<h1>Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume? Here's What You Need to Know</h1><h2>In Malaysia, including a photo on your resume isn’t mandatory, but it’s a popular choice for job seekers looking to stand out. If you’re considering adding a picture, it’s important to follow some guidelines to make sure it enhances your application rather than holding it back.</h2><p><img class="image_resized" style="width:100%;" src="https://blog.hiredly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/purple_Resume-Profile-Photo-Dos-Donts-1-1024x576.png" alt="" srcset="https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/purple_Resume-Profile-Photo-Dos-Donts-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/purple_Resume-Profile-Photo-Dos-Donts-1-300x169.png 300w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/purple_Resume-Profile-Photo-Dos-Donts-1-768x432.png 768w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/purple_Resume-Profile-Photo-Dos-Donts-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/purple_Resume-Profile-Photo-Dos-Donts-1-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></p><h2>Resume Picture Do’s:</h2><p>When adding a photo to your resume, ensure it presents you as professional and approachable. Here’s how:</p><ul><li><strong>Face the camera</strong> directly for a clear and confident impression.</li><li>Use <strong>good lighting</strong> (natural daylight is a great choice!).</li><li>Choose a <strong>plain or non-distracting background</strong> to keep the focus on you.</li><li>Show an <strong>approachable and friendly smile</strong>.</li><li>Wear a <strong>professional or workplace-appropriate outfit</strong>.</li><li><strong>Crop the photo</strong> to display just your head and shoulders.</li><li>Ensure the <strong>photo quality is high</strong>, with no blurriness or pixelation.</li></ul><p><a href="https://mailserver.wobb.co/site2/4408b2715e6fbabe23223a04f206505a/?u=B&amp;webforms_id=c&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=hiredly_career_advice_blog&amp;utm_campaign=resume_builder_profile_photo_dos_donts"><img class="image_resized" style="width:100%;" src="https://blog.hiredly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CTA_purple_gen-1024x341.png" alt="" srcset="https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CTA_purple_gen-1024x341.png 1024w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CTA_purple_gen-300x100.png 300w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CTA_purple_gen-768x256.png 768w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CTA_purple_gen.png 1200w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></a></p><h2>Resume Picture Don’ts</h2><p>Avoid these mistakes to prevent your photo from working against you:</p><ul><li>Don’t use a <strong>busy or distracting background</strong>.</li><li>Avoid <strong>inappropriate outfits or styles</strong>—if it’s not suitable for the workplace, it’s not suitable for your resume.</li><li>Don’t crop your photo too <strong>close or too far</strong> from your face.</li><li>Poor lighting is a no-go. <strong>Make sure you’re well-lit and visible</strong>.</li><li>Resist the temptation to use a <strong>selfie</strong>—it’s unprofessional and diminishes credibility.</li></ul><h3><strong>Regional Differences to Note</strong></h3><p>In some countries, such as the <strong>US, Canada, and New Zealand</strong>, including a photo on your resume is discouraged—or even prohibited—due to strict anti-discrimination laws. Always research the cultural and legal norms of the country where you're applying to ensure your resume aligns with expectations.</p><hr><h2><strong>Still Undecided About Adding a Photo?</strong></h2><p>If you’re unsure whether to include a picture, consider the <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/photo-on-resumes?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=picture_perfect:_resume_photo_do’s_&amp;_don’ts&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>pros and cons</strong></a>. A professional photo can make your resume stand out in Malaysia, but it’s not a requirement. For a detailed breakdown, check out our article: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/linkedin-profile-tips-9-ways-to-get-headhunters-to-look-at-your-profile?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=picture_perfect:_resume_photo_do’s_&amp;_don’ts&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume? Pros and Cons to Consider.</strong></a></p><hr><h2><strong>Create professional, ATS-friendly resumes in a snap with Hiredly’s Resume Builder.</strong></h2><p>Sign up on Hiredly and use our Resume Builder to create a professional, customisable resume that recruiters will love – no design know-how or extra software needed. It also gives you accurate job recommendations on Hiredly.</p><p>Most importantly, it’s free to download and share anywhere you want (no pesky watermarks, yay!). <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=picture_perfect:_resume_photo_do’s_&amp;_don’ts&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Try it today</a>.</p><hr><h3><strong>Level up your resume game with other tips on Hiredly:</strong></h3><ul><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/photo-on-resumes?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=picture_perfect:_resume_photo_do’s_&amp;_don’ts&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Should You Include A Photo On Your Resume? Pros And Cons To Consider</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/addressing-employment-gap?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=picture_perfect:_resume_photo_do’s_&amp;_don’ts&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>How To Explain Your Employment Gap (On Your Resume Or In An Interview)</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/easy-to-screen-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=picture_perfect:_resume_photo_do’s_&amp;_don’ts&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>5 Resume Tricks Recruiters Will Thank You For Using</strong></a></li></ul><hr><h3>Understanding your unique strengths can help you tailor your resume and ace interviews. Take Hiredly’s <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=picture_perfect:_resume_photo_do’s_&amp;_don’ts&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Work Personality Test</strong></a> to discover your work persona and find roles that fit your personality and career goals and join Hiredly’s <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=picture_perfect:_resume_photo_do’s_&amp;_don’ts&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Young Leaders Community</strong></a>, where you’ll find networking opportunities, knowledge-sharing sessions, and more. It's the perfect platform for professional growth!</h3><hr><h3>With the right tools, resources, and insights, your resume can become a powerful asset in your job search. Start building your future today with <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=picture_perfect:_resume_photo_do’s_&amp;_don’ts&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a>!<a href="https://mailserver.wobb.co/site2/4408b2715e6fbabe23223a04f206505a/?u=B&amp;webforms_id=c&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=hiredly_career_advice_blog&amp;utm_campaign=resume_builder_profile_photo_dos_donts"><img class="image_resized" style="width:100%;" src="https://blog.hiredly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/footer_Career-Advice-Subscription-CTA-1200x400-1-1024x341.png" alt="" srcset="https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/footer_Career-Advice-Subscription-CTA-1200x400-1-1024x341.png 1024w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/footer_Career-Advice-Subscription-CTA-1200x400-1-300x100.png 300w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/footer_Career-Advice-Subscription-CTA-1200x400-1-768x256.png 768w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/footer_Career-Advice-Subscription-CTA-1200x400-1.png 1200w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></a></h3>

<p>Stand out in a good way with easy photo tips to make you look professional and oh-so-employable!</p>
