Should job seekers include picture on the resume or CV?

Peace Sithole

In today’s increasingly competitive job market, candidates are always searching for ways to make their resume stand out from the crowd.

One controversial practice that has gained attention in recent years is the inclusion of a candidate’s photograph on their curriculum vitae or resume.

The debate over this issue involves complex cultural, legal and ethical considerations, both in Zimbabwe and on the global stage.

In Zimbabwe, the practice of including a photo on one’s CV is relatively common, though it remains a topic of ongoing discussion.

Proponents argue that a professional headshot can help put a face to the applicant’s name and qualifications, allowing the employer to better visualise the candidate.

This can be especially valuable for roles that involve customer-facing work or public representation of the company.

Furthermore, some Zimbabwean hiring managers believe that seeing a candidate’s photograph allows them to assess factors like grooming, attire and overall professional appearance — details that can signal how well the person would fit the company’s culture.

However, critics of this practice caution that it opens the door to conscious or unconscious bias on the part of the employer.

There are concerns that traits like age, gender, race, or physical attractiveness could unduly influence the hiring decision, even if the employer attempts to remain objective.

In a country with a history of social and economic inequality, some argue that eliminating photos from CVs could help create a more level playing field for job seekers from diverse backgrounds.

Additionally, there are legal considerations around the inclusion of photos. In Zimbabwe, the Labour Act prohibits discrimination in hiring on the basis of several protected characteristics, including race, gender and disability.

While the law does not explicitly forbid the use of applicant photos, there is an argument that the practice could be seen as indirectly enabling unlawful discrimination.

Some legal experts recommend that Zimbabwean employers focus solely on evaluating a candidate’s skills, experience and fit for the role, without being influenced by visual cues.

The debate around photo-inclusive CVs is not unique to Zimbabwe, but rather is a global conversation. In many western countries, the prevailing view has shifted away from the routine inclusion of applicant photos. In the United States, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers to avoid requesting photos from job candidates, as this could expose the company to allegations of bias.

Similarly, the United Kingdom’s Equality and Human Rights Commission cautions that photo requirements may violate anti-discrimination laws.

Critics of photo-inclusive CVs in the international context often point to research demonstrating the prevalence of appearance-based discrimination in hiring. Studies have shown that attractive candidates are more likely to be viewed as competent and hireable, even when their qualifications are equivalent.

This “beauty premium” can disadvantage applicants who do not conform to eurocentric beauty standards.

Proponents of photo-inclusive CVs in other parts of the world, however, argue that a headshot can help employers assess a candidate’s professionalism and cultural fit.

In parts of Asia, for instance, the inclusion of a photo on one’s resume is still widely expected. Supporters contend that this practice allows recruiters to gauge important non-verbal cues, such as grooming and body language, that would be lost in a text-only application.

Ultimately, there is no global consensus on the appropriateness of including photographs on job applications. In Zimbabwe and beyond, the debate continues to evolve alongside shifting cultural norms and legal frameworks. As the job market grows ever more competitive, employers and candidates alike must carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of this practice.

Some Zimbabwean professionals whom l spoke to regarding this issue like Vimbai Shambira the district heath information officer for Goromonzi district in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, vehemently rebuked the practice and labelled it “drama”, but some recommend a compromise approach, where candidates are given the option to include a photo, but are not required to do so.

This allows individuals who believe a headshot strengthens their application to showcase it, while also protecting those who wish to avoid potential bias.

Another proposal is for employers to postpone requesting photos until later in the hiring process, once an initial assessment has been made based solely on the applicant’s qualifications.

Regardless of one’s stance, it is clear that the issue of photo-inclusive CVs sits at the intersection of complex social, legal, and ethical considerations.

As Zimbabwe and other countries continue to grapple with this debate, it will be crucial for all stakeholders – job seekers, employers, policymakers, and the public — to engage in open, thoughtful dialogue.

Only then can we work towards hiring practices that are truly fair, equitable, and reflective of a diverse, meritocratic workforce.

Peace Sithole:Ministry of Health and Child Care;Bcom HRM, Dip HRM, Dip Payroll Managemen,Dip in Education ,Executive certificate in labour law conciliation and arbitration, certificate in human resources metrics and analytics, certificate in occupational health and safety; 0773474899