Uploading a photo to your Rezi resume only takes a few clicks, but that’s not the hard part. The real question is whether a photo belongs on your resume in the first place.
In this guide, I’ll cover how to add a photo to your resume, what makes a professional photo, and when it makes sense to use (or avoid) one.
If you’re starting from scratch, Rezi’s free AI Resume Builder can help you create a tailored resume with expert suggestions and feedback in just a few minutes.
You can also check out more tools to help you create your job application:
And find out if a resume photo is the norm in different countries:
- How to Create a US Resume
- How to Make an Indian Resume
- UK CV Format: Examples & Advice
- What a Canadian Resume Format Looks Like
Adding a Photo to Your Resume
Adding a photo to your resume is simple — but just because you can doesn’t mean you should (more on that later). Once your resume is ready, you can upload an image, adjust the sizing, and see exactly how it looks.
While resume photos aren’t standard in every country or industry, they can be useful in regions where employers expect them or in professions where personal branding plays a larger role. If you decide to include a photo, choose a professional headshot that helps create a strong first impression.
How to Add a Photo
Here are the four simple steps to add a photo to your Rezi resume:
- Create a resume or open an existing one in your dashboard.
- Work through your resume sections before adding a photo, using tools like Real-Time Analysis and the AI Bullet Point Writer to improve your resume along the way.
- Finish up and preview your resume to review your content, customize formatting options, and access the profile photo settings from the Adjustments panel.
- Upload your profile photo by selecting a professional headshot, then crop, reposition, replace, or remove it as needed.
Now, let’s go through the process step-by-step.
1. Create a resume or open an existing one
Start by logging into your Rezi account. Once you’re in your dashboard, you can either open an existing resume or create a new one.
If you’re creating a new resume, Rezi gives you a few ways to get started:
- Build a resume from scratch
- Import an existing resume
- Import your LinkedIn profile to transfer your information automatically
You can also use the Target Your Resume feature. Simply paste a job description, and Rezi will provide tailored suggestions and feedback to help align your resume with the role you want.
2. Work through your resume sections
Before adding a photo, complete the main sections of your resume. Rezi guides you through each section and provides feedback as you go through tools like Real-Time Analysis and your Rezi Score.
You’ll typically complete the following sections:
- Contact Information
- Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Summary
You can also add optional sections, including:
- Projects
- Certifications
- Involvement
- Awards and Honors
- Publications
- References
As you build your resume, Rezi can help you write stronger content. For example, the AI Bullet Point Writer can generate experience bullet points based on your role, industry, and target position.
3. Finish up and preview your resume
Once you’ve finished adding your resume content, select Finish Up & Preview.
The preview page lets you see exactly how your resume will look while giving you access to several formatting options, including:
- Font styles and sizes
- Accent colors
- Resume templates
- Line spacing
This is where you’ll find the option to add a profile photo. In the Adjustments panel, click the small profile photo icon located next to the font settings.
4. Upload your profile photo
After clicking the photo icon, choose a photo from your device and upload it to your resume.
Your resume photo doesn’t need to look like it belongs on a magazine cover, but it shouldn’t look like it was cropped from a group photo. Choose a clear, centered headshot with a simple background, wear professional or plain attire, and avoid anything that steals attention from your face. Glasses are fine, but dark lenses and heavy glare aren’t the best move.
And keep in mind that your image file must be smaller than 800 KB before you upload it.
Once you’ve selected your photo, you can:
- Reposition it
- Resize it
- Crop it for a better fit
Need to update your picture later? Simply click the photo and upload a new image. Or if you’d rather remove the photo altogether, just click the profile photo icon and Rezi will hide the image.
Should You Add a Photo to Your Resume?
If you’re applying for jobs in the United States or Canada, it’s best to leave your photo off. Employers want to see your qualifications, experience, and skills (not your appearance). Adding a photo can also cause bias, with some employers avoiding resume photos altogether due to potential legal and discrimination concerns.
That said, resume expectations vary around the world. In some countries, like Spain and Switzerland, employers may expect or even request a photo. In others, such as the UK and Ireland, adding a photo is generally discouraged.
My advice? Before you add a photo, take a few minutes to research local hiring practices and expectations in that country, especially if you’re applying overseas.
If you’d like recruiters to put a face to your name, LinkedIn is often the better place for a professional headshot. The exception is when you’re applying for roles where appearance plays a bigger part, such as acting, modeling, or certain public-facing positions. In those cases, it’s pretty standard for recruiters to ask for a headshot.
Summary
Here’s an overview of what you need to know about adding a photo to your resume:
- You can add a photo to your resume directly from the “Finish Up & Preview” page once you’ve completed the main sections of your resume.
- To upload a photo, click the profile photo icon in the Adjustments panel, located next to the resume formatting and font settings.
- Before adding a photo, make sure it’s appropriate for your target role and location, as resume photo expectations vary by country and industry.
- Choose a professional headshot with a simple background, good lighting, and a clear, centered view of your face to create the best first impression.
- Wear professional or plain clothing and avoid anything that could distract from your appearance, such as busy patterns, hats, headphones, or heavily tinted glasses.
- Your image file must be smaller than 800 KB, so you may need to resize or compress the photo before uploading.
- After uploading your photo, you can adjust its appearance by cropping, resizing, and repositioning it until it fits your resume layout correctly.
- If you decide to use a different picture later, you can replace your existing photo at any time without affecting the rest of your resume or simply remove it.
- While Rezi makes adding a photo simple, your qualifications should always remain the focus, so only include a photo when it adds value or aligns with local hiring expectations.
FAQ
Why won’t your photo upload?
If your photo won’t upload to Rezi, the most common reason is that the file is too large. Rezi requires images to be smaller than 800 KB, so you may need to resize or compress the file before trying again. It’s also worth checking that the image file isn’t corrupted and that your internet connection is stable. If the issue continues, try uploading a different image to see whether the problem is related to the file itself.
Are resume photos ATS-friendly?
Modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can usually process resumes that contain photos. However, ATS compatibility isn’t the main concern regarding resume photos. The bigger question is whether employers in your industry and location expect or encourage candidates to include one. If you’re applying in a country where resume photos are uncommon, leaving the photo off is often the safer choice.
Learn more about ATS-compatibility:
- How to Increase Your ATS Score
- ATS Myths: What People Get Wrong
- How to Make a Truly ATS-Friendly Resume
Should you smile in your resume photo?
Yes, a natural smile can help you appear approachable and professional. You don’t necessarily need a big, toothy grin, but you also don’t need to look like you’re taking a passport photo. Aim for a friendly expression that reflects how you’d present yourself during an interview.
Can you use a selfie as your resume photo?
Generally, no. Even if the photo looks good, most selfies can appear casual and unprofessional. A dedicated headshot with good lighting, a simple background, and proper framing will usually make a much stronger impression. If a selfie is your only option, make sure it looks professional and doesn’t obviously look like it was taken at arm’s length.
What should you do if an employer specifically asks for a photo?
If an employer requests a photo as part of the application process, it’s best to provide one if it makes sense for the job and industry. Choose a recent, professional headshot that clearly shows your face and matches the image you’d want employers to associate with you. Follow any instructions the employer provides regarding image format, size, or placement, and avoid over-editing or using filters that don’t accurately represent how you look.