The short answer: leave the photo off for the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Include a professional headshot for most roles in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In Germany and much of continental Europe a photo is optional: traditional employers may still expect one, while international companies often prefer none.
Why some countries say no
In the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, equality and anti-discrimination laws protect candidates on grounds such as age, race, sex and religion. A photo reveals several of those at once. Many employers would rather not receive one, and some screen out CVs that include a photo to avoid any suggestion of bias.
Why the Gulf says yes
Gulf employers hire from all over the world and are used to CVs that include nationality, visa status and a photo. A professional headshot is normal and, at some companies, still expected. It's no longer essential everywhere, so it's fine to leave it off for multinational employers that ask you not to include one.
If you include one, do it properly
- A recent, well-lit headshot from the shoulders up.
- Plain, light background and business dress.
- Small and in the header: about the height of your name and contact block.
- No selfies, holiday crops, filters or heavy retouching.
A poor photo does more harm than no photo.
One CV, two countries?
If you're applying in both London and Dubai, you need two versions: one without a photo or personal details, and one with nationality, visa status and a headshot. Our UK and UAE guides list exactly what changes.
