There’s lots of confusion around resume/CV photos. For some, putting a headshot on a job application seems entirely foreign; for others, it’s standard practice.
However, there are a few general guidelines you can follow:
DO include a resume photo in the following countries: France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Republic of North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, and Uruguay.
DO NOT include a resume photo in the following countries: United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Canada, and most of Central and Eastern Europe.
The following countries have no specific guidelines, so use your best judgement: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, and the US.
4 Jan 2022
Should I smile in my resume photo?
Always put on a smile in your photograph as it leaves a positive impression on whoever looks at it. This also applies to your resume image – ensure that the smile is natural and not forced. The best way to smile in your resume image is to have a small smile (one with your lips closed).
How do I write a CV for my first job?
Pick the right layout: Choose a resume layout that best highlights your qualifications and experiences. If you have little to no work experience, focus on your education and extracurricular activities. If you have significant work experience, highlight your job titles and responsibilities.
Match your experiences to the job listing: Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position.
Focus on your education: Include your degree, major, and any relevant coursework. If you have a high GPA or relevant honors, include that information as well.
Highlight volunteer work and extracurricular activities: These can show employers that you have the skills they are looking for, even if you don’t have paid work experience in the field.
List your technical and human skills: Include any relevant skills, such as programming languages or software, as well as soft skills like communication and teamwork.
Write your resume objective: This is a brief statement of your goals and qualifications. Include the type of position you are seeking and why you are a good fit for the role.
Related articles: 10 Aug 2022
How do I impress my employer on a CV?
Start strong. Start your CV with a summary of your skills and key accomplishments. This will give employers a clear idea of your value as an employee.
Emphasize results rather than responsibilities. When describing your work experience, focus on the results you achieved rather than the tasks you were responsible for. Employers want to see what you can do, not just what you did.
Customize for the job you want. When applying for a specific job, customize your CV to match the requirements of the job description. This will show employers that you are a good fit for the position.
Highlight changes and growth. If you have experienced any personal or professional growth, be sure to highlight it on your CV. This will show employers that you are adaptable and always looking to improve.
Demonstrate that you are connected. Include social media links on your CV so employers can see that you are connected to the industry. This will show that you are up-to-date on industry trends.
Show industry insight. Use your CV to show employers that you have a deep understanding of the industry. This will demonstrate that you are not just a novice, but an expert in your field.
Use power words. Use persuasive language to make your CV stand out. Use words like “achieved,” “developed,” and “created” to describe your accomplishments.
What are the top 3 strengths that employers look for?
Critical thinking and problem solving- the ability to think critically and solve problems is one of the most important skills employers look for.
Teamwork and collaboration- the ability to work well with others and collaborate is another important skill employers look for.
Professionalism and strong work ethic- employers want employees who are professional and have a strong work ethic.
Oral and written communication skills- being able to communicate effectively is another key skill employers look for.
Leadership- the ability to lead and motivate others is another important skill employers look for.
I Leon Thompson am a Human Resources Expert. I have worked in the field for over 15 years, and during that time I have gained invaluable experience and knowledge.
I am also a CV expert and Resume Expert, so I know what employers are looking for when they review applications. This gives me an advantage when helping clients to create resumes and CVs that will stand out from the crowd.