Should you add a photo to your resume?

A photo is a presentation choice, not evidence of your ability to do the work. Requirements and conventions differ between destinations and organisations. Start with the recipient’s instructions and keep a version without a photo when it is not requested or useful.

Check the application context first

Do not assume that a template’s portrait means every application needs one. Some career services advise against photos for their audience, while other application contexts use them. Check the employer or institution’s own guidance before deciding. No portrait can improve your qualifications.

Choose an image you are entitled to use

Use your own appropriate image and avoid including other people or sensitive background details. A simple crop and natural lighting can make a small portrait legible. Do not alter a photo in a way that creates a misleading identity or professional credential.

Add and crop it in the editor

Open Photo in the resume workspace, upload an image and adjust zoom, rotation and position. Choose a round, rounded or square frame and inspect the crop at the final size. The photo is processed in your browser; it is not published as a profile.

Choose a layout that leaves room for the words

Portrait and Aura provide photo-oriented structures. Avoid enlarging a portrait until it displaces relevant experience. Check that contact details and name remain readable, and keep enough contrast around the picture.

Make a second version and check exports

Duplicate the document before trying a photo-free application version. Inspect both PDF and Word downloads, especially a crop close to the edge. Remember that image data can be included in an editable backup: treat that backup as personal information.

Start with the appropriate template

Explore Portrait and Aura when a photo is appropriate, or use Minimal for a straightforward text presentation. Read the storage explanation before retaining sensitive images on a shared browser.

Sources and context

This guide combines original examples with instructions for the implemented Nepocore editor. For general career-writing principles, consult Harvard’s career-services resume resource. Requirements differ by recipient; follow the actual application instructions.

Examples are fictional. Guidance is general and is not a recruiter review or a guarantee of employment, parsing compatibility or application acceptance. Report an unclear instruction or a correction.