Guide
Resume photo backgrounds by country and industry
Process with Transparent output if you plan to composite, or White if you want a clean cutout. Match the convention for the country you are applying in.
By Remova Technical Team
Steps
- 01
Decide whether you need a photo
US, Canada, UK, Australia: no photo. Germany, France, Spain, Japan, China, India, and most of Latin America: photo expected or common.
- 02
Pick a professional photo
Business attire, neutral expression, plain background. The photo should look like you.
- 03
Process with White output
Most resume photos look best with a plain white or light background.
- 04
Crop to a passport-style size
Around 35x45mm is standard. Some countries use square 40x40mm.
Tips
- —Do not use a selfie. The angle is wrong for a resume.
- —Keep the photo small on the page. A resume photo should be a thumbnail, not the focus.
- —Match the photo style to the country. German resumes expect a formal photo, Asian resumes are more relaxed.
- —If you are unsure, leave the photo off. Recruiters rarely reject resumes for missing photos in countries where they are optional.
Common questions
Will a photo hurt my application in the US?
Some US recruiters see photos as a red flag because they can introduce bias in hiring. Leave it off unless the job posting asks for one.
Should the photo be colour or black and white?
Colour. Black and white resumes look dated in most markets.
Where on the resume does the photo go?
Top right or top left. Top right is standard in most European markets.
Try it now
Open the toolRelated guides
How to make a passport photo with the correct background
Passport photo requirements vary by country but almost all require a plain white or light background. Here is how to convert an existing photo.
How to get a clean LinkedIn profile picture background
A professional profile picture is often a background away. Here is how to clean up a good photo without a studio.
Visa photo background requirements by country
Visa photo requirements vary widely. Here is a country-by-country guide plus the fastest way to convert an existing photo.