How to pick your best headshot for your resume
A great resume headshot builds credibility before they read a single line. Here's how to choose the right one — and when you should skip the photo entirely.
1. First, decide if you need a resume photo at all
In the US and UK, resumes typically don't include photos — and some employers prefer it that way to reduce bias. But in much of Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, a headshot on your CV is expected. If you're applying internationally or to companies with global offices, check the norm for that market. When a photo is expected, not including one can look like you're hiding something.
When in doubt, check job listings from the same company in that country. If other applicants include photos, you should too.
2. Professional doesn't mean stiff
The biggest mistake people make with resume headshots is looking like they're posing for a mugshot. A professional photo should still look like a person someone would want to work with — approachable, confident, and put-together. A slight smile, good posture, and a neutral background go a long way. You don't need a studio; you need good light and a clean backdrop.
The best resume photos look like you showed up to work on a good day, not like you hired a photographer.
3. Lighting and background matter more than your outfit
Recruiters spend about six seconds on a resume. Your photo needs to read clearly at thumbnail size. That means even lighting on your face (no harsh shadows), a simple background that doesn't distract, and enough contrast that your face pops. Natural light near a window works well. Avoid busy backgrounds, selfie angles, and anything that looks like it was cropped from a party photo.
Stand near a window during the day. Face the light. Have someone take the photo at eye level. That's 80% of a great headshot.
Have a few headshots and not sure which one looks most professional?
Find My Best Photo — Free4. Match the photo to your industry
A headshot for a creative agency should feel different from one for a law firm or a hospital. The photo should match the energy of where you want to work. Finance and legal? Clean, formal, minimal. Tech and startups? More relaxed, maybe a casual top. Creative fields? Show some personality. The goal is to look like you already belong there.
Look at headshots of people in your target role on LinkedIn. Match that register.
5. Consistency across platforms builds trust
Your resume photo should be consistent with your LinkedIn, professional website, and any other place a recruiter might find you. If your resume photo is from 2019 and your LinkedIn is from last month, it creates a mismatch that feels off. Use the same recent photo — or at least photos from the same shoot — across everything. It signals that you're put-together and current.
When you get a new headshot, update it everywhere the same week. Set a calendar reminder to refresh it yearly.
6. Let someone else choose your best headshot
You know which expression feels natural to you, but that's not the same as what looks most competent and trustworthy to a stranger. Research shows people consistently pick different 'best' photos of themselves than others do. For something as high-stakes as a job application, don't guess — get an objective opinion on which headshot makes the strongest impression.
Upload your top 3–5 headshots to BestPic. AI evaluates them for professionalism, warmth, and clarity.
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