Resume Headshot: Should You Include One?

The complete 2024 guide to resume headshots. Learn when to include a photo, what makes a professional resume headshot, and how to get one without breaking the bank.

Quick Answer

It depends on your industry and location. In the US, most industries don't require resume photos, but they can help in creative fields, sales, and customer-facing roles. If you decide to include one, make it professional.

Before: Casual selfie
❌ Not Resume-Ready
After: Professional resume headshot
✅ Perfect for Resume

The Complete Resume Headshot Guide

When Should You Include a Resume Headshot?

✅ Include a headshot if you're in:

  • Sales and business development
  • Real estate
  • Acting, modeling, entertainment
  • Customer service roles
  • Personal branding/consulting
  • International markets (Europe, Asia)

❌ Skip the headshot if you're in:

  • Traditional corporate roles (US)
  • Government positions
  • Academic positions
  • Technical/engineering roles
  • Any role where appearance isn't relevant

What Makes a Good Resume Headshot?

Professional attire - Dress for the role you want
Clean background - Solid color or subtle pattern
Good lighting - Even, natural-looking illumination
Head and shoulders only - Standard headshot framing
Confident expression - Approachable but professional
High resolution - Clear and sharp image quality

Common Resume Headshot Mistakes

Using casual selfies or vacation photos
Poor lighting or blurry images
Inappropriate clothing or poses
Distracting backgrounds
Photos that are too old or outdated
Low resolution or pixelated images

Getting Your Resume Headshot: Traditional vs AI

Method
AI Headshots (SharpPersona)
Traditional Photography
💰 Cost
$19 (15+ photos)
$150 - $500
⏰ Time
5 minutes
2-4 hours + travel
📍 Convenience
From home
Studio visit required
🔄 Revisions
Unlimited styles
Limited or extra cost
📸 Variety
Multiple looks & styles
One session, one look
⚡ Speed
Instant results
1-2 weeks for editing

Ready to get your professional resume headshot?

Start with 30 free credits and see the quality for yourself

How to Get Your Resume Headshot in 3 Steps

1

Sign Up & Upload

Create your free account and upload a clear photo of yourself. Our AI works with any decent selfie or casual photo.

2

Choose Resume Style

Select from professional styles perfect for resumes: corporate, business casual, or industry-specific looks.

3

Download & Use

Get your high-resolution resume headshot in minutes. Perfect for resumes, LinkedIn, and professional profiles.

Resume Headshot Examples by Industry

Corporate resume headshot

Corporate/Finance

Conservative, professional attire with neutral background. Perfect for banking, consulting, and corporate roles.

Sales resume headshot

Sales/Business Development

Approachable and confident expression. Slightly more relaxed than corporate but still professional.

Creative resume headshot

Creative/Marketing

Modern styling with personality. Shows creativity while maintaining professionalism.

What Professionals Say About Our Resume Headshots

"I was hesitant about adding a photo to my resume, but this looked so professional that I got 3x more interview callbacks. Worth every penny!"

Jennifer K.
Jennifer K. Sales Manager

"Perfect for my real estate resume. Clients told me the professional headshot made them trust me more before we even met."

Robert M.
Robert M. Real Estate Agent

"I needed a headshot for my consulting resume but didn't want to spend $300 on a photographer. This was perfect and so much faster."

Lisa T.
Lisa T. Business Consultant

Professional Resume Headshots for Every Budget

Starter

$ 19
450 Credits
15 professional headshots
  • Perfect for resume use
  • Multiple professional styles
  • High-resolution downloads
  • Commercial usage rights
Most Popular

Professional

$ 29
900 Credits
30 professional headshots
  • Perfect for resume + LinkedIn
  • Fast generation speed
  • Multiple industry styles
  • Full commercial rights

Complete

$ 49
1800 Credits
60 professional headshots
  • Complete professional image library
  • Priority generation
  • All available styles
  • Perfect for job searching

Resume Headshot FAQ

Should I put a photo on my resume in the US?

In most US industries, resume photos are optional and sometimes discouraged to prevent bias. However, they're beneficial in sales, real estate, entertainment, and customer-facing roles where personal branding matters.

What size should a resume headshot be?

Resume headshots should be small and professional - typically 1-2 inches square in the header area. Our AI generates high-resolution images that you can resize as needed for your resume format.

Can I use the same photo for my resume and LinkedIn?

Absolutely! A professional headshot works perfectly for both your resume and LinkedIn profile. Consistency across your professional materials helps with personal branding.

How do AI headshots compare to traditional photography for resumes?

AI headshots are specifically designed for professional use and often look more polished than amateur photography. They're consistent, professional, and cost-effective - perfect for resume use.

What if my industry doesn't typically use resume photos?

If your industry doesn't use resume photos, you can still use your professional headshot for LinkedIn, company directories, speaking engagements, and networking events. It's a versatile investment in your professional image.