prefer a CV without a photo (equal opportunity)

  • You have doubts – in that case, better without a photo

What a Professional CV Photo Looks Like

Technical specs:

  • Format: Portrait orientation (vertical), not landscape

  • Size: Approx. 3x4 cm on the CV (digitally min. 300x400 px)

  • Quality: Sharp, well-lit, high resolution

  • Background: Neutral (white, light gray or blurry office environment)

  • Shot: Head and shoulders / chest up, not the full figure

What to wear:

  • Business or business casual attire

  • Neutral colors – white, blue, gray, black

  • Groomed appearance – hair, make-up (natural)

  • Minimum jewelry and accessories

  • Wear what you would go to the interview in for the given firm

Expression and pose:

  • Natural smile – no teeth needed, but friendly

  • Direct gaze into the lens

  • Straight shoulders, self-confident posture

  • Slight turn (45°) looks more natural than a frontal mugshot

  • Hands should not be visible – focus solely on the face

Most Common Mistakes to Avoid

Absolute NO-GOs:

  • Selfie (visible arm or selfie stick)

  • Cropped group photos

  • Photos from vacation, parties, or weddings

  • Sunglasses or headgear (except for religious reasons)

  • Too strong filters or editing

  • Erotic or overly provocative look

  • Photo older than 2 years

Common errors:

  • Too small or pixelated photo

  • Distracting background that draws attention away

  • Unkempt appearance (messy hair, wrinkled clothes)

  • Too serious or conversely exaggeratedly laughing expression

  • Black and white photo (isn't a mistake, but color is better)

Where to Get a Professional Photo

Professional photographer (1000-3000 CZK)

  • Pros: Best quality, advice on posing, professional editing

  • Tip: Connect with friends and do a group photoshoot

Quality smartphone (0 CZK)

  • You need: Good phone, tripod/helper, daylight

  • Tip: Shoot by a window, use portrait mode, take 50 photos and choose the best one

Corporate photographer (0 CZK)

  • If: Your current employer does staff photos

  • Warning: Make sure you have the right to use the photo

Skillful friend (price of a beer/coffee)

  • Ideal: Compromise between quality and price

  • Tip: Find someone who has experience with portraits

How to Correctly Place the Photo in the CV

  • Top right corner – classic placement

  • Next to contact details – modern variant

  • Reasonable size – do not take up a quarter of the page

  • Alignment with text – professional look

  • Same photo on LinkedIn profile – consistency

Special Cases

LinkedIn vs. CV On LinkedIn, a photo is MANDATORY. Profiles with a photo have up to 21x more views. Use the same or a similar photo as in your CV.

Different photos for different positions? If you apply for very different positions (e.g., accountant vs. marketing manager), you can have versions of the photo with different clothing/style.

Age and discrimination If you are afraid of age discrimination, do not include the photo. A quality CV without a photo is better than risking prejudice.

3 Quick Tips for the Conclusion

  1. Friend test: Show the photo to 5 people – do you look friendly and likeable?

  2. Currentness: The photo should correspond to how you look now (max. 2 years old).

  3. Consistency: Same photo on CV, LinkedIn, and email signature = professional impression.

Not Sure?

Send us your photo for review – we will be happy to tell you if it is suitable for a CV. And if you need advice with your whole CV, our consultants will help create a CV that will interest recruiters at first glance.

Remember: The photo is just the cherry on top. The content of your CV is always more important than how you look. But when you add professionalism, it works for your benefit!

Contact us at kandidati@no77.eu or +420 733 224 516.