Should I put a picture on my resume? Yes, you can.
With the US job market becoming increasingly competitive, it is advisable and more important than ever to make a strong first impression.
One effective way to do this is by incorporating professional resume images into your job application. In today's digital era, job seekers need to be more forthcoming regarding themselves to catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
That’s where a resume picture comes in to add a touch of personality to your job application. Resume images serve as personified action verbs, so we suggest you do not undervalue them.
We will explore the benefits of using resume pictures and the different types of resume images you can use. Additionally, we will provide tips on how to incorporate resume images into your job application, including customizing your resume design and choosing the right format.
Let’s commence! Take a look at our table of contents comprising of top FAQs around resume images:
- What are the benefits of using images in your resume?
- What are some creative types of resume images to consider?
- How can you choose the right format and layout for your resume images?
- How can you effectively highlight your resume images to stand out to employers?
Here’s a note before you begin with our blog:
Considering the current resume standards, personal photos on resumes are still rare. And we do not recommend you include one unless you are in an industry where it is acceptable.
Our blog is not limited to a resume with picture templates but covers a greater variety of resume images such as infographics, animations, etc.
Benefits of Using Professional Resume Images
Ashley Cash, an executive resume writer, states that 2 industries, the real estate and entertainment industries, give you the benefit of using a personal resume photo.
For the rest of the industries, one should only include their photo if it is a stated requirement in the job application process.
Given below are 4 benefits of using resume images:
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Lets You Stand Out from the Rest: Professional resume images help you stand out to potential employers. Utilizing resume images is an effective way to grab their attention and make a lasting impression.
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Maximizes Your Credibility and Professionalism: Incorporating resume images into your application can increase your credibility and professionalism. It gives a touch of your personality and an idea about your body language.
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Highlights Your Brand: Resume images allow you to showcase your brand, which can be an advantage in competitive job markets. You can use images to convey your passions, interests, and unique selling points.
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Improves Readability, Eradicates Mundanity: Resume images can improve the readability and comprehension of your application by breaking up text with images. Employers can navigate your resume more easily and understand your qualifications and achievements better.
Also read: What are the do’s and don’ts of incorporating resume images?
Different Types of Resume Images
Now let’s not get all mixed up about which resume images we are talking about. These are the 4 main categories of resume images that you can pick as per your niche:
- Headshots and Professional Photos: These are the most commonly used resume photos because they help employers visualize you. Consider using a unique backdrop or incorporating props that reflect your personality or industry.
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Infographics and Visuals: Another type of resume image that can help you communicate complex information quickly and effectively. You might want to use a timeline or flowchart to illustrate your career path, or a chart or graph to demonstrate your skills or achievements.
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Creative Designs and Illustrations: They can add a personal touch to your resume and showcase your design skills. For example, you could create a custom logo or incorporate hand-drawn elements that reflect your brand.
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Videos and Animations: This is an unconventional type of resume image that can help you stand out in a creative field. You could curate a video introduction or a short animation that highlights your skills or achievements innovatively.
Also read: How to create a photographer's resume?
Steps to Incorporate Resume Images in Your Application
Let us first understand the approach you need to keep while choosing your resume format and layout, followed by some tips on how to highlight your resume images in the best possible light.
Choosing the Right Format and Layout
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Consider Your Industry and Audience: Consider your industry and audience when choosing a resume image format and layout. Traditional industries may require a more conservative approach, while more creative industries may be more receptive to unconventional designs.
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Keep it Simple and Easy to Navigate: Regardless of the industry, it's essential to keep your resume images simple and easy to navigate. Make sure your images are appropriately sized and placed to avoid distracting from the text and avoid cluttered designs or excessive use of color.
Also read: What are some of the trending creative resume templates?
Tips for Making Your Resume Images Prominent
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Personalize Your Resume Design: You must customize your design to highlight your brand and demonstrate your qualifications. Make use of consistent font styles and colors, and ensure that your resume images align with the overall tone of your application.
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Strategically Utilize Images: Resume with pictures and infographics will only come to your advantage if you use them strategically. Choose resume images that align with your qualifications and accomplishments and avoid the ones that may detract recruiters from your overall message.
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Optimize for ATS: It is crucial to ensure that your resume images are optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Position your resume images correctly and ensure that they are appropriately tagged and labeled.
3 Examples of Professional Resume Images
Here are 3 resume picture examples with headshots, infographics, and a combination of them by Hiration that you might want to refer to:
Headshot Example
Infographics Example
Headshot and Infographics Combined
Also read: What is a simple resume format to follow in 2023?
Key Takeaways
- Resume images help you stand out from other candidates and make a lasting impression on prospective employers.
- The right format and layout will let you ensure that your resume images are easy to navigate and it aids optimization for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- It is of vital importance to use resume images strategically and choose the ones that align with your qualifications and achievements.
- Creative and unconventional types of resume images can help you showcase your unique skills and personality and give you a competitive edge in the job search process.
Let us help you in making an ATS-friendly resume in no time. Check out Hiration’s AI-powered resume builder with 24x7 chat support and write to us at support@hiration.com if you have any queries or concerns.
