I often work with job searchers who have the automatic reflex to put a headshot on their CV. They have been trained to believe that a CV must contain a photo, but this couldn’t be further from the reality. There is about a 50/50 split between CVs with a photo and those without so this practice is not as common as you may think.

Here are five compelling reasons why it is better not to include a photo on your CV:

1. The area at the top of the first page of your CV, where you normally include your photo, is prime real estate. This is where recruiters first look when they open up your CV. Statistics show that recruiters spend 10 seconds on average looking at your CV–10 seconds!! When they spend part of those 10 seconds looking at your photo, it takes away from the time that they actually spend reviewing your experience and accomplishments, especially compared to a CV without a photo.

2. You may think that your photo will give you an advantage over other candidates, showing how pleasant/fun/motivated you are. In truth, the photo may have the opposite effect. We all have biases, conscious and unconscious, and it is easy to make snap judgments about a candidate based on their appearance which may not always be favourable. It is important to remember that a photo can actually work against you at times.

3. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems in the recruitment process. This means that the first screening of your CV is likely done by software that frankly does not care how you look. However, the ATS is programmed to hone in on key words. Wouldn’t it be better to use the space normally reserved for a photo with some key words that could help your CV make it into the hands of a real, live person who contributes to the hiring decision?

4. Social media, and especially LinkedIn, is commonly used in today’s recruitment process. If a recruiter really wants to see what you look like, this is where they will go. In fact, guiding them to your LI profile is quite beneficial since LinkedIn provides a more robust overview than what is included on your CV, including references and recent posting activity.

5. Companies are more concerned than ever with having a diverse workforce. Putting a photo on your CV impedes organizations from practicing “blind hiring” where they focus on the characteristics that are solely related to the experience and skills necessary for the job.

Other questions about your CV? Contact me here for a free, no-commitment consultation.