Should you put a photo on your resume? It depends entirely on where you're applying. In India and much of Asia, Europe and the Middle East, a photo on a CV or bio-data is common and often expected. In the US, UK, Canada and Australia, it's usually left off. Here are the rules, the standard size, and how to make a clean resume photo for free.
Quick answer
- In India and most of Asia, use a 35×45 mm passport-size photo — there is no separate “resume size.”
- In the US, UK, Canada and Australia, leave the photo off entirely — many systems discard applications with photos to avoid bias.
- For digital uploads, check the portal's KB limit and compress accordingly.
Resume photo norms by region
| Region | Include photo? | Standard size |
|---|---|---|
| India, South & SE Asia | Yes — expected | 35×45 mm (passport size) |
| Middle East, most of Europe | Common | 35×45 mm or similar |
| US, UK, Canada, Australia | No — typically omit | — |
The difference comes down to discrimination law. In countries with the UK Equality Act 2010 and equivalent US EEOC frameworks, a hiring manager who sees a photo before reading qualifications may unconsciously filter on protected characteristics such as age, race or gender — creating legal liability. Most Western companies now actively filter out CVs with photos for this reason. In India and most of Asia, no equivalent legal pressure exists, so a passport-size photo on a CV remains the norm.
What size is a resume photo?
In India, a resume or bio-data photo is almost always a standard passport-size photo — 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) — the same size used for most application forms — see passport photo size by country for how it varies globally. There is no separate "resume size." For digital uploads, portals commonly want a JPG within a set KB range, so check the form's limit.
Background, attire and expression
- Background: plain and light — white or light grey reads as professional. Avoid busy rooms and patterns.
- Attire: formal or smart-casual in a solid colour, as you'd dress for the role.
- Framing: head and shoulders, facing the camera straight on.
- Expression: calm and confident, with a gentle, closed-mouth smile.
- Lighting: soft and even, with no harsh shadows on the face.
How to make a resume photo (free, private)
Upload any clear, front-facing photo to the resume / CV photo maker. It crops to the standard passport size with a clean white background, ready to print or paste — and nothing is uploaded to a server. Building an online profile too? Make a square LinkedIn photo from the same headshot — see the LinkedIn photo size guide for size, circle-crop tips, and what looks professional.
Uploading to a job portal
If the portal caps the file size, compress the finished photo to an exact target — for example resize to 50 KB — or pick a custom KB size. As always, your image stays on your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is 35×45 mm the right size for a resume photo in India?
Yes. In India, the standard resume or bio-data photo is the same 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) passport-size photo used for government and exam forms. There is no separate 'resume size' — use the same passport-size photo everywhere.
Should I include a photo on my resume if I'm applying abroad?
It depends on the country. Omit the photo for applications to the US, UK, Canada and Australia, where many applicant-tracking systems reject CVs with photos to avoid unconscious bias. For India, Europe (most countries) and the Middle East, a photo is standard and expected.
What background colour works best for a resume photo?
A plain white or light grey background is the most professional choice and works for both printed CVs and digital uploads. Avoid busy rooms, patterns, or coloured walls — the background should not distract from your face.
Can I use the same photo for my resume and LinkedIn?
Yes, if it is a clear, front-facing headshot with a clean background. Use the resume photo maker for the 35×45 mm crop and the LinkedIn photo maker for the square 400×400 px crop — both tools work from the same original image.