It depends on where you're applying.
Usually expected or common
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and parts of Europe and Asia.
Usually left off
US, UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland, where employers avoid photos to reduce bias.
Why some countries avoid photos
In these countries, employers try to avoid hiring decisions based on appearance, age, gender or ethnicity. Many recruiters there prefer CVs without photos, and a photo can make your CV look out of place.
Applying to an international company?
Follow the norm of the country where the job is based. For a UAE role at a global company, a photo is still common. If you're unsure, look at the employer's careers page or ask the recruiter.
Choosing a good photo
- Recent, head and shoulders, facing the camera.
- Plain, light background and even lighting.
- Dress as you would for the interview.
- No selfies, sunglasses or group photos cropped down.
Photos and ATS software
A photo doesn't stop an ATS reading your text, as long as nothing important is placed inside or behind it. For online portals, a single-column layout matters more than whether you include a photo.
In CVGlobe
Upload your photo under Contact details and choose a template from the Photo category. Photo templates come in both ATS-optimised and Designer styles. Your photo stays in your browser, and is saved with your CV only if you sign in.
Applying in more than one country? See CV vs résumé: US, UK, Europe and GCC.