Guide
Photo on a resume: yes or no?
Updated:
In short
A resume photo is optional in Romania and not required by law. Add one if the posting, the field or the company culture expects it, for example in services, sales or hospitality. For applications abroad, especially in English-speaking countries, it is usually left out. ATS software ignores images, so a photo does not break parsing.
Is a photo required on a resume?
No. Romanian law sets no obligation to include a photo. If the posting asks for it explicitly, the decision is still yours.
When does it make sense to include one?
In customer-facing roles, in presentation work, in services and in some Romanian companies that treat it as a norm. If you apply to a multinational, look at how employees present themselves on LinkedIn and at the posting's language.
What does a good photo look like?
Simple rules that work in any field:
- a recent photo with the face clearly visible and a neutral background
- attire suited to the field, with no filters and no group shots
- small in the resume, usually in the top right corner
- a good-quality file so it does not look pixelated in the PDF
What does a photo do to ATS parsing?
A parser reads text and ignores images. The photo does not break reading, but a template with a large header photo can push contact details into columns. Keep your name, phone and email as text in the body of the page.
Frequently asked questions
Does a photo raise discrimination concerns?
Some recruiters and companies prefer resumes without a photo precisely to avoid bias. If in doubt, a version without one is always acceptable.
What does GDPR say about a resume photo?
A photo is personal data. You send the resume voluntarily, and the employer must process it under GDPR. Send your resume only to recipients you trust.
Do I add a photo to the English resume?
Many English-speaking countries do not expect one. Follow local practice and the posting.
See how an ATS reads your resume
Upload your resume and get a free score from 0 to 100 and the points to fix. No account needed.