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Bahasa MelayuCV / Job · United States
US Resume Photo — Why You Should NOT Include One
In the US, the resume/CV standard is to NOT include a portrait photo. Anti-discrimination guidance (EEOC) advises employers not to request a photo before hiring; a photo can be treated as evidence the employer knew an applicant's race or gender. Many applicant-tracking systems (ATS) also strip images. Exceptions: actors and models.
Photo difficulty1/10Photo specs
| Background | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Head size | Not applicable |
| Quantity | 0 — no photo on the resume |
| Recency | Not applicable |
| File note | Not applicable — a US resume has no photo field |
Detailed rules
Common rejection reasons
- Adding a portrait like a European/Asian CV — often screened out
- Thinking a photo helps stand out — it actually raises bias risk
- Using a foreign CV template that has a photo box
- A photo breaking how the ATS parses the resume
Photo difficulty
- No photo needed — you just need to know NOT to attach one
- The only mistake is adding one out of foreign habit
Frequently asked questions
Should I put a photo on a US resume?
No. The US standard is a photo-free resume. A photo can expose employers to discrimination concerns (race, gender, age) and many ATS systems reject resumes with images. Keep your photo on LinkedIn.
Why does US law push people away from resume photos?
The EEOC advises employers not to request photos before hiring, because a photo can serve as evidence they knew an applicant belonged to a protected class. A photo should only be obtained after a job offer, for identification.
When do US applications actually need a photo?
Only for roles where appearance is a bona fide job requirement — actors, models, presenters — who use a professional headshot (usually 8×10 inch), separate from a standard resume.
- U.S. EEOC — Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices — Verified on 04/07/2026
- U.S. EEOC — Pre-Employment Inquiries and Photographs — Verified on 04/07/2026
Updated 04/07/2026
Related photo standards
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