Photo-Enabled Templates
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Some CV templates support an optional profile photo. This guide explains when to use one and how to keep it professional.
Should you include a photo?
It depends on your region and industry:
- In some markets, photos are common.
- In others, photos are discouraged.
If you’re unsure, a safe default is no photo, unless:
- it’s standard in your target country/industry
- you have a strong professional headshot
- you are confident it won’t hurt your application
If you use a photo: make it professional
Recommended:
- neutral background
- good lighting
- business-casual or professional clothing
- a clear head-and-shoulders framing
- high resolution (not blurry)
Avoid:
- selfies
- heavy filters
- distracting backgrounds
How photo templates behave without a photo
Photo-enabled templates should still look clean even if you don’t upload a photo. If you prefer not to use a photo, simply skip uploading one.
Tips to keep the CV balanced
A photo should never compete with the content:
- keep it small and subtle
- prioritize readability and proof points
- avoid layouts where design overwhelms substance
FAQ
Will the CV look broken if I don’t upload a photo?
No—photo-enabled templates are designed to render cleanly without a photo.
Do ATS systems dislike photos?
Some ATS parsers may ignore images. If you expect heavy ATS screening, consider a no-photo template for safety.