Since resume building became a thing, one question has plagued the mind of job seekers!

The Question: Should I add my profile picture on my resume?

It’s easy to see why this might be necessary. You have always been told to stand out with your resume, so what better way is there than a professional picture of you smiling like the next big thing since Jollof rice and plantain.

But should you really add a picture? Let’s see,
The truth is there is no clear cut answer and this is why-

WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO ADD A PROFILE PICTURE ON YOUR RESUME

Some have argued that a profile picture apart from helping your stand out, also helps cements your face on the mind of employers.
A profile picture stops all the confusion during the hiring process as employers can easily link your face to your CV. But here is something you need to know.


WHY YOU SHOULDN’T ADD A PROFILE PICTURE
Adding a profile picture no matter how dashing your smile is can lead to bias on a subconscious level.

Most companies are now required to prove their decisions to hire are free from any form of discrimination including but not limited to race, age, gender, and appearance.

So it is very possible that your resume wouldn’t even go past the screening phase especially in countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and Canada.

If you would be applying for an international remote job, never include a profile picture in your CV

But one might say, employers would google me anyway and find me on LinkedIn. The truth is, you should let them. Your resume should never be about your looks but more about your skills.

Moreover, what do you think they would say about you as a job seeker if they think you are trying to make them focus on your appearance instead of your skills.

That is one big danger of adding a profile picture, you never really know what your potential employer would think of you and your appearance. Is that a gamble you are willing to take?

Another big reason you might want to reconsider adding a profile picture is; most employers now use some form of tracking system to search for keywords in resumes, a profile picture might hinder that process or screen you out entirely.

My guess is, your resume is almost already clustered and filled with details, why would you want to take eyes off those details because of a profile picture that may still disqualify you?


WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STAND OUT
If you have decided not to add a profile picture but still want to easily stand out,

According to Tom Gerencer, a certified resume writer, you can create a simple logo with the initials from your name.

With sites like Canva, you can get a free professional looking logo in minutes. Add that logo to your resume and your identity would be cemented on the minds of employers.

You can also add a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal site if you have one. That way, they can follow to see your picture if it is really important to them.

In fact, adding a link to your LinkedIn profile, website or portfolio also gives you more chances to prove you have the skills and experience needed for the job.

BUT WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU REALLY REALLY WANT TO ADD A PROFILE PICTURE
If you are absolutely convinced adding a profile picture would help your job search despite our warnings above,

Then here the things are you should know-

1. The rules surrounding adding a profile picture on your resume are not so strict in Nigeria, so by all means, go ahead if you want to.
2. With No 1. above in mind, you should also consider if your looks bring any value to the job you are applying for. Your looks might matter for modeling and customer representative jobs.
3. Use a very professional headshot in your resume. Avoid selfies, noisy background, Look at the camera, smile, dress for success, show your head and shoulders only.
4. If you would be applying for remote and international jobs, do not add your profile picture.


THE VERDICT

we believe a profile picture should not be added to your CV.
I mean, would you really want to work with an employer who hired you because of your looks?
Also, what kind of employee would you be in the first place if you focus your chances to get hired on your looks instead of your skills.
In addition, a resume is supposed to give you a foot in the door with an interview where you can further convince your employer.
So why shoot yourself in the foot with a profile picture, when you can easily get an interview if the focus were to be on your skills.
However, we cannot deny that adding a profile picture has its own perks and the decision is entirely up to you.



Source: https://medium.com/camprale/should-you-add-your-profile-picture-to-your-resume-dd6091ff13f6

Wow... Nigerians really make job seeking a personal thing instead of a professional thing. Things like gender, religion, sexuality, race, age, nationality, state/LGA, etc. have no business appearing on one's resume. I've seen some of these on a couple of Nigerian resumes and I was both shocked and embarrassed. The funny thing is that some of the 'professional' resume writers include these and some employers actually ask for them. That goes to show how biased the recruitment processes are over there. These things only limit one's potentials.

WoundedLamb:
Wow... Nigerians really make job seeking a personal thing instead of a professional thing. Things like gender, religion, sexuality, race, age, nationality, state/LGA, etc. have no business appearing on one's resume. I've seen some of these on a couple of Nigerian resumes and I was both shocked and embarrassed. The funny thing is that some of the 'professional' resume writers include these and some employers actually ask for them. That goes to show how biased the recruitment processes are over there. These things only limit one's potentials.

You are very correct and it is quite unfortunate.