- US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia: usually no photo.
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, much of Eastern Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Asia: photo common or expected.
- Use a recent, well-lit head-and-shoulders shot with a neutral background.
- Follow the job ad — it overrides general norms.
CV photo norms by region
| Region | Photo? |
|---|---|
| US, Canada | No — anti-discrimination practice |
| UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ | Generally no |
| Germany, Austria, Switzerland | Common, often expected |
| France, Spain, Italy, Portugal | Common |
| Eastern Europe, Türkiye | Common |
| Latin America | Common |
| Middle East, much of Asia | Common or expected |
Norms vary by company and industry — international firms often follow the US/UK approach.
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Photo tips
- Head and shoulders, looking at the camera, natural smile.
- Plain light background; daylight from a window works well.
- Dress as you would for the interview.
- No selfies, filters, sunglasses or cropped group photos.
- Portrait orientation, high resolution.
What about a signature?
A signature is traditional on CVs in some countries (for example, German Lebenslauf documents often end with place, date and signature) and on cover letters. It’s optional elsewhere.
Add a photo (and signature) in CV Builder
CV Builder has a dedicated Photo section, and templates place it neatly in the header.
- Open the Photo section. Pick a photo from your library or take one.
- Choose a template with a photo slot. Preview to check framing.
- Add your signature if needed. Useful for European CVs and cover letters.
- Keep a no-photo version. Duplicate your resume for US/UK applications.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put a photo on my CV?
It depends on the country. Photos are common in much of Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia, but usually left off in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland and Australia.
What kind of photo is best for a CV?
A recent, professional head-and-shoulders photo with a plain background and good lighting.
Can I add a photo to my resume on iPhone?
Yes. CV Builder has a Photo section and templates designed to display it.
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