A good CV photo is a recent, clear, professional headshot: your face and shoulders, looking at the camera, with a neutral or slight smile, good even light, a plain light background and work-appropriate clothes. In Bangladesh and many Asian and Middle Eastern countries, employers often expect a photo. In the UK, US, Canada and Australia, most employers prefer CVs without photos to reduce bias. You don’t need a studio: a phone camera near a window and a plain wall can produce a professional result.
- Use a recent photo that looks like you today.
- Face and shoulders, eye level, natural light, plain background.
- Dress as you would for the job interview.
- Skip the photo when applying to countries where it’s not expected.
- Upload and crop your photo in the free CV, Resume and Biodata Maker.
The wedding photo on the CV
Picture an HR officer looking at a stack of CVs. One has a cropped wedding photo, with a garland and part of a cousin’s shoulder visible. Another has a dark selfie taken in a car. A third has a passport photo from school, ten years old.
Then there’s one with a clear, well-lit photo against a plain wall, the candidate in a simple shirt, smiling slightly. It took five minutes with a phone near a window. It doesn’t decide who gets the job, but it makes the right first impression in a market where photos are expected.
Should you include a photo?
| Where you’re applying | Photo? |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh, India, Pakistan | Commonly expected |
| Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) | Commonly expected |
| Many European countries (e.g. Germany) | Often accepted, check the job ad |
| UK, USA, Canada, Australia | Usually not, to avoid discrimination concerns |
| Job ad says “no photo” | Never include one |
How to take a professional CV photo at home
- Find soft lightStand facing a window during the day. Avoid direct harsh sun and overhead room lights.
- Use a plain backgroundA light grey, white or soft-coloured wall. Remove clutter behind you.
- Dress for the jobA plain shirt, blouse, kurta or blazer in solid colours. Avoid busy patterns.
- Set the camera at eye levelAsk someone to hold the phone, or use a stand, about an arm’s length or more away.
- Frame head and shouldersLeave a little space above your head.
- Relax and smile slightlyTake 20 to 30 shots and pick the best.
- Edit lightlyCrop, straighten and adjust brightness. Avoid filters and heavy retouching.
Do’s and don’ts
Size and format
- Use a sharp image, then crop it to a square or the frame your template uses.
- Keep the file size reasonable before uploading to job portals. Our image compressor and image cropper help.
- For passport-style photo requirements, follow the exact size and background rules given in the form.
Add your photo to your CV
The free CV, Resume and Biodata Maker lets you upload and crop your photo right inside the template, then download an HD PDF. For the rest of your CV, see how to write a CV in Bangladesh and CV vs resume vs biodata.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Should I put a photo on my CV?
In Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and the Middle East it is commonly expected. In the UK, USA, Canada and Australia most employers prefer CVs without photos. Always follow the job ad.
What makes a good CV photo?
A recent, clear headshot of your face and shoulders, looking at the camera, with soft even light, a plain background and work-appropriate clothing.
Can I take a CV photo with my phone?
Yes. Stand facing a window for soft light, use a plain wall, hold the phone at eye level and take several shots to choose from.
What should I wear for a CV photo?
Dress as you would for the interview: a plain shirt, blouse, kurta or blazer in solid colours, avoiding busy patterns.
Make a professional CV, resume or marriage biodata with your photo and download an HD PDF.
Guides for this tool
Guide · 3 min readHow to Write a CV in Bangladesh: Format, Sections and Examples
Guide · 3 min readMarriage Biodata Format: What to Include (With Sample)
Guide · 3 min readHow to Write a CV With No Experience (Fresh Graduate Guide)
Guide · 4 min readResume Summary Examples: How to Write a Profile That Gets ReadWant a tool, website or app like this for your business?
Every free tool on this site is designed and coded by Tanvir H, a Bangladesh-based WordPress and Elementor web designer with 7+ years of experience and 650+ projects for clients worldwide. Fast, mobile-first, search-optimised websites that turn visitors into customers.
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