Should you put a photo on your resume in the US?

By the Rezumed team · Updated October 30, 2026

In the US, leave it off. US resumes usually don't include a photo, and some employers say so directly: Idaho National Laboratory's resume tips read "Do not include a photo."

Why US employers avoid photos

Idaho National Laboratory explains that a photo can reveal personal information that shouldn't affect a hiring decision, which can leave the employer "vulnerable to a discrimination claim". Many employers prefer not to receive one at all. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Photos also cause practical problems online. Roche's resume parsing FAQ lists images among the elements to avoid, because tracking software can't use them.

Other countries are different

In parts of Europe, the Gulf and Asia, a photo on a CV is common and sometimes expected. Follow the norms of the country where the job is, not where you studied. If you're an international student applying in the US, also leave out your date of birth and marital status, which US resumes usually don't include.

What to use the space for

One more project, with what you built and what it did.
A skills line that matches the job post's words.
Your city and a profile link in the contact line.

The top of a US resume

Instead of: Photo · name · date of birth

Write: Name · email · phone · city · profile link

Where your photo belongs

Put a clear, professional photo on your professional profile, such as LinkedIn. Recruiters who want to see it will look there.

If a posting asks for a photo

A few roles, such as acting or modeling, ask for a headshot. Follow the posting when it does. Everywhere else in the US, leave it off.

Common questions

Will a recruiter think something is missing?

No. In the US, a resume without a photo is the norm, so nobody expects one.

My template has a photo frame. What should I do?

Delete the frame and use the space for content. Many templates are designed for countries where photos are expected. If the template also uses two columns, see Are two-column resumes ATS-friendly?

Then check the rest of your resume with the free resume check.

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