Wondering whether or not you should include a photo on your resume? Here’s what you need to consider before making your decision.
While it is common practice in Malaysia to include a photo on your resume, employers aren’t actually required to ask for one. So if you’d rather not have potential employers judging you based on your appearance (and let’s be real, who wouldn’t?), you can skip the photo and let your skills and experiences do the talking.
Plus, leaving out your photo may save you from any unconscious biases that might come into play during the hiring process.
It’s important to note that including a photo on your resume can sometimes affect the way it is screened by Application Tracking Systems (ATS). So if you’d rather not risk it, opting out of the photograph is a good call.
What if I want to include my photo on my resume anyway?
With the above considerations in mind, featuring your profile picture on your resume is enticing
If you do want to include a photo on your resume, make sure it looks professional. This means taking a well-lit photo in professional attire in front of a neutral background.
But if you’d rather not attach a photo of yourself to your resume, consider including a logo instead. You can create a simple, professional-looking logo using your initials and personal branding colours on apps like Canva.
Just remember, the most important thing is to include relevant information about your skills and experiences on your resume. Photos and logos can be great for personalizing your resume. But if the content of your resume isn’t impressing the hiring managers, no amount of visual design can score you a job interview.
Remember, your LinkedIn profile is still a great place to include a profile picture! Check out our tips on using your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters and land job opportunities.