When I was first entering the professional working class, I did what everyone else did: opened a resume template in Word, and tried to figure out what a prospective employer would want to see.
Did they care where I grew up?
Did it matter that I had no previous experience?
Am I really as qualified as the other candidates?

Things have changed a bit since sitting down to write that first resume.
I love working in a creative field that allows me to step outside the box and show a little personality.
But it begs the question, should you be putting headshots on resumes?
Does that make you look less professional in the eyes of potential employers or make you stand out more?

The answer might be a little different for everyone, let’s take a look!

Putting Headshots on Resumes

Creative resumes are definitely gaining in popularity.

Don’t believe me?

Just go check out a brand like Creative Market, where there are literally thousands of creative resume templates just waiting to be downloaded!

In a competitive job market, creative resumes with a headshot can be a great way to show off your design skills. Plus it will help you stand out from other applicants.

And bonus – if they see your face on the paper, they are more likely to remember you when you come in for an interview!

But it’s also worth noting that if you include a photo, it can be harder to have a bias-free recruitment process.

Remember that most people will only spend about 60 seconds looking at your resume (we’re getting to be squirrels y’all!)

Make sure you are selling YOUR distinctive skill set through your resume as efficiently as possible!

Basic points to keep in mind:

Always include your full name and contact information.
Highlight your key professional accomplishments.
Include dates so that companies have an idea of your professional timeline.

Where to Put the Headshot on Your Resume

If you end up choosing to put a photo on your resume, it’s usually recommended to place it at the top of the page.

The photo should always be a professional headshot, similar to what you would use on Linkedin or other business sites.

Here are some tips for creating an outstanding headshot!

At the end of the day – follow their lead and submit what the company is asking for.

Recruiters are often looking for a resume that gets straight to the point: your professional experience.

If they ask for a basic resume in 12-point font, don’t send them a hand-lettered masterpiece.

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