Some people say that profile photos are for on online dating sites, your Facebook page, or your LinkedIn/Google+/Wordpess page, but not your CV or Resume.

It has also been said that there is no need for a photograph unless your appearance is a key factor in the role you are applying for, for example as an actor or a model.

From the point of view of a CV writer with many years of experience as a recruiter there have certainly been occasions when a photo should NOT have been used.

The most prominent of these was a gentleman whose CV picture looked like it had been taken in the 1970s. He was sporting a dark, bushy moustache and a thick mullet hair style. His tweed jacket and green shirt were offset by a striking yellow tie bearing a complicated pattern.

Now for some an image such as this might not be a problem, and it could be argued that this person was memorable – I certainly remember him that’s for sure!

But for many it will be a major problem and could mean that his application will fail at the first hurdle i.e. the first reading of his CV.

On the other hand many recruiters nowadays specifically request a photograph so that they can picture the individual as they read.

It personalises the CV without any doubt and makes the CV more about an identifiable individual rather than just another applicant.

So should you put a photo on a CV?

In my opinion a photo is fine just as long as it is professional, conservative and not unusual in any way.

If you have any doubts about your CV, send it to a professional who can advise on the whole CV’s likely impact on a recruiter – they will do this for free so there’s no cost involved.

So before you send yours to anyone else get a professional’s opinion on whether it gives enough compelling reasons why you should be interviewed, or whether you will never hear from that prospective employer again.

If it needs work the professional can put it right for you quickly and cheaply so your application will not be wasted!

Have a look at FREE Advice and Checking and not only will you receive a free, comprehensive report on the strength of your CV but also you can download free advice on how to write a CV.